Thanks to all who participated in the Noble Character Contest. The winners have been contacted via email and will soon receive their new Amazon Kindles. The winners are:

Rick E. who nominated Michelle B.
Charity W. who nominated Rachael H.
Tammie H. who nominated Samantha.

The nominees will soon receive an autographed set of the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs books.

Not everyone shared why they were nominating someone. That wasn't required and didn't affect who the winners were as it was a drawing and not a judged contest. However, two of the winners did share their reasons for nominating a person, and I want to share these stories with all of you. They are moving and inspirational and too good not to share.

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About Noble Character Rachael, Charity wrote:

Rachael was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. She has 3 small children at home and while most people would have questioned God, questioned their faith and everything they believed in, Rachael drew closer to God.

She created a blog for all her family and friends to follow along (she lives across the US from most of us). The pictures of her getting her haircut were SO hard to see and yet throughout the whole journey, was a shoulder to others, encourager, and friend. She kept up with her kids and seemed to always be gleaning more from things around her, including her love affair with Jesus.

Rachael truly is a person of noble character in my eyes. She has proven that even though the road gets hard, you don't give up, you don't stop, and you keep your eyes focused on what God has in store for you and your life.

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About Noble Character Samantha, Tammie wrote:

Samantha is 18. She may be 18 but acts like a mature young woman. She is always putting others before herself. And is very giving. Sami bakes cookies or cupcakes for her friend's birthdays. She thinks of those people that others won't give the time of day to. She has stood her ground and never changed her beliefs or standards. She has so many fruits of the spirit. Everyone sees her for who she is and knows she is "different". She has emerged from her cocoon and is a beautiful butterfly. She knows what she wants and she is going to go after it.

I've been diagnosed with stage 4 Follicular Lymphoma. If Sami sees a need, she helps without a 2nd thought or even being asked. She has a special heart. She never just sits idly by. She is always doing something. Baking, doing laundry, cleaning up. Even though she doesn't have a husband or family of her own, she is the Proverbs 31 woman. We've been so blessed to have such a daughter. She is a good listener and loyal friend. She is a Godly young lady. She has never faltered in her way of life. What you see is what you get. She's simple, sweet, kind and gentle. She is noble. She's my daughter.

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Thanks to all who participated.

In the grip of His grace,
Robin