Blogger Reflection Award

Nicole at All 4 My Gals has nominated me for this award.

"The “Blogger Reflection Award” should make an individual reflect upon five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and who have provided a Godly example. In other words, five dear bloggers whom, when you reflect upon them, you are filled with a sense of pride and joy...of knowing them and being blessed by them.”

Of course, with this criteria, I would nominate Nicole again (her fourth nomination!) if I could. She has always been such a kindred soul of mine. It seems so strange to say we've never met - because she is like a sister to me, and it would be so natural to just "hang out" with her. She has a great laugh, and a strong sense of herself and her relationship with God. Her generous spirit is amazing.

This is what Nicole had to say about me:

"My first nomination is to Betsy at "Bits of Betsy" who truly is my mentor in so many ways. Betsy is one of the first moms who reached out to me and helped me after I received my prenatal diagnosis. Over the last 7+ years she has shown me what true friendship is, what true love for your children looks like and what love for the Lord can do in our lives."

Here are my nominations:

1) Tara Marie at Emma Sage's blog. TM shares her family's life through pictures of her children, and her extended family. She never fails to capture the true meaning in a photograph - from her dear Mamie's hands, to Emma Sage catching a frog, to Otto all dressed up in his Little League uniform. TM also weaves a beautiful life story for us, full of wonderful stories of her mom and her Irish roots, and her journey of raising Emma Sage. TM is always an inspiration to me, a constant reminder that Paige is as she should be, that she does not need to be fixed, and that the greatest tool in raising a fulfilled, amazing young lady is love.

2) Heather at Especially Heather. Heather has recently been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Heather's faith has been tested over and over again, as she has seen much hardship in the past few years. Her daughter, Emma, underwent a heart transplant. Heather writes about her daily struggles with her illness, as well as her incredible faith in the Lord. She is honest in her writing, and doesn't sugar coat her fears. My prayers are often with Heather as she struggles to get better.

3) Matt & Ginny tell their story of Eliot, their little boy who died at 99 days old. Eliot was born with a fatal chromosomal condition called Trisomy 18, and his parents knew they must treasure every day of his life. Their faith in God led them through the days of Eliot's life, and all of us should find true inspiration in the strength they showed as they cherished their son. Please watch the beautiful tribute to Eliot.

4) Amanda Baggs at Ballastexistenz. Probably more than any blog I've ever read, Amanda has completely changed my perspective - not only about people with Autism, but about how we judge a person based on their exterior. Amanda's posts and videos make me reflect and re-think things I thought I knew so much about, but really, knew very, very little about. She is an intelligent, well-read, very thoughtful person who has so much to offer the world. It is a shame for anyone who does not take the time to learn from her.

5) My last award goes to someone who reminds me that God has a great sense of humor as well. This person is so funny, so "out there" sometimes, but yet, so well-grounded and so very sweet too. I just know she is the kind of person who lights up a room when she walks into it - who laughs out loud, and doesn't hold back on her opinions. She lives with great passion, and great joy. We would (and will!) be fast friends the moment we meet - and she will make me feel 21 again, I'm sure. This nomination goes to LauraQ at Now I'm a Mom.

Here are the rules for those who have been nominated!

• Copy this post
• Reflect on five bloggers and write at least a paragraph on each one.
• Make sure you link this post so others can read it.
  
• Post the rules.
• Leave your chosen bloggers a comment so they know they have been nominated.
• Place the award on your site.