Journey to Him Accepts the Liebster Award
My eyes shot open in shock and awe. I kept reading. Award … Blogging award … Blogging award for me!
What? Me? I’ve only been blogging for a month and a half! There are blogging awards?
That was my response as I read a comment on my blog from my new, and now very best friend Jaime Wiebel who blogs at Seeking God in All I Do.
My second response was something along the lines of … Clearly, this is a spam comment. Can someone actually send spam comments from Jaime? Why is there so much spamming in blogging anyway?
But it’s legit!
That’s really the sweetest type of award isn’t it; when you’re nominated by your peers?
This award provides an opportunity to experience the fine work of other bloggers and gain exposure for your blog as well. It also has the ability to dismantle competitiveness and envy.
I’m not typically an award recipient.
And to be honest, I’ve felt a bit out of my element this past month and a half of blogging. I did all the right things … link up with other bloggers, hang out on social media, etc. But, I found most of the other Christian bloggers weren’t anything like me.
- They’re all married – I’m divorced.
- They’re mostly stay-at-home moms – My cherished stay-at-home days are long gone; I work outside the home.
- Many of them, actually a lot of them, are home-schooling – Okay, let’s just say if I home-schooled, there would be a lot of recess on the curriculum!
Gratefully, I found our differences didn’t make a difference.
Indeed, I have been welcomed with open arms and generous hearts.
And isn’t that exactly how God wants us to be? The body of Christ is the perfect example of how He gathers together all our differences and molds them into something far bigger than we could accomplish flying solo. A family that builds each other up, and together glorifies God.
Jaime is a prime example of the wonderful community of writers I’ve come to know. She has been a great encourager as I swim in these unchartered waters God led me to.
Here’s how the Liebster Blogging Award works:
- You write a post accepting the award and include a link back to the blogger who nominated you
- Answer the questions the nominating blogger provides (see my answers below)
- Nominate 3-5 other bloggers for the award (rules vary here, but less than 3,000 followers are desired)
- Provide a list of 5-10 questions for your nominees to answer
- Acceptance of the award is voluntary
Here are the questions Jaime would like me to answer:
First… What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
That would have to be just hanging at home, sharing a meal and sharing our hearts. My children are college-aged so I’m savoring these times at the moment.
Second… How did you spend the holidays?
With family Christmas Eve and with a couple of close friends Christmas Night. It couldn’t have been sweeter.
Third… Do you have any goals, resolutions, or a “word” for the new year?
I did One Word for the first time last year. My word was PATIENCE. I wrote about the experience in a recent post. I will never make another New Year’s Resolution again after that experience. Additionally, I am still praying and wrestling with my 2016 word. It might be STILL, PAUSE or SINGULAR.
Fourth… Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Hopefully, I haven’t found it yet! Some favorites: Paris, Austin, Chicago, NYC, anywhere in California, especially Nappa Valley.l
Fifth… How diligent are you about documenting your life through writing, pictures, or blogging?
Organization might be my middle name, so I’m pretty good about this. I keep a writer’s journal where I document thoughts and learnings that come to me so I won’t forget. I refer back to this when it’s posting time. My blogs are me … raw and real.
Sixth… Where is your favorite place to spend time with the Lord?
I can always find God anywhere in His creation if I linger there a while, but the ocean is my favorite.
Seventh… Are you a part of any communities that encourage your walk with Christ?
I could not live without my small group. They are my biggest encouragers. Recently, I went through some extremely difficult times. Through tears, I told one of them I couldn’t even pray; I couldn’t still my heart. Her response, “That’s okay. We are praying for you.” Priceless.
Eighth… What made you begin blogging?
God was nudging me to write and I tried my best to ignore it. But, He is relentless so here I am. The catalyst was another blog where He clearly told me I had something to say and He wanted me to say it. It became my first blog post. It is about the freedom you gain when you unmask your pain.
Ninth… What is your one “secret tip” for blogging that you want to share?
Wow, I’m too new at this to have any tips. Let me think … Besides the obvious (prayer) I recently read about a tip for writer’s block that I plan to test out. It’s based on the premise that it’s easier to respond to a conversation than to start one. So, hop on a couple of discussion boards in your niche. Search for some forums where you feel you could lend some experience to the conversation. There’s your next post!
Last… If you could be doing any job you choose, what would it be?
A full-time volunteer teaching others about life, divorce, leadership, parenting, and faith. Hopefully, my employer isn’t reading this, but if you are … I love my job!
Thank you, again, Jaime. Totally shocked, honored and blessed by this.
The bloggers I am nominating, and the questions they should answer, are listed (in no particular order) after the Ponder and Practice section.
Ponder
You are so loved by God, an award winner in His eyes. Spend some time soaking that in and responding to it. Please leave a comment on your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.
Practice
A Truth: “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
A Song: If We Are The Body Casting Crowns (click here to listen)
A Read: Please check out the bloggers I list below for some fresh reading material.
A Prayer: God, thank you for the community of writers I have found in such a short period of time. Help us all to maintain our focus, our diligence and our passion for this mission. Keep us in community with one another. Helping and encouraging where we can. Let this community of bloggers be an example of the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Katie Westenberg – I Choose Brave: The title of her blog alone drew me in. She has some great insight on living fearlessly in Christ.
Donna Reidland – Soul Survival: Donna has some great Bible studies and she’s not afraid to tackle the tough subjects.
Horace Williams, Jr – Pleasing to the Potter: All you have to do is read his testimony and you’ll be hooked.
And, should you accept the nomination, your questions are:
- What prompted you to start blogging?
- And, what do you love most about blogging?
- What have you found to be the best way to gain exposure for your blog?
- Can you share a blogging tip?
- How do you generate ideas for your posts?
- Where’s your favorite place to be when you’re writing?
- What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your blogging journey?
- What’s the one thing you’d like us to know about you?
Here’s where I share many of my posts.
Hi Pam! I love that Jaime nominated you! She is one of my favorite people and she couldn’t have picked a better person! I didn’t know you when this was first posted, but I sure am crazy happy to do so now!! I agree wholeheartedly with you about the blogging world. We are all different in many ways, but there is so much love and support! Our common denominator is that we love Jesus and are following Him down wherever He chooses to next send us!
Thank you so much, Pam, for sharing this hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
I think our differences validate our creation! Thanks for your kind words, Lori. Blessings!
Congratulations! I believe I have stopped by here once before because your story sounds familiar. I am also divorced with two grown sons-one of whom just got married Dec. 27. I began blogger at God’s prompting and will never be an expert. God just wants me to share Him through my writing. You are not alone in this blogging world and I am so glad you are here. Blessings!
Hi Mary, it’s great to see you here again. I have been so amazed by the Christian blogging community. So glad we all followed His lead!
Woohoo, Pam! Congrats on your award👏🏼👏🏼 Every good & perfect gift comes from above – our Father always surprises us with the most wonderful, unexpected gifts! May He continue blessing you in your Journey to Him🙏🏼
Thank you, my sweet friend. Shocked and blessed by this.
Congratulations, that is awesome!
It is so true that God thinks we are all award winners and it is so important for us to remember that. I found you through Women with Intention.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Rashel!
So fun, Pam and congrats. The Liebster award is such a great way to get to know more about the person behind the blog. Loved learning more about you here. Visiting today from #testimonytuesday.
Thanks, Tiffany! Shocked and blessed by this.
It’s great to get to know you today. Congrats and welcome to the best online community there is-christian bloggers. The encouragement and willingness to lift each other up has been such a blessing to me. Visiting you from Testimony Tuesday today.
Thanks for visiting, Mary! So grateful to be a part of this community of wonderful people I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet.
Congrats, Pam! I am a relative newcomer to this experience of blogging as well. I began about six months ago and initially as a retiree and grandmother wondered if this was really a fit, but I would agree about the supportive network found from many. You put your life and heart out there and wonder what (if anything) the Lord is doing with it. Comments are so helpful and appreciated as a grid to get a sense of who my audience is and what they resonate with. I had never heard of this award and all you shared about it. Very cool!!
Hello my friend. I had never heard of it either so I was quite surprised. So far it’s been a great experience and I’m sure God uses our writing! We’ll find out how later. Thanks for stopping by and wishing you all the best in your blogging journey.
This is so awesome! Congratulations! I love how you pointed out the importance of all of our differences. I’m really happy for you to receive such a cool award so early into your blogging career, that says a lot! I look forward to seeing how God continues to use you through your blog.
Thank you, Judy! I’m shocked and blessed at the same time. So glad there is room here for all our different walks.
The biggest blog tip I can share is NEVER compare your self or your writing to others.
You are unique with God given talent and abilities. Speak truth but not to be too revealing, share your heart but not too much, be honest and open and if your blog is open to the world be wise in your sharing.
I began my blog as a challenge from my husband.
Good ones, Sharon!
Hey Pam,
That is awesome! I’ve come across your writing a couple of times this month–I think on some mutual blog-hops. I remember enjoying your posts, but had no idea that you have only been blogging for two months. The community that you have built during this short time is incredible. I recently posted that one way to get engagement is to be engaging. I know that you dove into the conversations and added value to my life, in the very brief time that we’ve been acquainted. Congratulations, on the excellent site and a well-deserved award!
Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement, Jed! I’ve checked out some of your posts as well. Very impressed and very helpful. I’m taking to heart your “two words” advice – Be quotable. Mastering this will take much more toiling and guidance from the Master storyteller!
Congratulations, Pam! Well-deserved.
And Austin…yes! (I used to teach in San Marcos, just down the road.
Keeping Austin Weird was not hard when I was around.
32 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/01/your-dying-spouse-109-fmf.html
I love Austin! Thanks for visiting again. I’ve enjoyed your blog as well.
Blogging is a great community! Congratulations! 🙂
I agree! I have been pleasantly surprised. Blessings to you in your journey, Rachel.
Congrats, I got here via the FMF post. What a great thing to be recognized, and you are right we are all winners in God’s eyes… but it’s still nice to be recognized. Fun post, I’ll be back to read more.
Thanks, Maxine! I will look for you on FMF.
Hi Pam, This was a fun post to read. I loved what you said about it being easier to respond to a conversation instead of starting one. That’s a great writing tip!
I’m glad that the world of Christian bloggers is starting to become a little more diverse and I’m glad you’re here!
Thanks for linking up with Grace and Truth last week. : )
Yes, it’s a great group of people out there keeping His conversation alive!
Hi, Pam. Congrats on being nominated! I have been blogging for a little over 4 years, but I remember that award coming my way at the beginning of my blogging experience. I’ve also made lots of wonderful friends through blogging – I noticed that Joan (from the Beauty in His Grip) also commented, saying she met some bloggers in “real life”. Well, I was one of those blogger-friends. My hubby and I were on vacation close to her area last summer and we actually spent a few days together. It was AMAZING!! God is so good!! Wishing you many more blessed years of blogging and sweet friendships!!
Oh, wow! What a great story. I haven’t met anyone in person yet but I’m hopeful I will some day. Thanks for the encouragement.
I got that award once too! Fun and my reaction was just like yours!!!
Hello my friend! I can see why you got it. Very talented. I’m enjoying this community of bloggers so it’s nice that we have this award to formally support one another.
Congratulations Pam.
Thank you, Debbie. Blessed by this.
So happy for you. Blogging is great for community. Have a wonderful week 🙂
Thank you, Suzy! Amazing group of people.
Congratulations, Pam!
Congratulations. I am sure the award is well deserved.
God bless you.
Thank you, Victor! Blessings to you in 2016.
Congrats, Pam! Only a month and a half – wow! It sure looks like you’ve jumped in with both feet! I’ve been blogging for almost 6 years (minus a few months when I was in a funk) and I absolutely love it! I see you’ve already met some awesome people and I would be willing to bet that some of those relationships will last for years! Many of the people whom I have met online have become my dearest friends and the source of great encouragement when needed most. I’ve even met some blogging friend “in real life”! So, welcome to the blogsphere and congratulations on receiving the Liebster Award!
Blessings, Joan
Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Joan. It has been a wonderful and sometimes exhausting experience. I couldn’t agree with you more on the heart of the blogging community. Amazing is all I can say.
Pam, hard to believe you’ve only been blogging for a month and a half. Your site looks wonderful and you have a great voice. Congratulations on your reward and keep tapping away at all God is teaching! Thanks for connecting with me today!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Lisa. It’s all Him!
I love this. It is well deserved and who else would I nominate than my new best friend. You may sometimes feel alone, but I read through so many questions and said yes, that is me. So we may be more alike than you think. Favorite place ocean. My kids being homeschooled, would result in too much recess (and I have a teaching degree). My husband called my blogger friends, “virtual friends” and I was hurt. I have been so encouraged by so many people, including you. You are my sister in Christ and when we meet someday (here or in heaven) we will rejoice for the glory of God has brought us all to the same place. Our journey here together was part of His journey for us. You have a great new year and I look forward to more conversations and more beauty flowing from your site.
Sweet, friend, I can’t wait until that day! I love being on this journey and having you be a part of it! You are special in His eyes and mine. xoxo
Hi Pam, I’ve missed you sitting down with us. I look forward to seeing you back at our blog party next week. Have a great week.
Thanks for reaching out, Jaime. I’m having a serious case of an over-packed agenda. You will see me soon!