Award

Marina awarded the "Blog of Distinction" award. I am humbled by her words that I bless her. I confess all I do is by God's grace and the Lord deserves all the glory!

I desire to pass this blessing on to others of you who bless me in so many ways. If you are on the blog roll, please consider yourself awarded--please accept it and bless others too.

Specifically I want to mention the following ladies who bless me by the posts that reveal themselves yet always point to Christ who lives in them.

Darla

Connie

Bev

Leah

Becoming Me

Love to you all!
Blessings in Christ--

P.S. I hope to be back visiting blogs and posting personal devotions again soon. Life has been like a run away train for me with all the activities taking place in my family--high school graduation, out of town guests, anniversary, baseball and more baseball. Did I mention baseball? :)

Blessed I Am!

Psalm 107:1-2a NIV

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—

Oh How wonderful is our Mighty God. He is so gracious. The saving power of Jesus Christ!!

I just have to tell how blessed I am!!

To keep this brief, I had my first mammogram yesterday. Not because I’m old enough (j/k), but because I felt a lump the other night. My doctor ordered a mammogram for me last year, but I dismissed it. Thinking yeah-yeah, whatever. I intentionally avoid unnecessary pain. Just 411—it hurts more to put on a sports bra than to get a mammogram. Go get it done please!!

After recognizing the lump, I wake up early the next day, find the expired order and go to the radiology lab. Through a bunch of red tape, which I’ll spare the space, I got an appointment the next day and my doctor wrote a new order.

I felt strong—initially—but when the obstacles started arising, I felt the strength leave me. I contacted Annie as I have read on her blog about some of her experiences with similar situations. She immediately went into prayer on my behalf. Thank you Annie!! She shared encouraging words with me.

I went in for the exam yesterday feeling the peace of the Lord. No anxiety, no worries. Before Christ made me a knew creature, I would have been flipping. The films returned with no lumps, no tumors, no cysts! Then to confirm, I had a sonogram. Same thing—no lumps, no tumors, no cysts. Praise the Lord!!

The lump is a fybrocyst which is caused by changes in hormones and/or caffeine. So do I have to give up coffee? I don’t know for sure yet, but I’m sure I’ll be healthier if I do. Coffee and tea are the only caffeine products I consume on a regular basis. The hormone issue is a long story which I’m praying the Lord will work out.

So I received blessings yesterday.

God’s peace that passes all understanding!

No tumor or cyst! Good health!

I made a new friend in town—the tech & I remembered meeting as our husbands work together and we plan to have lunch.

Annie confirmed with me that blogging friends are real people, believers who will be there when in need.

A praise report from another blog friend – Karen.

To top it off, I received email from another blog friend, Leah, who gave me this award!! Thank you Leah!

Thanks!! I never expected these authentic friendships that developed from blogging! God is incredible how He weaves our lives together. Each one of you are special!!

Now I want to give this award back out. I don’t know how many, but I want you to know that everyone I have visited has been special and deserves this award. Please take it!

Annie—my bff for praying and encouraging me especially this recent situation!!

Karen—my bff as I’ve been so encouraged through you.

Marina—my bff that I’ve actually met. I look forward to worshipping the Lord with you in two weeks at WoF!!

Bev—my bff that has encouraged me to read the Bible through this year. I have not completely read the Bible through and I’m looking forward to this journey.

And Leah—my bff right back at you. Your words minister to me!!

Psalm 107:21 NIV

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.

Blessings in Christ--

Encouragement Dose

Today I am honored to announce that Angie awarded me The Daily Dose award that's been circulating. Thank you Angie that you like to stop by my blog and that somehow--by God's grace able to inspire you. I pray that I'm able to be some sort of inspiration by reflecting Jesus.

This award was created by a friend of Lisa, The Preacher's Wife. She describes the award this way:

So here's to all the blogs that you've discovered that you can't possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog.

Now I'm to pass this award on to five of my daily reads. I don't or can't always read blogs daily, but I shall choose a few of my regulars. I've seen this award circulating around already for some time, so I'm going to choose those I like to visit that have not yet received the award. Please stop by and visit these lovely ladies and leave a kind comment.

Daughter of the King- Marina -- When I visit your blog, I like the way you can laugh at situations that normally would make a girl (woman) cry. I was so inspired by your last post about how we look at others and ourselves. I caught myself remembering what you wrote when I encountered a precious woman of God at church who had burn scars on her neck. Thank you.

The T.A.G. Blog- Karen -- I have been so moved by your testimony and your faith. Your transparency through your blog has so inspired me to walk my faith walk. I enjoy the weekly Sabbath Reflections. I enjoy reading the scriptures and being enlightened by the expositions you share, either your own or resources you have. Thank you.

The Point- Leah -- I enjoy stopping by to get "the Point." I always feel like I'm pointed toward the Lord through what He reveals to you. I enjoy pondering on the post for several days. Thank you.

Jen's Blurbs- Jen -- I enjoy stopping by to see what the Lord is doing in you & through you. I love the stories about the boys. I also enjoy the enthusiasm you have when you learn from the Word. It keeps me excited and feeling young. Thank you.

Lisa's Memories - Lisa -- Lisa we live in the same town and I shall make it a point to come by to meet you and visit you personally. The poetry always speaks to my heart when I stop by you blog. I pray that you will be inspired to keep writing. Thank you for writing faithfully.

There are many more of you whom I visit. I would love to visit and comment more than I do, but I have so many other duties that beckon my attention. I started blogging last June and I cant believe all the great and exciting friends I've made. I thank all of you and love you all. As Angie mentioned, I look forward to San Antonio. I hope to meet all of you blogging friends in real life. May you all be blessed!

Blessings in Christ--

Nice Matters Award

I received my first award today!

I feel so blessed to be tagged by God's Gal. I'm usually (not always) the one whose name is not drawn in raffles. The dice never add up right in bunko for the round. Last month my husband and I were at a credit union function & he won the main prize--a huge basket full of chocolate. I felt like God was telling me I shouldn't eat chocolate, but it was okay for my hubby. I made him take it to his office at work. No way could it stay in the house for it would be gone in one day. I may could have stretched out to two depending on what day of the month it fell on. Thank you Deb for honoring me with this award.

Alright, it is my turn to tag some blogs for awards. It is so hard as I want to include all, but I will keep this to only four as that seems to be the number tagged. First, I will tag Karen for encouraging me to participate in Lisa's Online Bible Study. Second, I'll tag Leigh for she has some really encouraging posts and it is exciting to read what the Lord is doing with her. Third, is Annie of Annie's Eyes for her rich nuggets that just seem to reach me where ever I am in mind or emotions. And lastly, Jen who makes me laugh and remember what it was like to be a young mother. All of you sisters are soooooo sweet. I'm sorry if I didnt pick your blog. I tried to chose those who havent been tagged yet so we can spread the encouragement. :-)

I want to thank all you for for reading and posting comments. I also want to thank all of you who read and dont leave comments. I know you are out there as some of you have told me. I pray the Lord bless you all.