I was thinking back to the years when we first got to know each other and realized that those years are half of our lifetime ago! We were having babies, learning our roles as wives, socializing as young couples. I looked through some old slides, but didn't find anything worthy to post. . . you're lucky! It just took me back to those days for a bit. I remember we prayed for you as a couple when cancer struck. I remember the joys we shared in learning how to care as care groups. What really sticks out in my memory is your hospitality and love for simply making your home a beautiful place to be.
We ended up in different circles in the "in-between," raised teenagers, saw them get married and even though we did not see each other a lot, there is always a connection that comes with old friends, those to whom you don't have to explain a lot to and whose kids you remember from when they were small.
When I found your blog a few years ago, I couldnt' help but keep going back to it. I was also encouraged by the interest you showed in my daughters' lives by reading their blogs. To make this short, my blog is here today, largely because of your inspiration. I know that your one desire in your blogging is to be an encouragement to others and that is truly what you are. You remind us to enjoy the simple things . . . the way a toddler squats, the flight of the eagle, the crunch of the leaves . . . and you are not afraid to remind us of "what really matters".
On this, your special day, Lovella . . . I just want to wish you all the joy and fulfilment that you could possibly feel as you reflect on God's goodness and blessings in your life. I have to apologize for stealing a photo right off your blog, but I chose it because I love this photo of you! I think that it portrays "you" in this season of your life so beautifully.
As you have declared a year of Jubilee . . . it brings to mind a time to rest, reflect, rejoice and remember God's faithfulness. And just as Fall brings on its beautiful colors, changes, and anticipation of new things, may this season in your life show off it's colors with grace and beauty . . . as you look ahead without fear.
I'm so thankful for this blogland friendship we have developed through our love of many of the same things. I consider you a very special friend, indeed! Happy 50th Birthday! Here's to a beautiful time in life!
Love, Anneliese
12 comments:
Oh Annelise, I am just dumbfounded this morning. .way over here. . to realize what you Menonite Girls planned for my birthday. This is possibly one of the nicest surprises I've ever had.
I woke up early. . .5:30 and came to the office to check on things. . .only to find so many wonderful posts. . .I'm truly humbled.
Oh Annelise, is not God so good to us? To bring friendship to our hearts as young mothers and then now again allowing it to bloom once more as mature women who love the very same things.
God bless you Annelise. . .and please give those wee ones a special hug today. . and when you feel their hug in return. . imagine how delighted I was with your post. . I am so humbled. . I truly am.
Friendship is a beautiful thing, isn't it? and what is more beautiful than the opportunity seized to express it in words. Beautifully done, Anneliese !
It really is fun seeing all these great photos of Lovella. Hope you are enjoying your trip...
Thanks for joining in the party...from afar, Anneliese! Great post...interesting to see how your lives have intersected through the years.
Beautiful tribute! Happy Birthday, Lovella!!
Bonnie
Wonderful post Anneliese..I'm loving this..hopping from blog to blog and finding all these great tributes to Lovella!
How nice for you to have known Lovella so long. Isn't it wonderful the way God brings new friends and old ones into our lives at exactly the right time?
Lovella is quite something - MGCC is evidence of that.
It's so unique has we have all been brought together from various stages of life. You have obviously had a long time history. And how precious and valuable is that.
It's funny how we can find ourselves enjoying each other's company midst our busy lives, via the internet.
I love to see how one single thread weaves itself through many patterns in the tapestry of life...that would be Lovella....grin. Wonderful tribute in words that you posted there Anneliese, as only you can do!
I noticed that a far country is looking at my site....
I can only think of you....
Hope you have a wonderful time.
Annelise, what a beautiful friend you are. Everyone should be so fortunate as to have a flower such as you in their life. God Bless both you and Lovella.
Oh I remember thinking how fun this picture was...is!
Lovely tribute Anneliese.
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