Mathetes Award

I am humbled, overwhelmed, and honored.

Jean of Catholic Fire nominated me for this award, called a "Mathetes" award. I don't have the button, as I couldn't figure out how to load it onto my blog...even though I've done this type of thing before. Thankfully, this isn't a "technologically savvy award", or a "great memory award"!

Below is the original explanation of this award:

"Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. So the rules for accepting the award are such: Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to, and provide links for (1) the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five people that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ."

There is no way I can limit that designation to only five people. And when I do pick five, I will probably be repeating myself because my favorite blogs are...well, my favorites.

Some of the bloggers who I feel are fulfilling the role of a disciple are way busy doing just that - through writing books, taking care of large families, or dealing with illness (sometimes all three) - and often don't take time for posting about, or passing on, blog awards that are passed around the blogosphere. So I'm not only going to leave a whole lot of deserving people out of my little list of five, but I'm also going to be a rebel (from the original directions), and say to those I do choose: I won't feel badly if you don't post about this or pass it on, unless you would like to and have the time and energy. I love what you're doing and I want you to have the time to keep on keepin' on.

But I want to pass the award on to them in case they have time, but mostly so my readers will know about these blogs and why I think they represent discipleship. And first, a word about my sponsor (I was trying to sound like t.v., but whoa does that phrase date me).

Jean of Catholic Fire, who passed this on to me, provides so much informative content. She posts about pro-life issues and events, what happened "on this day", biographies of saints, prayer intentions, and lots more each day. No matter what she's posting about, I can always come away each day feeling uplifted...and that's saying a lot for me, as I'm someone who often tries to avoid thinking about some of the political and other issues that she posts about. It must be her strong faith and trust in God, as well as her love, shining through her posts, that inspire me.

And here are a couple of blogs that have already been chosen, but I want to add my comments:

I think that Esther of A Catholic Mom in Hawaii has already received this award, but I want to mention her here anyway, because her posts are always so beautiful, both verbally and visually. Thank you for sharing, Esther.

Daily Donna-Marie: A Daily Dose of Inspiration was already given the award by Jean, too; but I wanted to mention again that Donna has written several Catholic prayer books, all encouraged and endorsed by Mother Teresa and blessed by Pope John Paul II. She's a gracious, inspiring woman.

1.
Especially Heather is a blog written by a young Christian mother who started her blog for this very purpose - to share her faith with others. Last year she helped host a different kind of blog awards, the kind where people nominate blogs and then vote for the ones they like best for a specific category. During that contest, Heather was found to have brain cancer. People all over the blogosphere began praying for her and visiting her blog. Her posts about her trials, her family, and her faith are often commented on by 50 to a hundred people, so I can't even imagine how many people she is reaching with her faith and love of God. Although her doctrinal beliefs are different from mine, her enthusiasm and courage inspire me!

2. Maureen Wittmann disciples at her blogs by sharing about her faith, family, and homeschooling, as well as how to manage homeschooling in a thrifty way. She doesn't want anyone to have to give up homeschooling because they can't afford it. She is also an incredible writer, with her newest book For the Love of Literature coming out soon. This book is the fruit of her homeschooling and writing efforts of many years, and will have something for all ages (including adult). If you had only this book, library privileges, and a math series, you could probably educate your kids very well!

3. Whether you homeschool or you just want to teach your kids their religion, whether you have kids or you don't and just want to learn your own religion better, you can find ideas, resources and insight from Alicia at Studeo.

4. Crazy Acres is a blog that shares one woman's strong faith, family life, and profound insights. I love how she shares from the heart, and she never ceases to entertain and inspire me.

No, no, no, not just five. On the other hand, I'm actually getting tired of writing, so I think y'all must be getting tired of reading. I hope not the latter.
Should I flip a coin, draw straws, or...hmm, I am a bit of a rebel, I think I'll do six!

5. In Happy Hearts at Home, Alexandra disciples by encouraging the stay-at-home mom with her tips and resources for learning about faith, cooking, gardening, and home educating, including a plethora of links to free online books.

6. Last but definitely not least - even added extra number to include you, Nancy (I had my list in random order and I can't count). Yes, Nancy Brown of Flying Stars is my next and last pick for today. Among other things, Nancy blogs about her faith and the faith-filled late British author, G.K. Chesterton. She has also written several books for and about literature for youth.

My apologies to ALL of the wonderful people that I left out. It wasn't intentional, I love your blogs, and God sees and rewards your mighty works.

And to my readers, if there are any blogs here that you haven't yet visited, I hope you'll give them a try.

God bless.