Ten Today

I thank God for:

1. The 4-year-old church visitor who informed me that "holy" is a bad word. Um...do you see where he was going with this? I didn't -- until I asked, "It is?" He said, "Well, 'Holy ----' is." (I love this child already.)

2. The utter security that comes when you see a door closed decisively by His hand -- and know that He is a wise father who can be trusted to make decisions that His child never would.

3. Changes in life that only highlight the sweet constancy of God -- "there is no shadow of turning with thee"

4. Friends who have become so tangled up in my life and heart that I don't know who I would be if I had never known them

5. Buck Greatheart, who will not stop retrieving no matter how tired he may be

6. That Laura and Marie actually asked for this list...

7. The wise woman who told me: Whoever needs me is who I need.

8. That Christ will return to save those who eagerly wait for Him and to make all things new.

9. For the many very convincing reasons I have to be humble.

10. Calvin's insight that in our struggle with the "obstinacy of the flesh ...the most valiant combatants never vanquish without being wounded."