In the Dailies

Proximity Award

December 8, 2008

My friend Lynn gave me a blog award! It’s my first ever, and it’s a great one. I am truly honored and humbled. If you’ve not been to Lynn’s site, Heading Home, you should take a few minutes to visit. She’s such a positive, encouraging writer. I love visiting her there and diving into her thoughts. If anyone is worthy of this award, it is she. However, since I can’t give it back to her, I’ll name a few people of my own whom I think deserving.

What is the proximity award? Well, in spite of the all-Spanish speaking birthday party I attended with Ellie last weekend (which is worthy of its own blog post), I’ve little confidence in translating. It was explained to me this way:

“This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY – nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

Each of the following embody this perfectly. In no particular order …

• Kellie at La Vida Dolce : Kellie is fabulous! I’ve never actually met her … now that I think about it, I’ve not met any of these people in person, but each has impacted me and my faith in unique ways. Kellie challenges me to be intentional with my faith and actions. Her Tru-isms Campaign over the summer forced me to disect my motivations and embrace what it really true. Even her seemingly mundane posts encourage authenticity and an everyday Christian life.
• Heidi at Moms, Ministry and More : I’ve only been following Heidi for a few months and already she’s made a strong impression. She does what I love best: she finds God in the details. Whether it’s a gathering of koi or the words of children, she recognizes God in these dailies.
• Kristen at We Are That Family : You may recognize this from the ‘Fro Me to You Carnival I frequent on Thursdays. Kristen has taught me to embrace my imperfections and those of my family. Not to elevate them or take pride in them, but just to admit them and accept them — then praise God for His amazing grace and mercy which consistently and perfectly make up for my shortcomings! I also love how, no matter how random or comical her posts, she always includes scripture at the bottom.
• Monica at Paper Bridges : Monica is all about community. She draws people closer to God and each other, be it through challenging political posts, mothering posts, homeschooling posts or just funny things that happened. She’s on NJ Mom Bloggers, Facebook, Twitter and a dozen other great community builders. She encourages me (and her other readers) to keep relationships first, with God and the others in your life.
• Beverly at The High Calling : Beverly is the perfect mother. Seriously. I wish I were more like her. She is an excellent steward of time, faith, energies and resources. She exemplifies sacrificial love and patience. Have you heard of the excellent wife? The beautiful quiet spirit? Beverly puts flesh on these oft elusive aspirations.
• Heather at L’Chaim : I’ve sent you to Heather’s site a number of times. She writes about the intersection of faith, life and art. Her site consistently challenges me to find God in the “secular” parts of life: movies, artwork, literature and more.

I know I’m supposed to list eight blogs, but Lynn had more than eight deserving blog-friends, so it kind of evens out. I’d also like to highlight Deb at Greatest Mission Trip You’ll Ever Take. She has already received and given the award, so I don’t think I’m allowed to give it to her again just yet. Actually, including Lynn and Deb, I am listing eight blogs!

I hope you’ll give each a visit. I’m positive you’ll find value in each.

Entry Filed under: blog tours,encouragement,fellowship,reward. .