Having talked about butt boils, you’re probably wondering what in the world would give me pause.
And I said I wasn’t going to post again this week (Beyond The Surface newsletter will arrive in in-boxes tomorrow with the small announcement I said was coming.). But when a shocking kindness is extended, after getting over the shock, I want to pay it forward.
Yesterday Mom and I went to the Denver Botanical Gardens for lunch to get me outside, away from my computer. I had just walked over to take this photo:
and happened to check my email. I thought it was a joke that I’d been named a Top 10 Christian Female Blogger. Can an algorithm pick up my interests and make a hoax tailored to me? Or you? What if you’re named on of the Top 10 Tea Drinkers? Or Book Lovers? Could the internet do that?
Whether it was a hoax or not, I thought of the picture I’d just taken. As you know, the number 10 doesn’t even begin to dent the bloggers in the world making positive contributions. If we each just do what we are called to do, bloom where we are planted, what a garden we make, eh?
When I got home and could look on a computer, turns out Frank Viola’s list isn’t a joke. I turned to Mom and said, “I’ve just been named one of the Top 10 Christian Female Bloggers by Frank Viola. You know, the person who wrote the book with Mary DeMuth and I reviewed it? That book Elizabeth bought? Did you see it laying around her house? What, no? Well, I’m kind of stunned.”
“This calls for ice cream! I can’t believe you’re on a list with Glennon Doyle Melton!” (Mom knows two bloggers, one exceedingly famous and one in her blood line.) I did eat a Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg.
When you read the newsletter you’re going to laugh at God’s timing and encouragement. This is how I’ve felt all day:
It’s nice when jokes do come true :)
You know my word for the year is Practice Celebration — Please check out the list and leave a comment on one of the other bloggers, thanking her for adding her unique voice, insight, and expertise to the world. Who knows, you might make a new friend :).
Thank you Frank!
Amy
Well deserving! Congratulations. I’d probably pick a Reese’s cup over ice creme too!!
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you.
So well deserved, friend!
I have tears in my eyes. So so happy for you!
Congratulations, Amy! :)
Congrats, Amy! Should we be surprised? :-) I will be in Denver next week (W-F)…can I take you out for ice cream to celebrate?
Ah!! You didn’t even say anything when we talked last night!! You humble turkey! :) SO, SO PROUD of you!!!
Awesome awesome news!!!! And well-deserved!
This is wonderful! And I love that photo of the flowers and your thoughts about honoring our callings and how we each have a place in the garden. Beautiful. Congratulations!
That’s great Amy! Congrats!
Congratulations, Amy!!! Your faithfulness and generosity shines through The Messy Middle. So glad to see your influence continues to expand!
https://ruthieradley1.wordpress.com/2015/04/11/the-secret-pain-of-singleness/
Hi Amy, I thought you might be interested to read my friend Ruth’s blog . It’s definitely worth a look.
She’s a big advocate of emotional honesty too and her most recent post is beautifully written. Thank you for your great posts.
Rachel
Congrats!! You deserve it! :)