• Sep. 27, 2007
You Make Me Smile
My FIAR friend, Hollie, brightened my day with the "You Make Me Smile" award. She makes me smile, as well, as she also has three beautiful boys. Reading their latest antics, adventures, and discoveries makes me feel right at home.
This is what the person that created this award says about it...
The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell, and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement.
I'm repeatedly blessed through the writings and insights of so many blogging friends, but today I have chosen to highlight five who have particularly blessed my heart in recent days...
Brenda ~ I'm so thankful that God has placed women of all ages in my life; friends who are at different stages in their journey; friends who walk a bit ahead of me and are paving the way and leading by example. Brenda is a wife of over 30 years and a mom of 2 adult sons whom she homeschooled. I love hearing her heart...hearing her pray...hearing how God has answered those prayers. Her life (and her blog) make me smile...
Ryan & Melissa ~ Originally from our area, Ryan grew up an MK in Papua New Guinea. When his family came home on furlough, he was part of our youth group. Two years ago when my husband and I visited PNG, we got to stay with and visit his parents. Anyhow, little Ryan grew up and married a beautiful young woman (another MK) named Melissa. Together they served with us on our Jr. High youth staff for a couple years, until a year ago when they left to complete their missionary training so that they, too, can return to the field and share the gospel with those who haven't heard. While it's always hard to see loved ones go, their lives regularly inspire and motivate me. While I prefer to catch-up with them in person over coffee, I love reading their blog and hearing all that God is doing in and through them. They make me smile!
Tania ~ Her blog isn't public, so I won't be sharing a link, but if I'm doling out awards to people who make me smile, she must be included! One of our former students, Tania truly inspires me. She's always been creative, and her blog overflows with scrapbooking layouts, beautiful family photos, delicious recipes, and sweet memories. Tania, you make my heart smile with every visit!
Jessica ~ When she and her husband sensed God leading them to adopt, they obeyed! And when God in His all-wise, loving ways unexpectedly led them to a sibling group of three in Ethiopia, they embraced His plan. Watching God lead and direct throughout their adoption journey was such a thrill, and now to see them home and adjusting to being a family of 10 has been an absolute joy. Jessica, my heart smiles at the very thought of your family!
John & Linda ~ I grew up with John from Jr. High on. Both he and his wife, Linda, were MK's, and they both had a deep desire to return to the field one day. With 5 beautiful children, John and Linda served faithfully in our church for the last several years. And in their hearts, they never lost sight of what God had called them to do. Oh, it would have been easy to get comfortable. But John and Linda obeyed, and this fall, they sold their house, said farewell to family and friends, and obeyed God's call to finish their missionary training in another state. I'm so thankful for friends such as these; friends who don't grow cold or complacent; friends who don't take the easy road; friends who hear God's voice and respond. John, Linda, and family ~ you make me smile. We miss you!
Thanks for your sweet touch upon my life! Feel free to pass the lovin' on to bloggers who make you smile! 
Comments
• Sep. 28, 2007
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
a in a very humbled voice she said "thank you"
tania
• Sep. 29, 2007
Untitled Comment
Posted by Melissa
Thank you so much, Nikki. You are always an encouragement to us.
I'm so glad we can stay connected through "blog world" :)
