(originally written 11/15/09)

Two years ago I invited some special friends over to celebrate turning 50. We enjoyed a nice dinner, and afterwards sat around visiting. To mark the significance of this milestone, I thought it would be fun for us to come up with 50 things about God that bring us joy, so we passed around a sheet of paper numbered 1-50 and wrote (without duplicating) those things about God, or about what He does, that touch us deeply. This list was then turned into a bookmark as a reminder to each of us how God works and blesses and loves us in big and little ways.

Two years later, I still have that bookmark and tonight, looking over all those truths, they are still true, and will be forever, because that is who God is. So I thought it would be fun to share this list with you, and perhaps you might like to make your own list, with some of your special friends, and see the meaningful ways the Lord has touched all of you. Most of all, I hope this list will bring you some joy… and I’ve added two more items to the list in celebration of my birthday this week .

1. He knows my name
2. He is faithful
3. He never lies
4. He loves me just because
5. The beauty of the seasons
6. Health
7. God accepts me as I am
8. He’s always there
9. He is the author of peace
10. He’s the comforter
11. He’s the great physician
12. He’s the Prince of peace
13. He’s the Counselor
14. He thinks I’m special
15. He thinks I’m beautiful
16. His love never ends
17. He answers me
18. He is our refuge
19. He has great plans for me
20. His grace has set me free
21. He chose me
22. He wants to spend time with me
23. He created you!
24. He is with me until the end of time
25. He is 100% dependable
26. He is my Beloved
27. He is my hiding place
28. He knows my heart
29. He is the creator of beauty
30. He hears me
31. He is my Bridegroom
32. He’s my friend
33. He provides for me
34. He is music
35. He never abandons me
36. Thoughts of heaven
37. His Son, Jesus
38. He created dogs
39. He is bigger than any problems
40. He understands my weakness
41. He has a sense of humor
42. He’s preparing a place for me
43. He is patient with me
44. He protects me
45. He is beautiful
46. He is love
47. He watches over me
48. He enjoys me
49. He made rainbows
50. He is persistent
51. He forgives
52. He heals