We are about half way through a good summer. With some things in our life being up in the air, I've had to learn to take things as they come and to just appreciate each day. It's a funny thing, I've planned less and felt less busy but don't feel like I've done less. Time has filled up with many things accomplished without fussing much and time has also allowed me to rest and feel restored. I'm not sure if I've always thought this possible and I'm wondering how it happened.
These days I've also taken a step back, so to say, and become a bit more reflective about what to write. I've shared photos and talked about them, but I can't call that writing and that perplexes me because I desire a purpose for my life that is more than making it look good in photos. I don't want my family to think that every time I pick up a camera it's for a post. No one has said anything negative, but I'm thinking about the direction I wish to take. Chronicling is so much easier than true heart felt thoughts written, and so often I've opted for the easy way.
Thinking about this causes me to teeter between the idea of posting regularly, because the discipline in itself is good for me, or waiting to post until I have something to say. Somehow that scares me, because it may require faith and discernment. I may simply fall off the face of the earth and lose this connection I've found here. These are my thoughts for now, desiring to accomplish something good in this little spec of space that is mine on the big wide internet.
11 comments:
Anneliese - I always felt you had a good balance between chronicling family life and posting your thoughts on what your faith means to you. You were often an answer to prayer with your thoughtful and insightful messages. I pray you will do what your heart desires.
Many blessings to you,
Helen
Oh no, it seems like one by one my favorite MGCC blogging ladies are going on hiatus. I have followed you for quite a few years and always find something I can take away from whatever you choose to write about, You have a thoughtful, observant way of writing even about the ordinary things.... I would hate to see you go :(
Lori
I always love your posts Anneliese - your gentle spirit comes through loud and clear and inspires me! I would truly miss your frequent postings. Summers are so busy and difficult to take time to post and to read other's blogs - and that's good because summers are for enjoying the outdoors and family!!! I too struggle with keeping up on blogdom and have wondered if my time would better spent doing other more valuable things - especially since my wee blog is quite insignificant. Blessings to you as you make decisions.
Rosella
Anneliese, I've always found your posts to be a great blend of family and faith. I enjoy reading everything you write and would miss you dreadfully if you stopped. That being said, I know that there are many seasons to our lives, and if God is prompting you that this season has passed, I honor your decision to heed. Praying for you...
Anneliese, I concur with what other's have said about your blog. I've been blessed by your ministry and everything that God has equipped you to share. I pray that you will clearly discern the leading of Holy Spirit and wish you many blessings whatever you chose to do. I will sorely miss your thoughtful writings, though.
Margaret
I have to agree with everything that's been said! I love every one of your posts...but at the same time as a fellow blogger I know that sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to not feel like we "HAVE" to post....so give yourself permission to take a day off here and then....but not too many because we will all miss you! :-)
Anneliese, I've always admired your discipline to post so regularly. Often your posts have been timely in their ministry or encouragement to me. That said, I know firsthand what it feels like to start questioning the purpose of a blog. Mine has been sorely neglected in the last year (or maybe even 2!), but I have found that I am enjoying the alternative ways of connecting with people via social media. Maybe it's time to join Facebook? ;-) HA!
My dear fellow bloggers and friends, thank you for your thoughts expressed so well. I re-thought about what I wrote and realized this would be a strange post to comment on . . . what can a person say?
Again I realize how understanding you are and that it's okay to question myself or to take a break. I am not intending to quit yet. I've always said that as long as God continues to "prompt me" with things to share (as Vicky noted)I'll share. In the meantime I may slow down in order to work on some kind of "blog to book" to record some of our family moments. I'll see how that goes and would welcome any input from those who have tried this. Just thinking out loud. We'll see where we go.
And Rosella... your blog is not insignificant!
Just my two cents: I find photo journaling post get sweeter over time. The picture worth a thousand words is is true; the feelings a photo stirs up are rarely matched by words alone. The discipline of writing, writing well is almost another sphere. You have a gentle way of writing powerful thoughts. Such thoughts well expressed rarely can be cranked out in an industrial manner to meet a regular pace. Like you noted in this post, sometimes a lot gets done when one just goes with the flow.
Anneliese, I'm late coming to comment and find that the other commenters have expressed so well what I felt on reading this post. You are gifted to "see" and to put your feelings into words that resonate with us. So often it is hard to express what is so deep in our hearts and you put words to those feelings. I know that God will continue to lead you in the direction you need to go.
Anneliese, your blog is filled with your deep reflective thoughts, heart felt honesty, beauty, and is very encouraging to many people. It is for me. I did not know that you are actually able to see how many people read your blog and also what countries you are reaching. It shows just how far your words are stretching out around the world.
Whether it be about prayer, family gatherings, fashion, photos, nature walks or any other things that you wish to share, we readers love the way you write and do enjoy being a part of it.
Blessings to you as you continue to seek the answer.
Audrey.
Post a Comment