Sometimes God speaks in mysterious ways...

Just when I was contemplating giving up on this blog, my sweet friend Hilary of Accidentally Green sent me a blog award.  I felt that readership was falling off, and thought perhaps I should just concentrate on my main blog, Life Between the Buns.  I'm in the middle of writing a series here, which is a tough thing to do, especially when wondering if anyone is reading it or if it means anything to anyone.  There have been other things I wanted to post here about domestic life, but felt I needed to complete the series first.  I was getting discouraged, to be honest.  And worst of all, I was neglecting doing a work that I believe God had given me to do.

I'm really not sure what it means to be a "versatile blogger" but because I do write on several blogs, this award has inspired me to keep it up.  I'm looking forward to meeting more younger women here, younger and older, in the Titus 2 tradition.  If you stop by, please leave me a comment so I'll know, and I will come by an visit you too!

So thank you Hilary!  I actually have been praying that I would become re-inspired to write here, and now I am!  In the past, I haven't been a big fan of blog awards because they always seem to require something of the recipient, but I've learned it really IS more blessed to give than to receive (duh!)  But I do tend to change the "rules"...so here is MY version:

In accepting this award, here's what you  need   might want to do:

1.  Thank the person who gave it to you.

2.  Share  7 things  how ever many things you want about yourself.

3.  Pass the award on to  15 other  bloggers  someone else, but only if you want to and have the time.  


4.  Copy the award and paste it onto your blog if you so desire.

SEVEN THINGS ABOUT MYSELF:

1)  On September 25 of this year, my hubby and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage.  I told him we HAVE to "make it" because I already ordered and received a custom-made Christmas ornament that says "married 35 years"!  (www.lisa@lisaleonardonline.com) 

2)  Within 41 hours between March 28 and March 30 this year, I became a grandma for the 5th and 6th time.  The babies were born about 500 miles apart and we got to "be there" to welcome both of them!  (I have two awesome grown sons who married awesome gals who I love like daughters!)

3)  My hubby and I blog for our church's local outreach ministries.  (www.loveinactionblog.blogspot.com)

4)  I enjoy writing and blogging has become a great outlet for me and a fantastic way to "meet" people all over the world.  I've met one blogger friend in person for the first time last fall (she lives in Indiana) (www.lifeandgodliness-rebecca.blogspot.com) and I've talked to another on the phone (she just moved from Florida to Georgia) and we found out we have a mutual acquaintance! It's a small world afterall!  (www.jewelsforthejourney.blogspot.com)

5)  Although I am officially an "empty nester", my life is anything but empty!  I am a part-time care taker for a couple of my grandchildren, and I help my mom and my mother-in-law (who are both octogenarians, widows, and live in the same seniors condo building).  And I still get up about 5 am to make my hubby his breakfast, pack his lunch, and see him off to work each weekday.  

15 Bloggers I'd like to recognize with this award:

1)  Rebecca ~ life and godliness

2)  Jessica ~ jewels for the journey

3)  Judy ~ Simply Thrift 

4)  Beth ~ Outnumbered, Three to One

5)  Debbie ~ No Spring Chicken

6)  Elaine ~ Serving Him at Home

7)  Lois ~ Walking on Sunshine

8)  Nellie ~ Nellie's Cozy Place

9)  Jamey ~ Life's Reflections

10)  Mari ~ Mari's Cakes

11)  Saska ~ Join My Joy

12)  Maria ~ Calm Energy

13)  Debbie ~ Of His Pasture

14)  Bernie ~ On My Own

15)  Jackie ~ Embracing My Blessings

I have many other wonderful blogger friends and if I missed you, I'll catch you the next time!  I took the time to do the links so you can visit some of these fabulous ladies when you get a chance.  I will resume writing the series on the Five Aspects of Women soon!

Created to be a Lifegiver...

Mother and Child Reading
by Frederick Warren Freer

Five Aspects of Woman Series ~ Post #8

The third aspect of woman which has been identified is that of Lifegiver.  Lifegiving was intended by God to be a dominant theme in every woman's life, whether she is single or married, with or without children.  It is a basic element of womanhood that can be expressed in various ways.

What is meant then by "lifegiving"?  Lifegiving can be defined as raising life above mere existence to meaningful living.  Women were created physically, emotionally, and spiritually with a unique capacity to do just that.    After God pronounced the curse in Genesis 3, Adam named his wife Eve, which means "mother of all the living" and his spiritual eyes were opened to her destiny as he discerned her role and accepted and respected her in a new way.

Every woman can make the choice to be the lifegiver she was created to be.  She has the capacity to partner with God and man to physically bring life and to nurture it with food, clothing, shelter and care.  She also has the emotional capacity to give life by nuturing the soul and spirit through her words and actions in teaching, comforting, encouraging, admonishing, healing, and beautifying.

Wherever life exists, there is work to be done because all life needs enrichment and nuturing, whether socially, intellectually, artistically, spiritually, emotionally or any other way that raises life above mere existence.   Who are the people in your lifegiving domain?  Here are some I have identified in mine:

*husband
*sons and daughters-in-law
*grandchildren
*parents
*relatives
*friends
*friends of children
*children of friends
*neighbors
*strangers I help through serving various ministries

*All content of this series is based on what I learned from the study "Five Aspects of Woman" by Barbara Mouser, and taught by Helga Gross at the Hudson Community Chapel. While this summary is my own, the entire study was developed by Mrs. Mouser, and can be purchased through the International Council for Gender Studies website.

Be back soon...

I'm not sure what happened to January and February.  I fully intended to resume posting this series right after the holidays.  I'm getting my act together now, so watch for the next post soon on the Five Aspects of Woman.  We will look at the woman as a Life-Giver.