Wonderful Gift From a Friend

Yesterday afternoon I went to check on Barb latest post at A Chelsea Morning. I was reading about the well-deserved award she'd received from two people. Imagine my shock and delight when I found that she had Paid it Forward with an award to me. Here is what she said:

You'd be surprised how much Dawn and I chat behind the scenes via email. If you read her blog you know she's about as strong a person as you'll ever meet. She's literally been to hell and back in her life and her two series, about her daughter's struggle with anorexia and her son's journey through drug addiction, should be required reading for any parent raising a teenager today.

Dawn is someone I know for sure I'll meet, probably soon. Here's an amazing story. Dawn and I have been cyber friends for over a year. It took a while but this summer we realized she's the person who processed my brand new son-in-law's application to graduate school. She held his application in her hands and suddenly the lightbulb went on and she realized, "This is Barb's Aaron!". Is this a small world or what! So I know for sure the first time Rob and I go to visit Mandy and Aaron in their new home, we'll meet Dawn. You can count on it,
Dawn.

Barb and I met early in my blogging adventure when she came over from somebody else's site to find another grandma to chat with. We've had a great time ever since. I don't have nearly as many blog friends as she does, but I value her friendship greatly. When I discovered that Aaron was one of the applicants for our Master of Social Work program, I immediately e-mailed her first, then I wrote to Aaron. Makes sense, doesn't it?? I can hardly wait to take a picture of Mandy and Aaron when they show up on campus and come in to say hello. It is truly a small world. We'll be getting together very soon, Barb and I. I can't wait.

So now, I get to pass the joy along. I have chosen five dear blog friends, and I trust they'll be as happy as I am to receive this honor.

• Tammy at Family Doin's is a home schooling mom of two adorable little girls. She is doing a great job. She had her children later than some and is enjoying every minute. I love her take on life, and her writing is exceptional as well. She does great fiction, which is a skill I definitely do not have, but admire greatly in others! I'm glad we met somewhere along the line, Tammy.
  
  
• Linda at Middle Years - I met Linda a few months ago and we have developed a mutual admiration society. Her writing just blesses my socks off almost every day. She has such a succint way of getting right to the point, and her heart is so tender for Jesus. I would love to visit with her someday and just sit and pick her brain. She's been through some "stuff" this last year, but she doesn't write about it, but about what the Lord is teaching her through it. What a blessing she is to me.
  
  
• Linds at Rocking Chair Reflections is someone I have only met recently. She lives in England and lost her husband just a year ago this last week - very suddenly. She has been through our worst nightmare as wives, but has come through with sense of humor intact. She works hard teaching school, which sets her WAY up on a pedestal. I tried that and didn't last very long! I have a brother in England, so would love to take a trip to see them both. Want to come along?
  
  
• Groovy Old Lady from Groovy's Ruminations is groovy, but definitely not old! She is another creative home schooler who cracks me up almost every day. But she also has a real heart for Jesus. It has been such fun meeting all these wonderful Christian ladies from around the globe in the last year. She just finished a grueling bike trek across Maine for the American Lung Association. She made it sound funny, if not fun!
  
  
• Diane at Partners in Prayer for Our Prodigals is last, but definitely not least. She is my first blogging friend, which I mentioned in my first anniversary post. She has a heart for all prodigals, hers in particular, and organized a great "Welcome Home" party last year when mine came home from Teen Challenge a changed man - a man of God. She has a sharp wit, a bright mind, and a wonderful writing style. We will be meeting up in Minnesota in less than a month.
  

All of these women have made a significant difference in my life in the last year - just ask my husband! Barb did a little bonus, which I am going to do as well. Morning Glory from Seeds in My Garden is my SIL and it has been great fun seeing her in a totally different way this past year - through her written words rather than spoken. So I'm giving her an honorary 6th Reflection Award!

Quote from the originator of this award:

"...this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy...of knowing them and being blessed by them.

This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've meant to you. If the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give it to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given."

The award originated here. That's probably the best place to learn more about it. Here's what it says you should do:

1. Replace my five bloggers with yours and write a least a paragraph about each one.

2. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.

3. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they've been given the award.

4. Put the award icon on your site [see here]