“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

I had the wonderful blessing of an encouragement yesterday when fellow blogger, John Mark Miller at http://theartisticchristian.wordpress.com/ who nominated this blog for the “One Lovely Blog” award. Truly his blog is such a lovely place to stop by and get encouraged, as well – an electic mix of writings about art, culture and life through a biblical lens. Thank you John! It has been such a joy getting to know so many of the bloggers on here, and I hope to introduce my readers to some lovely bloggers, as well.

Rules of Acceptance

The rules of the “One Lovely Blog” Award are simple. A nominated blogger must (1) link back to the person who nominated them, (2) list these very rules and display their award, (3) share seven facts about themself, and (4) choose 5-15 blogs to nominate.

Seven Things About Myself

Where to start on this? The writer now silent? Ha! Let’s see, I was born . . . ok, I won’t go that far back. I love my family and am blessed with five children, whom I have home educated since my oldest was three-years-old. She is now in college, and I will be graduating my second daughter next year. My youngest child was adopted from Russia. I have led a home educational group for ten years now and love to learn.

Growing up, I moved around a lot – my Dad was in the Navy, which contributed to many of those moves, as well as a broken family providing for many moves, then continuing the pattern into adulthood. I think I lost count at around 30 moves! Born in Annapolis, Maryland, lived in New York, San Clemente and Monterey, California; Las Cruces, New Mexico (6 places there); Manchaca, Texas (2 moves); Bowie (2 homes), College Park, and Greenbelt (2 homes), Maryland; Wilmington and Bear, Delaware; Bucks (2 moves) and Berks Counties, Pennsylvania; Midlothian, Bumpass, Gum Springs and Unionville, VA. Other little temporary moves here and there, just for added zest.

Moving around and traveling has afforded me the opportunity of trying food from many of the regions of the United States, as well as Russia and Mexico. My favorites? Peanut Butter Pizza from California (I know, childish, but a comfort food, nonetheless!), Texas Barbeque, Real mex in New Mexico, and Dutch food in Pennsylvania. Sometimes I have liked chocolate a little too much, too!

The rigors of life and genetics contributed to autoimmune diseases that I suffer with. These infirmities are difficult to grapple with, but have been a blessing in disguise. Never thought I would say that. They have caused me to lean on my Savior more and to have compassion on people who suffer physically. They have also caused me to dig into health and nutrition for answers, which has been a blessing, as well.

I have loved music as far as I can recall and went to the University of Maryland on full scholarship as a Music performance major on the euphonium. While at the University of Maryland, I was saved and have never been the same since. I began writing and playing Christian music after becoming a Christian and was blessed to have a ministry through music and word. Several songs received radio airplay, (“Comfort to the Weary”, 2001 after the 9/11 attacks – WJTL – Lancaster, PA, and KKLA in Los Angeles, CA), “Reign in Me” in eleven states in 2007, and other songs on internet radio). The Lord blessed also blessed with the encouragement of awards, such as winning 1st place in the Christian Contemporary category in 2007 (IMMA, Kansas), and winning indie album of the year in 2006 (Musiq4Life).

Several years ago, I set aside my concert/conference speaking ministry due to a horrific moment in my children’s and my lives. I still ministered on worship teams, but we needed to come apart from a public ministry and together seek healing. It has just been recently that I have felt led to step out again and hope to bring healing to others with what the Lord has brought us through. I never cease to be amazed at how God uses the weak things.

Lastly, which should be my first point, as well, I love God so very much! He has shown me so much throughout my life and his unfailing, faithful love is like no other. I just want to live to please Him and hope I can be used to encourage others to discover this amazing love that is real and like no other. Countless miracles I have witnessed and I am grateful to be able to testify of His goodness in the land of the living, despite many obstacles. God is good!

My Nominations for the “One Lovely Blog” Award

Daily Deposit – A wonderful source of encouragement in Christ.
http://dailydeposit.wordpress.com/

Sandra’s Blessings – A place of blessings through word, pictures and reviews.
http://sandrabrooksmccravy.com/

RobbyeFaye – A whimsical place to come by and visit with a cup of joe.
http://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/

Redbird’s Post – Solid place of dwelling on God’s Word and promises
http://birdchirp.wordpress.com/

Skye – Photographic journey of God’s amazing creation
http://ohthethingsweshallsee.com/

To God be all the glory!