Awards, A Bloggers Hug

To Bless and Be Blessed. 

Back in March a lovely lady named Joyce, nominated me, along with several other bloggers, for two blog awards.  The “Best Moment Award” and the “Liebster Blog Award.”  I feel truly honored.

I was totally new to the blogging world and only had my blog for a couple of weeks. I had no clue what I was supposed to do.  I thought I was supposed to thank her for the nomination then wait for bloggers to vote. When I didn’t hear any more on it, I assumed I hadn’t been chosen. Ha! Ha! Silly me.

Since then, I have had other nominations. Joyce, I finally get it!  Award nominations require some homework on the part of the presenter and the receiver, but if you don’t mind that, they are worth it.  It creates exposure for newbies like me. It is an official introduction to the blogging world.  It is sharing kindness from one blogger to another. It is a blogger’s hug.

So, I will comply with the award protocol. Out of respect and consideration for the first nomination I received in March, I will begin with Joyce, from Especially Made and thank her for her very thoughtful and kind nomination.

Her nomination came on a day I was feeling especially low. It made my day.  I don’t personally know Joyce, but I can tell from her posts she is a gifted and loving mom. She is very dedicated to homeschooling her children and she really loves God.  You can visit her post at: http://especiallymade.wordpress.com

Blogger awards are a good kind of chain letter.  They are to bless the nominated blogger who gets them, and bless those they recommend.  Unlike chain letters, there is no evil curse at the end if one doesn’t follow through.  Thank heavens; there is enough bad stuff out there.  They are kind of like the Halloween Trick-or-Treat without the Trick.

As the rules go, I must place the awards on my post and answer the following questions that tell a bit about me, then make my own nominations.

So here I go with the questions:

Who inspires you? God certainly inspires me without fail. My husband also encourages me a great deal, especially in my writing, which I really appreciate.
What is the hardest part about blogging, if any? Going to bed on time!  I can get on my computer in the evenings and write and write till past midnight.
What is your favorite quote? “Concern yourself with the depth of your ministry, I will take care of the width—God”  I heard this on the radio sometime back and cannot remember who said it. It left a deep impression on how to see my daily life, even my blogging.
What is your favorite dessert?  I am not too picky when it comes to dessert.  If it is gooey, chocolaty, cheese-caky, fudgy, or terribly calorie filled, I will love it. Unfortunately, I just found out I need to watch my gluten intake, as in have none. That has been discouraging.  But hey, I’m grateful I can still eat!  I am discovering chocolate is gluten free and there are a lot of gluten free super recipes I am going to try out with my new bread maker.
What skill do you wish you had taken the time to learn when you were growing up?  I have always been fascinated with science and the medical field. I wanted to work on a mercy ship. I wish I’d have dedicated my education towards medicine. Today, I would practice natural medicine.          What is the one activity you wish you had the time to pursue?  Learning more about the world and the Bible. I’d try to find more ways to work with people who are hurting.
If money was no issue, where would you like to travel? I would love to visit Jerusalem and also visit Spain.
What is your favorite holiday? I have always loved the holidays, Christmas being my favorite.  My kids are all grown up now.  I love to decorate my house. I really miss the anticipation and Christmas mornings when they were little.
What is your favorite pastime? Sewing, creating, just about any kind of crafty or artsy thing.
What book are you currently reading? I usually read three of four books at a time. I will tell you about the first two. “Living Gluten-Free For Dummies,” by Danna Korn. I’m reading this because I have to. Boy, is that book ever an eye opener.  The second one is “Chapter After Chapter” by Heather Sellers. It’s a good book to push one’s writing along. 
Do you play a musical instrument? I would have loved to play a musical instrument.  I tried the guitar and the piano but did not have the patience.  I have always admired the way musicians can touch someone’s soul .

I blog-hopped for a few hours checking out many blogs.  There are so many inspirational and heart touching blogs it took me a while to decide.  These seven blogs are not in any particular order. They each really stood out to me for their content, perseverance, sacrifice and kindness.  Blessings to you seven!  Enjoy!

And now for my nominations!

http://mamasemptynest.wordpress.com

http://backfromtheborderlands.wordpress.com

http://littlebirdsdad.com

http://thebottomofabottle.wordpress.com

http://marketingsocialjustice.wordpress.com

http://theintegratedschooloftheatrics.wordpress.com

http://memoriesinthewind.wordpress.com

Again, I thank Joyce for thinking of me.

Oh yes, I forgot to notify the nominees right away.  Sorry guys!  So, I will notify them now.

By ~ Elizabeth Yalian  ©2013