Our family has been blessed once again with an award.  This time it is the “Blogger Reflection Award” given to us by Sheryl at Taking the Challenge.  Thank you, Sheryl, for your kind words.  (If you hadn’t already been given this award, I certainly would’ve awarded you for all the help and encouragement that you have given us.)  Anyway, here is what she said about us:

“Norman and Connie and their two adorable guys at Ward’s Sward…  Not only is this blog a family affair, their writing is good! I've been challenged to think a bit deeper, encouraged to enjoy my family even more, inspired to be creative with what we have, reminded that each day is a gift, and just simply blessed to enjoy a peek into their family’s daily doings.”

And now, I get the honors of passing the baton.  But first off, we’ll review the rules for the Blogger Reflection Award:

The reason for the title is because 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 been to you.

Rules of participating:
1. Copy this post.
2. Replace [my bloggers with yours] & Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure youlink this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they've been given the award.
5. Put the award icon on your site

Here are the 5 people to whom I have chosen to give this award:

1.  Maggie Hogan from Maggie’s Place: random, abstract living in a sequential, concrete world.  When we first started blogging at HSB almost 2 years ago, Maggie was one of the first ones to comment.  I always looked forward to reading her comments.  She was always encouraging… and she liked my writing!  This, from a person who owns a press (Bright Ideas Press) and is a writer herself!  She is a busy woman and finds it difficult to keep up on her blog nowadays, but I want to award her just the same.

2.  Karen Woodward at For Such a Time as Now.  Karen used to be here at HSB but has now spread her wings and has created her own blogsite.  It is still a pleasure to visit her over there and I always enjoy it when she can stop by here and say “Hi”.  She was also one of the first ones to comment on our beginning posts.  She always had a kind word and it was always exciting to hear from someone on the other side of the world, for she and her family lived in Romania as missionaries at the time. 

3.  Jen Igarashi from Jeneric Jeneralities.  Jen Ig was here from the conception of HSB and was here to welcome us to this new life of blogging.  She adds her own unique blend of spice with her humor as well as her serious side, especially when discussing the spiritual side of life.  God’s Word is very real to her and she encourages others to take it seriously, too.  Her comments on our posts regarding religious issues shows that she is a deep thinker and sincerely wants to serve the Lord.

4.  Steph Ward with A Room of My Own.  Her last name alone shows that she deserves an award.  J  Seriously though, Steph has been a great source of help and encouragement to us.  She has even gone out of her way to send emails that provided both support and timely information when we were struggling with some issues with our boys.  Steph’s comments always build me up and encourage me to “keep on keepin’ on”.

5.  Jen aka Jammie at Our Heart Matters to Him.  Jen has become a good friend through HSB and emails.  Although we have met her husband, I’m still looking forward to the day when we can meet her and the rest of their family.  Jen is a deep thinker, loves the Lord and is very conscientous.  As a result, she prompts others to open up their Bibles and dig a little deeper to find the Truth.  And at other times… she just plain makes me laugh!  J  I love her fun, silly ways.

Of course, there are many other blogger friends upon whom I could reflect, but “rules are rules…”  J

~Connie~