hI've been given several blog awards in the last few days and I thought it would be fun to go ahead and acknowledge them here. I've been awarded a few over my blogging years (years?? I've been blogging for years?? Oh my.) but haven't always taken the time to post them and do the associated tag or assignment. 

Blog awards don't necessarily represent prestige or rank in blogdom. They are more like just a  fun ways to share your favorite blogs and, depict by the award you give them, why that blog is one of your favorites. Or thats the way it seems to me. But I for one, always feel a little special after receiving one. Between comments and blog awards, its fun to know people actually read what I write.

Abbie and Anna awarded me the 'You're going places, Baby' award. I'm with Anna, this has got to be the most unique I've ever had.  Made me smile. The rules to this award are: Share where you see yourself in ten years and then award this to ten other bloggers.

In ten years I'll be 30. And that right there, is sorta hard to wrap my mind around. The last 5 years especially have been so unpredictable its hard to actually put in writing what I imagine myself doing/being in 10. But here goes! I would love to be married and have some kids by then. If not, I'd like to be on the mission field somewhere. To be oober specific, I would like to be found, in ten years, surrounded by bunches of little black babies who need me at least as much as I need them.

I award this to (because I see all of these people going places, leading purposeful lives): 

- Post about the tag.
-Choose 5 bloggers who deserve this award.
 -Leave a comment on the blogs of the people you tagged, letting them know they were awarded.
-Answer the questions along with your post. (Omit questions you don’t want to answer)

1. Which do you prefer–Apples, Oranges, or Bananas?

Oranges. Is this supposed to say something about my personality?
 2. How many siblings do you have?

Three. a brother and two sisters
3. Where do you live–a prairie, Woodland, city, or other?
Hmmm. I guess that would be prairie. Cuz its definitely not the other two.
4. What is something you enjoy doing with your family?
Playing banana-grams and watching movies. Spending time in the Word and prayer.
5. Is your room clean?
we're working on that. :)

6. Which would you prefer to vist–Italy, Greece, France, Spain, or England?
Mmmm. maybe Spain. I'm not picky.
7. What is a scripture that encourages you?

Just one? Ok. Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
8. Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans?
Gum. I know, I'm weird for not saying chocolate, but I'm being honest!
 9. What are your favorite types of books?

Missionary biographies. by far my favorite.
10. Which is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla.
11. If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be?

Potatoes. Potatoes. Potatoes.
12. Are you an outside or an inside person?
Depends.
13. Describe yourself in three words.
pretty. much. impossible.

14. What chore do you like to do the most?

This award goes to:

 Sarah also gave me the following awards.

-State 5 random facts about yourself.
-Award 5 of your stylish blogging friends.

1. I like cars.

2. I love to fish.

3. I'm not a huge fan of shopping unless its shoe shopping.

4. I pretty much flunked Algebra 2 in highschool.

5. I have a mild form of computer geekiness but when it comes to a cable TV remote I'm totally lost.

I don't know if you've noticed, but there's been quite the smattering of blog give-aways lately. I thought I would let you in on a couple.

-- My friend Melinda is hosting a Marie-Madeline Studio give-away for a $35 gift certificate! All you have to do is go and comment here, and tell her Kaylene sent you. Then you can get repeated chances my telling your friends. So GO comment! And while you're at it, check out Melinda's whole blog. She's pretty new to the blogosphere, but is already an ol' pro!

EDIT :: here's a rule I missed-- be sure and let me know if you entered because for everyone of you who enters, I get another chance. :-P and you can do the same on your blog, or by email!


--Another one that I found through Kate, is hosted by Leanna. She is giving away a pretty lil' gift bundle. Go here to see details and leave a comment, saying what your favorite thing about fall is.



So as the word is around here, Happy Fall Ya'll. I hope you win ;-)

There are some things more important to me than wit when it comes to blogging. I remember back when I wrote about my issues with blogging, and saying that I might post someday one the reasons I do blog. Someday has come. As I'm sure you've all been waiting for it with bated breath. Sorry to keep you waiting. Its really quite simple.

I don't blog just to vent.
I don't blog like I journal.
I don't blog for comments.
I don't blog because I think its important that my voice be heard.

But...

Yes, blogging is therapeutic.
Yes, blogging is a fun way to 'keep record'
Yes, comments are extremely rewarding.
And yes, it is somewhat gratifying to think I'm getting my opinion 'out there'.

There are multiple little reasons that I think blogging is worthwhile. But what it really comes down to, is this: My testimony.

I've read a lot of blogs. Too many really. And I've wished mine were a lot of different things. But really? The only thing I've got to offer the world, is what Jesus is doin' in me. Sometimes I post about life, with little reference to "this is what I learned". But that too is part of 'me'. God uses circumstances to shape a person, yes?

I'll be completely honest. My motives for clicking 'publish post' on every individual post, can vary quite a bit. I probably couldn't even tell you exactly why I post certain things I do. Sometimes, I've got extended family in mind-- knowing they like to keep up with my family. [ Hi Grandma!! :) ]

But the reason I keep on blogging? I blog, hoping you see Jesus in me. That what He's teaching me, teaches you too. That my daily life will encourage someone else, maybe just because they can know they're not the only one. There's a sense of indebtedness I have, to the authors of the blogs or books I read, to which I am able to say, "ah, yes, I know exactly how she feels. I am not alone."

I've come thiiis close to quitting. And then someone says, "such and such post really encouraged me." Or I find out that someone who doesn't know Jesus is reading my blog! That's what keeps me going. And I really enjoy keeping going.

I think of so many things to write as I lay in bed at night. In the morning, I realize I think so much better than I write. Which doesn’t say much for my thinking. I take pictures. I don't have to think to do that. Or write.

Seriously though. I’ve been reading some blogs that leave me a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. inspired. There are so many different tones to writing. Some write essays. Some write diary entries. Others write some really witty words. Some are capable of writing as though they just typed their thoughts out as they were thinking them. Those kind totally engage me and keep me begging for more. It just comes across as so real-- as though I were sitting across the table from them, having a two way conversation.

Anywho, I think I’m learning the difference between the natural and the wanna-be (like me). But hey, who’s to say that the wanna-be can’t someday be what she wants to be? Just please hold my dry humor and attempts at wit in check, so I don’t go over board trying too hard.

While I’m getting my “act” together here are some blogs of note for you to read. And I really mean that. These blogs float my boat. (please rate that sentence on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the wittiest thing you’ve ever read. Thank you.)

Kaylene