Blogger Reflection Award

Y'all, I have been touched -- deep down to the core -- by Carol at She Lives. She has passed down to me, what would probably be THE most desired compliment and award by any Christian on the face of the planet! And frankly, it brings tears to my eyes to know that someone thinks that of me (especially if you only knew how my weekend went

Letting others see Jesus in me is a daily, full-time job. It's one that requires a lot of thought, a lot of humility, a lot of self restraint, and a lot of prayer. It is something I strive for, but fall short on daily, hourly, and even minute by minute on my own accord. It requires my constant attention on the One that shines out of me. I agree with Carol, in that it is sort of freaky to think that someone might actually do just that -- see Jesus being reflected through me!

I can't even come up with words better than this (quoted directly from Carol) "Just think - as image bearers of the Creator, looking like Him should be a given. Just as we display physical and behavioral attributes of our earthly parents, if it weren't for sin, we would naturally look like the Savior without even thinking about it. Won't it be amazing when Christ returns and our transformation is complete!!"

"Amazing" is a slight understatement in my tiny little mind! But, it's a goal I strive for, and know that one day, His work in me will be complete, and then... then... you will truly see Jesus in me! Thank you, Carol, for this very humbling, and touching award, and more importantly to me, your sweet words. You have encouraged me tremendously! And, I totally see Jesus in the other women that Carol honored, and I am completely overwhelmed that she included me along with them!

When I think of either someone seeing Jesus in me, or me seeing Jesus in someone, I think of this song by Joy Williams:

Is the face that I see in the mirror the one I want others to see? Do I show in the way that I walk in my life the love that you've given to me? My heart's desire is to be like you in all that I do, all I am.

Do they see Jesus in me? Do they recognize your face? Do I communicate your love and your grace? Do I reflect who you are in the way I choose to be? Do they see Jesus, Jesus in me? Well it's amazing that you'd ever use me, but use me the way you will, Help me to hold out heart of compassion and grace; A heart that your Spirit fills. May I show forgiveness and mercy the same way you've shown it to me

Well I want to show all the world that You are the reason I live and breathe. So You'll be the one that they see when they see me. Oh, do they see Jesus in me?

Here are just a few of the bloggers (in no particular order) in whom I see a reflection of Jesus, and who have a heart of love, compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness. I really desire to pass this same honor on to them. When you go through this list, you'll soon see that it is obvious that these women love Jesus and want to be just like him:

1. Momrn2 at My Quiet Corner. Momrn2 has been through so much with her family, and without Jesus, I'm not sure how any other mom, wife or woman would have weathered the storms that she has experienced! But Momrn2 always shows Christ's love, his grace, and his peace ... in all her writings ... in all her thoughts ... in all she does. She isn't afraid to say it like it is ... Biblically speaking, that is ... and ... she truly reflects Jesus!

2. BooMama. I love that BooMama can write about family, life's daily happenings, and her love for Jesus, and still maintain a sense of humor that Jesus would be proud of. She has selflessly and humbly put together fundraisers for two women who were going through life-shaking medical diagnosis/treatments, and opened the door so that many people around the world could share in that simple blessing! PayPal probably trembles at the very mention of her name! But seriously, she allows Jesus to reflect through her, and what she does ... AND, she shows "tens of people every single day" what being a strong Christian woman with a great sense of humor is like.

3. Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer. Shannon was one of the very first Christian blogs I came across, and from the moment I started reading her blog, I saw Jesus shining through her! She is a sweet woman that isn't afraid to stand from the platform of her very, very popular blog and tell the world that SHE.LOVES.JESUS. She is outspoken in her conservative views, and encourages great discussion, but most importantly to me is that Shannon is a very compassionate and loving person, and regardless of your background, saved or not saved, she welcomes you into her arms and calls you friend, and then proceeds to live a life that mirrors Jesus' love and compassion.

4. Sandy at For Reluctant Entertainers. Sandy is truly a woman after my own heart! I love to entertain, and sadly, not many women do (or want to, or feel they have time to, or think they even can) But, when you read Sandy's blog... you quickly see that she has a passion and burden on her heart to share easy and special ways to gracious living while using our God-given gift of hospitality. When I think about how a person reflects Jesus, it is more than just being sweet, and kind. Sandy displays Jesus through her love for and gift of encouraging others, making her a true encourager at heart. She also has a special way of showing Jesus in the way she writes. and has a talent for making it clear that your home doesn't have to be a certain "standard" before you can entertain. It's not about how clean home your home is, and its not about those gourmet-fully-homemade meals you spend hours slaving over, and it is totally not about coming up with specially scripted conversations. She shows how the simple act of opening your home up is about ministering to others and making people feel welcomed and loved, and valued in your eyes. And that is just what it feels like to read her blog. The more I email back and forth with Sandy, the more I fall in love with this woman that shines Jesus from every pore she has, and who's heart overflows with Jesus' grace. I promise ... even the person with the most hardened heart toward entertaining will come away from Sandy's blog feeling encouraged, loved, and motivated to do something small to start their path towards a gracious way of living. Sandy adds Jesus to her gracious and loving style of encouragement while keeping it simple -- and that, my friend far surpasses what Martha Stewart has to offer! (can you tell I have a passion for entertaining?)

5. The last person I want to honor is my friend Lauren from A Humble Heart, changed to Created for His Glory, changed to A Humble Heart - but still Created for His Glory. I wish that every single one of you could have the pleasure of meeting this woman in person. She is so considerate, and truly cares about a person. She is compassionate, gentle (while still being very outgoing), full of grace, humble, and sweet, sweet, sweet. And my friend Lauren has an awesome sense of humor. This is one person that I can honestly say that I know, know, KNOW she loves the Lord, and after anyone spends even one second with her, THEY also know she loves the Lord. Lauren stopped (sort of) blogging for a while, because she felt that blogging was overcoming other areas in her life. Lauren listened to God's still, quiet voice that was prompting her to take a step back. She is slowly coming back to the world-o-blog, and trust me when I say, the blogoshpere will be a better place when Lauren fully returns to writing about her life, her lessons learned, and her passion for her Savior. If you have any spare time at all, you simply must go back into her archives and read up on her, because you will soon fall in love with her too ... if you haven't already.

You know ... there are so many talented, Jesus-loving, Jesus-reflecting men and women out there that blog their hearts out. It is hard to select only a small hand full. I could go on and on and on, but I know that placing this in the hands of the few women above will trickle out into the blogosphere.

The award originated Here. That's probably the best place to learn more about it. Here's what it says you should do:

1. Copy this post. [Ooops -- I think I already failed. I changed it a wee bit! Okay, alotabit]
2. Replace [my bloggers with yours] & Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link 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 [see here]

Now y'all go give the award to all the other bloggers I'd have given it to if I'd not been limited to only five!