About 2 weeks ago, I got this nomination from my sweet friend Jen. She blogs at Extra*Ordinary and I’ve linked her name directly to her own Liebster Acceptance speech. In it she gives such a great glimpse into her personality, and I think you’d really like her! I am blessed beyond measure with our new friendship! Thank you, Jen:)
With that said…
What is the Liebster award, you ask? The Liebster award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.
Rules for receiving this award: 1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they’ve tagged to answer.3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.4. Notify the people you have tagged.5. No tag backs.
So, Here Are Eleven Random Facts About Me:
- I went to Bible College and I only had 2 classes to finish my bachelor’s!!! But that’s a long story. One day (hopefully soon) I plan to complete it.
- When I was about 23 I went on a missions trip to England, and got addicted to McVities and Yorkshire tea.
- I’ve loved reading since I was a little girl. I shared a room with my sister, so sometimes I’d stay awake till sunrise reading with a flashlight and the covers pulled over my head.
- I never learned to cook until I got married.
- My husband and I got addicted to the TV series Lost. It was my absolutely favorite show of all time!! But the ending disappointed me so much, that I never bought the last season, and I refuse to recommend it :)
- If you can’t already tell, I’m actually really passionate, but inRL you’d probably never know…except my best friends!
- One of my favorite activities is decorating my house. I love home projects!
- I have been blessed with some of the best friends a girl could ask for…literally!! I have some of the most loyal, faithful, deep relationships…my husband being my very best friend.
- I am an introvert. I love quiet and time alone; even social media can drain me, hence, my inconsistency with facebook and twitter. Blogging’s different, though!
- I’m not addicted to coffee, but I don’t like to go a day without it! :) I like it with rich cream: no sugar, and I very rarely drink espresso beverages!
- My family is my life, and my greatest priority next to God.
Now, Jen’s questions for me:
1. In a sentence or two, what is the message you have to share with the world?
Jesus Christ loves us so much He died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. Entrusting everything to Him will give you the most meaningful, and beautiful life you could ever know…and every sacrifice will be worth it!
2. What is your most recent favorite book?
I can’t say I have a recent favorite book, but honestly, I’m a teen at heart…loving Young Adult fiction. Anne of Green Gables is one of my very favorite series!! Elisabeth Elliot’s my favorite author, and I quote her way too much!
3. Describe the most perfect moment you can remember.
My first husband, Justin, passed away three years after we were married. On our wedding day, I was terrified! I knew he was God’s man for me, but I suddenly felt like running down the aisle. When I married Mike, I prayed fervently for peace and joy on our wedding day. When that day came around, I was able to enjoy every moment. I was confident, sure, and sensed the Presence of God. Every moment and every detail was perfect! On the other hand, my husband was terribly sick!! So maybe God knew I needed to be strong for him:)
4. What was the last thing you pinned on Pinterest?
I’ve only pinned on Pinterest once, and I think I pinned 4 things.
5. What’s your favorite season?
Ooh, that’s so tough!! Fall is beautiful. I love the crisp air, the changing of colors, the apple orchards, and since I loved school, there’s always a sense of nostalgia in the fall with a fresh beginning, the smell of new books and the welcome of a clean, organized classroom.
6. Tell a brief funny story from junior high.
Oh, Jr. High was awful!! I went through my girliest stage in Jr. High, and my best friend and I would sit in class and put on make-up. I don’t know how we got away with it, and I know we got teased. I get so embarrassed thinking about it now!
7. What is your biggest dream?
That’s tough too, because I dream that my kids know and love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength…and leave a godly heritage. That is my very greatest dream. Second to that, is to one day be a published writer for God’s glory… in order that others would grow in their walk with the Lord.
8. Favorite flower?
Any kind of daisy…such a friendly flower! But I do love to pair it with classic and romantic flowers, like roses and hydrangeas.
9. What is your greatest fear?
My children not knowing the Lord :(
10. Top 3 favorite blogs to read?
Allume- because it encourages me as a writer, pushes me to work hard as a blogger, encourages me in the Lord, and introduces me to a lot of new blogs.
The Pleated Poppy-because she’s so cute and her craftiness inspires me
A Holy Experience-Who doesn’t love Ann Voskamp!? Her perspective on God and life, her unique writing style, the way she tells a story with her photography…I all around love her. But especially, her humility.
11. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I love waking early, because I love the quiet and stillness of the morning; I love the start of a fresh new day. But I’m bad at it. So, depending on the season of life (how busy I am and my commitments) I am either.
Now, the truth is that I’ve only recently reached out to the blogging community, so some of these bloggers I know, while others are bloggers I’ve read and would like to get to know. I believe you’ll love each one. So, here are the 11 people I nominate:
1. Kim @ Canaan Bound Brigade
2. Amanda @ The Cadence of a Conquering Housewife
3.Mary Beth @ New Life Steward
4. Amy McCollister @ Beloved Pursuit
5. Jana @ Grace for My Mess
6. Rachel @ Circle of Quiet
7. Dolly @ Soul Stops
8. Elizabeth @ Dog Fur and Dandelions
10. Mandy @ His Song to Me
11. Lizzie from Kairos Coaching, LLC
And these are the questions I have for them:
- Do you prefer the city or the country?
- Where would you go if you could vacation anywhere?
- Why do you blog?
- How would you describe yourself in a sentence or two?
- What are your passions?
- Do you prefer sweet or salty?
- What’s your average day look like?
- What’s the most risky thing you’ve ever done?
- Did you learn anything from that risk?
- What’s your favorite book?
- What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Okay, now it’s your turn! Have fun!
Hi, I’m Jacqui, a wife and stay at home mama. I started this blog to share what God’s teaching me - how He’s changing me. It seems that most days I’m a little messy and broken. This is where I’m finding petals of grace. Beauty from ashes. Will you join me?
Today started with me spilling my coffee, not once, but twice! But then I found this on the computer. No clue how long it will take for me to do this, but this MADE MY MORNING! Thank you! I had not yet received an award, and while I try to be all “My blog’s just too cool for them,” truth be known this girl would love a shout out! So thanks for the shout out! :))
Also: I love Anne of Green Gables too. KIndred spirits? I think so :)
Amanda @ http://www.the-cadence.com
Aww, Amanda, this made me smile! I hope your day ended well. And yes, kindred spirits:)
Wow, Jacqui…I am touched you tagged me. It was fun to read your questions and get to know you better. Thank you!
We are kindred when it comes to social media because I am an introvert, and only on Twitter – since January, and I’m still learning :)
Glad to tag you, Dolly! I love your meditations: soul stops :) Anyway, I am still learning twitter, too! I miss direct messages all the time, and even mentions: not that I get a lot of either, but I always feel bad when I don’t notice for awhile!
Aw, thanks so much for tagging me Jacqui! I actually just did a Liebster post a week ago, but here’s my answers to your questions:
1 – I am definitely a country gal, although I grew up near Boston and still LOVE visiting the city.
2 – Scotland, to visit our clan castles; and Italy, for the food & countryside & history & art.
3 – I write, because it helps me process what God’s teaching me. I blog, because I don’t want to keep it all to myself!
4 – I am me :) And I am what I am by God’s grace alone.
5 – Studying the Word & writing about it; being a gracious help to my husband; being Christ-filled
6 – Neither, really. I prefer clean tastes, like water and fruit and veggies.
7 – I’m a homebody – partly due to disability, partly because I just love taking care of my home. I get up, help my husband get ready for the day, spend time writing & networking & making friends, do housework, read/study my Bible, exercise, create supper (yes, it’s always a creation), and relax with hubby in the evening.
8 – Does writing a book count? Not published yet, but hopefully it’s on its way there.
9 – If God gives you the opportunity, He’s gonna give you the grace to fulfill that opportunity!
10 – Besides the Bible… I don’t really have a favorite right now. Probably because I read so much that it constantly changes!
11 – Time with my husband, either hiking in the mountains or exploring Civil war battlefields.
Elizabeth, I’m so sorry I don’t know how I missed that!!! Thanks for sharing your answers. I have loved getting to know you :)
P.S. I’m working on my list and once I post, I will let you know…this is a little out of my comfort zone, but for the sake of a new friendship, I’m willing to be stretched…Blessings to you :)
I totally understand, Dolly! A little out of my comfort zone, too! And I realized afterwards I asked some pretty personal questions!! Looking forward to your speech:)
Here are my answers to your thoughtful questions: http://soulstops.com/post/2012/08/23/Eleven-Random-Things-About-Me-and-then-some.aspx
I really enjoyed reading this and getting to know you more. I love your heart for your children and others to know the Lord. I didn’t realize you have been married twice or that your first husband passed away. I have said it and will say it again, I would love to be your real-life friend and hear about your life & your relationship with God. I am so thankful for our friendship, too! :)
Oh, Jen, I love your heart, too!! I love that you really want to reach mamas, and you write so gracefully! I hope that we can meet one day! I already feel our hearts knit together! ;)
This is so nice Jacquie! I would like to say that I feel pretty good about myself that I knew your were passionate ( : it is always a little bit shocking when you pipe up because you are so soft spoken and wait to share untill you have thought it through. But I always love to hear what you are passionate about. I think someones opinion is worth more when they don’t run their mouth about every little thing that passes through their mind… I say that from a lot of experience of regretting dumb things I have said without thinking!
You’re so funny Rosalyn!! But you know you’re one of my closest friends:)!! And I definitely understand saying dumb things without thinking!! Hence, me messaging apologies for my hasty words with you; I’m notorious for apologies! My closest friends know that, too :) Thanks for visiting, Roz! Love you!
Confession: I first “Discovered” you when I found out you had tagged Dolly for this award (cuz I love her and would have tagged her if you hadn’t!) So I stopped by and when I saw the list of writers you had chosen to tag, I wondered why our paths hadn’t crossed more!!
AND YET I LURKED AND DIDN’T COMMENT! ACK! will you forgive me? God’s still working on me…
And you and I are so kindred, I can tell already. Looking forward to getting to know more of your heart!
Nikki, you are so funny!! :) Thanks for being real! I’m looking forward to getting to know more of your heart, too!