Friday, August 11, 2006

Excellence

What is excellence? Is it something that we strive for on a regular basis, or is it something we "stumble" upon through daily living? Honestly, I think it is something that as Christians, we are constantly striving for. Something we work hard for, and are proud of. And really, who doesn't want to be surrounded by excellence? In fact, scripture encourages us to surround ourselves with excellence, doesn't it?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

So many times, I have come across either a blog, a post, or a particular "effort or instance" that has left me thinking ... "Wow! That was excellent! Others should know about this!" And sometimes, a simple comment in the comments section just isn't strong enough to express how impressed I am with either the blog or the particular post.

So, the wheels in my mind started turning (that can be a dangerous thing) ... and ... an idea was started. I thought to my self ... "Self, there should be an award for these instances of excellence. One that would encourage others, and motivate them. Sort of like ... an award for excellence, or something like that..." And then, the question of what excellence really means kept playing over in my head ...



Wow! So, I was on the right track ... COOL! And with that ... The Award of Excellence was born.


Now, I don't consider myself the "expert of excellence" ... but "where two or three bloggers are gathered ... there excellence shall be found" (sorry to take scripture and run with it!). So, I turn to you, my fellow bloggers, and invite you to participate by nominating blogs, posts, or efforts that you find to be EXCELLENT.

This is not a weekly, monthly or annual award. No. This is an award that will be given out whenever merited. Therefore, you can make nominations whenever you want! And, really ... the key about your participation is that 1) the award will be given out to a broader spectrum than the small circle of blogs (close to 80 now) that I read, 2) the award process will generate more traffic to the winners site, hence, sharing their excellence, and 3) the award will encourage on-going excellence.

So, if you should happen to stumble across a particular blog, post, or instance of excellence that is award worthy, please ... email me right away with the link to either the post, or the blog, and include a brief paragraph describing why you feel that person is worthy of receiving the Award of Excellence! I will then review the nomination, a final decision will be made by me, the person will be notified of their award via email, and they will receive the code for the button so that it may be proudly displayed on their blog (if they so choose).

So, without further delay, I will present the FIRST Award of Excellence winners:

1) Momrn2 from My Quiet Corner:

Sometimes, we are faced with emergencies in our life, and we are left wondering how to work through them. Well, recently, Momrn2's daughter was faced with a life-threatening emergency. Many people rallied around her in prayer, and she journaled regularly to keep us up to date on her daughter's progress. She also journaled about The Most Difficult Prayer that she and her husband have ever prayed. This post was probably one of the most difficult, but excellent posts I have read, and if you missed it, I highly encourage you to go back and read it. It will touch you deeply.

So Momrn2, because of your excellent journaling skills about your daughter, and because of your heart's desire to encourage other parents faced with similar difficulties, you are hereby presented with The Award of Excellence.

2) Lauren from Created For His Glory

In a world full of foul language, negativity, and strong content, sometimes, we just need one person to step up to the plate and say ... "Enough is enough!" And Lauren has done just that. She has single-handedly created and coordinated a blogroll specifically for Family-Friendly Blogs. At the time of this post, the blogroll has approximately 122 members, and continues to grow.

So Lauren, because of your desire to see Family-Friendly excellence maintained in the blogworld, and for the skills of excellence you have displayed in coordinating and maintaining the Family-Friendly Blogroll, you are hereby presented with The Award of Excellence.

3) BooMama from BooMama

It's amazing how friendships develop over the bloglines across the world, but sometimes, we just need to get to know one another on a more intimate level then simply leaving comments on each other's blogs ... and that can be accomplished generally by going to each other's homes for a cup of coffee, tea, or a diet coke, and some scrumptious dessert. But sometimes, that just isn't practical, or even possible, because you can't jump on a plane or train each time you want to have dessert with a friend that lives across country (or in another country), you know what I mean?!

Well, BooMama was approached by some fellow bloggers about hosting a simple but special Tour of Homes. After careful consideration, she agreed, thinking she might only have a handful of participants. Well, what started of as "simple" but "special" ended up being HUGE! In fact, it was bigger than any true southerner would care to imagine, because, low and behold, she had (and I'm sure she was SHOCKED) 241 people participating in the Tour of Homes!

So, BooMama, because of your excellent attitude towards something that started of small, and spiraled into epic proportions, and because of your excellent, and newly acquired Mr. Linky skills, and for your desire and willingness to enable other bloggers to foster new friendships despite experiencing a painful and low time in your own life, you are hereby presented with The Award of Excellence.

4) Faith from Faithful Mommy and Child of Mine -- The Adoption Blog

There are so many beautiful children in our country that are alone, hurting, and in need of a loving family, yet lost in the foster care system. Many of these beautiful children even have life-threatening medical needs, making it even more difficult to place them in an adopted home. On the other hand, there are many families whose arms and hearts are aching to adopt a child, but don't know where to start. Faith has opened her life, her heart, and her blog to us to share her experiences, her difficulties, and her joys. You can see many of her stories by clicking here, and recently, she has started a new blog that is geared just for adoption.

One story in particular, grabbed at my heart and made me want to open my home to as many children as I could, but I promise that if you begin reading either of Faith's blogs, and get to know the story about her little man, you will understand quickly why she is being given The Award of Excellence.

So Faith, for your excellence in bringing adoption to the forefront, and for your transparency and honesty on transracial adoptions, and for your excellence in guidance and wisdom for those interested in adoption, and for your willingness to begin a new blog where families that have adopted can share their personal stories and experiences, you are hereby presented with The Award of Excellence.

5) Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer

I have saved Shannon for last, because she has had a very special role in making the Award of Excellence even possible! She created the banner and the button for me. Shannon, a deeply southern and genteel woman, offered one day ... months ago to create a banner for me, because she wanted to practice using a new software. At the time, I didn't need one. But when this award started rolling around in my brain, I suddenly found a need for a banner. Oh, and did I mention a need for a button, too? Well, Shannon, who is always offering to help, rolled her sleeves up, and created a beautiful banner and button for me. And I must say, I am not always an easy person to work with, because I have SET ideas in my mind. But Shannon was a trooper. She took my scripture, and a request for something with a "Southern Living" elegance, and ran with it, creating a beautiful award that can be proudly displayed on many a blog!

So Shannon, because of your excellent and selfless attitude, and because of your excellent desire and willingness to help, and because of your eye for beauty and desire to share with others, you are hereby presented with The Award of Excellence.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

REMEMBER:

If you come across a blog, a post, or an instance of excellence, please email me (see email link in my side bar) to nominate them for an award!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

24 comments:

Mama Duck said...

Just beautiful blogs, all - congrats to all five of you!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you, GiBee! You made my day...

Donnetta said...

I'm humbled and honored. I'm also speechless (that doesn't happen often).

Thanks sweet friend!!! This truly lifted my spirits today!! :-)

Anonymous said...

You are just so sweet! Thank you for the award, dear friend! It means so much coming from a woman of excellence like yourself. *sigh* I just love you, Gibee.

Angie said...

Perfect choices...I am gonna be on the lookout for nominees!
Blessings to you and happy Friday!

boomama said...

What a neat idea - and I'm not just saying that because you gave me an award. :-) Seriously, I read stuff from time to time and I think, "You know, THAT was good!" - but other than saying "Great post," there's not really a way that I can recognize them.

And yes, I WAS shocked by the number of people in the Tour of Homes - but any good Southern girl just pulls up more chairs and puts on a few extra pots of coffee when unexpected guests arrive. :-) It was lots of fun - and I can't wait for the one at Christmas.

Thanks, GiBee - you are such an encourager!

Jeana said...

I love this idea, GiBee. And Shannon did great! The award is beautiful, in spite of the shocking lack of bobbleheads.

Laura said...

Terrific idea Gibee! I am OFTEN in awe and admiration of some of the posts/blogs I read and love that the winners will receive such a beautiful award to hang on their "wall" for all to see. Laura

Susanne said...

What a great idea and how cool to let everyone participate! And I just loooove the white tulips! Congrats to all the first recipients! All very well deserved!

Chilihead2 said...

Wonderful idea GiBee. You and Shannon are a great team! ;)

Barb said...

Five outstanding choices. All five are wonderful gals. And the button is beautiful.

Lori said...

Great idea and great selections. I can not wait for more =))

Anonymous said...

this is a great idea. i found your blog from boomama and have been checking out the winners of the new award. i love your blog.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Here by way of BooMama, GiBee....
This such good way to honor and recognize a good post.

Are posts from the past eligible, or from the present only?

Anonymous said...

Great award and even better winners. I love that what you said about Shannon, totally true. And I have enjoyed reading my Quiet Corner for so long!!

Carol said...

Bravo!!!!

I am a firm believer in encouraging and lifting up other by recognizing and honoring excellence.

Nice button, GiBee!

Overwhelmed! said...

I like your "Award of Excellence" idea and I look forward to reading about those who are chosen to receive it. :)

Shalee said...

Absolutely brilliant! (Not that I expected anything less of you.)

This really is a wonderful, beautiful award system that you've created. And I second all of your choices.

Love the look of them Shannon! You created elegance on screen.

Salar37_Shushan said...

Love the idea. Love the blogs you've chosen even more!

I've liked BooMama's for awhile anyhow. Glad she mentioned your blog.

May you long keep up this good work! :D

tam said...

GREAT idea gibee! Supportive and fun all at the same time!

I don't get to read you very often but always like what I see..

You've already named several that I like but would like to add to your nomination list:

kpjara of "Can You Hear Me Now?" she inspires me nearly daily, she can see the humor of her daily life as well as take the serious stuff serious, is uplifting in her comments and well. I just like her lots.

Also: karli of "Mom On A Wire" she is raw, honest, open and humble and gives food for thought often.

oh and Karen of "The Big Tradeoff" she is fuuunnny, bright, thoughtful, insightful and tells a whopping good story about the real things in everyday life.

ok. I'll stop now. thank you mrs. chairwoman!

Trisha said...

http://shalees.blogspot.com/2006/08/wfmw-helping-others-helping-myself.html

Thought you might want to consider this post. Beautifully written.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful idea.

Anonymous said...

This is indeed a wonderful idea and just from reading little I have here, I can tell you're an inspirational person. Loving God doesn't hurt you in that department either. :P I look forward to reading more of your blog.

Anonymous said...

Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!