I just had some stuff on my mind tonight. Christmas is here and rather than thinking about everything I don’t have – and won’t get ☺ - I decided to make a list of everything I’m thankful for and already have. These are the real gifts in life.

In honor of Christmas, I thought I would share some of the things I'm thankful for - the gifts in my life...

:: I'm thankful for Jesus Christ in my life. And I know (like a lot of other things I say) you think that it is only natural for me to say that. But I really am thankful that Jesus Christ has saved me and also that He called me into ministry. I don't deserve either. Really. God saving me and calling me into ministry is proof that He can call anyone.

:: I'm thankful for my awesome, sweet, kind, hot, smart wife - Karen. I truly don't deserve her...! But the truth is that no one else does either. She is a great gift to my and a wonderful life partner.

:: I'm thankful for my great kids - Annie and James. No matter what I ever do with my life - finish the book I'm writing, grow a mega church, become Gene Simmons' (Kiss) pastor, or anything else; nothing will top making Annie and James. I truly did not know how to love until I held those babies in my arms. I'm so proud of them and look forward to seeing and participating in what God does in their lives.

:: I am thankful for my parents. I could write for hours about what they mean to me and what they have meant to my life. I could not have asked for better parents. If there is anything good about me, it is because of James and Alice Britt.

:: I am thankful for my sister Carmen, brother in law Steve, and my nephew Kolby and niece Alicen. Carmen is 15 months younger than I am and we grew up as much as friends than brother and sister. Oh, we fought like cats and dogs at times, but I have always loved her and appreciated her. I hear a lot of people running their siblings down about this and that, but I only have good things to say about her. Carmen is a good wife, mother, friend, sister and whatever else she puts her mind to. In fact, she's better than good - she's great. She's a better person than her older brother - me.

Steve is all a guy could want in a brother-in-law. He lives 4 hours away (I hope you are picking up on the sarcasm). He makes good money so he never needs to borrow any of mine. And best of all, he loves my sister and my nephew and niece, Kolby and Alicen.

Kolby and Alicen are more like my second set of kids than anything else. I could go on and on about them but I won't. Okay, just a little. Kolby can fix anything. He is the smartest 15 year old (almost 16) you've ever met. And if you are ever on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" and they ask you a question about hunting, four-wheelers, fishing, golf-carts, motorcycles, southern culture, electronics, Ford trucks, or girls (babes), then Kolby is your "phone a friend" lifeline.

Alicen has been cute since she was born. She has tons of style. She knows everything about popular culture and she can sing Hanna Montana Karaoke like nobody's business. It would not surprise me if she doesn't end up with a star on Hollywood Blvd. someday.

:: I am thankful to have had wonderful grandparents. I would give a year off my life to just sit and talk with Clyde and Vergie Simpson and Jerome and Annie Britt just one more time. Whenever I smell hand lotion or Clorox I think of Grandma Simpson. I preached my first funeral with her. I was about six years old and we found a dead baby chick and had a funeral for it. She turned over a trashcan, which I used as a pulpit and opened a children's Bible and told me every word to say. Then we sang, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." (It's funny what you remember). Every Sunday morning I think of Grandpa Simpson. (He was a Baptist pastor for more than 40 years). I also think of him whenever I mow my yard, see a new garden coming in, eat a tomato, or see a handsome Guernsey cow.

Anytime I eat a bite of banana pudding I always think of my Grandma Britt (no matter how good you think your banana pudding is, take my word for it; it is second best - at best). I also think of her whenever I eat fried oysters, drink a cold Pepsi from a bottle, or hear a funny, sarcastic remark. My daughter Annie, who is named after Grandma Britt, has her sense of humor. I think of my Granddaddy Britt every time I smell bacon, eat a good fried egg, don't get my way, break a fly-swatter, watch the Braves, smell English Leather cologne, or see a shiny new Oldsmobile. I wish I could hug him and smell him and kiss him one more time...

Let me say to all those who read this blog. If you have grandparents, especially if they live within 200 miles of you, you are very fortunate. And if you don't see them and talk to them as often as possible then you should be ashamed. One day you will regret it.

:: Not many people can say it, but I am also thankful for my in-laws, Wilton and Yvonne Pait. They are simply awesome. They have accepted me into their family as a son. I am very fortunate to have them in my life and heart.

:: I am thankful for good friends. They say that you can count your true friends on one hand. I have two hands full of friends that I know I could count on no matter what. If I was in jail in Bangkok - these guys would come and get me. I'm serious. I won't name them. They know who they are...

:: I'm thankful for my extended family. I hate to say it that way. It sounds so... so... so... corporate or proper. Anyway, I love my aunts and uncles and cousins - Britts and Simpons - ALL. I love Larry and Mellie, Johnny and Lucy, Bill and Linda, Lucy and Johnny, Reba and Steve, Merle and Tony, Steve and Annette, Cary and Rita, Pete, Charles and Lynn, Duck and Pam (Yeah, I have an uncle named Duck), and Mitchell and Nell (If Karen and I would have had another son I planned to name him Mitchell. I love the name Mitch). I have more cousins and second cousins than I can mention but I love them and their families too!

:: I am thankful I get to pastor the coolest, most awesome church on the planet! And that is just the truth. R2C2 is just the best. And the reason it is the best is because of the people who make it up. I love you Rocky River Community Church. I hope you all have a blessed this Christmas - and that you all show up on Sunday ☺.

:: I am thankful for an awesome staff. Man, I could go on about our staff for hours. I'm serious - I could. Travis, Brandon, Tiffani, Donnie, Randy and Cheryl are a joy to me. They are the kind of staff that a pastor just thanks God for - OFTEN! I love you guys very much. Thanks for making R2C2 what it is. You are my CREW!

Tiffani - I have to say this. I'm a little "extra" thankful for you at this time in my life. I needed to be rescued from myself. Specifically, I needed someone to hold a mirror to my face and show me what I'm doing to myself with food. Karen, Annie, James, my parents and sister, and others who love me really appreciate the help you've given me so far to drop 28 lbs. I'm looking forward to dropping another 100 lbs. in 2009. THANKS! Karen just peeked over my should and said she loves you!!! :)

:: I am thankful for the normal things in my life too. I'm thankful for a home that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I'm thankful for a soft place to lay my head at night. I'm thankful for a meal when I'm hungry, cars that run, and a little gas in the tank.

Yep, I have everything I need - and MORE! Hope you do too...

Merry Christmas!