With A Reason, But Without Rhyme

Normally, I don't do random here at Becoming Me. I figure that I'm random enough in real life. But today I'm going to give you three posts in one. I'm also going to write like I talk today, because I feel like chatting...and because I'm too tired to think straight.

An Apology
During the past few months, I've received several sweet blog awards that I have more or less ignored. I feel badly about that. The truth is that even though I am grateful for the encouragement, I also find it overwhelming. I've always been the type who embarrasses easily over public praise. I love to praise others, but when the attention comes my way...I tend to brush it aside. That probably either makes zero sense or sounds conceited. Please believe me that this is not an issue about me being prideful, it's more about me keeping my pride in check.

So if you have given me an award, thank you so much. I do appreciate it, really, I do. And, if I have hurt your feelings, will you please do me a favor? Send me an e-mail and let me know.

A Friendship Report

People who do not blog have a difficult time believing that the connections and friendships between bloggers are genuine. Last week I had the privilege of meeting two friends that I have known only in blogland. Both are amazing women, moms, writers, and speakers. And, I'm pretty sure you know them. And let me tell you this...they truly are as sweet and fun as they come across as being on their blogs.
On the far left of this photo is the beautiful and anointed writer Carol from Sheep to the Right. God gave Carol the gift of finding His truth in the most ordinary circumstances. One of my favorite stories written by Carol is about her mom's shopping trip to a closing K-Mart store. In the middle is the equally beautiful Amy, who is a gifted speaker and writer. In her blog Signs, Miracles, and Wonders, Amy blogs about her faith, her family, and her son's Epilepsy. She also hosts the weekly meme Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

The chick on the far right, well that's me, who in addition to getting lost on the way to meet Carol and Amy (because, that's what I do whn I get into my car and go somewhere for the first time) is wearing a beautiful necklace. That necklace brings me to blog post three.

A Contest Announcement

A college friend of mine, Amy, owns a jewelry and accessory business featuring her own creations. Her store is called U*R*Uniquie, and her handcrafted necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and bookmarks are not only stunningly beautiful, they are made with a mission.

Tomorrow, I'm going to tell you more about Amy and the misson of U*R* Unique. Then, starting next Monday, I am going to publish a four-part series entitled Letters to the Younger Me. The series was inspired by this post written by Rachel at Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife. Incidently, Rachel was inspired by Mama Belle, who was inspired by Missy.

If I am not mistaken, the original idea was to write a letter to yourself at the age you were 20 years ago. I was 15 twenty years ago, and there is so much I want to tell that girl. But I also have some words for my 20 year-old self, 25 year-old self and 30 year-old self. So, that's why you get a four-parter. I promise not to make it drawn out and boring.

Because reading and consulting God's word more is advice I would have given myself at each of those phases, I will be giving away a special bookmark from U*R Unique at the end of the series.

Phew! Being random via my blog is harder than being random in real life.