Sometimes you touch someone's heart more than you know, and they reward or recognize you in some way for it. 

A few months ago, I was invited by a friend to join a small yahoo gourp of Chirstian women.  Immediately upon joining I was showered with welcoming love.  I have been amazed at how this group of strangers whom the Lord has brought together has become so close.  Years ago, this would not have happened...but with 'modern technology', we are able to talk every day and share our blessings and burdens with each other. 

One of these wonderful women, Rhonnie, gave me a blog award.  This isn't something I deserve, but she felt I did, so she blessed me with it.

These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back the the award's creator (http://www.thebabblingsofmere.blogspot.com/)
2. You must post these rules if you recieve the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to recieve the award after recieving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.

Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

Here are my 5 choices for award recipients:

Trisha whose blog resides here: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mainehsmom Trisha and I met a few years ago at church and she has become a good friend of mine.  She has inspired me in many ways, including in the kitchen!  She is the one I go to with questions about cooking bread and frugal recipes.  Her mothering abilities have helped me be more aware of my own abilities, and her wisdom in handling tough situations is awesome...the behavior of her son and daughter gives me hope that one day my sons and daughters will behave in a manner much as hers do...

My second choice is Peggy over at http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/ .  I began reading her blog this spring, and have found such pleasure in her admiration of simple things. 

Third is OldPathsMom http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OldPathsMom/ I have enjoyed watching her and her family as they muddle through their homeschooling adventures.  She often shares with her readers what God has laid on her heart.

That leaves number four and five open, and  my choices for these two have already been awarded.  I will mention them here as well. 

Terri, over at http://justaflipflopmom.blogspot.com/ is the lady who invited me to our little group. She is a fellow New Englander and aspires to live frugally!  though I've only known Terri for a little while now, she has been a blessing to me through the many ways I have seen her uplift our friends.  She has a sweet gentleness in her responses to other people. 

And Rhonnie, the lady who gave me the award.....she is quickly becoming a Titus 2 woman for me!  Her loving attitude to others makes her one of those women you wish you could just sit and enjoy tea with every day.  http://whatchadotoday.blogspot.com/   Thank you Rhonnie for thinking so kindly of me.

Blessings,

Hope