Happiness Is...

"Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens." Familiar words from the timeless song, My Favorite Things. Some of my favorite things include a fire in the fireplace on a cold winter's night, a free book to download to my Kindle, and wonderful friends. All of these things make me happy and put a smile on my face!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of receiving an award from my sweet, blogger friend, Karen Lange of Write Now: the Ten Bloggers That Make Me Happy Award. Thanks Karen! (Take a moment to stop by Karen's informative blog where she discusses the adventurous writing life and encourages you to join in on the conversation!)

To pass this award along to only ten of my fellow bloggers is extremely challenging! All of you are so deserving. But in order to stay true to the rules, I'd like to present the Ten Bloggers That Make Me Happy Award to the following (in alphabetical order by first name):

Cherie Hill of Journal of Faith - An inspirational writer, Cherie is a published author and the founder of ScriptureNow.com. Her blog is all about sharing her spiritual journey in order to strengthen the reader's faith and joy in the Lord.

Diana Ferguson of To Everything a Season - Diana's blog focuses on faith, family, friends and fun. Her topics are many and varied and always a joy to read. I've snagged more than one great recipe off of her website!

Glenda Childers of Gg - Notes on the Journey - Glenda's background is fascinating. She was led to Christ by none other than Elisabeth Elliot! She describes her site as, "a practical blog with stories, pictures, lessons and recipes from my life as a Christian woman."

Julie Sanders of Come Have a Peace - Julie's lovely blog has some great features including Marriage Mondays, and Tasty Tuesdays. Her heart for the Lord is evident from the godly advice that permeates her site.

Marja Meijers of Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths - Marja's passion for the Savior radiates from her blog that presents the truths of the Bible in a fresh, down-to-earth style. She's a published author who can speak 5 languages!

Noreen (a.k.a. NanaNor) of Life Blessings - Nana Nor isn't shy to share that she's a daughter of the King! Her blog is all about giving praise to the Lord for the many blessings of life. Even through difficulties, her site offers encouragement.

Susan J. Reinhardt of Christian Writer Reader Connection - Susan does a good job of articulating her mission: Honoring my Heavenly Father by encouraging connections between His kids. Her blog is a delightful mix of analogies that speak to the heart, and book reviews that have you heading out to the nearest book store.

Susan Panzica of Eternity Cafe - Susan has a passion to encourage and equip women of faith in their walk with the Savior, to live, love and serve to the fullest. Her posts do exactly that!

Tammi Yates of A Vessel in the Potter's Hands - Tammi is an incredibly talented pianist who also has a love for sharing the truths of God's Word through her writing. Her blog shares the lessons the Lord is teaching her in the "shaping process."

Terri Tiffany of Terri Tiffany Inspirational Writer - Terri's blog is a place where she shares "the ups and downs on the road to publication." Without sugarcoating the difficulties we writers face - each blog entry offers hope and encouragement.

Congratulations, ladies! Your blogs bring joy to my day!

Psalm 144:15b ...yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.

What makes you happy? Leave me a comment. I'd love to share in your joy!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a good God. Your Word reminds me that you 'load me with benefits' on a daily basis (Ps. 68:19)! Thank You for the friends You've brought into my life. I praise You for who You are! In Jesus' name, Amen.

*Be sure to stop by Monday, February 14th for an interview with Marja Meijers, and an opportunity to win her book, Grace of Giving!