Distinction and Love

(After I wrote the first part of this post and had it all ready for publication, I received a second surprise...ironically from someone I honored with the Distinction Award and I promise you, she had no idea)

In the midst of creating the Beautiful Servant Award, Shonda, from Shonda's Journal presented me with an award of my own. The "Blog of Distinction" award is for those that "bless others."

Shonda, thank you for this lovely award. I feel especially honored that it came from a blogger who is so devoted to sharing God's love with others. Truly, it is I who am blessed knowing that the stories of my life, even the ugly ones, have touched your life. I love how our God works.

This is a pass it on award and I would like to give it to five ladies whose writings enrich my life and draw me closer to the Lord.

Sarah (A funny lady with a sparkling heart and wit)-- Life in the Parsonage

Monica (A sweet writer whose love for her family and Jesus shines in every post) -- Daily Dwelling

Lisa -- (One of my favorite bloggers. This girl can write. And she writes with the desire to please and honor God.) Lisa Writes

Jewelz -- (Jewlez is a woman who will be receiving lots of jewels in her crown someday in Heaven. Everything she writes is of quality and blesses me greatly) Jewelz Sightings

Shera -- (Shera has become my friend and editor during the past month. Her blog is always encouraging and upbeat. Plus she knows about the best give-aways) A Frog in My Soup

Andrea --(She is opening up her heart more and more to her readers. She is a beautiful writer) Cup of Jesus

As I stated in the opening of this post, Monica from Daily Dwelling also surprised me with a beautiful tribute, the Share the Love Award.

I am honestly about to cry. I know these blog awards aren't like the Oscars, but to me, they are better. It's not that I need the human recognition for writing, but it does give me a certain sense of affirmation knowing that people I have never met in person care about me on some level and that I am doing what God is calling me to do. I don't need a book deal or 500 subscribers to feel loved. I just need to be doing what God wants me to do...which is Become...and share the journey as I do.

Sometimes writing the emotional posts I often write drains me. Sometimes the Lord will put something on my heart to share and I balk thinking "that's too personal," yet He shows me in His word that He wants me to share that particular story at that moment in time with this group of individuals. And also, there are times when I'll write a post and want to share it and the Lord is the one holding me back saying, "No. Not now. Maybe someday, but not now."

So I am humbled and slightly embarrassed, and thankful.

And in that thankfulness, I'd like to pass forward the Share the Love Award to...

Erin -- (Her blog is simply beautiful) Embracing My Cup

Tracy -- (Tracy and my Professor worked in ministry together many years ago. She is now the mother of five little girls...three of them triplets. Her blog always makes me smile) Chasing Life Down

Angie -- (I'm new to Angie's blog, but her posts always make my day) Seven Clown Circus

Kelsey -- (A sweet blog indeed and her comments always make my day as well) My Sweet Life

Christelle -- ( She has an amazing gift and heart for prayer and encouragement and always makes me smile and feel loved) Beloved Mama

Alana -- (Her blog is always a good read and she's funny) A Kiss, A Hug, and a Squeeze

And a side note-- Next Monday, I will be announcing the first two recipients of the Beautiful Servant Award.