Unfinished bussiness - sharing the love

I believe that one of the greatest joys in life is being connected to people. Being encouraged by others is a gift, being able to then take the encouragement we receive and use it to fuel our own acts of love and support is a beautiful thing. I love how 1 John 4:12 says it, "If we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." Lately I have been praying that God would open my eyes to all of the opportunities around me to just love people. What an incredible thing to ponder - God's love being complete in us. My heart thrills at the thought! I have always been a bit of an introvert, thinking that I didn't have much to offer. Often, too stuck on what people would think of me and the fear of doing or saying something that would be all wrong to really love people well. God has been taking me out of my comfort zone and nudging me forward in this area. My work at the CPC has been a huge step in moving closer to where I feel God desires me to be. Opportunities abound there to love in practical ways. I'm excited to write more about becoming uncomfortable for the work that God has called me to. Stay tuned. :) So often I am reminded how much this life isn't about me. I am embarrassed at the frequency at which I need to learn this lesson. One really fun way to encourage one another is through our writing! A couple of weeks ago I shared some of the love that has been bestowed on me in the form of blogging awards. It meant so much to me and the timing was a God send. The encouragement came at a time where I was so weary, dealing with the disappointments of loss and unmet expectations. Due to the crazy time that it was, I chose to postpone my passing on of the awards, in anticipation of a better time. The time has come!! :) First of all, the lovely Artey Pico award, which was given to me by Christina at An unspoken story is shared when you take a photo. I am passing it on to my Cousin Stacey at Stacey's Sandbox. Stacey's love of writing is very evident in her blog! She writes about her three great kids and real life. Bloggers who are 'real' in their writing is a must for me to want to go back and read their writing often. Of course we are family and all, but I would read and love Stacey's blog even if we weren't! :) These are the rules that accompany the award (yes, I bent them a bit...) 1. Pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language. 2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone. 3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award (http://arteypico.blogspot.com/) Next is the blog of distinction award, which was given to me by Sarah at Life in the Parsonage. This one has to go to Mama Belle at The Bayou Belles and Their Beau. Her blog is distinct and so much fun! Again, a very authentic writer! She can be serious or seriously -laugh out loud- funny! I never know the treat I'm in for when I visit her blog. She is so true to herself, and even more importantly true to God and all that He is teaching her. This week I received some more encouragement! Mari at Out of Deep Waters and Matt at Rise Rise have both so generously shared the Brillante Weblog Premio with me. I was really surprised again to receive news of this. I just love being connected with other writers! Mari has so many wonderful things to share on her blog. God speaks through her writing beautifully. Mari, so glad you think my blog is a peaceful place - honestly I was delighted to read that. Believe me, my blog would be the only place around me at this time in my life which exudes Peace...( at least that is how I feel in this chaotic stage of mommy-ing) :) Oh and Matt, well, I pretty much left his sight bawling like a baby on one of my first visits. Read this post from him and you'll understand why! He is a writer who is kind enough to now share his heart with the blogging world. I am passing this one on to Jackie at Our Moments Our Memories. I am captivated by her writing, her love for her family and the Lord, her story telling abilities, and well, we kinda share a brain, enough reasons? Thank you all for the source of encouragement you've been. I've seen this sentiment shared on so many blogs lately: We never knew when we started sharing our lives or interests by blogging that we would meet a whole new community of friends. I whole heatedly share in that outlook! The encouragement shared by those who have left comments, and then through our sharing together have become friends, is really extraordinary! One of the many ways God has shown his love for me. Thanks for being a part of that!