Reflecting on Blogs

I've been struggling as to how I might best do this post. You see, there have been some awards circulating around Blogland and two dear young bloggy friends have seen fit to give one of them to me here at this blog. I want to thank Bethany and Beka for reaching out in love to me and especially, for their words that touched the heart of this Nanna. They are two of my favorites in Blogland and I didn't want to go another day without acknowledging their kindnesses, along with the spirit in which each was given. Please go visit them--they are both sweetie-pies and both honor the Lord, especially with their many hymn posts.

If you're wondering about the "struggle" aspect of this, it's this: The award given to me is called the Blogger Reflection Award and it originated here. (I don't know if the link is working to the right page.) From my understanding of it, recipients are to pass this award on to five other bloggers. That's where I'm having the problem. I cannot think of just five bloggers to pass it on to. Here at Nanna's Reflections, for the past year and more that I've been here, I have been visited by and gone to visit many folks, all of whom are special. Needless to say, some are more special than others, but I still don't want to pick five. I think awards are good things, though, because they help us to honor others, not just focus on ourselves. I know that Jesus wants us to be encouragers of fellow saints who walk along the pilgrim way with us, so awards are in keeping with that.

I visit the homes of many folks and each is unique in its own way. Different homes are a pleasure to visit for various reasons, not all the same. Some homes are not a pleasure to visit, so I don't go often. I think blogs are like that. For me, there are some which are pleasant to visit, but not all for the same reasons. So I'm passing on a "general" award to those blogs which I love to visit and to those who "dwell' there, while telling why I like to go see these bloggers.

1. The gorgeous ones - Some homes are like showplaces, having beauty, but no warmth. I'm not talking about those. Im referring here to those homes (blogs) displaying beautiful graphics, prose and lyrics, and sometimes music, all put together in a way that brings glory to God. The ones I love to visit are more than just artistic--they are warm, cozy, and inviting. You feel as though you could stay there all day.

2. The family-oriented ones - Often these blogs have lots of photos and interesting stories about their families. I feel that I've really gotten to know many of them as they tend to be very friendly people. The home is important to them, so we are quite likeminded in that area. They are dedicated to building a Christian environment for their husband and children in keeping with Proverbs 14:1, so I visit often to see what's going on at their house.

3. The well-written ones - Some people have a way of expressing themselves that touch the soul. They are quite articulate, even artistic, with the way their words flow, even when they are telling you about ordinary daily activities. I admire these folks, because they use their giftedness to encourage the rest of us. Some are family oriented and some have quite a bit of biblical content. I consider a few of them close bloggy friends and love calling on them whenever I can.

4. The down-to-earth ones - I can't think of a better way to put it. These dear people expess themselves in exactly the way they would if they were talking to you. They tend to be individuals who love Jesus, family, and other bloggers. Their close walk with the Lord emanates from almost every post they make. Needless to say, I go there as much as my tight schedule allows.

5. The inspirational ones - While most of the above groups have much inspiration in them, there are certain blogs which have a devotional focus. Honestly, some of these are places that the pages could be printed out, stapled together, and you would have a devotional book to use during your quiet times with the Lord. There are one or two which are rather didactic; others which turn their sufferings or their joys into inspirational pieces of literature. They all are special to me and help me in my daily walk.

6. The versatile ones - These people have all kinds of interesting things. They may be dispensing important information or trivia, having some fun activity, honoring someone or something, engaging in nostalgia, and a bunch more. You may find a poem, recipe, weather news, and loads of great pictures! And more often than not, they have something to say about the Lord. I've recently discovered a couple of grandmoms like this and I've thoroughly enjoyed dropping in on them to see what they're up to!

Well, you can see I've cheated terribly with this award. Not only did I not give it to individual blogs, but I had six categories instead of five! But do you understand why I couldn't bring myself to giving it to just five people? So, if you're reading this, you probably fit into one of these groups and you may consider yourself to have been awarded for your blogging efforts by Maxine at Nanna's Reflections.

Happy blogging!