Thursday, February 9, 2012

FYI: This Life


I have always been taught that This Life is about gaining experience. About being proven: tested to see if I will make the right choices when the inevitable obstacles are encountered. And I have always understood that cerebrally. But, ouch, it's amazing how this life can still surprise...

As a child thinking about what I might be facing in years ahead, I imagined standing up strong in the face of earthly friction, but I saw it as temptations involving honesty (so easy!) or a matter of establishing the correct priorities (a bit more tricky). I had no idea that disappointment, loss and separation would have such a large part in it. I've realized they are the most difficult. For now anyway. Because you never really know what is coming, do you?

So we were surprised. And I have needed to take some time off from this lighter-hearted stuff. But we are ok--all of us--and I plan to be back. Thank goodness for our little ones to pull us forward.

All will be well.


My "FYI" posts share news or a perspective about something that's been on my mind. You can read them all here.

43 comments:

  1. Anneliese, I have no idea of your particular circumstances...but I think my heart understands what you're saying very well. Life is not what we thought it would be...which makes the lighter-hearted things you share--the pretties and projects--in a way even more precious, because they celebrate the beauty and good in the midst of the imperfection and hurt. That's what I think, anyway.
    I wish blessings & peace for you and your family.

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  2. I've been a lurker for awhile now. Just wanted to say that I understand how heartbreaking and hard life can be. From your blog, I can see you're strong and that you will make something beautiful out of this hard situation. Hugs!

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  3. Josh and I have been thinking of your family constantly since we heard the news. I don't know what words to say, but I am so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and will continue to do so in the months to come. I wish there was more we could do.

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  4. I wish we could all pop in to give you a much needed hug. Life is very difficult. Sometimes it just jumps up and smacks you in the face whatever the circumstances. Remember you are strong, most women are and your children are your priority, and that focus will get you through anything. They say that which doesn't break us makes us stronger. It is seeing the light at the end of your troubles that is sometimes very difficult, but it is there.
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  5. You are in my prayers...thank goodness for the eternities.

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  6. I wondered where you've been! I sincerely hope that you are all ok.

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  7. You give so much of yourself to all of us and now it's time for us to give to you. Sending you strength, prayers, warmth and light. And, most of all peace.

    We'll be here when the time is right for you.

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  8. thinking of you anneliese!! you are one amazing person....i truly hope the best for you. ;)

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  9. Oh my.... do I ever know what you are saying....but I can also tell you that there IS life on the other side....for those of us who had not experienced anything really really hard....it is a real shock when you have to face something that rocks your world to the core....and it sounds like this is the kind of thing you are going through....believe me when I tell you .....it will get better....it will....I am so sorry for your heartache....please know I am sending you very caring and understanding thoughts....xxxx

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  10. Don't know your circumstances, but sending (((HUGS))) to you!

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  11. I too wondered where you have been and I am so sad to hear that you are going through a tough time. Know that not just the little ones are there to pull you through but all of us out here in blogland are here as well! I'll be thinking of you and waiting for when the time is right for you to return. Hugs!

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  12. Prayers being said....that you are lifted up, find hope in all things and know that you are loved. I hope whatever is bringing you sadness will be healed in time. XXX Annelies

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  13. Thoughts are with you Anneliese. Your beautiful blog is a joy to read.

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  14. Delurking to say I'm sorry you're facing this unexpected and sorrowful time. I'll be praying for you and your family. And yes, the little ones certainly are a balm to broken & hurting hearts.
    (((Hugs)))

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  15. I had been missing you. Wishing I could change your circumstances (whatever they may be), but knowing that I cannot, I will just pray for you and your family instead. May God hold you firmly in His arms till you feel strong again.
    Sheree xox

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  16. Anneliese,
    I don't comment that often but really felt the need to tell you that my thoughts, prayers and lots of love are headed your way. I have no idea what you are going through but I know that one day you will get through it.
    Much Love,
    Erin

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  17. Annelise, I am sorry to hear of your troubles. I am always sorry to hear of anyone's struggles, but I honestly believe, as you say more eloquently in your post, that we can not ever "rise to the challenge" if we are never given the occasion to do so. It is hard to provide words of comfort when you neither know of the trouble, nor the people involved, which is the way of this so-close-yet-so-far-away world of blogs, yet I know that I always feel compelled to show support to those who are willing to share that there is need for time and healing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and that I hope for an end to your personal hardship and a sense of peace and calm in the very near future.

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  18. Annelise, I had been checking your blog and wondering about you.....I just had a sense that something had happened. As someone who has experienced the loss of one child and the serious disease of another, I can tell you.....you will survive, and you will be both stronger and more vulnerable because of your struggle. Take one step at a time, one day at a time, and God will walk with you through each moment. Sending prayers to all of you....

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  19. I'm very sorry to hear that you are facing unexpected challenges. It's never an easy place to be. Whatever the circumstances you are confronted with just now, may you feel the comfort of many prayers and healing thoughts being sent your way. Hug those baby girls and keep them close!

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  20. Annelise, I don't know the circumstances nor do I need to know.. I have been through some times in my life where I was not sure that I was going to be able to take another breath the heartache was so intense. Through my pleadings to God and the many prayers of friends and family, I did survive and am stronger for it. As you already know, I have been praying for you as God had laid you on my heart for the past couple of weeks. This is the verse that got me through my hard times, hide it in your heart... But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Lisa

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  21. HI Anneliese, I too was wondering if you were ok, I wanted to email to check in with you, but wasn't sure if that was breaching normal social boundaries.

    I'm so sorry to learn that you've had some painful news. Thoughts are with you and those closest to you.

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  22. Anneliese, I've so appreciated you, though I've never met you or known you but through what you shared through your blog. I don't know the situation or circumstances that you are faced with, but am praying for peace and God's comfort during this time. Know that many who don't personally know you, care about you and your family...

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  23. I so look forward to your posts and gorgeous creations and always felt that it was my escape into a perfect world that existed only for some people -- with no stress, beautiful outfits on beautiful happy girls. What a contrast to my disheveled sewing room, my beautiful girls with messy hair and muddy knees when they come home from pre-school -- me longing for life to be more... beautiful and perfect.... But now I realize you are real like us. Would give you a hug if you were my neighbor, but giving a virtual one to you now. I can tell you are a just a lovely person and wish you much strength and faith in dealing whatever is before you.... we all make it through and I wish you happiness at the end of it all.

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  24. Praying for you and your family. Hope things get easier soon! We'll be here!

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  25. May God grant you strength and peace in your struggles.

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  26. I understand your words, life can sometimes be very sad, difficult and seem completely unfair. Whatever is happening to you, my thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family and I hope you come through this tough time swiftly and as easily as is possible. Take care

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  27. It's funny how your life looks perfect in the bloggy world. And here you are in the trenches with the rest of us. Many warm wishes and lots of prayers coming your way. Trust in Him.

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  28. I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers and you have a heavenly Father who will never leave you nor forsake you. Take time to find healing. Hugs!

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  29. He brings beauty from ashes, strength from fear, gladness from mourning, peace from despair. Those words gave me comfort long ago after losing several precious ones. Fifteen years later I still know they are true. God bless.

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  30. So sorry to hear you are going through hard times. I'm glad you have your girls to help you through. Hang in there, everything gets easier with time.

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  31. You are loved. It's wonderful to witness the outpouring of support from so many sources -- hope you're feeling it. xo

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  32. I have enjoyed your blog. I don't know your circumstances, but know that thoughts and prayers are with you. In the moment it seems trite, but time does heal.

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  33. Thinking of you and praying for God to bring you comfort, as He alone gives.

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  34. I am so sorry to hear about your difficult time. I will be praying for your family. This last two weeks have been the hardest of my life as well, and from your post I am making a stretch by guessing our circumstances may be similar. I am thinking of you.

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  35. You have been missed by all your fans. Please take time to work through this situation, take time for you and for your family. God always manages to bring good from whatever we are experiencing. Stay closer than ever to Him and let Him bring you comfort and grace.

    Kathy

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  36. Oh Anneliese... I've read all the above comments and so hope you are feeling our love and prayers. Please take care of yourself and all those around you. Gods blessings and love to you.. Anna

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  37. Anneliese, my heart is heavy for you and I am praying. Your words are beautifully shared and I knew as I read them that you are going through something very difficult. I am praying for you - your family. I am so sorry for the difficult time you are walking through. I do know that God will give you the grace and strength to walk through each day and He will supply what you need as you travel this path He has you on. I am praying, heart heavy but not without HOPE. Hugs to you. Wish we were neighbors so I could bring you a meal. I am praying and holding you in my heart. Love, Bari

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  38. Anneliese. Thinking of you and your family with much love these past few weeks. XOXO Kym Frey

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  39. Love and hugs to you, friend. You're in my prayers. This was a beautiful post.

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  40. Hi, I have been a no-commenter for a while, but as someone who's going through an excruciating time myself, I wanted to reach out and just let you know that you're not alone. It's so, so lonely to bear a heavy burden, no matter how many people surround you with love. I hope you can find peace in the time to come, and faith, and renewed hope in good things.

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