Friday, February 20, 2009

Nominated

So I am learning that in the blog world, there are these awards that get passed around. This week, I was informed that I was nominated for two of them! I've decided to include them both in one post. The first is one called "Honest Scrap" that I was nominated for by Overeducated Mommy

I am not going to do all the tagging and that stuff (no fun, I know), but the gist of this award is to list 10 not-so-well-known honest things about yourself. So here ya go:

1. I can't stand having spots on my mirrors, faucets, or the glass surround of our shower. I like shiny things to be, well, shiny!


2. I have a slight obsession with UGGs.


3. I love the fact that I am a morning person.


4. Recently, I have given up diet Coke (all soda, really) except on the rare occasion and instead drink Zazz (Giant brand flavored seltzer water). I think Zazz is AWESOME.


5. I really don't like McDonald's coffee, but find something empowering about going to get my free medium coffee every weekday morning this month. And no, I haven't fallen victim to actually buying anything else to eat there... just go through the drive through and order my free coffee!


6. I love to cook but am sometimes too tired to do it.


7. I have no vision for interior decorating whatsoever. That's why we bought a house that was already painted in colors we really liked!


8. I just think that teaching is okay... if I could have any job, next to being a mom, I would want to own a B&B.

9. I have never been more broken that I have been over these past several months after learning of Isaac's diagnosis, and after his death. Yet I am grateful for the way that God continues to meet me in my brokenness and has shown Himself faithful.


10. I love my son and miss him so much that some days it still physically hurts; I take the role of being his voice here on Earth very seriously... I want his life to continue to matter.


The second award was this one from Rebecca:




The rules of this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Have fun!


Therefore I have nominated 5 blogs that I love to read, even though I love so many more:

1. Bring the Rain- This blog is written by Angie Smith. She and her husband, Todd (who sings in Selah), gave birth to their daughter Audrey Caroline in April 7, 2008. She lived for just a few hours before going to be with Jesus. Angie is a fabulous writer as she recounts her love for her family, her love for Audrey, and her love for Jesus.

2. Homesick- Written by a wonderful momma named Devon, this blog is dedicated to remembering her twin boys, Blake and Ethan, who were born on March 5, 2008. They lived for just a few days before going to be with Jesus. Devon candidly shares her heart as she continues on her journey of missing her boys and honoring their precious lives.

3. The Beauty of Sufficient Grace- Kelli and her husband have established Sufficient Grace Ministries that helps support families through the loss of a child at or shortly after birth. She graciously sent me the "Dreams of You" memory book that they make... a baby book specifically designed for parents to remember their children who have left them far too soon. Having lost children herself, Kelli's blog is a testament to God's goodness and grace through one of life's most unspeakable circumstances: the death of a child. She has been such a source of encouragement to me.

4. The Pipers- Molly Piper is the daughter-in-law of the esteem Christian author, John Piper. She and her husband Abraham have, too, lost a child. Her blog has all sort of cool things on it, but one of the post helpful things I've stumbled across is a series of posts she did entitled "How to Help a Grieving Friend." GREAT advice for those looking to support friends and family members who are grieving.

5. Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground- Lynnette Kraft is the author of this blog. Lynnette and her husband have lost three children: two at birth, and one at six years-old. Like Kelli at The Beauty of Sufficient Grace, Lynnette speaks so boldly and tenderly about God's goodness and faithfulness. She is the author of the book In His Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me. She was kind enough to send me a signed copy, which I just started reading (and loving!!) last night. Her faith is a true inspiration to me.

There are so many more I could name, but wanted to leave it there.

So there you have it... 10 random honest things about me, and 5 blogs that I love!


And one little boy that I love...


7 comments:

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Congratulations on your awards Stacy...they are well-deserved! Your blog is beautiful...and it's always an inspiration to me to read of your beautiful faith...even as you are carried through this valley of sorrow. And thank you so much for thinking of my blog! What a blessing! Thank you, dear friend.

Love you,
Kelly

Unknown said...

I love the 'honesty' list. It is a good personal awareness exercise and so informative to learn the nitty gritty on people! I did something like that on facebook and learned so much about my friends.

I also am so grateful for your blog that it helps me connect with such amazing resources like your top blogs. Just amazing and lovely.

Foreverloves said...

As much as I love the black and white pictures, I especially love this one because the colors are just so beautiful. Congrats on your awards!

Kelli said...

Congratulations. Thank you for being true to yourself in the words that you share with the world.

Nicole said...

oh my gosh! I am a f-r-e-a-k about keeping shiny things shiny, especially mirrors! ha! have a great weekend!

Devon said...

ok, random thought....why do you get a free coffee at mcdonalds?? being a teacher??

Linda said...

Stacy, I am Lynnette Kraft's mom Linda. I have been reading your blog and I am so touched by your story, and what you have been through with the loss of your beautiful baby boy. How beautifully you express your love for him, and how open you lay your heart for us to see. Your faith is beautiful. I think you are precious and that our God loves you so very much. I pray that God will hold you sweetly in His arms, and minister to you and through you.

In Lynnette's book she tells a story of a time when her good friend was asking her how she would feel if personally Jesus had asked her to give back her child to Him, to fulfil His will for her life, and to be a witness of His grace. (My paraphrase,...but you get the idea). Well, it was then and there that Lynnette realised that the Lord was doing just that!...He was calling on her to surrender to His will. He was trusting her with the assignment to give back her child to Him and to let Him be glorified through it. Lynnette was His willing handmaid and she surrendered to His will for her life.

Through her pain and sorrows she has been able to glorify God as she helps others and testifies of His Grace. His grace is sufficient!

My life has been forever changed, and God has used the loss of our grandchildren to touch my husband's heart too. He became a Christian over 14 years ago when we lost Samuel,( Lynnette's first little boy to die) And our faith was deepend as we saw how God provided for their every need. God is so faithful!

When Josiah,(her second boy to die),went to heaven, we saw yet again how God heals the broken hearted, and we grew closer to Him. The day before Josiah's funeral we were baptised, and we both were surrendered to His will. We wanted to be used of Him and share our testimony with others.

By the time that our third grandchild to die, (6 yr. old Anna) went to heaven, we were so crushed in our spirits, and our hearts were missing her so much. But once again, God was faithful to walk us through the pain and once again He drew us close under his wing and sheltered us and loved us, and ministered to us through His people and through His Word and through the Holy Spirit. He is a great comforter!

I know this time is so very hard for you and I am sad for you and your broken heart. I will pray that God will make His presence known to you everyday in so many ways that you will be amazed!

I pray that He will carry you, just as He carried Lynnette and Kyle and their family, and my husband and I too. He is so faithful!

I am going to become a follower and watch your posts to see how God is taking care of you and how He is healing your sorrow, and blessing your life sweet sister in Christ.

Keep on trusting Him,
Linda