The Blogs that Inspire Me

Blogs are powerful. I LOVE blogs! I love being able to look into the lives of others, and draw from their strength and wisdom. I have a few blogs that I read on a daily basis. They are people I have never met before, but they have made a huge impact on my life. Each one has touched my heart in meaningful and life-changing ways. I am so grateful they are willing to share their lives and stories, so that they can strengthen and uplift others, including myself. I wanted to share my favorite blogs with you, so you can be inspired too!

Here they are in no particular order...

1. Stephanie Nielson @ http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com.

If you have not heard of her, she is amazing. I will never forget her saying, "I am not my body." Her story of survival after being burned over 80% of her body from a plane crash, is phenomenal and inspiring for me daily. She has tremendous faith. She is living a full and wonderful life. She is an extraordinarily faithful daughter of God. She is a fabulous mother. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She is my hero. I love you Stephanie!

2. Lisa King @ http://www.lisajking.blogspot.com.

She is an amazing woman whose precious son died, and then her husband died just three and a half months later, of a heart attack.  Her story is particularly inspiring for me, as I learn from her wisdom of widowhood, and handling trials with faith. She is a world away in Australia, but I have been strengthened in a powerful way by her life and writing. She is amazing. I love her without knowing her. Her posts often speak straight to my soul. Thank you, Lisa! You are amazing!

3. Ashlee @ http://www.themomentswestand.com.

Her story of survival has received national attention, as she has remained standing through some incredibly horrific events, pushing her faith to the limit. Her husband was shot and killed, leaving her a widow with young children. My husband, Charles, actually knew her husband Emmett -- he was a fellow attorney in Idaho. There is much more to her story, and she shares her life and experiences in such vivid detail on her blog, and in her new book. She shares heartache and pain, but it is infused with faith and hope. She has faced experiences that most of us never would dream of, and she has handled them with grace, and strength. She is a woman of great faith, and she has been an inspiration to me, and so many all over the world. Her posts have often lifted me to new heights of understanding. She writes beautifully, and she allows you into the inner caverns of her heart. I admire her ability to stand, no matter what! Thanks, Ashlee!

4. Shawni @ www.71toes.com. 

She lives a full and deliberate life, as a wife and mother. I love to follow her blog because she shows how joyful family life can really be. She has a daughter who is slowly losing her vision, and will one day likely be blind. They take their family on amazing adventures, and she has wonderful mothering advice, and tips. She is also a very talented photographer, and it was her breathtaking images that inspired me to become a photographer. Their lives are infused with faith, and good works. If you are looking for a great family to follow, and beautiful images to enjoy, take a look! She is inspiring! Thanks, Shawni!

5. Nathan and Kathy @ www.kathysmiracle.com.  

I have just recently started following this blog, but it is so amazing. Kathy, a young mother of 5, recently passed away from her battle with cancer. She also gave birth while enduring cancer, but her precious baby passed away. She documented her journey towards the end of her life, and her faith and will to live is so uplifting. Now her husband, Nathan, documents his journey as a young widower with 5 children. If you want to see faith in the face of trials, take a look at this beautifully inspiring family. Thanks for sharing, Kathy and Nathan!

These are my blog favorites that I read daily. I love all of these beautiful people, without knowing them personally. They have had an impact on my life, because they are willing to share their stories of faith, and triumph. It is worth it to write! I cannot tell you how I have been changed by what I have read, sometimes they have written the exact message I needed, at the perfect moment.

So... What blogs do you follow? Did I miss a good one?