Tuesday, December 9, 2008

When Life Gives You Lemons...


Mikki over at "Here's What Let's Do," gave me this award for being "A down-to-earth, honest, woman of integrity who never fails to have some amazing wisdom to share. Also a friend from the real world who I have seen move through adversity with grace and strength." (Her words)

Wow Mikki! You TOTALLY made my week! I feel like having a glass of lemonade right now! Wait, maybe I should invite you over for a glass of lemonade seeing how we actually know each other in the "real" world! (She is our amazing children's pastor's wife...behind every good man is an amazing woman!)

The purpose of this award is to give it to someone who is:

"showing gratitude or a good attitude (from 'if life hands you lemons, make lemonade')! "

within their life or blog.

I am happy to have others who inspire me and show me the way when it comes to peace and contentment in a life made complete in Christ. Here are the rules:

* Put the logo on your blog or post.
* Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
* Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
* Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are my 10...I honestly could have done a few more...but I'll follow the rules!

Kathryn from "Pure Wells" has an inspiring love and knowledge of the Word of God and her posts are flowing over with Scripture. I have the priviledge of praying in person with this mighty woman of God most Mondays at our children's school. You can bet if she is handed lemons she has a beautiful Scripture on hand to show how God is at work making the best lemonade you have ever been refreshed with.

Jeneil from "RhemasHope" is an amazing mom who has embraced her daughter's autism. She shares her sweet lemonade from a heart surrendered of her expectations as she rejoices and celebrates each precious day with her family.

Daveda from "Grace Talk with Daveda" is a beautiful friend that the Lord blessed me with this past summer at a Proverbs 31 weekend. She has such an amazing perspective on the power and absolute gift of God's grace. I am blessed each time I hear her speak or read her writings. I believe God has big plans (ministry) for this daughter!

El from "Profoundly Seth" has experienced the loss of a perfect and beautiful baby boy (Eli -who was stillborn) and her 4th child was born deaf (Seth). Her ability to walk openly and transparently through the joys and struggles of life - keeping humor, grace and faith throughout- is inspiring. She is in the process right now of making lemonade as she raises money for Seth to receive ear implants so he can hear. Another awesome mom!

Dana at "From Chaos to Grace" has made me laugh and cry (sometimes in the same post!) She loves the Lord, keeps it real, and is an amazing photographer. She not only makes lemonade, but gives it away freely to anyone who is thirsty!

Stacey at "The Blessed Nest" is one who if given lemons would be able to whip them up into a lovely arrangement and you wouldn't even want to make lemonade with them! She can take the simplest of items and make them beautiful.

AndreaLeigh at "My Chihauhau bites" is a lot of fun! She would take her lemons and throw a party for everyone to make lemonade together. She is full of life and creativity. Her adorable dogs would join in the fun! I bet they would like lemonade...

Stacie at "Life to the Fullest"wrote a post awhile back titled, "Fresh Faith" that really blessed me. I believe it was her lemonade freshly squeezed at the time...she has a lot of great truths and beauty to offer the world and is another one who is willing to be real and transparent in her struggles. I raise my lemonade glass to you!

"Butterfly Flutter"
is a wonderful homeschooling mom that I feel a kindred spirit with. I can't say I know her really well yet; but I know she has a heart full of love for her family & for the Lord. I know she has had some lemons this past year and she and her family are drinking the lemonade even now as they celebrate God's goodness this Christmas season!

Sarah at "Kingdom Mama" is someone I am just getting to know. She hosts the "Titus 2 Tuesdays" that I am a part of and she has a heart to minister to others. She can be seen collecting lemons from whoever may have them to offer; and then making wonderful lemonade - sharing it with those those who need a cold drink. I hope to get to know her more.

12 comments:

Mrs. Valente said...

Thank you so much! I am truly honored.

Mikki Black said...

Shanda, I can't believe this is your first award! I'm glad I could be the one to give it to you. May it be the first of many!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Thanks so much, this is such a sweet award :)!! I'm touched that you thought of me! I'll try to post on this soon! Have a great night :)

Blessings,
Stacey

AndreaLeigh said...

You are so sweet! Thanks for the award. And yes, my dogs would love the lemonade. :)

Anonymous said...

awwww....Shanda, I am HONORED! Thank you so much! We are headed out of town in the morning, but when I get back, I'll snag that award! YAY! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Shanda so much. I was very honored since we have not really know each other that much..

Anonymous said...

Shanda, thank you for such a meaningful award. I feel honored! I'm so glad God has connected us.

And you KNOW Kathryn (from Pure Wells) in person??? That makes you even cooler than I thought!

I am always blessed by your wisdom when I come here. James 3:17 is my verse for you: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Shanda said...

Jeneil,
Yes, I am blessed to know Kathryn in the "real" world. She is a rare treasure!

Thank you so much for sharing James 3:17-I love that verse!

I too am glad that God has connected us! I think I first found your blog by linking to you through a comment that you had left on Kathryn's blog. I stand in awe at how He works!

Blessings & Peace to you & your family!
Shanda

Kathryn said...

Oh, Shanda, what a wonderful surprise! Thank you!!

I look forward to passing it on ... but first, I have to make it through the FCS Middle School Christmas party tomorrow evening! :-)

I am so grateful for your encouragement, your friendship, and, most of all, your love of Christ.

Kathryn said...

OK, Shanda and Jeneil, you're embarrassing me. Now, whenever anyone meets me, they're going to say, "What? Where is the woman they were talking about?! This can't be her ..." :-)

Girls, I just can't wait to spend eternity with you both. Aren't we going to have the most glorious time together in the presence of the Lord? It makes me so happy to think about it!

Daveda said...

Aww...How awesome of you!!! Thank you so much, you are a very encouraging friend!

Sorry this took so long I have been MIA from the blog awhile, but I am back!

Love ya Shanda ~ Talk soon!

Anonymous said...

Oh Shanda, thank you so much for the wonderful award. I am honored! I did not know you had given it to me until the other night. I feel God brought us together for a reason. You have given me encouragement when I needed it the most. Thank you again for the award.