tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post4508125862390115883..comments2024-03-21T17:22:02.012-05:00Comments on Musings of an Elf: The Life Pattern vs. God’s PatternChristine Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-52661692726359591832017-10-21T18:25:50.129-05:002017-10-21T18:25:50.129-05:00Sorry!!! *sheepish grin*
I think it's legit. ...Sorry!!! *sheepish grin*<br /><br />I think it's legit. All adults ever ask me is how old I am (like, how would you like it if I asked you how old YOU are, sir??? Don't treat me like a toddler!) and what grade I'm in now. Ugh.<br /><br />I know!!! <br /><br />Right???? And single people are so FREE to do things that married people CAN'T do!!! Which is exciting and cool and we NEED single people!!!!<br /><br />:)))Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-18712127232996830332017-10-05T22:06:02.288-05:002017-10-05T22:06:02.288-05:00No, no! I love seeing people still reading and com...No, no! I love seeing people still reading and commenting on my older posts. It gives me a thrill every time! And I can't tell you how happy it makes me to hear this post was an encouragement!<br /><br />Whoa. Our lives are insanely similar. And we even are both Christines. That is wild!<br /><br />It's so encouraging to ME to see others breaking away from the Life Pattern and choosing GOD'S path for their lives. ^_^ Keep fighting the good fight and following God's paths. I know it's not always easy, but He will lead you to beautiful things! <3<br /><br />AWWWWW! That is so nice of you to say. Just...EEP. Thank you!!! Your whole comment has brightened my day.Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-88125528847685039272017-10-05T21:56:20.170-05:002017-10-05T21:56:20.170-05:00I'm late to the party here, but this post real...I'm late to the party here, but this post really encouraged me! Such a good reminder that God's plans are ultimately best, though we may not understand how until later. And I'm in your exact position: I'm 25, unmarried, never had a boyfriend, chose not to go to college (I knew I wanted to be a writer, a skill I could teach myself), and have health problems that would make it difficult to attend college and/or keep a regular job. And I'm still living with my parents. It was a comfort to learn that I'm not alone in this situation--and neither are you! :-)<br /><br />I enjoy your blog too, and your writing style; it's chatty and funny, but articulate as well!Christine Eyrehttp://christine-eyre-writer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-37037269084332827382017-09-17T21:29:37.705-05:002017-09-17T21:29:37.705-05:00YOU'RE GOING TO SLAY ME WITH NICENESS OVERDOSE...YOU'RE GOING TO SLAY ME WITH NICENESS OVERDOSE. *hugs you back*<br /><br />Okay, but your theory is SO GOOD. I bet you're right! That age gap can be awkward. Being an adult DOES NOT take away the feelings of shyness or awkwardness. Technically I'm an adult (????) and I'm REALLY bad at coming up with more creative questions for people. SO YES. This is a new revelation!<br />BUT OH MY WORD. This person you met sounds amaziiiing. AND SHE WENT TO COLLEGE WITH AES???? :O EPIIIIIIC. I LOVE her question of asking what you're "into". I'm gonna start using that!!!<br /><br />YESSS TO THE MARRIED THING. Literally it's like a SIN even MENTIONING you may not get married. When, actually, Paul in the Bible talked about how being single is a blessing and a GOOD thing because you can focus on God more instead of on your husband. Sure, being married is good, but being single can be a wonderful thing! Ugh. I just don't get people... *shakes head*<br /><br />GAH. Thank yooouuu!!!!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-45773607696044031462017-09-03T16:10:02.371-05:002017-09-03T16:10:02.371-05:00YOUR BLOG IS AWESOME AND WE ALL LOVE YOU. *hugs yo...YOUR BLOG IS AWESOME AND WE ALL LOVE YOU. *hugs you*<br /><br />My theory is that adults are actually very Socially Awkward with talking to kids so they just ask stock questions like "where do you go to school?" and "what grade are you in?" which of course is dumb like PLEASE SOMEONE just ask me what I'm PASSIONATE about and we could have SUCH A COOL CONVERSATION!!! (Actually this random stranger at a wedding asked me what I was "into" and I said writing and she was SO INTERESTED and told me that she went to college with Elizabeth Anne Stengle and said that she could get us in touch with each other if I wanted and I just... THAT WAS SO COOL OF HER.)<br /><br />DEFINITELY AGREE.<br /><br />Another thing you mentioned was the whole getting married thing and even though I'm super young yet, I don't really plan on getting married but people just smile when I say that and act like I'm just a wee child who has no idea or, alternately, they act shocked and disgusted like the Eleventh Commandment is Thou Shalt Get Married And Have Ten Homeschooled Children. Grrrrrrrrr!!! What is I don't want the Typical Life???<br /><br />Ha! YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB OF IT YOURSELF, DEAR!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-42655146544125397442017-08-17T10:38:15.691-05:002017-08-17T10:38:15.691-05:00I just want you to write ALLLL the blog posts! :D
...I just want you to write ALLLL the blog posts! :D<br />That why I love our chats so very much. I am CONSTANTLY learning things and digging deeper into them because of our discussions. You're so good to talk to! *all the hugs* <3333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-71316016139442528082017-08-16T22:49:26.395-05:002017-08-16T22:49:26.395-05:00Ooh, good point... *adds to list of blog post idea...Ooh, good point... *adds to list of blog post ideas* I think I'm reminding MYSELF of things as we have this conversation! ^_^<br /><br />Definitely. The fact that we're seeking and trying is huge.<br /><br />WELL, SAME, DARLIN'! <333333Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-4677531241767130792017-08-16T17:09:45.359-05:002017-08-16T17:09:45.359-05:00I WISH I COULD GIVE YOU A REAL HUG, TOO!
Oh my go...I WISH I COULD GIVE YOU A REAL HUG, TOO!<br /><br />Oh my goodness, Tracey. *clutches heart* That is one of the most beautiful, encouraging analogies I have ever heard of in my life. You need to write a blog post using that or something! THAT IS SO GOOD. I must always remember this. What a wonderful way at looking at our lives!<br /><br />"It's the process that's making us ready for those dreams, and God knows we need this." <--Yes, I love that! Your words are so uplifting!<br /><br />Oh me too, me too. Like I was saying, I get in those whiny moods and forget God's path is far better than my own. I think we all have those moments. But I think it's that we try and always seek God to help us get out of these ruts that matters.<br /><br />I CAN'T WITH YOU AND YOUR NICENESS!!!!! <3333333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-8317635854218384852017-08-15T22:03:04.743-05:002017-08-15T22:03:04.743-05:00Oh my gosh, really? *tackle hugs*
I'm so blow...Oh my gosh, really? *tackle hugs*<br /><br />I'm so blown away! For real! That's the coolest thing! I love how God uses people and coincidences to encourage us, and I'm so, so honored to be a part of this "coincidence." ^___^ I WISH I COULD SEND YOU A REAL HUG.<br /><br />But you know what this reminds me of now? How bamboo grows. When it's planted, it takes THREE YEARS before you see anything happening above ground (or so I'm told). One seemingly fruitless month after another, someone waters it and tends it, but sees nothing for their labor. And then all of a sudden, a bamboo cane starts to grow. And in a matter of a short 60 days, a cane of bamboo has shot up. Some supposedly grow nearly three meters a day for a while. So all these years that seem like they're not going anywhere? They ARE. And somebody you'll see it!<br /><br />Haha, my 10-yr.-old self wouldn't have planned it this way either! (Sheesh, my 18-yr.-old self didn't plan it this way.) But I so agree--I wouldn't trade this journey for all those things I'm reaching for! It's the process that's making us ready for those dreams, and God knows we need this.<br /><br />I'm speechless--thank you, girl, SO much! <3 It's still something I have to choose daily. And some days I don't choose it, and instead get upset or depressed about losing my grip on my plans. But slowly, slowly, I'm learning to shift into God's way of thinking a little sooner each time. <3<br /><br />I'M SERIOUS. BACON-FLIPPING, TABLES-TURNING NOVELS. IT'S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT. And I'm ridiculously delighted about all this!<br /><br />YOU are a huge blessing to ME! This comment brightened my day! :DTracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-33904512083207867302017-08-15T13:32:15.007-05:002017-08-15T13:32:15.007-05:00OH MY GRACIOUS, TRACEY. YOU COMMENT. I just want t...OH MY GRACIOUS, TRACEY. YOU COMMENT. I just want to read it over and over and over and like...print it out and hang it on the wall or something! This comment made my DAY. Or month. OR LIFE.<br /><br />Oooh yes, I struggle with that too. So, SO much. And, TRACEY. I have to tell you! I LITERALLY just yesterday afternoon was whining to my mom and brother how I was already 25 years old and hadn't done anything worthwhile with my life yet yadda yadda yadda. And like God does every. single. time. I get in that mood, He reminds me that I'm where He wants me. And in this case He used YOU to do it! Because last night I saw this comment and it put all things back into perspective! And just SDKJ:LFKJSDF. YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING TO ME!!!!!!!<br /><br />But anyways! I 100% relate to everything you said. My 10-year-old self would have NOT expected my 25-year-old self to have never gone to college, to be unmarried, and not be published. But I wouldn't change the growth and experience I have received for 20 bestselling published books! God's plans are always SO much better than our plans!<br /><br />I think it's so beautiful how He's made a path for your life. And how YOU'VE chosen His path instead of your own. That takes so much faith and maturity. You're a treasure! <3 God has already done SO many amazing things in your life. And I know He has absolutely wonderful things to come. I look forward to seeing all the amazing places He takes you!<br /><br />I really don't know why it's such a big deal to not go to college. But TRACEY!!!! YOUR WORDS. BACON-FLIPPING NOVELS??? OH MY WORD. I literally stopped reading for a moment to bury my face in my hands and squeal when I read that!!! And now I'm just sitting here trying to figure out how on earth to even express what your words mean to me. And I CAN'T. You're just...one of the biggest blessings in my life. Like I said, God used you yesterday to realign my perspective. And I can't thank you enough for being such a wonderful, godly friend! *HUUUUUGS*<br /><br />I LOVE what you said about asking deeper questions, broadening our minds and realizing there are a variety of roads. YES. THANK YOU!!! That is exactly what I was getting at. We do get so focused on college and careers and set patterns that we forget there's SO much more to life.<br /><br />I honestly can't thank you enough for your beautiful words. They have touched me SO deeply! Thank you, Tracey! You are such a blessing! <3333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-456100733016534822017-08-14T23:04:00.105-05:002017-08-14T23:04:00.105-05:00^works at *A*bookstore^works at *A*bookstoreTracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-42749266209146856862017-08-14T23:03:08.158-05:002017-08-14T23:03:08.158-05:00CHRISTINE, THIS POST. I'm pretty sure I skimme...CHRISTINE, THIS POST. I'm pretty sure I skimmed it back in July, but fully reading it now is so timely as I get ready for college in a couple weeks. (Also, wow, now it IS August. O.o)<br /><br />I *have* struggled with people's reactions to me not following the Life Plan, but what overshadows it is how I struggled (and still do sometimes) with the way life isn't following My Plan.<br /><br />I had it all set out in my mind: graduate high school, throw my own little homeschool grad party, and then settle in to write full time. HA. That's not the way the world works, and pretty soon I realized, oh my, I have to get a job. And it may be a job that has absolutely ZERO to do with writing. But that's okay, I told myself. I'll work for a year, even in something as mundane as retail, and then I'll go to university for a creative writing degree and live happily ever after--the student who publishes her debut before she even accepts her diploma! How romantic! Buuut the months of job hunting began to mount, and by the time I finally landed my current job there was no way I could save enough for school by fall. So I pushed my plans back a year. And then, as you know, I wound up veering off my charted path for a college leadership program! (Thanks God He convinced me, because that was one of the best decisions of my life.)<br /><br />And here I am now, about to dive into scary business school. Still unpublished. Still dateless. Still living at home. BUT THAT'S OKAY. Like you said, I'm right where God wants me right now. And if there's one thing I've learned over and over it's patience. It's knowing that everything I've perceived as a delay or detour has, in fact, been a blessing.<br /><br />But how rude of those eyebrow-raisers to judge you, or anyone, based on whether you go to college! Honestly, there are SO many paths available to us. Why does society think a one size fits all Life Pattern is right for everyone? I wish some of those people would care to ask you what you ARE doing. They would soon realize:<br /><br />A) Christine works at bookstore, where she's surrounded by her favorite thing ever and gets to brighten the day of ever customer who walks in.<br />B) Christine writes novels. BACON-FLIPPING NOVELS, PEOPLE. The amount of creativity and dedication that requires is massive.<br />C) Christine also writes a blog, and it's actually a ministry of its own. Just look at the response this post alone has received! People's lives are being impacted by your words every week, even if it's just the encouragement that they're not alone. Your words are resonating with us, and God speaks through them!<br /><br />I guess what I'm trying to say is, people (myself included) should have the insight to go a little deeper when asking questions, and the open mindedness to encourage the vast variety of roads people's lives take. And also, God's timing, His plan, is far more fulfilling than any course we chart for ourselves, or any the world charts for us.<br /><br />But whew, this comment has gotten long enough! If you can't tell, I loved your post, girl! You keep doing exactly what God calls you to do. It's all going to make sense one day; you'll look back and see the beautiful pattern God is weaving in your life. <3333Tracey Dyckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03445222618456673198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-64862004271978967792017-08-08T09:40:59.741-05:002017-08-08T09:40:59.741-05:00I actually LOVE when people comment on older posts...I actually LOVE when people comment on older posts, because it means they're still being read which just makes me ridiculously happy! ^_^ And you bookmarked it? MEEP. That's like the highest honor! I am soooooo glad to hear this was an encouragement. I was hoping it would be! People's judgment can be such a burden sometimes, and we all need a little encouragement now and again.Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-28146328356753642017-08-08T08:31:00.295-05:002017-08-08T08:31:00.295-05:00I know this is really late, but I just wanted to t...I know this is really late, but I just wanted to tell you this post is such an encouragement to me. THANK YOU. I'm definitely going to keep this bookmarked to come back to. :) Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00315660089925645214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-40821742826167453642017-08-05T22:32:10.165-05:002017-08-05T22:32:10.165-05:00Noooo! Comments make my world go round. Seriously,...Noooo! Comments make my world go round. Seriously, I get so excited when I have a new comment! Plus I really love to see when people read my older posts, 'cause that means they're still getting enjoyed. It makes me really happy. SO NO APOLOGIZING!<br /><br />I am so, so, SO happy this post was relatable and could be an encouragement!<br /><br />First of all, high-five for our very similar lives! :D That's so awesome. Homeschooling was the BEST. And I loooooove that God is calling you to write stories, too. GAH. That is just wonderful!<br /><br />All the judgement CAN wear one down, yes. I like how you put that. It just gets really tiring and discouraging after a while when the world looks at you like a failure. It's like I have to apologize for my life choices when I know I'm doing what God wants me to???? That's just...not right. We should never, ever, EVER have to apologize or feel like a failure when we're on God's path for our lives!<br /><br />You should NOT feel bad about the license thing. I didn't get my license until way later in life. I think I was 19, close to 20, when I got mine. There is NO rule in life that says you HAVE to have it by the time you're 16 or whatever, even if the world makes us think that. >.> It's totally our choice when we get a license, and some of us don't even really need it until later so...why rush it? *shrugs*<br /><br />Anyways, I am babbling! But the point is, I think it's wonderful that you're pursuing your dream and not conforming to the world. You keep on writing and pursuing GOD'S plans. I know He has something absolutely amazing for you!!! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-25012315512469193312017-08-05T21:12:14.556-05:002017-08-05T21:12:14.556-05:00I know I'm probably spamming your comment sect...I know I'm probably spamming your comment sections, and I am SO sorry, BUT!!! I relate to this SOOOO much!!!! Seriously, this post is EXACTLY what I needed right now...<br /><br />I am a freshly graduated homeschooler (who has been homeschooled her entire life, as well!! *fist bumps*) who has suddenly found herself thrust out into the world of "EVERYONE IS GOING TO COLLEGE" or "EVERYONE HAS A JOB" or "WE ALL HAVE LICENSES SO WHY DON'T YOU???" And honestly, all of this REALLY wears on me after a while. ESPECIALLY the license one. I graduated a few months before my 18th birthday, and it seems like everywhere I turn, I keep getting slammed in the face with how I don't have my license yet, and how it's weird. No one really comes out and says it, but I can just sort of...feel it. I don't know, maybe it's just me, haha! XD<br /><br />But YES! My dream is to be a full-time writer, preferably with a small side job so that I'm not completely broke while watching my rejection letters flood in XD, and I keep finding myself having to say that I'm not going to college because I don't think college can help me with what I want to do. Luckily, I haven't really run into anyone who has bashed me for this, but I'm sure that I'm not out of the woods quite yet... XD <br /><br />Now that I'm out of school, though, I plan to pursue writing with all that I have. Writing is my passion (in the hopes that I don't sound annoyingly copy-ing-y, I believe with my whole heart that God has nudged me towards the writing life, as well) and I would love it if I could make a living telling the stories in my head. College or no college, I am going to chase after my dream with as everything I have!! (So sorry that this was such a long comment!!! I really loved this post, haha! XD)Kenziehttps://smudgedthoughts.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-36289124075154294442017-07-25T17:06:44.793-05:002017-07-25T17:06:44.793-05:00Awww, thank you!
Oh my goodness, are you serious?...Awww, thank you!<br /><br />Oh my goodness, are you serious? :O ACTUAL TWINS. And I LOOOVED the way you worded that! The sheep analogy is perfect! It's so true. It's OKAY to take time out to figure out what you want to do with the REST OF YOUR LIFE. It's OKAY to do things differently. God calls us all to do crazy, unique things, and it's wonderful! ^_^<br /><br />Your comment has just blessed and encouraged me. Yes, it's SO amazing and comforting knowing God's got it all under control. Keep following His plan for you life, girl. It's gonna be awesome!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-45650351983238859902017-07-25T12:37:47.979-05:002017-07-25T12:37:47.979-05:00This is so great, Christine! Also, I think we must...This is so great, Christine! Also, I think we must be twins, because I have JUST WRITTEN a post that includes these lines:<br /><br />"I used to think that taking a gap year was a horrific perversion of the True Course of Life. “But I want to go to uni!" I said. “Not put my life on hold for a year!" Here's what I've learnt: you do not have to sit on a conveyor belt like a bit of sheep intestine being turned into a sausage. You do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Sometimes the unexpected path is the most fruitful."<br /><br />So, there you go!<br /><br />It's so great that you've figured all this out. Yay to part-time jobs and writing! (Me atm.) Isn't it amazing that God has everything figured out?Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08057480293595295502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-12227529450388600502017-07-11T15:21:08.960-05:002017-07-11T15:21:08.960-05:00Okay, your comment just MADE. MY. DAY.
Oh my good...Okay, your comment just MADE. MY. DAY.<br /><br />Oh my goodness, I was the saaaaame! Well, I was probably closer to 9 when I had everything planned. XD But I totally planned to go to college, be a published teen author, be married by the time I was 22 (no clue why I had 22 in my brain, I just always thought that's when I would get married, lol), have like four kids before I was 30, and live happily ever after. As you said, I'm pretty sure God shook his head at my plans. XD<br /><br />Soooo much yes to the homeschooling thing! Having to answer all the questions--yes I actually do school, no I don't do it in my PJs all the times, yes I socialize plenty--gets so tiring. Ugh. Homeschooling WAS the best thing ever. I've always said it's one of the BIGGEST blessings in my family's life. And oh man, I looooved doing school early and getting done before lunch. Those days were the BEST. Hehe.<br /><br />I just looove how God setup your life so beautifully! And isn't it fun when He leads us to do things we never EVER planned to do. That's always the best. XD Goes to show He ALWAYS knows better. But it is hard sometimes to remember to give Him the reins! Something I have to work on a lot...<br /><br />Why are we humans so hard on each other? We seem to forget that we're each different and each have different lives. We can't all live the exact same way! How would that even work? Not going to college or going later is fine. Living with your parents is fine. (And yes, has the benefit of better food. ;D) If it's God's will, who are we to judge each other?<br /><br />I think it's so beautiful how you're following God's plan, and how He's making such a wonderful story of your life. Keep being amazing, girl! <333Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-68003525262654138922017-07-11T13:32:44.999-05:002017-07-11T13:32:44.999-05:00Thank you for this post. Wow, you hit everything s...Thank you for this post. Wow, you hit everything spot on. <br /><br />I had my life pattern planned out perfectly when I was six. And God looked at it, probably shook His head at my stupidity, and rearranged everything into what turned out to be perfection for me. <br /><br />I completely understand the homeschooler dilemma. I hated having to answer that yes, I really did go to school; no, I didn't (always) do school in my pjs; yes, I could still have friends (even though I really didn't have any close friends outside my siblings); and yes, I really did love being homeschooled. Homeschool, IMHO, was basically the best thing ever. In the easier grades, I was able to teach myself as I went along (in certain subjects) so oftentimes I would get up at 6am and have all of my schoolwork done before lunch... sometimes even before breakfast. Did I learn? Well, I'm pulling a pretty good average here in college, so I think that settles the question. <br /><br />My plan/life pattern was set up very similarly to how yours is typed out. Instead, God set up this one: graduate early from highschool, wait three years, have no full-time job, work part-time with my dad on and off, finally get to go visit college after pretty much vowing never to go, attend college with a major that I hadn't planned on, and get married between my junior and senior years. I have no idea what God has in store for me, but I know I can trust Him because He is good and He knows what's best for me. That doesn't always mean that I DO completely trust with every circumstance that comes my way (I'm still learning that lesson). The only parts of my plan that actually came true were writing and working in a library (although not the original library I'd planned on). <br /><br />But making these decisions and learning to follow the Lord's leading... wherever that may be. It is tough. People won't understand. I've had criticism from both sides of the spectrum where people have questioned why I didn't go to school immediately out of high school or have a regular full-time job when I turned 18. People have also given me the rant on why I shouldn't be in college. There's nothing wrong with being above 18 and being still at home. Honestly for me, I think it was smarter for me to be older still with my parents. And the food was a whole lot better, too! Just saying. ;) <br /><br />Ok, I gotta get before I really get on my soapbox. Thanks again, friend, for this!! :)Kirsten Fichterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01887462858049277918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-68610716856060734252017-07-08T11:25:46.047-05:002017-07-08T11:25:46.047-05:00We did the exact same thing! Because homeschooling...We did the exact same thing! Because homeschooling wasn't as widely known or accepted (not that it's fully accepted now, but more so than a decade ago!) when we were younger, we'd try not to go out and about until later in the afternoon to avoid the awkward questions and raised eyebrows. Or have to explain that we can actually get school done early in the day and not have to do it all day long. Or, as you said, explaining that we do actually have real school work. Because "homeschooling" is NOT synonymous for staying at home doing nothing, people. >.> It's anything but!<br /><br />College is so confusing, because I know you can learn a LOT from it (I've considered taking some writing courses, and who knows, may still do it someday), but so many colleges also try to pound completely wrong ideas in your head. So I guess you just have to go in willing to learn but also sticking firm to your beliefs. I love your posts when you're talking about the wrong ideas they teach you in college, and how strong you are in your beliefs. You're an inspiration!<br /><br />It's true that homeschoolers all kind of have our own "Life Pattern" as well for each other. Why can't we all just realize every person has a different life? That God has different plans for each of us? I don't know. The human race is just in general too hard on each other. Lol.<br /><br />I would loooooove for you to write a post on the subject! :D That'd be awesome!<br /><br />Oh my goodness! That is so cool about your dad. How precious his plans of having a daughter named Sophia and homsechooling her came true. What a blessing! And even more of a blessing that homeschooling became legal. God is good! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-24570674590922438842017-07-07T10:40:42.690-05:002017-07-07T10:40:42.690-05:00I'm a little late. . . but YES. See, I remembe...I'm a little late. . . but YES. See, I remember being home-schooled in a time and place where it wasn't normal, so our mom would try not to go to the store before three in the afternoon, because of course we'd be with her, and she told us "People will think you should be in school", and sometimes when we did have to go, people would say to us, "Oh, do you kids not have school today?" and we'd have to say "We're home-schooled." And the response did vary. Sometimes people would say "Oh, that's great!" and sometimes you could tell they were thinking "Where do these aliens come from?" But we were kids, so it didn't bother us much (I mean, any more than strangers-talking-to-us normally did). When we got older, though, we noticed it a lot more, and it never gets easier to say "Actually, I do have real school to do" on the five hundredth time.<br /><br />And then I grew up and went to college. Whoops. I thought I'd get a B. A. in Creative Writing, because though it's true that you can only learn so much about writing in class, and there's a lot you can only learn by trial and error, people can teach you some things. And I'd been writing alone, without much help or guidance or support, for several years, so there might be basic rules I didn't know existed. And on the first day of my first class the teacher said "Show, don't tell", which was the first I'd ever heard of it. So that kind of bore out my idea.<br /><br />Then as I went through college (I'll be a senior this fall) I found out that I'm actually a bit ahead of the program in some ways and I disagree with its foundations in others. At this point I'm finishing more for the people, and because I like to finish a thing I start, than for the classes.<br /><br />But at the same time I'm living at home and no love interest in sight. (Loads of boy friends, two words, not hyphenated, though ;)). And I come from circles where people in general, not just girls, usually don't go to college, and where they do get married. So I get a lot of raised eyebrows, from people who think I'm plain weird for being home-schooled and living at home on the one hand, and from other home-schoolers for going to college and not having any interested guys (although in a more friendly way). (And I actually didn't want to do college at first, just because so many people were assuming I would, and I don't like to do things just because everybody else does.) <br /><br />Well, that was long! Maybe I should just write a post of my own about this. I think home-schoolers tend to think about it more, because we're used to not following the expectations of the majority of the population. <br /><br />There's a funny family story about my dad pulling his math textbooks out the dumpster in eighth grade, because he planned to have a daughter named Sophia and home-school her, even though home-schooling was illegal where he lived (he also kept his second-grade spelling book). Crazy as the idea was at the time, it ended up being legal by the time I came along --- and then he had to win my mother over to the idea, which was probably harder!<br /><br />https://ofdreamsandswords.wordpress.comSophia Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10393680730064003675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-19795731150054424352017-07-06T15:20:18.019-05:002017-07-06T15:20:18.019-05:00That's very good advice! I know drinking lots ...That's very good advice! I know drinking lots of water can help big time with headaches. But in my case that's not it. I drink so much water I'm probably going to drown. Lol! I pretty much 24/7 have a drink with me, and the majority of the time it's water. Lack if liquid intake is not something I suffer from. Haha.<br /><br />But thank you SO much for taking the time to offer some advice! That means a lot to me. ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-52264643057810978092017-07-06T15:17:59.923-05:002017-07-06T15:17:59.923-05:00D'awwww! Thank you, Jameson! *hugs back*
The w...D'awwww! Thank you, Jameson! *hugs back*<br />The world puts too much pressure on these things. It's just ridiculous. And I laughed out loud at what you said about you worrying less about your boyfriend status and such than other people do, because I feel the SAME. A lot of people in my life seem waaay more concerned about me getting married than I do. Lol! XD<br /><br />I loved homeschooling, too! It was suuuuch a blessing! Homeschooling is AMAZING. I don't get why we have such a bad rep. But it IS getting better, yes! Back in my young days, homeschooling was still kind of an unheard thing. But these days it's getting to be much more normal. Maybe a generation or two from now, homeschoolers won't get those raised eyebrows. ;D<br /><br />"... it's not a bad thing by default when things don't go according to plan! " <--YESSS. I love how you put that! We all have this specific plan laid out in our minds. But, really, God usually has BETTER plans for us, and sometimes it's GOOD when our plans fall apart.<br /><br />Awwww! I'm so happy it encouraged you. Seriously, that means so much to me. ^_^ And I know exactly what you're saying. My ten year old self very much imagined my 25 year old self as married with kids and a published author. Haha. But, you know, I'm happy where I am. I still have my whole life ahead of me. I LOVE how you said it--see the unexpectedness as a way to grow and challenge ourselves. YES. What a beautiful way to live!<br /><br />Thank you for your comment, Jameson. It blessed me! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-84419793624176132772017-07-06T10:55:01.750-05:002017-07-06T10:55:01.750-05:00It might not be advice that applies to you at all,...It might not be advice that applies to you at all, but I know that I started getting far less headaches when I started drinking mostly water and increasing my overall liquid intake.Patrick Stahlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09690555802232025818noreply@blogger.com