Note: This post was edited to correct my accidental omission of Jon’s birthday wish link. If you subscribe to my blog, please accept my apologies for the duplication.

This post is dedicated to people who, in a just a few short months, and often in an instant, have been blessings to me. If you’ve read Levite Chronicles, you’ll note that Jon Swanson often uses short lists (of 8 lately) in his posts. So here’s my list of 8 for today with a double bonus (like Brogan) for the finale.

1. I’ll start off with Jon Swanson. Today is his 50th birthday. Happy Birthday Jon! Thanks for encouraging a brand new blogger and offering your feedback. Did I mention your interest and engagement? Thank you also for continually using your creativity and intellect to move my heart towards God. You are a blessing!
2. @RachelHauck for opening yourself up to a complete stranger and sharing your story, all the while, allowing God to move me with your love for Him. To Him be the glory. Enjoy Rachel’s site.
3. @BeyondJEMS Proof that God doesn’t waste our pain. Thanks for the reminder. It could not have come at a better time. Another layer coming off here in Virginia.
4. @roxannedarling For creating the first-ever podcast dedicated to me. You rock! The stretches made a difference in my best run yesterday. Shaved off 6 minutes and only stopped distance because it was time to relieve Peter from child duty so he could go to work.
5. @mark_salinas Your encouragement and interest in my running is playing a HUGE role in whatever the next step is for me. While I can’t see it clearly, I know it has something to do with persistence and discipline. Thank you is entirely inadequate. Nice blog, by the way.
6. @nicktripp You’ve taught me so much about Twitter and more. Especially about connecting in ways that are real and transparent. And you make me laugh. Can’t wait until the first ever Central Virginia Tweet Up (Wednesday, 7/19, 5:45 p.m. at Charleys without the O – Graves Mill Road). You’ve gotta meet Schmitty.
7. @sacca Peruse My Twitter “Favorites” and you’ll see an online version of my happy folder. These are the things that mostly make me laugh, inspire me, etc. You’re one funny guy!
8. @biz and @ev Thanks for making this all possible. Twitter has changed the way I work and has brought great ideas, technology and most importantly, awesome people into my life. You’re culturesmiths at the truest sense of the word. You’ve taken a lot of grief. Nothing huge probably has ever been done without a few setbacks and naysayers. Keep at it. It’s important work!

By the way, do you know Jon Swanson? If so, wish him a happy birthday today. Read about his birthday wish.

Finally, who’s in your list of 8 and why? Start your own post and trackback here, or just leave their names in the comment section. I probably want to follow them.