Thanks to My Blogging Family!

Posted on by johnmarkmiller

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.

Barbara Bush

 

 

Thank You to My Blogging Family!

At this time last year, this blog was nothing but a concept that had sparked within the back of my imagination. “Can I really keep up with this?” I wondered. “And if I do… will anyone read it?”

I took the leap of faith and created The Artistic Christian in January 2014, and in the few short months since then I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support, daily encouragement, and camaraderie provided by my fellow bloggers.

If you’re a part of my blogging family, let me take this opportunity to let you know how grateful I am for you! Not only have you kept me going this past year, but you’ve made the blogging experience a real joy!

 

 

wordpressfamilyaward_2

 

 

The WordPress Family Award

Speaking of support, I was blown away this weekend when I received word that I had been nominated for the “WordPress Family Award” by David and Holly over at Comparative Geeks. I discovered David and Holly’s blog during last year’s A to Z Challenge, and we’ve followed each other ever since. If you enjoy reading about science fiction, comics, and board games, and would like to support a young writing couple, then you should check them out!

 

 

Award Description

As for the award itself, this was designed as a way to express your gratitude to those who not only follow your blog, but have become like family.   Here is the description given by Shaun, the creator of the award:

“This is an award for everyone who is part of the ‘Word Press Family.’ I start this award on the basis that the WordPress family has taken me in, and showed me love and a caring side only WordPress can. The way people take a second to be nice, to answer a question and not make things a competition amazes me here. I know I have been given many awards, but I wanted to leave my own legacy on here by creating my own award, as many have done before. This represents ‘Family’ we never meet, but are there for us as family. It is my honor to start this award.”

 

Rules for the Award

  1. Display the award logo on your blog.
    2. Link back to the person who nominated you.
    3. Nominate 10-15 others you see as having an impact on your WordPress experience.
    4. Let your 10 family members know you have awarded them.
    5. That is it. Just please pick 10 people that have taken you as a friend, and spread the love.

 

 

Nominated Blogs

The following blogs have not only clicked the “Follow” button, but have supported me by taking time to leave thoughtful comments. If you’re looking for readers who will really engage with your blog, then you may want to give these a glance!

 

  1. VivaChange77, at https://cronechronicler.wordpress.com/
  2. Vicki, at http://vrein11.wordpress.com/
  3. Paige Hamilton, at http://talesfromthelaundryroom.wordpress.com/
  4. Levi Thetford, at http://levithetford.com/
  5. Joy Ackley, at http://joyackley.wordpress.com/
  6. Megan, at http://worshipandadore.wordpress.com/
  7. Anabel Marsh, at https://anabelsblog.wordpress.com/
  8. Deb, at http://mywearymind.wordpress.com/
  9. Natalie Scarberry, at http://sacredtouches.com/
  10. Andy Oldham, at http://christiangrandfather.com/
  11. Daleen C., at http://kidfarmer.wordpress.com/
  12. Rachel Carrera, at http://rachelcarrera.wordpress.com/
  13. Heather, at https://homedreamer07.wordpress.com/
  14. Faith Unlocked, at https://faithunlocked.wordpress.com/
  15. Julie Harris, at http://isingbecauseimfree.wordpress.com/

 

 

A happy family is but an earlier Heaven.
John Bowring

35 thoughts on “Thanks to My Blogging Family!”

  1. Congratulations John. The award couldn’t go to a more inspiring person/blogger. I’ve enjoyed your posts over the past year. They have brought the relevance of faith, family, love and the joy of humanity in so many different ways. All the best for the year ahead. 😊

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    1. I didn’t realize that your blog was so young. Congratulations John and I wish you the best in many years to come. The Artistic Christian is so needed. We Artists in Christ needed a place to correspond and this is one of those places. Thank you!

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      1. Wow – what an encouragement this comment was to me! Thanks for confirming that there is an audience for this sort of thing, and that I wasn’t totally crazy for getting started down this path!

        I’m looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for all of us… it’s going to be a great year!

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  4. WOW!! Thanks so much for nominating me! I am honored- and thank you for doing such a great job with your blog! I have truly enjoyed following your family and your writing. You have been a true blessing to me! Happy New Year and may this new year be one of abundance and blessings!!

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    1. You’re welcome – the award was well deserved! Thanks also for your encouraging comments… my main goal is to be a blessing to somebody out there, and I’m glad that God has been answering that prayer. I love the way we get to bless one another through participating in a blogging community like this…

      I hope you and your family have a Happy 2015!

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  9. Congratulations on your award! Very well deserved, my friend. Your posts have touched me in so many ways and are truly a blessing.
    And…thank you for nominating me! Wow!! I am shocked and accept it proudly!

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  10. John, I am deeply touched and honored by your nomination for the Word Press Family Award. i write for the joy of writing itself and that is the only reward I want. Reaching other people like you who respond is added grace. I think you are an exquisitely gifted writer. Your imagination is able to write a story about biblical texts and about your family life. I can tell from the comments what a large and loving following you have. You drew me in long ago when you wrote you were open to people whose theological roots differ from yours, as mine do. I love getting beyond differences and exploring the creative gifts God gives us. I think art is a powerful way God connects us to the world and uses art for healing. Blessings to you and your family, including your blogging family, for love and peace in the new year.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words…this award was certainly well-deserved! It really is a joy to explore the powerful way God can speak to us (including the way He speaks through art and life experience)…

      Wishing you all the best for 2015!

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  12. Wow!! Just saw this. What an honor to be nominated. Thank you so much, John!!!

    Congratulations on wining the award!! I can’t think of a better person to receive it. 🙂

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  13. I can’t think of a nicer award to receiver, or a more deserving recipient! Of all the blogs I read, yours consistently ranks as my most favorite. What I read here is not only well written, often educational, definitely thought-provoking. It also happens to be unapologetically Christian and yet not at all pompous or arrogant or judgmental in nature. I greatly appreciate that about your blog and agree with a previous commenter that this is just the sort of blog that we need more of … in fact, I quite often make a child (or two or three) in this house read through one of your posts. 🙂

    Thanks for the nomination of my blog. I agree … blogging here at WordPress has brought me into a family of fellow writers and bloggers that I never expected to find.

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  14. A belated thanks, John Mark, for including me in your list above (although I know from past experience, I’m not very good at following these things up!) I look on you as part of my WordPress family too – you’re part of my group of A to Z Survivors that I like to keep in touch with. I’ll continue to follow what you’re up to in 2015, and thank you for reading my blog, commenting and, once again, for the nomination. All the best to you and yours for the New Year.

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  16. Congratulations to you and your blog. I think you have wonderful gifts. Your blog is a rich combination of your Christian message and your true talent for the arts. Your blog is well named. Thanks for including me among the blogs you follow.

    PS. I just noticed this is the second time I’ve commented on this post. That is one thing crones can get away with. Having a memory that lives out of the box is acceptable.

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I'm a husband, father of two, pastor, private school principal and teacher who enjoys writing flash fiction as well as articles on life and art...thanks for stopping by!