Day Brighteners!

I just wanted to take a minute to share some fun stuff that has encouraged my heart this week.

I asked several friends this week to pray for favor for me as I sought some counsel concerning this ministry. God has been good. Not only did I have a very encouraging "counseling session", but God has done some specific "techie/number/type" things for thosewithyoung.com that aren't critical to God's kingdom - but they are certainly encouraging to me.

1. Yesterday had the highest number of hits in Those With Young's history...actually double the amount of the previous high.
2. Today, I realized that Those With Young, now has a Google Page rank of 1 out of 10. That is just a beginning, yes; but it is a beginning. In perspective, E-bay has a rank of 8 out of 10 and the six your old web store I work for (Mom 4 Life, with over 900 products), has a rank of 4 out of 10.
3. I have received a number of very personal e-mails from women this week, that let me know that God is speaking to them through this ministry, and I'm so thankful.
4. Those With Young received a blog award this week. It isn't like a Pulitzer Prize, but it is kind of fun - and since it was given to me by one of my favorite bloggers, I am honored. It is the Happy 101 award, and it is given to someone who brightens your day.

This award comes with a couple of rules. First I need to share with you 10 things that brighten my day....and then share my favorite 10 blogs with you, while passing on the award. I did share this on Those With Young, as well...but thought I'd share it here too!

So here are some things that brighten my day (not necessarily in order of importance):

1. A fresh word from the Lord
2. Coffee - especially when my husband makes it for me in one of our special "I Love You" mugs
3. Sunshine...don't care if it cold, as long as the sun is out
4. My husband's hugs, kisses, and "I love you" text messages
5. The funny things that my kids continuously come up with to say
6. An e-mail, phone call, or Facebook message from a girlfriend
7. Time to write
8. Serving at church on Friday nights, where I help welcome new families and get their kids placed in the right classes
9. A cheerful customer on the phone
10. When my boys lick me goodnight. :P

Now, for my ten favorite blogs. I have lots of blogs written by mom friends that I love to read. But I'm not really sure that they intend for the world to read their blogs, so I've tried to not send the world their way today and just share those that I know mean to be "public."

The Lumberjack's Wife

My long time and real life friend shares the adventures of raising four children. She is the one who gave me this award. We share a birthday, though several years apart. I know her love for the Lord, her husband, and her kids...which is why I can confidently laugh through the reality of her daily life (and often identify). The Lumberjack's Wife is seriously my daily comic relief.

Headspace

My niece in law, Christa Black, who has been touring with the Jonas' Brothers (and previously with Michael W. Smith and as their violinist, back up singer, and guitarist, shares about her passion for God, eating disorders, learning to see herself through the eyes of God and lots of other heartfelt stuff. She has just started Project Beautiful, and I'm really excited to see what God does with it.

The Queen of Brusselsprouts

Another real life friend and mother of four, shares lots of great recipes and ways to teach your kids to choose good foods. It is creative, informative, and inspiring.

Mom 4 Life

This is the blog for the store I work for. There are a lot of personal stories on here that my boss has written about her journey in parenting and with the Lord. I also get to post some articles every now and then, that may or may not have appeared on Those With Young. I also do several of the product ads on the blog. A few other moms post, too, about parenting, going green, etc.

Glo Bible

I just won the Glo Bible software, so I'm loving the tips on this blog for how to use it, and what all it can do!

Thoughts From Pastor Dan

This is our former pastor in Arkansas, that Bill served under as music minister. He now pastors in Puyallup, WA. I love the theological discussion he starts on Facebook. His thoughts are always so interesting....and even though his blog is brand new (and he has only posted once), I'm trusting that he will have a lot more to share in the future.

Widget Blogger

This blog gives me tools to learn to build my own widgets and play with html code. I love it!

Mennonite Girls Can Cook

Simply filled with all the recipes I grew up eating and lots more!

Christina Goold Photography

A real life friend and professional photographer. I'm inspired by her ability to capture beauty.

LPM Blog - It's Beth Moore. What else can I say?

Now, I'd like to go a step further and share ten people that I wish WOULD blog.

1. My cousin, April. She is just hysterical, and I miss hearing her perspective on life.
2. My cousin, Keli, because, well...it must run in the family. She is totally witty, and I just wish I was more connected to their lives.
3. My mom....because she has been saying for at least three years that she going to start one.
4. My dad because he writes great funny stories and poems, as well as being a great theologian.
5. My friend and old roomie, Jo Shmo, who is a mother of eight - and I've never seen her with ruffled feathers.
6. My friend Kristine, who used to blog....and I don't know what happened. Maybe she doesn't realize how great her writing is!
7. My friend Santha, who is just far too busy; and I wish I could hear more of her thoughts- for I could chew for a week on her simple, thought of the moment.
8. My friend Kim, because I know she would have beautiful pictures, and words of wisdom, and funny thoughts.
9. Deborah Hiebert, because I know she writes out pages of stuff each week, and I wish I could read more than just her Facebook statuses. :)
10. Greg Johnson, because I could soak up his parenting insights on a daily basis...so once a quarter classes just aren't quite enough. :)
    

So thank you for celebrating with me and enjoying the bright spots in my life. I hope they brighten your day too!