So here I am, typing my 100th entry! What do I say? When I think of the apprehension I had about starting to journal like this, I have to consider if it's been worth it and what I have learned.
There are two sides to consider.
The first and easy one is to say that I have been overwhelmed with the amount of moral encouragement you, as readers, have given me. It really has been very rewarding to write and have someone actually read it and say something positive, add something, laugh with me, cry with me or simply reminisce with me. I wanted to list you all by name, but when I started making the list, it just got too long. I want you - my three girls, my sister, my cousin, my nieces, new friends, old friends re-acquainted, my children's friends, my cooking friends, close friends, anonymous friends - all to know that I have appreciated every comment and wish that I could always say so right aways.
On the other hand, there are times when I wonder who else is reading and how much I should say, considering that. I have been very honest about my faith and made myself vulnerable as far as my family affections. This is part of who I am and it's part of real life. With this blog I have dared to step out even though there may be those who don't understand; something that I have not done too often in my life. In the end it has given me a freedom, an extension and awareness of life and myself that in itself has been rewarding. Something that is difficult to explain, but best visualized in the idea of working on a magazine and experimenting with those who really want to read but not forcing it on those who don't.
I have come to the conclusion that this kind of writing gives me satisfaction. It makes me reflect, and laugh more. It give me an avenue to share things from the past, everyday life or what God is teaching me. It is easier to say things in this way, because I can delete and change until I'm happy with what I really want to say. But most of all, it gives me the pleasure of sharing my heart and keeping memories alive in a brand new way.
So, to all of you who understand why I post and to all who don't, I want to say that I appreciate each of you, whether you comment, talk to me when you see me or just stay anonymous to keep me on my toes . . . Thank you!
23 comments:
I enjoy each of your posts very much! Thanks for letting us peek into your life.
Congratulations on your 100th post! I enjoyed reading your reflections...
You've always been good with words, Anneliese, and I enjoy reading your view on the different things that God places in your life. You are sensitive and encouraging. Keep it up.
YAY! 100th post....so awesome!! Your blog is encouraging and inspiring to read - and it allows me to keep in touch with you even though we live far away. Thank-you for sharing your journey with us!
Love, Bonnie
I know how positive comments can really encourage a blogger.
I have had the privelage of getting to "know" you through our many little chats, and one thing I have learned is you have a tender heart towards God, and that has blessed me.......love you my friend
om the fuunier, lighter side, i habe leatn to ude speell check, al liitttle more oftm.
Wow, 100 already?? Congratulations! Your writing is so pleasant and encouraging to read, coming here is an enjoyable part of my day.
Hi Anneliese,
I'm one of your anonymous readers, I think I've commented only one of your daughter's posts, on her blog. It's interesting, because first I found a link to mennonitegirlscancook in unlessthelord. I loved it, especially because I'm a mennonite girl myself: my Opas and Omas immigrated to Brazil in 1930. From there I got to your blog, and I somehow feel connected , and feel that I am able to understand so many things that you write. Almost a year ago I wrote Tracy a message, and it seems to have encouraged her in her blogging. There's the link: http://unlessthelord.blogspot.com/2008/10/sisterhood.html
Congratulations, and keep it up!
Marilene
Congratulations!!! I really enjoy your blog. It is fun because there is somewhat of a family connection and also the missionary connection as well. Your blog is truly a blessing and has encouraged and challenged me many times.
Blessings,
Leana
You have a way with words...and use them to encourage others in their walk...and so your 'season of blogging' has been a blessing. It's been good getting to know you through MGCC and through this blog...and congrat's on your 100th post...already!
congratulations on your 100th post!!! i so enjoy reading your blog - keep it up! :)
100th post.....WOW!!!When I come home from work this is the first thing I do.....read your blog.....you have encouraged me many times when I have had a bad day and many times I have laughed so hard and it has lighted up my day. God has truly blessed you with the gift of writing. You have been a blessing to me. Thanks for letting us walk with you.
love alvina
Dear Anneliese, I just want to thank you for having the courage to write that first post. You have many friends and family that know you and understand you and wouldn't be a bit surprised by this talent and gift that you have .. .but I wouldn't have known aside from all the lovely comments you have left on my blog . . .encouraging me with your honest and gentle words.
I pray that you will continue to have enjoy in expressing your memories and that God will bless you in many ways you would not have imagined .. .
A gift is meant to be shared with others. . .thank you for the gift you give us.
Your blog is fabulous! As our your girls' blog! Being able to write to enocurage & inspire others must run in the family :)
Congratulations on your 100th post. I have loved getting to know you a little better in this way - you articulate well and often leave thoughts that cause me to think a little more about the topic. So, thank you for sharing of yourself and the talents that you have.
100 posts already!?!?! I think you blog more then me now! LOL...which is a good thing since you are a MUCH better writer then I am! Aren't you glad you started? =)
Congratulations on your blogging journey! As a "new friend", I'm very happy to have "met" you on here! I love coming to your site and seeing a new title pop up, which means a new entry has been posted! You and I are in different stages in life, thus I appreciate your wise thoughts and insights especially when you look back to the stage I'm in right now.
You have inspired me, above all, to appreciate each moment for what it is....to enjoy each season in life. And I thank you for that!
Blogging came around in the perfect season. Thank you for starting your own blog because it helps to keep us connected even more. Love you, Mom.
Congrats! Anneliese. I remember how much you pondered on becoming a blogger.
I've enjoyed reading your posts.
Always encouraging, uplifting and inspiring.
Its a very very good thing that you Anneliese decided to post. I can't believe you are here already...at the 100th. But you know...I started to do this for my sake...as you have...to journal and grow. But look how many people you have touched along the way.....It has been good. And you have found a natural talent in your writing and photography. Now....that being said...your cooking also shines and thank goodness you post on MGCC too!
You have a gift in expressing yourself and in putting all together in a lovely post time and time again. I enjoy your 'magazine!' Kathy
Congratulations on your 100th. I've loved getting to know you on your blog. It's also been an education for me -- you should see all that strawberry jelly in my freezer. It's amazing that 2 women so far apart could know so much about one another -- if not for this blog, our paths would have never crossed. Thanks for sharing. Jan
I love what you said about how writing helps you clarify your thoughts, reflect and share. I just started blogging this spring when I decided to stop watching tv and spend my time in more uplifting ways. One of my daughters suggested starting a book club, which led to a family blog for book sharing. I agree with all that you said in this 100th post! Thank you for writing it down perfectly :)
~Maria
Congrats on post #100.....you are an amazing woman, a fabulous writer and an inspirational blogger....so glad you decided to go ahead and publish that first post!
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