Editor’s Note: This is not my usual blog post. For my readers who are not bloggers themselves, this post may not make a lot of sense. Suffice to say that this post is written as a personal thank you to friends within the blogging community. Often, bloggers recognize and encourage one another. I have been so honored this week. And I am truly thankful.
T.R. Noble of Peeking Beneath and Inside Cup has greatly honored me with the Blogger Recognition Award. She is both a thoughtful and thought-provoking writer, and she and her blog are much loved! I have truly enjoyed getting to know her through her authentic and insightful writing. I truly look forward to her posts.
Part of blogging etiquette for this particular award includes telling a little about how one’s blog began and offering advice to new bloggers in order to encourage them on their writing journey.
Obviously, I can adequately fulfill the first part of the etiquette equation. But as far as advice goes, I’m not sure I have a lot of wisdom to impart. Even so, I’ll give it a try.
Okay… So let’s roll with the blog’s backstory…
Through Ink & Image…a bloggie is born
Next to the Bible, the children’s classic, Uncle Arthur’s Bible Book has influenced my life more than any other book.
Perhaps, you’ve seen it in a pediatrician’s office. If you have, you understand how I first became enamored with its beautiful illustrations and Bible stories.
In fact, as a nine-year-old, I couldn’t get enough of the series. And so there was no help for it. My mother smuggled an abridged copy into our home.
Why the subterfuge? At the time, my Dad vehemently professed atheism.
The necessity of secrecy made it all even more exciting. But the stories and illustrations themselves captured my heart for the long haul. And that’s probably the reason, I still connect Biblical truth with fine art.
Quite honestly, I am fascinated by the people who grace the pages of the Bible. I identify with their struggles and admire their faith. And I suppose I relate to them because despite the fact that they were ordinary and flawed, God loved them.
Whatever the case, I like to think of this blog as an illustrated Bible story book for adults.
Without a doubt, the foundation for Through Ink and Image was set long before the blog began. After personally battling cancer in 2007 and losing my Mom to ovarian cancer in 2008, I began chronicling my faith journey through art.
In emails to my closest gal pal, I often described the spiritual inspiration for my paintings.
Of course, she’s a saint…reading my ramblings as well as encouraging the progress of each related painting. She put up with my lengthy emails for several years before she suggested I take my reflections public via a blog.
And so, Through Ink and Image was born.
My Thoughts about Blogging
I think that T.R. has already identified two of the most important things to keep in mind as you begin a blog: identifying the purpose for your blog and recognizing that blogging is about being a part of a community–connecting with others.
But if I must add anything to her wonderful wisdom, I would say that any blogger should pace himself/herself to avoid burn-out. Find a posting schedule that works for you, and then, maintain a routine. That will make blogging easier for the long haul.
For example, since I am a professional artist, I must fit my blogging into a very intense work schedule. In fact, many bloggers not only work full-time but they also manage long commutes.
So, think long-term. Although you may feel extremely enthusiastic about posting, recognize your time limitations and establish a reasonable schedule for yourself from the outset. Your future self will thank you!
My Nominations for Blogging Recognition
And now, my favorite part of this award business… I am privileged to recognize a variety of blogs by wonderful blogging friends!
Anchored in Christ, Adopted to Kingship
And a brand new blog by a friend who battles Lyme Disease, My Own Unexpected Journey
Blogger Recognition Award,
a “Mission-Not-So-Impossible” if you choose to accept it…
Tag, you’re it.
The 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 wish to Award
Thank you for the nomination! I’m so glad you enjoy my blog. I will try to have my post published sometime in the next week or two.
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Oh, I do enjoy it and I’m so glad I discovered it! No worries about posting immediately. I realize you have a busy life. Will look forward to your pist when you are able! Hugs!
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Congratulations Lynn, well deserved! Blessings!
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Thank you so much, Bruce! You do know that I truly respect and enjoy your thoughtful, informative and well-written blog. I thought, perhaps, that you might be like Kathy: generally shying away from the award circuit. All the best, my friend!
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You deserve to be recognized and applauded. Great art, wonderful ways of connecting said art to scripture. Always a joy.
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Jim, adopted brother… your words of encouragement mean so much! You are an amazing writer and I’m so proud to say “I knew you when…” Of course, although I respect your writing talent, I haven’t forgotten your tradition of “roasting” any who would dare award you 😉 All the best, my talented friend!
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I love how your blogging journey began! I so relate to God putting our purpose in our hands at a young age, even when we may not have fully been aware of what was going on. Yes, scheduling is soooo important!!! Everyone is different, and I think it’s okay to talk about that. 🙂 I’m glad you did. God really put you on my heart for the award, and I see how truly beautiful and inspirational your journey to blogging is. You deserve the award 🙂 Keep sharing, and keep inspiring! Congrats!! ❤
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Thank you, thank you, T.R.! The award means the world to me coming from you!! God used you to encourage me more than you can possibly imagine! I pray He blesses you big time for your thoughtfulness and kindness to me! Love and hugs! ❤️
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To be quite honest with you 🙂 I think He has. I’ve felt a lot of ambition tonight. I’m working on organizing old posts, and preparing for my journey for writing my book (well, what I hope to be published as a book when it’s written 🙂 ). I just, you know, feel Him at work, and encouraging me through each and every step. ❤ He truly is beyond amazing. Thank you!! 🙂
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I so love your perspective and faith! Your passion and love for God buoys and challenges me in my walk with Him! ❤️
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❤ ❤ amen! That's the work of His hand! I'm glad He can use me. Your words just remind me as long as I am in His hand that's all that matters. Thank you for being an answer to prayer. Wondering if I am doing what I am called to do. ❤
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You better believe you are! God definitely works through you! And I think we all question our calling at times… creating can be such quiet work… long hours and hard work. It’s easy to wonder about the significance of that work. I know I wonder at times.But it is obvious to me that God is blessing your faithfulness to use your extraordinary gifts for Him! Hugs!
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❤ thank you so much!!! Amen!! 🙂 🙂 This song is playing on my playlist right now, and I feel you are an answer to my prayer.
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Oh, I LOVE that song! Brandon Heath’s lyrics are always so powerful! I’m so glad that I could encourage you in some small way! You made my day yesterday! ☺️❤️
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🙂 yes, his lyrics are amazing!! I’m so glad I could encourage you as well!!! ❤
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😊 Hugs!
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Typing on my phone🙄 Tiny screen keyboard makes for multiple typos. Sorry ’bout that. 😣😂❤️
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Wow! Thank you so much Lynn!! You’re awesome! So honored and super humbled to be recognized by such an accomplished write and artist. God bless you above and beyond. Love and hugs!! 🙂
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You so deserve the award, Eunice! You truly inspire! ❤️ And hugs!
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I am deeply honored that you would consider me for this award. I’m not one for recognition, but I do love it when my messages hit the mark and touch another’s heart. I have several special. Loggers that I folloe
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I completely understand about receiving awards, Kathy! No worries. And thank you with ALL my heart for your kind words! ❤️
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I am honored to be on your list, Lynn. It always makes me feel it’s worth it when God uses me to bring inspiration or encouragement. I’ve grown to look forward to your posts as well. Your art is amazing and your love for God evident. I don’t usually do the award thing, but I highly recommend that folks follow you, Julie at Cookiecrumbstoliveby, Wally Fry, Citizen Tom, Lions den, Chicken Grandma, Mike Ridenauer, Insanity bytes and Mitch Teemley. All of these writers hold a high place of honor on my list. Thanks for thinking of me and keep on doing what you do so well.
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Thank you so much, Lynn!
Have a great weekend!!
Blessings~
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You, too, Robbye! 🙂
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Thanks!
We had a little excitement from Hurricane Nate. Nothing major, just a lot of wind and falling trees/tree limbs. Fortunately, we were far enough inland that we weren’t affected more drastically.
Have a great week.
Blessings!
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I’m so very glad that you are okay! I pray your week is especially blessed. I received the book, by the way! It looks fantastic! I can’t wait to dive in. Thank you again! ❤
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Thank you!
Oh, I’m glad you got it. I’m sure you will enjoy it very much!
You are very welcome!!
Blessings~
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I know I will! Thanks again! 🙂❤️
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You are very welcome!
Blessings~ ❤
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God bless you big time, Robbye! ❤️
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Thank you so very much, Lynn!
Blessings~ ❤
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Right back at’cha, Robbye! ❤
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🙂 ❤
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Somehow along the way, I have you receiving this award and therefore failed to congratulate you… so…
PTL! Congrats on your Blogger Recognition Award! I absolutely love the way you do your “acceptance speeches!” 😉 They’re Blogger Recognition worthy! 🙂
Me and God love you!
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Oh, thank you; thank you, dear Gail! I was so honored to receive the award from you! I truly look forward to your posts! ❤ and hugs!
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God is truly so good! 🙂
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Amen!! ❤
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