Sunday, February 3, 2008

On Backlogs And Blog Business

During the last month or so of barfdom, I let a lot of things in blogdom slide. But, being on the mend (right, Father?) I am endeavoring to catch up a bit. Bear with me.

mathetesaward

The Mathetes Award was created to honor those who are about YHWH's Word, have a heart to share YHWH's Word, and further His Kingdom. The role of a disciple of Christ is to carry His message to the ends of the earth ~ even using the internet. Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples.

My girlfriends Carla Lynne and Holly each honored me with the Mathetes Award, each accusing me of being a Disciple-Maker. To that I can only assert that YHWH's Word has definitely not returned void in this girl...He truly has used the foolish. I am blessed to call each of these women friends and mentors. I am honored to be considered the same.

I am hesitant to say, these are the women from whom I learn, as I really don't travel much in the blogosphere. Holly was brave enough to resist the unspoken, but real pressure to give the award to all new folks from the ones from whom she received it.
She said, "I have struggled with who to send this to… the ones who disciple me are the ones who already have this award. I have wanted to avoid the appearance of a little cycle, or a popularity contest. It’s just not that. So - I have chosen, simply to say, “these are the people who are teaching me, cycles be hanged.”

I agree. But I have struggled with the other hand, that Carla Lynne mentioned,
"...a friend convinced me it's a way to introduce folks to each other. I also realized I have found some supreme writers, acquaintances,... fellow sojourners and friends, through something as simple as a link."

That said, I'll do a little of both. Following are the women at whose feet blogs I sit to learn and be a disciple. They are Christ-Followers that I believe are endeavoring purposely, or even accidentally, to be Disciple-Makers.

Carla Lynne ~ I have followed since her days at HomesteadBlogger. As much as I learn from her regarding all things naturally healthy and crunchy, I learn far more from her heart for YHWH. This chick is completely sold out, and following YHWH wholeheartedly, despite the flack that being a true follower draws. Brave, resourceful, wise and unashamed...she is one of my heroes.

Cheri ~ Oh, her excitement regarding studying the Word is contagious! I love to hear the joy in her "voice" as she tells about some new thing she has learned. She began studying in a new way this year, and her life (and her boys' life) will never be the same. This gal inspires me to never think of any part of life as too hard, but to keep plugging along.

Holly ~ Grace in the midst of trials is her specialty. She is always, always looking for the good in situations, in people, in life... I truly am inspired to seek faithfulness because of her example. Those tiny, fleeting moments that make up motherhood, each of those choices we make in a day, all add up, and Holly is so diligent to record them...and teach us that faithfulness is a moment-by-moment decision.

Lisa ~ One of the first women I ever "met" who was brave enough to examine Scripture in a new light. She shares a love for the Word, and for truth. The questions mulling around in her heart often lead to blog posts that really get you thinking...and studying.

Keri Mae ~ A quiet, simple Momma who encourages through her posts. She is endeavoring to be productive at home, not wasting time gadding about, all the while sharing life and heart issues with the blogoshpere in her "spare" time. I am currently reading a book she recommended called _War On The Saints_. Look for her recent post about it.

excellentblog

Robin Sampson at Heart at Home has also awarded me the Excellent Blog Award. According to the rules of the Excellent Blog award:
By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to 10 more people who’s blog’s you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want but please award at least 10. Thank you out there for having such great blogs and being such great friends! You deserve this! Feel free to award people who have already been awarded…

Again, I don't have much time to blog hop, but when I *do* get a chance to meander about, these are some of the ladies I visit. Remembering our instructions to redeem the time, don't feel that you need to check these out all at once. Okay?

  1. Amy @ Blessed Motherhood

  2. Beth @ Brew*Crew Adventure

  3. Deanna @ Abundant Blessings Homestead

  4. Katie @ Team Bettendorf

  5. Stephanie @ Sojourner In A Strange Land

  6. Plain Jane @ Prairie Girls

  7. Beth @ Hebrew Hearth

  8. Annette @ Hinds Feet On High Places

  9. Robyn @ Lentils and Rice

  10. Elise @ A Path Made Straight

8 comments:

  1. Well - wow. I love hearing good things about myself. :) Thank you, my friend. I'm blessed and speechless.

    Julie, you are a gem and I have learned a lot from you. I fully agree that this award is one that is fitting to bestow upon you. You are a truly amazing woman.

    I'm glad to have met different ladies through your blog. There are quite a few amazing and wonderful women who browse these same pages and I'm thrilled whenever I "meet" one of them.

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  2. Julie,

    Thank you very much, I feel so honored to be included on the list. :-)

    I really enjoyed visiting the other blogs you listed. There are so many encouraging blogs out there that have helped me in my journey as a wife and mother, and I'm always excited to find more. :-)

    Thank you, again. :-)

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  3. I think that I'll start commenting here as "bethb" to forgo any confusion, since I believe that the other Beth (hi Beth) frequented here first, and funnily enough, we both use a little "b" for our name when commenting. k?k!

    Thank you for thinking of me Julie, and awarding me this prestigious honor of thinking my blog "Excellent"! I truly am happy to receive your timely accolades. You are such a great encourager and your blog is always such a joy to peruse.

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  4. Hi Julie,
    Thanks so much....you are amazing!
    On another note, you've been tagged on my blog today...maybe this will help you with an easy post while you get back to feeling spiffy!
    Love ya,
    Cheri

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  5. Thank you, sweet friend. I am humbled...

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  6. Thank you, my friend... I am humbled.

    And I agree- you are amazing! Your friendship warms me so...



    Love,
    Carla

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  7. Thank you, Julie. I'm honored you thought of me. Blessings and peace to you and your expanding tribe.

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  8. Just found your blog and look forward to reading more as time allows. Blessings!

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