Blogger Recognition Award

 

 

“Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

 

Sometimes we wonder if the work we do is truly appreciated, and it really is wonderful when we hear that it is.  This past Sunday a sweet lady shook my hand after the sermon, leaned over, and whispered that she had been scheduled to be at work three hours ago, but that she just couldn’t miss the church service and was going in late!  While I felt worried about her future job security, it was nice to hear that the services we put together mean so much to her.

 

 

I was in for another sweet surprise when I discovered that Lynn Abbott – talented painter, writer, and host of the beautiful blog, Through Ink and Image, nominated me for the Blogger Recognition Award.   Awards like this are designed to let other writers know that you appreciate their work, and I was honored and thrilled to receive the news!

 

 

To accept the award, you simply have to follow a few simple rules:

• Write a post to show your award
• Give a brief story of how your blog started
• Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers
• Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog
• Select 15 (or less) other blogs you with to award

 

 

So here we go!

 

 

The History of The Artistic Christian

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner

 

There was a time where I never would have dreamed that I would become a blogger.  I’ve always loved writing, especially when it comes to spiritual topics, but I wasn’t always confident that anyone out there actually wanted to hear what I had to say.

 

 

Then I became a part-time college professor, and had the privilege of stepping into the classroom and teaching about Fine Arts.  The sweetest part of the deal was that this was at a Christian university, so I was able to explain that God is the Master Artist, and that every time we use our creativity and gifts of artistic expression we are reflecting His image.  I found myself energized and excited every time I even thought about all this, and my passion was contagious in class.  I saw students light up before my eyes, and several told me that they had begun to view art – and God – in an entirely new way.  A thought crept into my mind – “You know, I really could write about the relationship between Christianity and art…”

 

 

This idea was the spark that ignited my desire to create a website, and The Artistic Christian was born.  I had a huge learning curve at first, and I’m still learning how to “do things right” as a blogger.  But I’ve learned so much along the way and have met the most incredible people.  Every second I’ve dedicated to blogging has been absolutely worth it.

 

 

Advice for New Bloggers

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” – Richard Bach

 

 

Are you just getting your feet wet in the blogosphere?  My first piece of advice is this:  Don’t Quit!  It really is that simple.  At first no one will know you exist, and it will feel like pulling teeth to get even one measly little follower.  But stay in the game, write regularly, and comment on other posts that you enjoy.  Eventually the ball will start rolling, and your blog will pick up more and more momentum the longer you stay at it.  Don’t give up and don’t take shortcuts… just keep writing!

 

 

My second piece of advice is to Post Regular, Varied Content.  If you post regularly, others will want to follow your blog to make sure they don’t miss anything.  If you only post once a quarter, they won’t feel this sense of urgency.  Also, some blogs only collect a handful of faithful followers because they only speak to a very limited audience.  Always be dreaming up ways that you can add variety to your content.  Try and reach out to a slightly different audience every time.  The rewards will make it worth the extra effort!

 

 

The Blogger Recognition Award Goes To…

The following writers have earned my deepest admiration by their faithful sharing of beautiful, high-quality content.  As a thank-you to them for their hard work, I nominate them for the Blogger Recognition Award!

 

 

Pam Larson – Knowing God Through His Word…Day By Day

 

 

Shara C. – Into the Foolishness of God

 

 

Ryan Lanz – A Writer’s Path

 

 

Daily Dose

 

 

Fellow writers, just know that your work is appreciated by a larger audience than you know.  Not everyone whose heart is touched takes the time to hit that “Follow” button, and we may not realize the impact our words have had until we reach Heaven!

 

 

Be encouraged, make it your goal to inspire someone today, and whatever you do… keep on writing!