Three Day Quote Challenge, Day 3

On June 11, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games4 Comments

Here is my third and final quote:

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I can’t see the future. I can’t see how my decisions today are going to impact my future. I can’t figure out everything I need to do today to make my future a good one. I can’t see how all the details in my life – both good and bad – are going to work together for the future God promises me. But I know the One who can. And I can trust that He knows what I need to know and experience today that will get me to that future. All I really need to do is listen, obey, and enjoy the ride.

And that includes becoming the person He made me to be.

And a bonus quote I just ran into…

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just because it made me laugh.

I laughed again at Dorci Harris’ response: “Oh yes, they can swim. They can float, dive and hold their breath. For years. But only God can walk on water.” Let’s hope more of our enemies are like the Eygptians who got swallowed by the Red Sea than the ones Dorci it talking about!

Thank you again Sue Love at Run With It for nominating me for this Three Day Quote Challenge.

Now I would like to nominate Faith on the Farm for the 3 Day Quote Challenge because she reminds me of my brother and his family who live on a plot of land with all kinds of animals also. Faith on the Farm is an awesome name and just right for this lovely Christian girl sharing her faith!

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

For 3 days, provide a quote each day and why you like or chose that quote.

Nominate one or more bloggers each of the three days for the Challenge and then send them a comment letting them know they have been nominated.

(When you receive a nomination, if you’re too busy, you can do it later if need be.)

Three Day Quote Challenge, Day 2

On June 9, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games4 Comments

Here is my second quote:

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It seems there’s drama everywhere I look. Lots of emotional people expressing their opinions and disagreements. And it’s soooo easy to be drawn into it. However, as Christians, I believe we should be influencing others, not being influenced. After all, Christ lives in us and we should be allowing His peace as well as light to shine through us. If we get pulled into other people’s storms, our light is diminished just as storm clouds diminish the light from the sun. And our peace is destroyed just as the winds destroy the peace of calm sunny days. We have the peace of Jesus in us but only by staying out of the storms will be able to share it with those who come seeking refuge.

In the same vein, I also like the visual from the following quote. Repeating it usually helps me stay out of other people’s drama:

Not my circus. Not my monkeys. (or zoo or jungle).

I’ve heard it from several places and I don’t know who to give credit to for it. If you know, kindly tell me so I can add it to this blog.

Thank you again Sue Love at Run With It for nominating me for this Three Day Quote Challenge.

Now I would like to nominate God’s Warrior at Taking Up My Cross for the 3 Day Quote Challenge because he has a wide range of interests and is completely bible based. I can’t wait to see which quotes he decides to share!

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

For 3 days, provide a quote each day and why you like or chose that quote.

Nominate one or more bloggers each of the three days for the Challenge and then send them a comment letting them know they have been nominated.

(When you receive a nomination, if you’re too busy, you can do it later if need be.)

Three Day Quote Challenge, Day 1

On June 9, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games6 Comments

Thank you, Sue Love at Run With It, for nominating me for this Three Day Quote Challenge. Sue writes a variety of blogs – poetry, hymns, devotionals – that all share one thing in common: her love for God and desire to encourage (and sometimes challenge) us by sharing that love.

Here is my first quote:

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I am a product person. I don’t usually enjoy the process of making something. I get my satisfaction from the finished product. Which is usually fine, if it doesn’t take too long to get to that finished product. For example…

I wanted to be married but hated the process of getting married.

I wanted to be moved into my new home but hated the process of finding the new home.

I wanted my new job but hated the process of learning a new skill set.

I have come to realize that by focusing on the end product instead of the process, I miss out on many of daily joys that are part of the process. To remedy that, I’ve started trying to break large tasks into smaller tasks so that I can feel satisfied with each completed step. In other words, I can feel joy throughout the project and not just at the end.

This holds true for my spiritual growth also. I don’t just want to be the whole, healed, strong, warrior princess that God is forming me into, I want to be the whole, healed, strong, warrior princess NOW. I forget to look at the progress I’m making as I focus on the finished product.

I love this quote because it reminds me to take joy in the process, not just the end result. If Jesus can enjoy my small steps and feel proud of me when I accomplish something new towards that goal, no matter how small it appears to me, – and other people can be proud of my small accomplishments as I make them – then I can be proud of me too. Right now.

In the words of Joyce Meyer:

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(Does posting two quotes instead of one make me an overachiever? lol)

Now I would like to nominate Roses at Dawn for the 3 Day Quote Challenge. I just discovered her blog and am enjoying how she connects her every day activities to God and His word. I love that she describes herself as an “optimistic pessimist who is learning to bless our God at all times, and to continually, no matter how difficult life may be, praise Him with my words and actions“. I want to be like her when I grow up!

The rules of this challenge are as follows:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.

For 3 days, provide a quote each day and why you like or chose that quote.

Nominate one or more bloggers each of the three days for the Challenge and then send them a comment letting them know they have been nominated.

(When you receive a nomination, if you’re too busy, you can do it later if need be.)

Light of the World Award

On June 3, 2018June 2, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games2 Comments

I was delightfully surprised to be nominated for the Light of the World Award again, this lotw-award-200 time by the awesome dancer, photographer, and writer BibleBloggerGirl of Teen, Meet God. Her love for God at such a young age is an inspiration to me! This award was created by Joe from Lighthouse Devotions. I like this award because its name is all about what I’m trying to do with my blogs – shine a little light into the world. To be nominated twice is the highest compliment I could receive! Thank you so much, Shae!

Here are the rules:

Save and add the award image on your blog. (Here is the link for the award post with image and rules of award.)
Create a page/post to mention the award nomination and thank the person/blog that nominated you. Make sure you provide a link to their site.
Give credit to the creator of the award (Lighthouse Devotions) and provide a link to the site as well. (http://www.Lighthousedevotions.blog)
List the rules.
Answer the next four questions on the same post:
1. What three words would you use to describe your blog?
2. In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ?
3. What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world?
4. What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available.
Nominate 7 or more people/blogs to receive the award. Briefly explain why you think they should receive it and provide a link to their sites.
Contact them and let them know that you nominated them.
Provide them with a link to the Rules page.
Say a prayer thanking God for His light and ask that He continue to shine it through you and your blog.
Keep shining the light of Christ wherever you go and in whatever you do!

My new answers:

God-focused, variety, encouraging
by walking the talk – by really believing what we say we believe, and being open about that belief
Genesis 1:3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Lights Shine Bright by TobyMac (feat Hollyn)

My nominees:

I have nominated many amazing bloggers for this and another award, and most have not accepted them. I know of a few reasons, but most I can only guess. The last thing I want to do is bother anyone by nominating them when they’d prefer not to be involved. So, instead of trying to guess who’d appreciate being nominated, I’m going to do this a different way. If you’d like to be nominated, or know someone who would love to receive this award, leave me a comment. I will choose seven who, as the award says, shine Jesus’ light in a dark world and list them here. 🙂

Light of the World Award

On May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games7 Comments

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Wow! What a great birthday! Most years my birthday passes as just another day – nothing special happens and there’s no celebrations. I expected the same this year.

But I was wrong. I feel like God celebrated my day with me by giving me several gifts – an unexpected check in the mail, a unexpected gift from my husband, an ultrasound and good news about my soon-to-be-born first granddaughter, and now… the Light of the World Award!

Thank you Joe from Lighthouse Devotions for nominating me!

Joe created this award to honor authors (bloggers) whose presence on the web serve as a shining light for Christ and His Gospel of salvation. (You can read his words here.)

There is no greater honor he could have given me!

Here are the rules:

Save and add the award image (pictured above) on your blog.
Create a page/post to mention the award nomination and thank the person/blog that nominated you. Make sure you provide a link to their site.
Give credit to the creator of the award (Lighthouse Devotions) and provide a link to the site as well.
List the rules.
Answer the next four questions on the same post:
What three words would you use to describe your blog?
In what way(s) can a Christian shine for Christ?
What bible verse (quote it) talks about being a light in a dark and lost world?
What Christian song do you know that has the word “light” in it? Provide a link if available.
Nominate 7 or more people/blogs to receive the award. Briefly explain why you think they should receive it and provide a link to their sites.
Contact them and let them know that you nominated them.
Proved them with a link to the Rules page.
Say a prayer thanking God for His light and ask that He continue to shine it through you and your blog.
Keep shining the light of Christ wherever you go and in whatever you do!

Here are my answers.

A. creative, glorifying, unique

B. The people I’ve known that seemed to shine the brightest were people who had a heart for Jesus and lived by what He taught. By all of what He taught. What HE taught. No matter how hard.

C. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

D. Shine Jesus Shine an old worship song I loved!!

And my Nominees…

His Perfect Timing – always positive, great graphics and even songs

Pastor Tommy Grace for the Race – relates scripture to everyday life, makes me feel like I really can be a light in this world

Sue Love Run With It – shines the light of His Word through scripture based commentary and song

T. R. Noble, Inside Cup – songs, devotionals, commentaries, – her light shines through all of it

Efua Grace Over Pain – several kinds of posts, always interesting and positive

Amy Blount A New Life – God’s power to redeem and restore is a powerful light to those with traumatic backgrounds

Becoming His Tapestry – uplifting, makes me feel she’s writing directly to me

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14 (NAS)

Mystery Blogger Award!

On May 15, 2018May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games7 Comments

I was impressed the other day running across a blogger’s statement that he wasn’t blogging for awards and, although appreciating those who nominate him, he wouldn’t be accepting any of them.

I wish I could say the same about my blogs.

But I can’t. I LOVE awards! I’m honored by them! I’m thrilled by them! They validate what I’m doing in a way few other things can. The recognition I feel from someone walking the same road I am is simply amazing! photogrid_1476365612975

And I was just nominated for the Mystery Blogger Award! Thank you On My Way Home for the public pat on the back! I am especially honored and thrilled to receive this nomination from a published author of children’s books – a goal I aspire to soon!

In the words of its creator Okoto Enigma :

“WHAT IS MYSTERY BLOGGER AWARD?
“Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
– Okoto Enigma”

THE RULES

Put the award logo/image on your blog
List the rules.
Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
You have to nominate 10 – 20 people
Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
Share a link to your best post(s)

Now on to what you really want to read…

Three Things About Me

I used to hate writing. Reading, yes. I could and did read all day. But writing? No thanks! Funny how God changes you when He calls you for a new job.
I love to sew. Stuffed animals, quilts, pillows, bags, soft sculptured dolls – pretty much anything except clothes. I currently make and sell memory bears in my Etsy store and am working on starting a new store to sell inspirational bags as soon as I get more time.
I’m about to be a first time grandmother! Aryn Jade is due early July and I’m just about ready to self-publish my first children’s picture book in her honor!

Questions to Answer:

Why did you begin blogging? At first, it was a way to practice my writing skills as I worked on my novel. But it has since changed to be a way to glorify God, inspire others, and share my testimony of God’s faithfulness in my life.
Your philosophy of life? Like my husband is fond of saying, “Life is hard, and then you die.” Everybody is struggling with something. We need each other and we need God. And what we do on this side determines what our life on the other side will be like. It’s like our life here is school preparing us for our future after we graduate.
What would you do in life if you were sure of success? join a Christian soft rock band and go on world tours
Your favorite dessert or other guilty culinary pleasure? coffee ice cream with chocolate chunks!
Best childhood memory? When on a field trip to an amusement park, the wind blew my brand new hat off my head. I watched with dismay as it blew over the fence in an area I couldn’t access. However, my big brother climbed the fence and retrieved the hat for me. I don’t remember if he got in trouble over it, but I know that every time I looked at that hat, I remembered how he cared enough to chance it for me. Oh wait… maybe it was the time this same brother tried to push me out of a roller coaster car just as it made a fast turn high in the air…

My Nominees:

Joe Rodriguez at Lighthouse Devotions by JR – love his use of photos of lighthouses to illustrate spiritual matters

Celestial – who sees God in everything

BibleBloggerGirl at Teen, Meet God – a teen leading teens (and some old people like me)

God Inspires, I Write – she doesn’t blog daily, but when she writes, it’s good

The Focused Heart – short yet powerful

Pastor Randy – love his uniqueness and how he makes connections

Be Blesstified – it’s always good

The Godly Chic Diaries – inspiration for women

Dani at God in Real Life – practical blogs on living the Christian life

Love Joy Balance – another good one filled with practical posts

Heavensreef – unique use of questions to get us thinking

Matthew Winters (Comeback Pastor) – always an interesting read, and love that he shares his personal life with us

Five Questions for My Nominees:

Why did you start your blog?
What is your best achievement in blogging?
What has been the craziest things you have done while traveling?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My weird question: jello or pudding?

Three Day Quote Challenge – Day Three

On May 13, 2018May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games4 Comments

This is the third and final day of the Three Day Quote Challenge, which I was nominated for three days ago by BIBLEBLOGGERGIRL from Teen, Meet God

This challenge takes place over three days. Each day (or night), I will share a quote I love and explain why I love it, then I will nominate one blogger per day to continue the challenge.

My third quote is this…

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“God is good even when you don’t feel it. ” from iBelieve.com.

So much of what we think is based on how we feel. This quote reminds me God is bigger than my emotions. His truth doesn’t change based on how I’m feeling.

God is GOD. He doesn’t fit in any of my boxes. He’s not bound by my feelings. He’s not limited by my understandings.

He is GOD. And I am not.

The security that provides me is beyond measure!

My last nominee for the Three Day Quote Challenge is Amy Blount, at A New Life. I love how open and honest she is in her blogs. Such a strong, courageous, and encouraging woman!

Three Day Quote Challenge – Day Two

On May 13, 2018May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and GamesLeave a comment

This is the second day of the Three Day Quote Challenge, which I was nominated for two days ago by BIBLEBLOGGERGIRL from Teen, Meet God

This challenge takes place over three days. Each day (or night), I will share a quote I love and explain why I love it, then I will nominate one blogger to continue the challenge.

My second quote is this…

“While you’re waiting, God is working.” by Rick Warren

God had done some incredible things in my life. But it seems in between those times, there are long seasons of waiting. I don’t know why we have to have those waiting seasons, although I have several theories, but what I do know is that there is a lot going on in heaven that I can’t see while I’m still on this earth. Yet, all too often, I rely on what I see instead of what I know is true.

Rick’s quote reminds me that God is not idle just because I don’t see constant amazing things. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes activity going on every day!

Waiting is never easy or fun, but that doesn’t mean I have to be miserable while I wait. 🙂

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What helps you get through those seasons of waiting for God to do what He’s going to do? How do you spend that time? Share your thoughts – it just might be something someone needs to hear today!

And now for my nominee… His Perfect Timing. Perfect timing… waiting on God – how could I not choose this very inspirational one!

Three Day Quote Challenge – Day One

On May 11, 2018May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games5 Comments

I was nominated for this challenge by BIBLEBLOGGERGIRL from Teen, Meet God Thanks so much for the nomination, Shae.

As you may have guessed, this challenge takes place over three days. Each day, I will share a quote I love and explain why I love it, then I will nominate one blogger per day.

My first quote is this…

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“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” by Jack Canfield

I can’t think back far enough to know a time that I wasn’t full of fear. From my earliest days, I was terrified of the unknown. That included people, places, and events. If one of my few friends suggested a new game, fear would immediately fill me. If my family visited a new place, I would be nervous until the trip ended. Joining girl scouts was too scary to stay for long. Making new friends? Impossible. Fear kept me from so many things for so long that it became a intricate part of me. I couldn’t imagine not being afraid. Even after I met Jesus and He had time to work in me, fear remained. It’s been over 40 years now, and I’ve been set free in so many areas. Yet fear still rises its ugly head when I’m faced with something new. Like writing a blog. And publishing my first book. And meeting with a local writing group.

Sounds hopeless?

No way! Fear may still rise up at times, but it no longer incapacitates me. Quotes like the one by Jack Canfield help me remember I’m not the only one who has to deal with fear, and that fear doesn’t have to hold me back. And best of all, Jesus is slowly teaching me to replace fear with faith. He doesn’t want me – or you – or anyone – to live in fear.

And that’s the greatest hope of all because what Jesus wants Jesus eventually gets!

And now for my nominee… I choose William Pierce aka wordcoaster8550 at Walk With God. I love his artwork and poetry!

Sunshine Blogger Award

On March 16, 2018May 16, 2018 By LindaIn Awards and Games3 Comments

Wow! Totally unexpected! And just when I began questioning whether I should continue writing my blogs… I get nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award!

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Thank you so much Bible Blogger Girl (Teen, Meet God) for nominating me! If I had known this award existed, I would have awarded it to you first! Your blogs blow me away!

What is the Sunshine Blogger Award?

The Sunshine Blogger Award is given by bloggers to fellow bloggers who are inspiring, positive and creative. I think this award is also a great way of discovering other blogs that leave a positive feeling.

What are the Sunshine Blogger Award Rules?

Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the 11 questions asked.
Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.
List the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post.

My Answers:

What do you love about where you live?

Oh, this is easy. The beach! Even though I don’t live right on it, I live close enough that I can go there every day if I wanted!

Who is your best friend?

Jesus, of course. Then my husband.

What is your testimony?

Read my blog In the Beginning, especially part 3. I wrote it in third person, but it’s my real life testimony!

Why did you start a blog?

To practice my writing skills by sharing the amazing things God did and is doing in my life, hopefully to brighten my readers’ lives. I’m also working on a full length Christian fiction novel, which in a way, is also about my testimony.

What is your daily routine?

The only routine I have is that I make myself walk for 20 minutes before I allow myself to eat breakfast. Otherwise, I get into my day and never get around to walking. Other than that, I’m retired so I sleep when my body allows me, and work on writing and sewing throughout the day as I choose.

Are you an animal person?

Oh yeah! I’ve had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, fish, hermit crabs, and geckos. Right now I have six rescued dogs.

What is your favorite color?

blue – almost all shades

Who is your favorite band/artist?

I don’t think I have one, but I do like Lauren Daigle and Mercy Me.

Who has been a big blessing in your life?

My husband first, then my daughter.

Can you play an instrument? If not, what would you like to learn?

I taught myself to play simple tunes on acoustic guitars, and on a keyboard. But I don’t play anymore.

Tell of an experience in which God spoke to you and taught you something.

Hmmmm… that’s what my blogs are all about! Click on any of them. Although most are written in third person, they are all true experiences in my life!