I’ve been thinking about you all . . . yes, you my blog friends . . . many of whom I know and many I don’t. I can’t help but be amazed that you would come and visit me. Yes, I’m thrilled . . . because it has given me motivation to organize my thoughts and a reason to write.
The google map on my sidebar shows that most of you come from across Canada and the US. Some of you come from further than that . . . not that the click is any further, but it really has overwhelmed me. Now I know that it all began with submitting recipes to the cooking blog that Lovella invited me to and so there are those who just peek in and I appreciate that too. In all, I guess what I want to say is that I feel like I've given Jesus my five loaves and two fish . . . and I'm watching to see how He will multiply that to feed many. I'm humbled by the big things He can do with our little bits . . . given to Him.
Not that visitors are a sole reason to write or share recipes, but there is just no comparison to journaling for myself, wondering if someone will read my notes when I’m dead, to getting immediate response from people now. Even these past weeks, it did my heart good to be able to take you along on a trip to Indonesia. Those of you who blog, know what I mean.
Sometimes I’ve wondered if I’m just squandering away my time or someone else’s time, for that matter. I hope not . . . and often it is at those times when I meet someone and learn that they were encouraged by something. So, thank you for your written comments, your verbal comments in passing and your emails. Thank you to you who are silent . . . I want you to know that you matter as well. I am grateful for what we can learn together, for what I can learn from you and for whatever tidbits God gives me to share. I find joy in this. . . even if only for a season. Now . . .
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Love, Anneliese
24 comments:
It is a joy to come to your writing Anneliese. You are a gifted natural writer and someone who just happens to posses many of the gifts I lack. Organization skills! Teaching ability! Pure easy giving. I learn something every time. Facts, places and life lessons.
I am not a Christian, and at first I wondered if you knew that I would still be welcome? But I think I know the answer after several weeks of reading.
I enjoy the personal posts as much as the food posts, or maybe right now for reasons you know, a bit more.
Each time you post about your life, you invite me in. I learn, live and travel vicariously.
Many, many thanks for taking me (all of us) along. The mark of a true storyteller.
anon1
P.S.
Where is that first photo, of a river delta?
Dear Anon 1 - my empty breakfast plate and coffee are still beside my as I sit here, thrilled that you like to come over. Of course you are welcome - even if not a Christian - I have not always been one either - and I appreciate your openess very much! I think we'll get to know eachother more over time, right?
The picture is of the Fraser Valley (where we live). Taken on a hike that my husband and I took last Fall.
I love your blog too Anneliese! I love that you write with purpose and in makes me want to be more intentional with my blog.
Anneliese. .as one who blogs. .yes I do know. I understand your heart and because I know you before you posted your thoughts so beautifully here on your blog. ..I trust you. .and I know that you are who you say you are.
You are a gifted writer. . and yes, I think that long after you are gone, your words of wisdom and love will be valued by those who follow.
I have been so blessed by your transperancy and your honesty and your heart to share the things that God lays on your heart.
anon1.. .hugs.
Love that prayer in Numbers. I was just searching for it last week and couldn't find it...so thank you.
Thanks for the post-I love reading your posts and appreciate your willingness to share a piece of your life and your insight into life with us. So thank you! :)
It is so enjoyable to stop by and read your posts. You express your thoughts so well, and make this a welcoming place to pop into....sometimes I come with my own coffee in hand...like a wee visit. This is where God is using you...continue! Thank you for the verse of blessing....I want to pass that verse in Numbers back to you. Kathy (MGCC)
You expressed many of my thoughts today, Anneliese...and so nicely said! Were it not for the readers and the bits of encouragement along the way...it would be much more difficult to continue to write of our experiences regularly.
I so enjoy my visits to your blog...am often moved...and leave with something from your heart that I can process. Blessings to you as you continue to share your life with your readers.
Despite the fact that I've never met you in person (although I know we will someday!), I consider you a friend. Your blog and emails encourage me, inspire me, and teach me. For that and for being a friend, I thank YOU!
We will Anneliese. That's your gift. It's like we're all sitting at your table too.
Hugs back at you Lovella Media Star. Did you know there are annual blog awards? Next... .
Hi Anneliese,
What great writing you bring us each time ~
I really enjoyed reading about your wonderful moments together with your family... the photos are precious also. What a gift it was for you to be there.
I must say, I am so grateful for the beautiful people I have found in blogs... Anneliese, you are one of them... as are those who visit here. You bring faith, joy and hope.
Blessings to you always ~ Maria
May I just join my voice to all of those that have already posted comments today. I too love to come and read and be encouraged even though in my 'real' life I am blessed with wonderful face time with you....and yes, you are an amazingly gifted writer who is such a blessing to so many! So keep on writing....and blogging...and we will all keep on coming!especially on these days when I am missing our walks so desperately and praying that my foot heals quickly.(can you tell that I am not very patient?!)
Just want to say that I also enjoy reading your blog each day and am so blessed by the many things you share, especially your experiences and lessons learned from the Lord and His word. You are such a wise woman in every way.
Alma W.
My heart was blessed to tears of joy when I read your blog, the comments and your response. God has given you a wonderful gift of putting words down in a creative, meaningful way. Yes, He will multiply your gift by blessing many.
thank-you for the blessing.
What a joy to visit your blog and read your beautiful, gentle writings that come straight from your heart. Wish I had that skill, but each one of us shares according to the gifts we've been given. Writing and reading blogs and sharing one's life with others is never a waste of time. Love your pictures too! I think I first came to read your blog from the Beck Bulletin - just love the name Anneliese!
Just an aside - I play two little farm games on facebook - started with my grandkids. I thought that perhaps would be a waste of time, but interestingly enough, because one of the farms has a personal chat room, I've met several women who have shared their need for prayer - and I've prayed with them. These are real people with real needs - even though they may possibly not be using their real name to play. Just wondering if putting a cross made of flowers on my farm, had anything to do with them feeling free enough to share their pain and ask for prayer. Some have become my friends on facebook now!
Have a beautiful week-end. God bless you too!
I feel like an echo, as the words that Trudy wrote, are what I also feel. I felt tears springing up as I read your post, and the comments. I think, from reading your writing often, that you are a kind, gentle and compassionate woman. And when you write about far away grandchildren, I feel for you, as ours are also hours away, although not in another country. It's so wonderful of you to share with so many others, such simple, yet profound insites. Thank you. Dairymary
Great post Anneliese..I love to come here. Thank you:)
Hi Anneliese! I am a blogging friend of Kristal's and I always enjoy reading your blog. You have a beautiful heart and such wisdom to share! Thank you.
Beautifully written, beautifully felt and so true.... your photos are beautiful as well.
I know wherof you speak! and God has greatly multiplied your 5 loaves and 2 fishes!!
You are blessed and many have/are/will be blessed through you!!
I love your blog - it is encouraging and inspiring to read. Aren't you glad that you started blogging?! =)
Love, Bonnie
I sure am glad that you blog, Mom. Your blog is usually the first place I go when I go on-line. It's like a chance to stop by for a visit nearly every day.
every time i have a spare moment to catch up on your blog, it feels like a little bit of fresh air to read your thoughts and memories. as long as you take time from your day to blog, i will be sure to take time from mine to read!
God bless
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