“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
~ Romans 1:11-12 (ESV – emphasis mine)

I haven’t given out the ‘Encourager of the Month’ award for some time now. Last time was July of 2007. I think it is time that I will start again giving out my little award. Of course my award is really nothing special, it is just an award from my heart…

The winner of January’s award is a very dear friend of mine. I can call her if I have a huge burden on my heart…I can email her when ever I need a prayer. She has been a co-author of Laced with Grace from the beginning in 2006 and she is wonderful prayer warrior…not only on my behalf, but on behalf of many women in bloggy-ville.

If you have never had the pleasure to read Lynn’s blog “Spiritually Unequal Marriage”, I encourage you to head on over to her blog. If you need prayers — well, she will storm the throne of grace on your behalf.

Lynn, I hope that you will accept my little award. You are a wonderful friend and an encourager to many in bloggy-ville. I am glad that the Lord saw it fit to cross our paths this side of heaven…

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” ~ Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

You know, it is a huge privilege to be part of a ever growing Christian blogging community. When I started blogging over 2 1/2 years ago, this was not the case. You had a few women who shared their faith on-line. There were always men blogging about their faith…but not many women. I am not sure what has changed, but I am loving it. If you sit down and really think about of what we are doing, sharing so openly on the world-wide-web, it leaves me speechless.

What truly is amazing to me though, is that we, as women, truly are a community of believers. We are not ‘hanging out’ our labels of denomination, but we are sharing Him, who loved us so much that He even died for us. We share faith, not doctrine. How cool is that? Isn’t that want Jesus would like to see? I think so. His Spirit dwells richly in the Christian women community. I praise Him for that.

Now you are wondering what inspired this Sunday post. An award that was given out to Sting my Heart over the past couple of weeks. Laurel, Elisa, Sharon (SWAW),Sharon (Quit Reflections), and Christian Moms Alliance saw it fit to give Sting my Heart this award:

“Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples. In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other “Disciples” to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1) this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ…”

I am very honored to receive this award. I am glad that God is using my writings to encourage, disciple, and hopefully have a closer walk with our Lord and Savior.

Now to giving this award to others. Many of you have already received this award, so let me think…

• Carol at She Lives — she is for me the Titus women Paul speaks about in his Titus 2 passage. I am glad that Carol is back blogging. Maybe a little lighter than before, but I am happy with anything she shares with us
• E-Mom at Chrysalis — she always shares wonderful articles with us. I am thrilled that she has taken over “Marriage Mondays” (created by Christine at Fruit in Season) that will be hosted once a month.
• Cyndi at One Day More — she is so inspiring to me with home-schooling her children; going on mission trips to share His Word with people around the world.
• Leigh at Speaking Thru Me — she is someone who always makes me smile when I visit. Her posts are like what cheerleaders do when they ‘fire on’ the team.
• Ruth at It’s True, sighed roo — she has such a sweet spirit. Some of her post of faith and following Him just blow me away.

There are so many other women out there that inspire me when they share their walk with Him, so I could have kept going…but I guess I have to follow the rules.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of God’s community. Be blessed today and as always…

I am so thankful that our Lord is using my little place on the Internet to encourage you…So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for these awards you graced Sting my Heart with:

Crystal (“God is in Control…NOT ME!”):

“Iris -well Iris just blesses me every time she stops by which is quite often. I am so thankful for a sweet friend like her, plus she is helping me promote my CD she is such a great friend.”

Dawn (“Simplified Life”):

“Here’s what the Power of Schmooze Award is all about: ‘As it goes, schmoozing is the natural ability “to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.” Good schmoozers effortlessly weave their way in and out of the blogosphere, leaving friendly trails and smiles, happily making new friends along the way. They don’t limit their visits to only the rich and successful, but spend some time to say hello to new blogs as well. They are the ones who engage others in meaningful conversations, refusing to let it end at a mere hello – all the while fostering a sense of closeness and friendship.”

Crystal (“The Song of my Soul”):

“Iris at Sting My Heart. Iris is another one I found just this year. She has a very inspiring testimony and I am always encouraged by her posts.”

Sharon (“Sit with Me Awhile”) & Debbie (“My Spot of Blog”):

Sharon: “I am going to try and hit all the blogs I hit regularly. There is a reason why the are my regulars -they touch my heart, stir my mind, and they keep me on my toes(sometimes they step on them too).”

Debbie: “Iris from Sting My Heart is another most deserving. She gives of her time to encourage us ladies all over the blogosphere. If you’re not a regular reader of her blog, I suggest you go on over and check her out. I think you will agree with me.”

Thank you again for you kind words. I pray that God will continue to use Sting my Heart to encourage you…

Be blessed today and as always…

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. ~ Romans 1:11-12 (NLT)

I am sorry, I am little late this month for giving out my little award…I have been a little preoccupied (I’ll share a little more in my devotion at LWG on Wednesday why I have been busy)…

This month’s recipient has been a huge encourager to me this past month. She already has gone through what I am going through right now–she has grown kids (didn’t realize how hard it is to let go and let God)…Anyway, she has a beautiful family and already has grandchildren. She has a sweet spirit and her blog is a comfort zone for me and many others…She lives in Texas (maybe that is why her heart is so big ) with her wonderful husband…

Linda, thank you so much for encouraging me all.the.time…not only in July. You encouragement on your blog; your testimony that the world will still turn when the kids are out of the house has tremendously helped me over the past month and 1/2. Thank you for being such a blessing to others and especially to me. I hope that you will accept my little “Encourager of the Month” award…

Blessings to you all — hope to see you all on Thursday…

The Lord has truly blessed me with awesome readers. Last week Crystal from “God is in Control…NOT ME!” awarded “Sting My Heart” the “Rockin’ Girl Blogger” award. I think it is so cool that Crystal thinks I am rockin’, considering my age …

Here is what Crystal had to say:

Well I am giving this award to Iris because she is having this great contest for a handbag with a verse written on it and I need some brownie points because I desperately want that bag….wink, wink….but other than that she is a great host to Thankful Thursday and I know that she has had a not so good day today and I wanted to make her smile (did it work Iris?)

I just love this girl’s honesty — that is very high rated in my books! As it goes with these awards, I suppose to pass it on to women who I think that are ‘rockin’…

You know, this is really, really hard for me to just pick a few from all the women I have come in contact with over the past 2 years (most of the blogs I read have already received this award)….So I was pondering and trying to think who I think is “Rockin” in bloggy-land (kinda hard to think when the outside temp is 115F or 45C — either way — it is HOT!!!!).

Well there are all the Thankful Thursdayer’s – they most certainly ROCK!!!! Than there are all the IOW participants – they ROCK too!!! And there is my personal Blogroll – those gals ROCK too!!!

So, here is the solution to my dilemma: If you have not yet received this award from one of the bloggers in bloggy-land, I would love for you to have it gracing your blog today. So, if you participate in Thankful Thursday, IOW or you are on my personal Blogroll, please download the button. I hope that you accept…

Now to the update that I mentioned in my title. Last week, Laurel awarded “Sting My Heart” the “Blogger Reflection Award” (the award originated at “Lady of Light” – a 16 year young Christian blogger). Well, since than “Sting My Heart” received two three four more nominations (Terri – I apologize for the oversight ). Please allow me to share with you…

Terri from “In His Hands” wrote:

Iris at Sting My Heart. I don’t know what I would do without Iris. She is so encouraging to me–always. She is such a great example of someone that has a servant spirit and makes me want to be more like Christ. I can absolutely envision Iris walking by His side—I love that thought.

Linda from “Middle Years” wrote:

…her sweet spirit is a reflection of the Savior who dwells within her heart. Her love for the Lord and for her husband and son are deep and abiding. Her desire to be used of the Lord through her writing is realized every time she publishes a post. She encourages, uplifts and inspires everyone who reads her words. She works so hard to see that words that bring honor and glory to the Lord are available to everyone. She has helped me over and over again with grace, patience and love. She is so very dear to me.

E-Mom from Chrysalis wrote:

Iris [A Peacemaker] Sting My Heart
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. (Matt 5:9 MSG).”

Susanne from Truly Captivating wrote:

Iris, at Sting My Heart is just a wonderful example of a truly Thankful Heart. She hosts Thankful Thursdays, and also Laced with Grace (devotional blog). Her sweet heart for Jesus and love for others is such an inspiration to me.

I am truly humbled that all four of you have such kind words about “Sting My Heart”. I would have never thought that God is using this blog to encourage others. You all have been such a delight to get to know. I am blessed that our Lord has crossed our paths. Your blogs are refreshing, unique and a sweet scent on the Internet. I know that our Lord is smiling on all of you who are not afraid to share His love, grace and mercy in such a public place…

Blessings on your Tuesday evening and as always…

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. ~ Romans 1:11-12 (NLT)

When I started this monthly award over a year ago, I was honestly afraid that I would run out of giving out this award to women who encourage me and others. Over the last six months though, I really have a hard time to pick just one per month. The Christian blogging community has truly changed which I attribute to CWO’s spread on the Internet. But I digress…

This month’s recipient of my little award (I know, it is not the all coveted Bloggers Award or Sweet Scent Blog Award) has been influential to many married women and mothers. I am very blessed to also blog with her at CWO’s Team Blog and co-host with her and others In Other Words. With her “Marriage Monday” and her “30-Day-Challenge to Honor our Husbands” she set me back on the path I started over two years ago. God knows that I do need those reminders once in a while to set me straight on my priorities. She has a sweet spirit and is always so encouraging through her posts and comments…

Christine, thank you so much for your continued encouragement in my marriage. Thank you for wanting me to be a better wife (and mother). I know you are very busy with your family, children and your new little son, Zachary. I am thankful that the Lord has crossed our paths. I do hope that you will accept my little award of gratitude.

If you have never visited Christine’s blog “Fruit in Season” I encourage you to pay her a visit. You will be encouraged, believe me.

Blessings on your Sunday and as always…

Laurel, you humble me with what you shared with your readers why you find it worthy to present this award to me:

Iris at Sting My Heart. She has become my lifesaver, on days when Satan is attacking. She is my confidante when things of the heart are pressuring me. I always enjoyed flying home to see my family in Phoenix, now I have the added bonus of seeing Iris. I don’t think I would be blogging or writing as much if it were not for her encouragement. She is a friend you can be real with, lay out all your imperfections and she still talks to you…now that is a keeper in my book.

Now the instructions say I get to pass this on to 5 people and I quote:

“who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy… of knowing them and being blessed by them.”

“This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you’re going to do the award don’t just write a few words and slap it on your Blog. Write real thoughts about these Bloggers and what they’ve meant to you. If the Bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don’t be afraid to give it to them again. They deserve it as many times as it’s given.”

It is so hard to just pick 5 women. There are so many women that have impacted my life, my view on things over the past year. I wish I could just give out a blanket award for all who I have come in contact with. But I do will hold to the rules. Here are my five recipients:

• Terri at In His Hands – she has shown me that you just have to trust in Him and His provision. Terri and her family are waiting right now to adopt a little girl from China. Although the waiting is hard on her, sometimes she even gets frustrated; she keeps her faith through it all. Terri’s support for others in the same situation is awesome.
• Lisa at the Preacher’s Wife – she makes me laugh. She is an amazing woman—raising 4 children, getting a degree in theology, being a preacher’s wife (which I know is not an easy task to share ones husband with an entire congregation), writing a Bible study…What really has impacted me though is her sense of humor. She is showing me that one should not take oneself too serious and laugh over the little mishaps in life.
• Carol at She Lives has hugely impacted my spiritual life. She made me dig much deeper into Scripture—go directly to the Source of our faith. When I have questions about doctrines, guess who I email? Although we are from a total different congregational background, it doesn’t mean that we can’t have civilized discussions. Carol blew some fresh air in my stuffiness.
• Linda at Middle Years – her love for God and her family is an example to me. Linda and her hubby are married for 40 years and are still so much in love with each other. Although I am sure that they had their struggles here and there, they made their marriage work—with Christ in the center.
• (I know I probably break the ‘rules’ with this one) Laurel at Laurel Wreath is not just a blogging friend. Laurel is to me more like a younger sister (I know Laurel you already have siblings). We talk about everything – I mean EVERYTHING. She knows, even without me telling her, that there is something wrong with me. Now sure how she does it, but she knows. My favorite part about her—she is honest with me. If I am on the wrong track, you can bet she’ll let me know .

Okay, so this was much harder to pick just five. Because there are so many others that have impacted my life (as I mentioned above a blanket award would have worked for me). If anyone ever tells you that blogging women are not ‘real friends’, tell them that is not true. They go with you through everything just like your friends in your town/city.

So, thank you Laurel for giving me the award and me the opportunity to share the award with others.

The rules for this award can be found here, and I understand that you can feel free to bestow this honor on Bloggers that you want to honor.

Blessings on your Saturday and as always…

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. ~ Romans 1:11-12 (NLT)

I don’t even know where to start with this month’s Encourager of the Month~ May’07. She makes me laugh, smile, think, how I act in public…I think I like her sense of humor the best. But then again there is her Biblical teachings. What can I say about that? Wow really doesn’t cut it, does it? She always finds ways to apply Scripture passages to every day life situations. And this post made me cry and reflect deeply on who I am in Him…

Most of you know her through her beautiful Bible study “I Am…so I don’t have to be“. Lisa, you have been really encouraging not only to me, but to a lot of women IRL and in Bloggyland. I am so thrilled that the Lord has crossed our paths. I am very blessed and I feel privileged that we are blogging together at the Internet Cafe.

I pray that you will accept this little award and that you know that I am challenged by your thoughts on your personal blog, “The Preacher’s Wife” and your post on the “Internet Cafe”…

If you have never, ever visited Lisa, I urge you to just check her out. I know that she will draw you back for more…

Blessings on your Friday and as always…

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. ~ Romans 1:11-12 (NLT)

I really have been blessed by God with the women He has surrounded me with here in Bloggyland. Some of my readers have become dear friends as well. Yeah, I know, most of them I have not met IRL (except one), but I know that we would hit it off if we would meet this side of heaven. It would be no different with this month’s recipient…

She is not only an encouragement to me, but to many others on the Internet, especially to the ones that are seeking to adopt. She has some wonderful resources for parents who are willing to adopt. When I visit Thankful Thursday participants, she usually already left an encouraging comment…And she writes once a month for LWG to give me a little breather…

Terri, you truly have been an encourager to me and many others. I pray that your son will recover quickly from his accident and you will find rest while you are caring for him. And no, I am not sending the encouragement award your way because of the gift, but because what you have said to me: “You’ve been an amazing friend to me in such a short period of time but more importantly you really bless me. You really inspire me to be in God’s Word more and be true to Him on a daily basis.” (emphasis mine) I am humbled to know that God is using my feeble attempts to draw others into a closer relationship with Him…Terri, I hope you accept my little award ~ Be blessed today and always! And maybe God will allow us to meet this side of heaven

Many of you know her. She has brought many Christian women together. Actually, she is hosting the biggest Christian women Blogring. God is using her talent of communication to glorify His name on the Internet…She has a sweet Canadian accent…you can find her smiling at you from the top of her blog.

Darlene, you have been an encourager to me since last year and it is about time that I present to you the “Encourager of the Month ~ March 2007″…Because of you, I want to write better. I know that I still have a long way to go, so thank you for the opportunity to contribute to CWO’s Internet Cafe. You support me with prayers to hold fast to the dream God has placed in my heart…I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart. I hope you except my little award. And by the way: Happy Birthday, Darlene.

Thank you Loni, Janice and Mary to reward Sting my Heart with the “Thinking Blogger Award”. I am thrilled that God is using Sting my Heart to make you think…See also my original post about the “Thinking Blogger Award“…

Blessings on your day and as always…