Well, this news just made my week! I am so delighted to have The Engrafted Word nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by Kathleen Denly.

The Sunshine Blogger Award is a peer recognition for bloggers across all genres who inspire “positivity and joy.” While there is no formal evaluation or vetting process, and no tangible prize, it is a sweet gift to receive from fellow bloggers who view my blog as “inspiring positivity and joy.”

Blogging has certainly been a joy for me these past 5 years. I’m so blessed by readers like Kathleen, who inspire me in return.

Sunshine Blogger Award rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
3. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

My answers to the 11 questions from Kathleen:

What is one lesson you had to learn the hard way?

Sometimes the challenge is part of the adventure. My hubby loves to try new things and is always challenging me to step outside my comfort zone. One of our recent adventures this year was skiing. A vacation to Colorado sounds lovely, right? But this trip proved to be HARD WORK! 😉 After 3 days on the mountain, learning to ski, facing fears and falling a LOT, I had to embrace the journey for what it was – An adventure in perseverance and having faith in my hubby to keep me from crashing! 😉

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This one is hard for me to narrow down. A couple things come to mind.

A couple years ago, my mom, sister and I went to see Beth Moore speak. Such an amazing conference! At the very end, as Beth was about to walk off stage after two days of inspiring teaching, she held up her Bible as her goodbye. “Stay in the Word, friends. Stay in the Word.” Her simple, yet wise advice continues to bless and guide me to this day. Everything we need is found in God’s Word and in fellowshipping with Him. Staying in His Word will renew us every day of our lives.

Another quote I want to share is from Allen Arnold, who offers so much wonderful advice and encouragement for writers and Christians alike, it’s hard to pick just one point. But I love the advice in this quote of his…

“If you do only one thing today, love God with all your heart. Start there. That will lead to you loving others well. And in the process, you will love yourself well. But it all begins in intimacy with God.”

I treasure these reminders. To love and live well, we must walk close with God and love Him above all.

Why did you start blogging and is the reason you continue to blog different?

I wanted a place to gather with kindred spirits and talk about our favorite books and get to know our favorite authors. I wanted to help authors get the word out about their stories and, as a writer myself, learn from them. Connecting with fellow writers and reader friends was – and still is – my joy in blogging.

What are you reading right now and which book is next on your TBR?

I just started Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green. Her books are always fantastic, so I know this will be no exception. Plus, that cover is GORGEOUS! Next up on my list is Joanne Bischof’s Daughters of Northern Shores. (Apparently, there’s a lot of “shores” to explore.) 😉 I’m happy to read everything and anything Joanne writes and I’ve been waiting for this sequel for a long time. Can’t wait to start it soon!

What is your favorite comfort food?

Does coffee count? 🙂 In fact, I just finished my afternoon cup a few minutes ago. 🙂 It’s what keeps me going!

When you aren’t reading or blogging, what are you most likely to be doing?

More often than not, I’m trying to keep up with my two-year-old daughter, Allison. I try to work during her nap time on other projects, such as my own novel or designing a website, but once she’s awake, we’re back to playing with Legos, reading books, working in the garden, or attempting our latest “adventure” — potty training. (Pray for me!)

Who inspired your love of reading?

Thanks to my parents who homeschooled me and my siblings, I fell in love with reading at an early age. I also was inspired by my grandma, who introduced me to Janette Oke books when I was a teenager. I’ve loved Christian fiction ever since.

Of all the pieces of clothing you own, which is your favorite and why?

Okay, don’t judge me, but the first thing that comes to mind is my sweatpants. I prefer something comfy and that’s one of the perks of being a stay-at-home mom and writer. I can work, eat, sleep and play in my pajamas. 🙂

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome as a blogger?

Time! There just never seems to be enough of it to go around. 😉 Most days I’m torn between several writing projects and very little opportunity to sit at my desk. My adorable girlie LOVES to pull me away from the computer to play. And I have a hard time resisting that sweet invitation!

What is your favorite genre to read?

If you’ve followed my blog for very long, you probably already know… Historical romance!!!

Of all the blog posts you’ve written, which is your favorite? Please post the link.

One of my favorite posts I’ve written was a little “behind-the-scenes” about the day I wrote The End on book 4. Such a special memory! I posted it on my author website here: https://savannakaiser.com/reaching-the-end/

 

I nominate these 11 bloggers/authors:

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Kimberly Joy

Cynthia Herron

Faithfully Bookish

Reading is my Superpower

Cynthia Roemer

Heidi Reads

JustCommonly

Laurie Tomlinson

Singing Librarian Books

Joanne Bischof

 

The questions for my nominees:

1. What (or who) inspired you to start blogging?
2. How has blogging changed your life overall?
3. What has been your favorite read of 2019 so far?
4. What is one of your favorite songs?
5. If you could take a vacation anywhere, what destination would you choose?
6. When you aren’t reading or blogging, what are you most likely to be doing?
7. What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?
8. Who inspired your love of reading?
9. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
10. What was your favorite book as a child?
11. Of all the blog posts you’ve written, which is your favorite? Please post the link.