Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Jumbo 2021 Blog Celebration

Happy end of 2021, dear friends!
 
As the year winds down, we're celebrating connection and community and all the splendid gifts that come with purposeful, kind-hearted relationships, whether online or in person.  Grab your party hat and the confetti ... because you had a big hand in making this happen!  

And then put your feet up and get cozy 'cause we've got a whole lot to explore, bookmark, and take note of.

A blog-ish drum roll please.

All praise to Him.

🏆

THE TOP POST

I loved creating this scrapbook of blue-hued snapshots as well as opening the door to yet another conversation on pandemic brain health.  This article got twice as many hits as usual around here ... and confirmed my inkling that it was time to add more snapshots into the mix as well as continuing to cultivate a safe place for emotional healing.  You agreed. 

MOST GENEROUS CONVERSATION

You jumped in with an outpouring of titles for my dear friend who was battling cancer {and continues to do so}.  So much sincere empathy, prayer, and lovingkindness tumbled from your tender hearts, along with a hefty number of your favorite inspirational titles.


MOST COMMENTS

4 Mid-Winter Somethings
The 4 Somethings posts have been some of the most popular this year.  This one really hit home.  Thanks to Heather Gerwing for her monthly invitation to share what we love, read, treasure, and anticipate. 


BIGGEST BOOKBAG POST
No surprise that the pandemic impacted our reading life in all kinds of ways.  This post included titles that speak into the building of a stronger faith and the calming of mind, soul, and schedule. 

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES

A love letter to the joys of long-term blogging.  Paying no attention to blogging nay-sayers.  Lessons learned the hard way.  And a tribute to those gently encouraging, iron-sharpens-iron relationships.


We were created for rhythm and purpose, connection and creativity.  Here's what happened when we joined hands and came up with all kinds of helpful ideas, soothing remedies, and healthy lifelines.


7 months later the conversation was still continuing.  We joined forces to confirm what we already knew  ...  that we were all so done with juggling 58 things at once.  What comfort to know we're in good company!

🏆

LONGEST TIME BLOGGING COMPANION
Loralu
@
The Final Chapters

MOST FAITHFUL COMMENTER
Martha

Meditations of my Heart

POET-IN-RESIDENCE
Andrew
@
Blessed Are The Pure of Heart

WITTIEST COMMENTER
Victor
@
Time For Reflections

📬

UPDATE FOR THOSE WHO LIKE 
THE BLOG COMING TO THEIR EMAIL

Back in June I moved my free blog post delivery system from Feedburner to Mailchimp.

*   If you've never subscribed, now's the perfect time.  Click right here to do so.  {You can easily cancel any time.}  Be sure that I'm on your safe sender list.
lindastoll @ juno . com 

*   If the posts aren't coming, check your junk mail folder.

*   If you've been a long time subscriber and haven't re-subscribed since June, click right here.  Feedburner deliveries are getting more erratic and will most likely disappear before too long.

If you're getting delivery of two copies of the same post:
Keep the email that has the brick building logo at the top of the page.  

*  If you're getting a copy with no brick building logo: 
Scroll down to the bottom left of that email and click on the tiny unsubscribe now button.  This is the old Feedburner email that is going out of business.  The subject line reads Linda Stoll ...

YOUR INVITATION 
TO COMMENT

Hint: The best part isn't the post.  It's the conversation that follows for all readers.     

You don't have to be a subscriber, a blogger, or an online guru to join the party.  This is not an exclusive club, it's an open house!  I invite you to savor whatever's on the table and then head on down to the comment section and share your thoughts.

Email readers, click on the post title to jump on over to the website.  Scroll down to the comment section.  Follow the prompt to comment.  There will be a space that says Name /URL.  Just fill in your name {a URL is only if you have a website.  Just ignore it.}

Or you can simply hit the reply button and I'll post your comment, identifying you only by your first initial.  Texting friends, the same applies to you!

If you're having trouble navigating, please email me at
lindastoll @ juno . com

Looking forward to doing life together in 2021!  Let's see what God has for us individually and as a community. 
Linda

P.S. #1
The resources page has been updated to include local and nationwide links to crisis care, counselors, support groups, workbooks, and more.

P.S. #2
Like what's happening here?  Please share this sampling of posts with your friends and followers.  Share buttons are below!

P.S. #3
Did you catch Our Christmas Letter and 2021's Top Three Books?

P.S. #4
Happily reconnecting with Jeanne/Lisa J  &  Richella  &  Lisa

40 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the mention, Linda. I try my best to spread some humour around where I can ... and spell it the English way!

    You readers can download some of my humourous books FREE from www.holyvisions.co.uk

    I'm glad we met on the Internet. Best wishes to you and your family now and always. God bless.

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    1. You spread sunshine whenever you drop by, Victor! Happy New Year from across the pond.

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    1. And the same to you, friend. May 2022 be brighter ...

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  3. Thank you, Linda, for the sweet "award" you gave me here! Yes, your blogs always brighten my day and lift my spirits. How could I not leave a comment?
    Here's to continue to follow you in 2022.
    Blessings

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    1. Appreciating you and walking with you right into the new year, Martha. Trusting that He has continued work for us both to do in the 'fields' He has placed us in. I look forward to following your continued story!

      And pray the doors stay open so we can spend time with those grandkiddos.

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  4. Happy New Year, Linda! I'm so glad that our paths crossed on blogland.

    Thank you for the visits. Glad you find my tea posts interesting.

    P.S. I signed up for your newsletter months ago, but recently discovered that they were going to my junkmail. So I had to add your newsletter to my safe sender list.

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    1. Margie, I'm so glad you found me in your junk mail! That's a good reminder for us all to open that file up and see what shouldn't be in there. I've updated the post to reflect your experience ... I think it'll be helpful for other readers.

      Meanwhile, thanks for broadening my tea-drinking borders. I learn so much from your posts. Looking forward to continuing to connect with you in the year ahead.

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  5. As always, Linda, a great collection. :) Thank you for all your insightful, nurturing posts. I appreciate you. Love and blessings for a hope-filled 2022!

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    1. And I appreciate you too, friend. It's been quite a year, hasn't it. But God has proved Himself to be faithful, loving, and kind. You are a lovely kindred spirit companion on this sometimes rough path.

      I'm grateful.

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  6. What a fun post, filled with good look backs and wonderful posts! Happy New Year, Linda!

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    1. Happy new year to you, too, Jeanie! I'm glad we somehow ran into each other this year and continue to connect as the weeks fly by.

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  7. I'm another who's glad she found your blog! Every post offers something worthwhile, whether it's a new insight or a worthy book recommendation. Thank you for your continued faithfulness here, Linda!

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    1. Nancy, thanks for letting me know there's something of value here. We do our best to listen to what the Lord is leading us to write ... and when we feel His nudge, His direction, that's the best place to be!

      I appreciate the way you speak deep spiritual truths into my life. So grateful for you.

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  8. I am so glad that we met through blogging. Your post always lift my spirits, make me think, and make me smile! Your words of wisdom are always speak to me. Love your posts. Happy New Year. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. You make me smile girl! And I've learned quite a bit about southern culture from you, so thank you for broadening my horizons!

      I'm so grateful God has allowed our far-off paths to cross. And I wish your whole family a happy new year.

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  9. It's lovely to look back over your post this year. Thank you for all the encouragement and wisdom you've shared. I always appreciate your words. Hope you have a happy New Year!

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    1. Happy New Year, my wanna-be Scottish 3rd cousin!

      I'm so happy you're in my life. I often think my dad would get a kick out of knowing that you and I somehow connected over the internet. It is a small world.

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  10. Happy 2022, my friend. The date sounds positively space age, doesn't it? All the best to you and yours.

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    1. It does sound space age. It's gotta be the end times, right?

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  11. I really enjoyed the "awards" of the people that respond on this blog. They add their personalities to these pages and I look forward to hearing from them!

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    1. If it was just me yammering this most certainly would be a yawn, wouldn't it. I should have added best sister-reader for you. Oh well.

      Andrew did leave a comment about his award here -
      http://www.lindastoll.net/2021/12/happy-birthday-dear-jesus.html?showComment=1640820250426#c5438138344053694939

      Delete
  12. I'm so glad you did this year-end recap, Linda! I miss so much during the year. But when I do have time, your blog is one of the first I check up on. So thankful for you and all your "conversations" :) Happy New Year! May 2022 be a year of Jubilee!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. June, your words are so kind and such an encouragement this morning. I always love when we can re-connect again. I hope you are well.

      May this coming year surprise us yet again with the generosity of the Lord's bounty in our lives.

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  13. I remember so many of these posts with fondness, Linda. It's so fun to see how every blog has a different personality. Yours is lovely, my friend! May the Lord bring many good things to you in 2022.

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    1. Yes, yes, Lisa, to every blogger, having their own unique God-given personality and focus! That's one of the reasons I love these circles we travel in! I'm always being stretched and enlightened by the creativity and wisdom from the pens of others.

      God keeps you on my heart each and every day. And that will continue into 2022. May He blanket you with comfort and hope as you continue forward.

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  14. I am new to your blog and found via a link-up, and so glad I did. Your generosity shines in your post, and I also found other wonderful bloggers. Wishing you a wonderful new year.

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    1. I am so excited to connect with you this morning, Angie. That you somehow found generosity here makes me really happy.

      Looking forward to getting to know you better in 2022. I've already visited your online home and found it fascinating.

      Bless you.

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  15. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Linda. I can see why the 'blue' post was so popular. Images can bring us to the present moment, and that is where God wants us to be! Intentionally I plan to share more photography again, so it blesses others by having a 'take my breath away' moment in their day. Happy New Year!

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    1. Lynn, hi! I am so excited that you'll be sharing your photography again. You are a master with a lens ... such beautiful, detailed work that always speaks volumes. I'm cheering you on as you return.

      Happy new year!

      Can't wait!

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  16. What a fun summary of your blog. Love it and Happy New Year, Linda!!

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    1. It was fun to pull it together, Jean. Thanks!

      Can you believe tomorrow is 2022?

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  17. What a fun way to recap your year of blogging, Linda! I love the scenes you capture with your phone so I’m glad the blue photo post prompted you to share more snapshots with us. I also loved the awards you gave out at the end … these recipients bring commenting to a whole new level, I think. :-) And thanks for explaining again what to do if we’re getting two emails from you. I’ve been meaning to fix that … :-)

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    1. Yeah, the two emails thing is a pain. I just don't want people to think we've vanished as Feedburner dies a slow death.

      If you're like me, you're terrified to touch any unfamiliar key to change or delete anything. All will be well.

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  18. A creative way to do your end of year summary...well done!

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  19. This is such a fun way to look back over the year of blogging. Your posts always bring me something new to read or think about which I so appreciate. Happy New Year, Linda!

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    1. Thanks, Joanne! I'm really enjoying new perspectives in this season, too ...

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  20. Linda, I loved reading your blog celebration today. Thank you bunches for sharing this. I always appreciate your words. Blessings.
    Visiting today from Imparting Grace #12&15

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    1. Paula, so good to reconnect with you! Happy New Year! I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming months.

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