I believe....

Recently I received an email that began with the statement, "I believe..." At first, I was intrigued - I wanted to see what the content of this forward held. What would be the theme, what would be the message, what would be the one thing people would choose to write as what "I believe". And you know what? I got fired up. Not one single line in that forward reflected what I truly believe. There are many things that I believe.

I bet that I would have a list of hundreds if I had time to write them all out - maybe I'll take that to task in a journal entry somewhere. But the one true tenet, the one belief that I try to let guide my life, my actions, my words was not a part of this email. So, being as the kind of person I am, I hit "reply" (it took restraint not to hit "reply all" :) and I let be made known my #1. Now, I must say that the person that sent me this email is a friend of mine and I love her dearly, but it got me thinkin. So, here goes and I want you to leave a reply as to what "I believe..." I want to hear your opinions. And we let anonymous comments on our blog for now, and we let the kind where you just put your name. So please, indulge me, and let's see what list we get....

I believe.....
That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, died for my sins and rose again on the third day. Because of His sacrifice I am privileged to be called a daughter of God. Salvation is a gift that must be received, for it is freely given - grace beyond all measure - for no matter the darkness in my life, Christ has made me acceptable to God through his loving sacrifice.

I'm not saved by works. I can't earn my way to heaven. It's not possible. But, because I love God and the free gift that was given to me, I show that love in tangible ways.

That a loving word and a gentle hug can make any day brighter.

That when my children are asleep they are truly angels!

That my parents did an awesome job teaching me and modeling to me what love between a husband and a wife really is. And what it means to work through the tough to get to the great.

That 'sticktuitiveness' is an admirable quality.

That innocence is a beautiful thing.

That teaching someone something new (in the classroom, home or workplace) makes all the hard work worth it.

That sometimes peanut butter will make just about any situation seem better.

That letters in the mail are a precious gift.

That my husband knows me better than I know myself. And, he's totally hot.

That girlfriends bring humor, sisterhood, laughter, tears, and understanding into daily life and its' struggles.

(I could keep going, but I want to see what you think....)

What do you believe?