Fab Five ... week ending November 21, 2009

This week I'd like to introduce you to six of my favorite people ... not one of whom I've ever really met. We've dubbed ourselves the "Don't Know in Real Life BFFs" (#DKIRLBFFs is our Twitter hashtag because we are that official. LOL). Guess that means this week is my Super Six not Fab Five ... but I'm sure you'll find this list worth the extra entry!

Seriously, these are some amazing women ... godly, compassionate, witty, and intelligent ... they have become my prayer partners and sounding board and have proven to be encouraging and honest.

So, today, my Fab Five is all about six dear friends, incredible writers, and passionate followers of Christ ... meet them here and then go read their blogs. You'll be challenged and inspired!

1. Sandra ... Sandra is a pastor's wife, mom of two preschool boys, women's ministry consultant and speaker. But for me, she is the one who will read paragraphs and chapters of my book-to-be and give me honest feedback. Sandra writes on three different blogs ... and I assure you that every one of them is wonderful! Heart for Him is Sandra's blog about ministry and spiritual growth. Celebrate Every Day is a journal of sorts about raising her boys. And Today's Housewife is a blog she shares with three friends. Together they encourage women to live out the truth in Proverbs 14:1 - A wise woman builds her house but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. You can also find Sandra on Twitter as HeartforHim.

2. Erin ... You know, I have no clue how Erin and I "met" but what a joy it is to know her. A true prayer warrior, Erin has been an unspeakable blessing to me. I love to read what she writes about raising her girls, being married, blogging struggles, and following Christ. Plus almost every week we struggle together for a Works for Me Wednesday post. Erin is just one of those people you want to be around. She's the kind of friend who sees something that you might enjoy reading so she sends you the link (and then resends when you forget you had it the first time). She's also the kind of friend who takes time to leave a comment and share how God blessed her through something you wrote. If I have a "Barnabas" in my life ... it's Erin. Closing Time is where you can find Erin's musings. And, of course, follow her on Twitter ... erinclosingtime.

3. Brooke ... Brooke and I are twins separated at birth, I think. We are both passionate about ministry through crisis pregnancy centers. We love many of the same authors and generally view life through the same lens. We even have some of the same home decor. But Brooke challenges me ... she's in desperate pursuit of Christ and I am thankful for the way her pursuit inspires and pushes me. Brooke's writing is powerful ... and God is using her in an amazing way to encourage other women. A Life in Need of Change is Brooke's online home ... and what a beautiful home it is. She tweets too (of course) ... BrookeLMcG.

4. Kristi ... Kristi is probably one of the most gifted Bible teachers I've ever known. She has this fabulous way of taking profound pieces of God's Word and making them understandable. I'm in awe of her wisdom in the Word and the way she shares it with others. Not only that, but Kristi is a creative, beautiful woman who makes Thanksgiving placemats and pilgrim costumes ... she's just awesome. And one day, I'm going to sit down with her and pick her brain for every little bit of wisdom I can gain from her. Run the Earth, Watch the Sky is Kristi's blog ... go there and download all of her Bible reference materials. You won't regret it!! And, follow her on Twitter ... kristi_runwatch.

5. Sarah Mae ... One of the first blogs I really "connected" with was Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. Probably the fact that Sarah Mae is a confirmed "java hugger" was a large part of that love at first sight ... but since then, I've gained a friend and spiritual soul mate. We've actually spoken on the phone and in October 2010 I'll meet this dear woman at her conference Relevant ~ I'm so excited to give her a big, squishy hug! Sarah Mae is a deep thinker and she forces me to open my heart and mind to the depths of what God has for me. I am thankful for her ... for her writing, for her friendship, for her sweet example. She's on Twitter too ... sarahmaeblogs.

6. Lori ... The west coast girl among our happy throng, Lori's blog is candid and open ... she is so transparent and "real." That's become a catchword in Christian circles, "real," but Lori amazes me with her ability to take even the most taboo topics and write about them in a way that brings honor to God and also helps me see that He is engaged in every part of my life. I'm thankful to have Lori as a friend and an encourager. Argyle & Apricots is Lori's blog ... it's wonderful and I look forward to reading whatever she's written. Lori, too, tweets ... LoriZimbardi.

There you have it ... my Super Six for the week ending November 21, 2009. Six women who have a profound influence and impact in my life ... in all the ways that matter ~ my relationship with Christ, my growth in my marriage, my sanity in raising my child, and my understanding of true friendship. Go meet them ... you'll love them too!! Tell them TL sent ya!

Subscribe today ... my Fab Five is part of my pursuit of intentional gratitude. Join me and let's be thankful together.