Thanks, AMY!

I received the Blogger Reflection Award from my blogger friend Amy yesterday. This is what she had to say about me (please note: I feel kind of stupid posting what someone else said about me, but I think I'm supposed to include it prior to announcing my recipients of this award):

Kimmy: I felt an instant connection with her. We are still getting acquainted, but I knew we would be friends. She's fairly new to Blogville so be sure and stop by and say Hi! She's open and honest with her feelings. I like that. I feel comfortable sharing my struggles with her and know that she understands. I'm never judged by what I say, only encouraged. I know she prays and is concerned just like a friend would be. Just by reading her blog you can tell what a huge heart she has for others. She's a committed mom and I enjoy reading about her boys. She shares what she is learning from her devotions and books she is reading. You never know if one of her posts is exactly what God wants for you that day! I would love to meet Kimmy. I have a feeling I would be welcomed with open arms.

Please follow these rules. I am allowed to choose five (and only 5) who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted me in some way, and have been a Godly example to me. Five bloggers who when I reflect on them I get a sense of pride and joy… of knowing them and being blessed by them.

So here, in alphabetical order are my choices:

Amy: Laughing Through The Tears. Amy nominated me, which means she's received this award from someone else as well. But really, Amy, how could I not nominate you back? You are an incredible woman. I'm not exactly sure how Amy and I got connected in Blogville, but I think it had something to do with a contest I entered at Christian Women Online. Amy left a comment after my blog entry so I checked out her site, and well, the rest is history. We began to e-mail because we had some similar interests, and I now anticipate reading her blog everyday. It's one of my favorites, because the name of her blog truly sums up who she is. Despite physical hardship, Amy continues to laugh. She seeks God for her strength and He is her source of help and hope. Amy, thank you for all the heart-felt comments and prayers you have sent up on my behalf. You are very special to me and I'm grateful that God led me to you in this unique way. Enjoy your double-dose of fame as you accept this award that you are oh-so-worthy of receiving. Blessings to you, my friend!

Becky: Just a Little Smoother in Your Hand. I've known Becky in "real life" for quite some time. She and I worked at Bible camp together many years ago. She was a really good friend of my brother's and so I have had the privilege of actually knowing this blogger face-to-face. We don't see each other in person very often (actually, never), but reconnecting with her via blogging has been a huge blessing to me. Becky is very fun. Her enthusiasm for life and the world around her is contagious. Her blog is about real life . . . pains and struggles, joys and triumphs. Becky has passed on lots of encouragement to me through her blog and comments, and I am thrilled to pass on this award to her. Hers is one of the first blogs I had ever read, and in some ways I can give her part credit for my inspiration to start my own blog. She's also a huge Grey's Anatomy fan and I love reading her posts pertaining to the show. Thanks, Becky! You are one-in-a-million!

Carol: Song of Joy. Another blogger that I know in "real life". Carol was my best friend in high school and I have many fond memories of our years together. We don't see each other that often, but when we do, we reconnect instantly. I think that's partly because of our blogs . . . we can connect effectively because we've been reading about each other on a regular basis. Carol is an example of true perseverance through the testing of her faith. She's faced tragic loss only to come back a conqueror. Carol is a dedicated friend and is a great listener. Her blog is written from her heart and she writes on various topics; whatever is on her mind, really. She too was an inspiration for me to start blogging, and in the beginning of my blogging days, I'm sure she was one of the few people who actually read what I had to say. Thanks, Carol. You brighten up my life!

E-mom: Chrysalis. One of my first "random" selections from Christian Women Online led me to this amazing lady. She always amazes me with her informative and well-researched posts about modern topics that spark interest and many times, introspection. I love checking out E-mom's blog because I know that I will come away from it a better person; a more knowledgeable person. At the end of her posts, E-mom always asks her readers a question regarding what they've just read. I have received just as much insight from the comments left by other readers as I have by E-mom's posts. And something I truly admire about E-mom is her ability to reply to every comment left on her blog, and I think she comments on almost every post of mine she reads as well. I'm thinking . . . when do you have the time to do this, E-mom? You're amazing. I've been so encouraged by this woman of God and always look forward to reading what she's got to say. Thank you so much, E-mom. Huge hugs are being sent your way!

Kristy: The Most Exciting Thing We've Ever Done. Have you ever wished you could meet face-to-face the people you've come across in Blogville? Well, I have, and at the top of my list is this great lady! I don't even know how I came across her blog, but I'm so thankful I did. Kristy is such an example to me in the way of Godly living. Her attitude towards life blows me away. She strikes me as being truly joyful. And I don't just mean happy. She has the joy of the Lord in her life and it emulates from everything she does. Her blog inspires me, but her friendship, care and concern are what I've come to appreciate about her the most. We've only been connecting a few months and I hope to continue for years to come. Kristy's blog is a place for her to write about her up-and-coming adoption of Ellie Grace, as she and her husband and children await for their referral from China to make this dream a reality. My prayers are with you, Kristy, as you continue to pursue this dream. Thanks for being such an encouragement to me through your blog and especially through your comments. May you experience God's fullest blessings in the days to come. Sending more joy your way . . .