Nice Matters

I was sent this beautiful award, quite some time ago. It comes with the requirement that I pass it on to 7 other bloggers, whom I will list at the end of this post.

But first, I want to tell you about the special lady who sent it to me. Her name is Amy. She came into my life, and I into hers at a very unique time.

I was new at being a Pastor's Wife, and Amy had developed an online ministry to Pastor's wives. It met many needs I had and I enjoyed the conversations among my new online friends.

I first met Amy face to face, at a Pastor's Wives Retreat. We'd only talked online, but we planned on rooming together, along with two other online friends. Amy and I hit it off and I remember the hours we spent sitting in an old cabin, sharing our fears, our dreams and crying together.

We watched each other grow and we watched as God amazingly brought our dreams to reality!

And then...suddenly... to my great surprise, we've been watching and grieving for one another as our dreams... those dreams God had amazingly brought to reality... we taken back away from us.

Our losses are very different. But I value Amy so much. I love to visit her blog and read how she processes every day, her ups, her downs, and her continual pursuit of God. She finds great joy in life - which I hope that, I too, radiate. But she is also honest about her trials and disappointments. I appreciate that about Amy.

Thank you, Amy, for being a part of the many places I have traveled in life since we first met. And thank you for sharing your life with me and allowing me the privilege of knowing you.

And now.... on the the "Nice Matters" awards! First of all.. you may want to visit Amy's blog.

Second - I pass this award on to several very special people, and blogs that I often visit and enjoy reading.

Here's the description of the award:
“This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”

Katey - my Blueyeduck friend, an amazing artist, encourager, and great blogger!

Patti - a sweet and tender soul I've met on eBay. Her art warms your heart and her love warms my soul.

Amy Weber - one of my favorite artists (she allowed me to do a collaborative ACEO with her!)

Kathy Jurek - A watercolorist I greatly admire!!! I enjoy her blogs too!

Emily - a dear friend I've made online and hope to meet face to face one day. Emily also has POTS, caused by Lyme Disease. You'll learn a lot about the struggles of living with Chronic Illness from reading her blog.

Christine - her writing is as beautiful as her art!

Laurie Pace - I do not know Laurie well.... and she doesn't know me at all. But I admire her art often and her blogs are inspiring and encouraging!