Gifts

And so, with this new year, I finally begin my list. I'm starting with the big things.

1. Eternal life - 1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— . Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
2. A Godly Heritage - Deuteronomy 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. My parents were, indeed, diligent, and I am eternally grateful for them.
3. A Godly Husband - Song of Solomon 5:16 His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable.This is my beloved and this is my friend...
4. My children - Ethan, Anna Kate, Rose - I could write volumes in thankfulness every time I remember the miracles and gifts that you are...
5. My siblings - We're the stuff they write books about. Than, Hannah, Rachel, Titus, Isaiah, Stephen - I'm so thankful for the richness you bring to my life. Even when you drive me nuts. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
6. My friends - Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. I'm so thankful for my friends, and for so many of you being such dear friends to me.