Starting off my post with the Five Minute Friday prompt and then ending it with my own blogging awards show.:) This week’s prompt is: FRIEND.

Friends. They come in all shapes and sizes, don’t they? 
Some I call up when I need encouragement. Others I call when I need exhortation. 
True friends are safe. They get you. They also aren’t afraid to say the hard things, yet, they season them with big doses of grace.

I am so grateful for all the different kinds of friends I have. 
The cry on your shoulder kind. The cheering for you kind. The it’s-going-to-be-okay kind. 
The let’s forget about it and have fun kind. The online kind of friends. The lifelong kind of friends. The I-just-met-you-but-I-feel-like-I’ve-known-you-forever kind of friends. 

Tonight I am thanking the Lord for a handful of friends that have inspired me in different ways. From their bravery to their kindness, from their insights to their antics. 
This group of woman have bolstered me up and hemmed me in, without them knowing, on many a discouraging day. As I keep writing, I am grateful for their influnece and their willingness to share their life here so that we can be brave to share our stories too. 

This weekend I am getting together with some old and new friends as we share our stories in real life. Friendships can be scary…they can cost a great deal, but they are worth it. They bring value and hope to our days. 

Thank you God for friends.

The other day a new online friend, Holly, showered love on some of her favorite blogs and I thought that would be fun to do too.

There are several “famous” blogs I follow and several “famous-in-my-book” blogs that I am a big fan of too. So, tonight I am thanking them and cheering them on, by handing out some well-deserved awards.

Miss Hospitality: The Nester is known for her knack for decorating and “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” And she just came out with her first book! But what I am most thankful for is the 31 Day writing series that she hosts each October. I joined up with her in 2012 and wrote about my brother. I will always be grateful to Myquillyn for providing the space for me to start speaking up and taking my writing to a new level.

Miss Congeniality: Lisa-Jo Baker is one of those people that you want to go have tea with (maybe someday). She has an inviting heart. I have been so blessed to join her weekly via Five Minute Fridays where a community of woman write on one word for five minutes and then encourage one another like crazy. I hope you will join us, we’d love to have you! And then there’s THAT book she wrote, go read it now and thank me later.:)

Miss Insightful: Ann Voskamp was one of the first blogs I started following and reading regularly. If you haven’t headed over there, you are really missing out- on a lot of grace, a lot of gospel and a lot of beautiful insight. And this book…God used it to start a big heart change in me. I implore you to read it.

Miss Encouragement: Holley Gerth offers words that set your heart at ease. She oozes encouragement as balm to your fractured heart and gently points you to the One who is wild about you. This book of hers is outstanding; wise and practical help for dreamers. I am so grateful for this southern cheerleader who genuinely wants to see others shine.

Now for the “not-yet-famous” blogs. The ones that I so enjoy reading and I think you will too. This line-up of 6 represent some great friends with refreshing, unique blogs. They are a group of welcoming, inviting woman who inspire excellence as they emerge with courage.🙂 Please take a few minutes to checkout their blogs. It would be amazing if y’all leave them a sweet word of encouragement in their comments. A little blog comment love goes a long way!

The “Welcoming” Award goes to Praise & Fireworks!
This is the blog of my friend Angela. A mother of four (the youngest adopted), she shares about their adoption journey and how God miraculously provided for them throughout the process. You will love her welcoming heart and valuable insights. Hats off to you friend for boldly following the Lord and encouraging others in the process.

The “Inviting”Award goes to A Contented, Common Life! Amy is a spunky, talented friend who has oodles of creative, frugal ideas. From decorating to cooking, from parenting to homeschooling, Amy is a valuable resource. I love her candid, helpful and inspiring ideas and reflections. Here’s a cherry on top of your latest Pinterest dessert recipe friend, keep being you.

The “Inspiring” Award goes to God-sized Dreams!
After reading Holley’s book, You’re Made for A God-Sized Dream I discovered this incredible community of dreamers. I love to link-up with them and read their inspiring posts on all things surrounding God-given dreams. Thank you friends for making your site a breath of fresh air along the shoreline of our hopes. Thank you for spurring us on as we face the vast waters and take the next step.

The “Excellence” Award goes to Alyssa Wagner Photography!
Alyssa is a top-notch photographer who cares about her clients in a refreshing and authentic way. She has an eye for capturing the unique details of love and beauty in relationships. Alyssa and her hubby are some of our favorite people and we were so blessed to have them come capture our youngest’s adoption finalization this past November. Head on over to Alyssa’s blog and take in all the excellent photography that you find there.

Alyssa Wagner Photography

The “Emerging” Award goes to For His Glory!
I met Meredith over at the Five Minute Friday party and I am so thankful. This talented writer and photographer has a way with pen and lens.:) She writes of her love for Jesus and gives Him glory as she pours out her life as a fragrant spring rain. It is a joy to encourage this emerging writer and leader and watch God shine through her. I am so looking forward to meeting in real life at the She Speaks Conference this summer. Head on over to Meredith’s place, you’ll be so glad you did.

The “Courage” Award goes to On Adventure Way!
Abby is an energetic, out-going, dynamic gal who took the brave step to start blogging. I love how she is finding her online voice and offering herself. She reads many books, but is falling in love with The Book via She Reads Truth. She is crafty and creative and lots of fun. It takes courage to put yourself out there and I am so glad that Abby is. Join in on the adventure- you will have fun!

Well, the hour is late and the after-party will begin soon. Thank you for tuning in for the first annual “Deep Breaths” blogging awards. I hope that you will go congratulate this group. There are many more blogs I love and appreciate and I hope to share about some more of them another time.

Deep Breaths:
1. Shower some love on your friends today- give them shout-out online, give them a hug, or take a few moments to call. Let them know you care and that you are thankful for them. And if you haven’t yet, there’s still time to register for (in)RL the free, grace-filled women’s conference. It begins tonight at your house and then you can meetup with friends tomorrow.

 
2. Check out at least one of the blogs (or all!) that I awarded and leave them an encouraging comment- I would be so grateful and so would they.

3. Check out the She Reads Truth community. They provide simple, high-quality bible reading plans. You will be blessed as you get in the Word each day and are showered with the truth of Jesus’ love for you.