The one with the Award

And the 'Versatile Blogger' and 'You Bless Me' Awards go to ...... Jo Royal, at All in a Day!

Yes, this morning I awoke to find that I had received my fist ever blog award!

So, in true award winning style, I would like to thank all those who have made this possible, those who believed in me, those who take time out to read my writing, those who ...... yeah, I will stop now!

OK, so the Awards might only be a bit of blogging fun, but I am thankful to Rhoda, over at Living to Please God, who nominated me for the award.  I feel encouraged to keep writing. 

I have been thinking a lot about encouragement lately, and the role it plays in our Christian development.  It is key.  Encouragement says:

You can do it!
I'm right here with you.
You're appreciated
Hang on in there
Go for it!
You're not alone.

I appreciate all the encouragement that comes my way - it keeps me going!

It is a joy to receive encouragement - but 'It is better to give than to receive' (Act 20:25)

So, I'm giving.  One of the 'conditions' of receiving the award requires the recipient to pass it on. This is rather like a chain letter, but without the curse!!  There is no threat of writer's block, or your blog losing readers if the award isn't passed on.  The 'magic' is in the joy of being able to encourage someone. 

I therefore send some Blogging Award encouragement to five blogs that I enjoy reading.  And perhaps you can encourage them too, by hopping over to their blogs to say hello!

1 - Sam at The End of my Tether?  Sam is such an inspiration.  In her blog she shares her journey as a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer.  She is funny, real, informative, challenging and truly inspirational as she invites her readers to join her on the journey, always pointing to the Hope that she has in God.  If you only follow one of my suggestions - make sure it is this one.  You wont regret it. 

2+3 - It is always good to encourage new bloggers, so I am sending an award to both Hannah at Not Yet Perfect and Gemma at Whirlwind through Life.  Both these bloggers share their thoughts and experiences as they work out what life as a Christian really means. Ladies, keep it up! :)

4 - I am also sending a Blogging Award over to Laura at Fingertip Meditations - Laura was the first follower I had on my blog that I didn't know personally.  I have enjoyed reading her blog - especially as she unpacks her thoughts about Christian living in a very down-to-earth way. 

5 - And, finally, Emma at A New Name.  I absolutely love reading this blog.  Emma has an amazing way of writing, that not only entertains, but really provokes thought.  She shares with brilliance.  I appreciate her transparent thoughts (and challenges!) a lot. 

(Nominees - here is the part where I tell you that if you choose to accept the award, you must put the badge on your website, nominate a further five bloggers to receive the award, and tell us five random facts about you! - Of course, I don't really expect you to - but hey, you may choose to accept the challenge to encourage someone instead?)



And there's more ...

The other condition of receiving the award is that I share five little known facts about myself.  Ok, time for a bit of self-indulgence - and pressure to portray my life as exciting, funny, quirky, spiritual - or whatever!  Forget that, I am just going with randomness!


1 - I own 16 pairs of Converse.

2 - I have been to Colin Firth's House (OK, so he wasn't in - but I did see baby pictures!!)

3 - I love hanging out in my local Starbucks - and, depending on the barista - I can walk in and ask for my usual.

4 - I really really really dislike butterflies, moths and ladybirds.  I will freak if they come near me.

5 - I am all or nothing.  If I can't do something well, I would rather not do it. 

There - that's me!


Enjoy your day :)