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