tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post6566795231411947982..comments2024-03-21T17:22:02.012-05:00Comments on Musings of an Elf: Soak Up The MomentChristine Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-52798571518165262152017-10-28T10:00:00.624-05:002017-10-28T10:00:00.624-05:00This is DREADFULLY late, but I just had to say tha...This is DREADFULLY late, but I just had to say that I'm so happy my suggestions are helping you!!! YAY! <br /><br />Same. I think it takes us allll a really long time to reach that balance....if we ever do. xD<br /><br />SO ARE YOU!! <3Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00315660089925645214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-1109533719346159322017-10-02T19:10:36.150-05:002017-10-02T19:10:36.150-05:00He's so good and patient! ^_^
He totally used...He's so good and patient! ^_^<br /><br />He totally used you! Your list of things have helped me so much. I've been trying to put them into practice, and I'm *already* seeing a vast improvement in my life! I'm getting things done but not even feeling overwhelmed, and yet at the same time I've been finding more free time to spend with family and friends. Things have been really good lately!<br /><br />Yes, balance is DEFINITELY key to like...EVERYTHING. I've been learning that big time for the past few years. Toootally failing to actually reach that balance, but, like I said, I think I'm seeing improvement! ^_^<br /><br />I've been trying to do that deadline but I failed a bit this week. Eheh. I need to be more strict about it, because it does help a lot!<br /><br />Thanks so much for everything, Natalie. You're a treasure! <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-53806485222926390592017-10-02T11:50:46.813-05:002017-10-02T11:50:46.813-05:00Neither have I. Thankfully He keeps teaching us. :...Neither have I. Thankfully He keeps teaching us. :D<br /><br />Same. I hate getting anxious and yet I hate having things pile up...it's a vicious cycle. :(<br /><br />REALLY? Wow that makes me SO happy to hear. Like, I'm SUPER glad you liked the tips, but that you think God used me to remind you of that? Wow. I feel extremely humbled. Isn't it amazing how God can use us to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ without even realizing it? *hugs*<br /><br />"Obsess over goals and ignore life". Yesssss. But yes, balance is key. It seems to be key for most everything actually. :D<br /><br />Giving yourself a work "deadline" each night sounds like SUCH relaxing plan. I need to implement that more often!<br /><br />AWWWW. I'm so glad you liked them. Thank YOU for this post!! <3<br /><br />Isn't it just?? I'm so glad you like her blog, too. :DNataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00315660089925645214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-43681400466285203532017-09-23T10:07:09.905-05:002017-09-23T10:07:09.905-05:00"I love what I do, but sometimes it's goo..."I love what I do, but sometimes it's good to take a break." <---SO MUCH THIS. Writing is an amazing, wonderful, magical thing, and I wouldn't want to do anything else, but it CAN be stressful. We have to let our minds refuel now and again. *nods* I'm glad you were able to have one of those refreshing, fun-filled breaks this year!<br /><br />Thanks so much, girl! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-34255168120693371122017-09-22T22:40:03.811-05:002017-09-22T22:40:03.811-05:00I'm glad you had a refreshing hiatus. I took o...I'm glad you had a refreshing hiatus. I took one of those in July and it really helped me out. I spent two weeks with one of my best friends, barely going on my computer at all and it was amazing. I love what I do, but sometimes it's good to take a break. :)<br /><br />storitorigrace.blogspot.comVictoria Grace Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01849013182543674707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-84152773747366436212017-09-22T13:41:47.072-05:002017-09-22T13:41:47.072-05:00I AM. AND I'VE MISSED YOU. *hugs*
Yesssss. Yo...I AM. AND I'VE MISSED YOU. *hugs*<br /><br />Yesssss. You basically summed up my LIFE. :O Like...that's literally me. I spend so much time trying to make it where I don't have stuff to do later, I miss the now. *shakes head*<br /><br />But I'm so honored my rambles was an encouragement! It's a lesson I'll probably always be learning!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-86515153759884869052017-09-22T13:39:18.910-05:002017-09-22T13:39:18.910-05:00THANK YOU, MY DEAR LODY! I'VE BEEN MISSING YOO...THANK YOU, MY DEAR LODY! I'VE BEEN MISSING YOOOUUU!!! *HUGS*Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-58697729485149756762017-09-22T13:38:22.438-05:002017-09-22T13:38:22.438-05:00Awwww! You are so welcome! It's been something...Awwww! You are so welcome! It's been something I've been really trying to work on all year, and still very much trying to get right. Maybe someday I'll actually perfect it. (Buuut probably not. XD)<br /><br />Oh man! I am so sorry to hear that. Friends moving is the WORST. *shares consoling cookies with you* At least we have technology so we can keep in touch with everyone!<br /><br />Ooooh, reading a new novel while it's raining sounds dreamy. Definitely the perfect way to rest and soak up the moment! :DChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-80157977294833468022017-09-22T13:34:58.994-05:002017-09-22T13:34:58.994-05:00You ALWAYS nail it with your words, girl! You'...You ALWAYS nail it with your words, girl! You're right, we do kind of romanticize being productive and getting things done, and pat each other on the back for being super productive and basically not sleeping and just working all the time. But...we gotta relax some! It's not healthy to be productive to the point that you're not even living anymore. (Preaching to myself here. *cough*)<br /><br />Oh my goodness, those words of your therapist are LIFE CHANGING. YES. I LOVE THIS! I must remember this. Maybe it'll trick my overachieving brain into actually relaxing if I see it as productivity. ;D<br /><br />But seriously, everything you said is spot on. God CALLS us to be still, to rest. Even HE took a day of rest. I often forget that it's a GOOD thing and something God WANTS me to do. Thank you for that reminder! You're the best, Aimee! <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-57642614152752609852017-09-22T13:30:20.773-05:002017-09-22T13:30:20.773-05:00D'awwww!!! THANK YOU, SARAH! It's somethin...D'awwww!!! THANK YOU, SARAH! It's something God's been teaching me basically all year, and I still don't have it quite right. Ah me, I try. XD<br /><br />Oh man, yes. The time I waste worrying about things, and trivial things at that! It's so silly. THANK YOU FOR THAT VERSE. (And I love your title for the Bible. "Life Manual" It's so perfect! XD) You are so right, God has tomorrow in His hands. There is no need to worry about it. He's given us the now, and THAT'S what we should be soaking up.<br /><br />I've missed you toooooo! Thank you so, so much for all the encouraging words. I needed them today. Love you, sweet girl! <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-77254057044741723422017-09-22T13:25:53.983-05:002017-09-22T13:25:53.983-05:00Awww, thanks! It was a wonderful time!
Oh man, th...Awww, thanks! It was a wonderful time!<br /><br />Oh man, that must be so rough. Living away from friends really stinks. But I suppose it just means when we DO see them, the time is that much sweeter. ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-76702231398219943732017-09-22T13:24:00.690-05:002017-09-22T13:24:00.690-05:00I AM! AND I'VE MISSED MY DEAR TRACEY. *tackles...I AM! AND I'VE MISSED MY DEAR TRACEY. *tackles back* Usually two weeks just zips by for me, but those two weeks did feel like a good chunk of time. I guess they were so FULL of activity and things. It just felt like I was on hiatus for much longer than I actually was! Lol. But it was suuuch a good two weeks. I'm so glad I was able to have them. ^_^<br /><br />Awwww! Well, sometimes I fear I've taken too many breaks this year... Though in 2016 I didn't take ENOUGH breaks. So I'm hoping by 2018 I'll have more balanced the productivity + relaxing thing. XD (Okay, probably not. I never seem to get it right, but one can dream. ;D) But goodness, with you doing college and everything, I can only imagine how full your plate is! But I'm so glad you're learning that balance amidst it all. That's so awesome leadership college helped you with that!<br /><br />Thank you, Tracey! It's good to BE back. You're so sweet! *hugs*Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-20090283616766169552017-09-22T13:17:27.060-05:002017-09-22T13:17:27.060-05:00SKYYYYE! Favorite blogger? *melts in a puddle of h...SKYYYYE! Favorite blogger? *melts in a puddle of happy feels* I CAN'T EVEN PROCESS THIS MUCH NICENESS. It's so good to be back. I'VE MISSED YOU! *hugs back*<br /><br />Oh man, saaame here. I'm trying to focus on the right priorities but, ugh, I fail so very much. It's always a learning process!<br /><br />Thank you, Skye. Glad you enjoyed it! ^_^Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-70959433438441941032017-09-22T13:15:30.467-05:002017-09-22T13:15:30.467-05:00*TACKLES BACK* AND I'VE MISSED YOU. SO VERY MU...*TACKLES BACK* AND I'VE MISSED YOU. SO VERY MUCH!<br /><br />Really? Awww! I'm glad to hear it was timely (because I almost didn't even write it. o.o It was a very last minute thing!). But I'm NOT glad to hear you've been under major stress. I do sooo hope October will be a little quieter for you. Especially before NaNo, goodness yes. NaNo is just wild. Eheheheh... *weeps with you*<br /><br />I AM THE SAME WAY. I'm so bad about forcing myself to do EVERYTHING all at once with no breaks in between, and that's just not good! I love that you hid your phone from yourself. I should try that! XD (Also, I hope writing Asher Grey is going well! :D)<br /><br />I've been asking myself that question for YEARS--why is is hard to relax? Like...isn't that something we WANT to do? But I literally have to SCHEDULE relaxing time for myself, otherwise I'd never do it. WE ARE JUST CRAZY I DON'T EVEN KNOW.<br /><br />Thank you, Savannah! It's so good to be back and chatting with you all again! <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-42800955151019154972017-09-22T13:09:12.058-05:002017-09-22T13:09:12.058-05:00OH. MY. GOODNESS. You put ALL my feelings into wor...OH. MY. GOODNESS. You put ALL my feelings into words! I DO THE SAME THING. I've spent basically the last 10 years thinking, "Well, once I get to THIS place in life I'll start living." And then I just keep focusing in the future and waiting for things to happen and then I just waste my life away WAITING. Because, hello? This is my life! Sure, it may be different in the future. But right now, right here IS my life and I should stop focusing on possible futures and just soak it up NOW. Just...YES. I relate so hard to everything you said! That's all exactly me!<br /><br />And ooooh my, I LOVE your perspective on writing and capturing the beauty in life. What a wonderful idea! I actually do something semi-similar to that. I keep what I call an "One Sentence Journal". At the end of every day I write in it one sentence of something good that happened that day. It takes no time at all, but it helps me find SOMETHING good that happened in every single day, even the worst days. Plus it's just a great way to capture each day without having to write long journal entries. I've really enjoyed doing it!<br /><br />I AM SO GLAD TO HEAR LIFE IS GOING AMAZING. That just makes my heart happy! And I love those days where you feel productive and are able to get things done that may not even include the computer. They're pretty great. XD<br /><br />Oh man, I know the hazards and stress of moving! I do so hope it's going well and won't be TOO stressful for you all. It's so beautiful you're taking the time to enjoy the sunshine. You ARE a ray of sunshine! ^_^<br /><br />I toootally do monster comments (I mean, look at this reply!), and I LOVE long comments and chatting with you guys. So don't even think about apologizing!<br /><br />THANK YOU, LISA!!! I'm so happy to be back. I've missed all you precious people! <3Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-30759560713562848432017-09-22T12:59:59.608-05:002017-09-22T12:59:59.608-05:00AWWWWW!!! YOU SWEET THING. *tackle hugs back* I...AWWWWW!!! YOU SWEET THING. *tackle hugs back* I'VE MISSED YOU!<br /><br />Really? Oh my goodness, I'm so happy I was able to inspire you. I hope you have the most AMAZING and refreshing time with your cousin! :DChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-44049445600634037112017-09-22T12:58:22.438-05:002017-09-22T12:58:22.438-05:00AWWWW! That just makes my day! Thank you!!!
YES. ...AWWWW! That just makes my day! Thank you!!!<br /><br />YES. Hiatuses (or hiatusi, I love that! XD) are wonderful things. I find myself able to be MORE productive after them because I'm refueled instead of scraping at the bottom of my creative barrel trying to constantly produce stuff. We have to take *some* time out to refill that barrel now and again.<br /><br />I honestly don't know how you manage to raise four children (and be AMAZING at it at that) and STILL keep up with blogging and write books and just EVERYTHING. Actual Superwoman! I can imagine it is definitely challenging, but I know God gets your through it. Day-by-day, moment-by-moment, yes! ^_^<br /><br />Oh my goodness, Jenelle, that touched me so deeply. Thank you! As an extrovert who THRIVES off her friends, it's really, really hard seeing them all move away. But I know God has good things in store. I'll still always have those friendships, no matter the miles, and maybe I WILL find more friends here as well. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! I needed that today. <3<br /><br />Thanks, Jenelle. You're the best! *hugs*Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-3067738453476303032017-09-22T12:51:38.743-05:002017-09-22T12:51:38.743-05:00Thank you so much, Blue! *hugs*
So I'm not th...Thank you so much, Blue! *hugs*<br /><br />So I'm not the only one? I'm the WORST and not applying things I've learned. And God has to teach me things over and over and over again. I'm sure it takes SO much patience to deal with me. XDChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-83317048535297702902017-09-22T12:50:09.950-05:002017-09-22T12:50:09.950-05:00Right???? Exactly! Just...why is it so hard to CHI...Right???? Exactly! Just...why is it so hard to CHILL? We're so crazy! XD<br /><br />And, trust me, I might be able to talk the talk, but that doesn't mean I'm always walking the walk. Eheh. I've been tryyying to soak up life more and chill a bit but...there's so much to doooooo! *flails* So, ahem, yes. I'm still learning. I feel like I'll ALWAYS be learning. I'm not so good at applying lessons... *cough*<br /><br />BUT THANK YOU!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed my rambles. And I shall try to breathe some. But you do the same! You work so hard! *hugs*<br /><br />LOLZY. Laughing and panicking. Yep, sounds like NaNo season. ;DChristine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-29945452286785070712017-09-22T12:44:39.819-05:002017-09-22T12:44:39.819-05:00Awwww! You're so welcome! It's something I...Awwww! You're so welcome! It's something I think God has been teaching me all year. And I still haven't gotten it quite right... Haha.<br /><br />You put it PERFECTLY. "Life should not be dictated by such trivial things." YES. But, like you, I get so anxious when I have things piling up and I HATE it. I've got to put into practice just taking the time to enjoy life and balance work and productivity!<br /><br />Oh my goodness, your tips are GOLDEN. The first one especially smacked me HARD, in the best way! Because that's LITERALLY something God was showing me the other day--that I should focus on HIM, and focus on loving HIM and OTHERS instead of being so anxious about productivity, THEN everything else will fall into place. And now here you're saying the same thing. I think God used you to remind me of that once more! THANK YOU! I needed to hear this!<br /><br />Gooooals!!! Goals give me LIFE. Although...then my OCDness and overachieving self kicks in and I obsessed over the goals and ignore life... Ahem. So I have to balance my love for goals with living sometimes, too. XD But they do help me keep on track SO MUCH.<br /><br />Yes to forcing ourselves to relax! It's kind of crazy we have to do that. XD But I sure do! I've been trying really hard lately to not allow myself to work any time past 10 at night, and use that time to read before bed. I think it's helping a lot!<br /><br />THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THESE! I want to try to put them ALL into practice. I think they'll really help. You are a treasure! <333<br /><br />Oh, and you're sooo welcome for the NaNo reminder. *smile, smile* I couldn't have a panic attack by myself. Got to share the panic with friends. ;D<br /><br />THANK YOU!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!<br /><br />Oh my goodness, Abbiee's blog is amaziiiiing. I've only been following her for a few months, but her posts are LIFE CHANGING. She's the best!Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-28385219497423816552017-09-22T12:34:36.036-05:002017-09-22T12:34:36.036-05:00MARYYYY. *tackle-hugs back* It's so good to he...MARYYYY. *tackle-hugs back* It's so good to hear from YOU, you precious thing! <333<br /><br />Awww, you are so sweet! We did have an absolutely lovely time. It is really hard having your closest friends live far away, but it just makes time with them all the sweeter! (And you may be going away to college? Ooooh! I did not know this! :O) You nailed it, friends are the most precious gifts. Such blessings! ^_^<br /><br />I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this post! But YES. I think we're the same person, too. Like seriously, it's getting crazy! Because I'm over here nodding to everything you said. I'm totally that person, too--the one so stressed about schedules and being on top of things and staying productive, I forget to actually enjoy LIFE. Like...why is it so hard to relax??? Seriously now!<br /><br />It just hurts my heart that you're having such a hard time right now! D': And, girl, if you need to go on a hiatus, GO ON A HIATUS. I mean, you're dealing with HURRICANES and horrible ILLNESSES and still doing SCHOOL and just AGH. IT'S OKAY IF YOU NEED A BREAK. I mean, I've gone on THREE HIATUSES this year so far. O_O And I haven't even been going through the kind of stuff you have! So...yeah. Breaks are good, especially if you're feeling over stressed. Please be kind to yourself. I'd MUCH rather see you rested and happier than have consistent blog posts from you. And I'm sure all your readers feel the same.<br /><br />You're constantly in my prayers! I so hope that sickness has finally left your body and things are getting better.<br /><br />LOVE YOU, TOOO!!! *huuuugs*Christine Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15859881278385314279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-67071191426891172892017-09-21T17:15:46.926-05:002017-09-21T17:15:46.926-05:00YAY YOU'RE BACK! :D
And THIS POOOOOOOST. You ...YAY YOU'RE BACK! :D<br /><br />And THIS POOOOOOOST. You totally NAILED it! I'm always, always, ALWAYS worried about 'getting things done' so I don't have to 'worry about them later'. And then I get so overwhelmed that I end up not living the life I was meant to live. -__- But this post has really encouraged me! Thank you for the braindump! ;)Madeline J. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14651322832150574847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-53186867766188734862017-09-20T18:58:35.704-05:002017-09-20T18:58:35.704-05:00WELCOME BACK. YOU WERE MISSED, DEAR GIRL.WELCOME BACK. YOU WERE MISSED, DEAR GIRL.Arielle Melody Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10651308960712330062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-86419614571945922382017-09-19T15:34:38.480-05:002017-09-19T15:34:38.480-05:00Thank you so much for this post!!! XD It was so sw...Thank you so much for this post!!! XD It was so sweet. I'm so sorry your friends are moving away. Two of mine are moving to the other side of the U.S.A! *sobs with you* Yes, I definitely think we should soak in every moment! It's been super rainy and stormy here, so I opened the window and just dove into a new novel I am reading. It was so refreshing! Live every moment!!! XDMiddleEarthMusicianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04108115294850581985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139091376044743904.post-78086400790575638232017-09-19T10:22:02.082-05:002017-09-19T10:22:02.082-05:00Good good yes! So often we romanticize this whole ...Good good yes! So often we romanticize this whole obsessively spending time on the internet thing, the whole "hustle" thing, and we forget that...yeah, it's good to be productive, and it's good to get things done, but in the words of my therapist, "happiness is VERY productive." Sometimes the best and most God-honoring thing we can do is to take care of our minds, to take a lil while to re-set our brains and get some actual living done while interacting with the real-life people around us. <br /><br />Good stuff, man. <br /><br /><a href="http://timeforaimeesopinion.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Feels Like Hope</a> Aimee Meesterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02288344639711547844noreply@blogger.com