The cacophony of the busy day has finally settled itself. I find, in its place, a quiet, lulling melody of nighttime wind and crickets "singing" in the soft moonlight. It's a beautiful, restful evening, one in which I find myself especially aware of God's goodness in my life, and I've decided to sit down for a little while and simply list the blessings given me by His hand...

1.) Salvation and redemption--I can't put their worth into words. 2.) A heavenly home awaiting me. 3.) A priceless relationship with my loving Father God. 4.) Limitless opportunities to serve my Lord and minister at His feet, mirroring His heart to others. 5.) Parents who have faithfully led me in love and righteousness, all my days. 6.) Siblings that mean more to me than life itself. 7.) My sweetheart: a precious, Godly man growing ever dearer to me; I see more beauties of his character with the passing of each day. 8.) Friends that have been at my side, through laughter and tears; these relationships have become even more treasured through our journeys together. 9.) Music...and how my life gets to be "wrapped up" in something so profoundly moving to the soul. 10.) Health and a passion for life.

11.) A strong roof over my head and a warm bed in which to find shelter from the night. 12.) The pleasures of learning, through which both the mind and soul can be strengthened. 13.) Friends who are engaged. (I love seeing God work in your lives...Congratulations, dear ones!) 14.) Resurrection Sunday is coming soon...Oh, how I long to be in the sanctuary, rejoicing in Christ's triumph over death and hell! 15.) Four babies whose unwed parents have made the choice to lovingly bring them into this world...God be praised and may He bless you, precious little ones. 16.) Showers of blessing have come to Texas. :) 17.) My best friend, Aimee, is returning from the China mission field in a mere five days. (I can't wait to welcome you home with a grateful embrace, dear friend!) 18.) I have the joy of teaching music to children...and much more. I'm given the privilege of ministering to their souls, as I guide their fingers and grow their minds. How good God is... 19.) The Lord has given me the blessing of hard work; I go to bed exhausted every night, having lived life to its fullest and redeeming the days. 20.) I know I am loved...by God and so many others. Few hearts may ever know such blessedness.

The evening hours are fading into those of the morning, so I'd best be off to bed now. I couldn't leave you all, however, without first telling of God's great kindness. Each of you, to me, are a dear and beautiful gift from a loving Father, and I just had to tell you before I could sleep. :)

"God has been very good to us...very good, indeed."