Friday, August 24, 2007

Hiatus

Hello everyone.....I wanted to let you know that I will be taking a hiatus for a while. There have been a few things that have happened in the last few days that have caused me to take a look at my life, how I am using my time and where I need to serve. These moments have brought me to tears all 3 times. I also think because summer is coming to an end and a new season is beginning, that I need to think about what needs to be done with my life and family. I often go through these periods of soul searching. That is just how I am. Perhaps it's age, maybe fear, or that these moment's were placed in front of me for a reason...... a soul searching that needs to be done in order to make the best of everything that I have been blessed with. To give back and to serve those who do not have much or may be hurting. We all have times in our life when we need to reflect and to listen. And that is what I am trying to do right now......just listen. My blog shows only a sliver of my life and while I have had a wonderful time blogging and getting to know so many others, I realize I only see a small portion of your life as well. Life is such a gift......one that I know I take for granted at times...........then something happens and you stop and think. You try to grasp what is being whispered to you........sometimes it takes a little longer to hear and understand what is being said..........but if you take the time.....it will be revealed to you. And then it is up to you to move forward with your answer.

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Steffie,

I don't comment here, have only sent you a personal message one other time, that was to encourage you to be strong in your wait for sweet Olivia. But, today I feel compelled to shout out to enjoy your Hiatus...to listen, hear and be obedient to the Voice you will hear. Praise God for His Love.

I have enjoyed your blog since Sophie's Story of You days....huge supporter of TSOY:) being the Mama of five, three of my youngest Blessings were welcomed into my family through God's gracious gift of adoption....in China!!!

Through your family, we see ours!!! Thank you for sharing so much of who you are with my family.

Enjoy the journey and peace be with you!!

Diane...Mama to Joe, Jen, Jana Mei, Jadyn Hua and JOY Hua

Norma said...

Do what you need to - take your hiatus - but I will miss you and your comments on my blog! I'll be here when you get back!

4D said...

Take the time you need. Live life. Enjoy your family. Reflect on what is important. Your words ring true and inspire me to take a step back and look at things.

Will miss ya but I know that you will be back recharged and happier then ever.

Keep smilin!

Gracie said...

That is such a sweet picture! When I wnt to Vermont and saw these HUGE mountians I was soo amazed, The people that live there were like yeah, I see them everyday, they are not so special.

They dont relize how amazing they were to me......I also though take life for granted! :( Bad Me!

LaLa said...

Take all the time you need with your sweet family. I often think the same thing...what moments am I currently missing while I blog about what has already happened?

I look forward to catching up with you when you return : )

Kayce said...

Enjoy your break. We all need it from time to time. Don't worry we will all be here when you return. God Bless.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Take care of yourself, Steffie. I sent you a personal email before I checked your blog today. Just know that I'm thinking of you.

Kim Kenward

C's Mom said...

All the best to you. I'll be thinking of you and hoping all is well. We will always be around.

Holly said...

Have a nice break. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. BTW-Sweet pic.

Kim said...

Have a GREAT break... I will really miss you... You have been a real blogger friend and have helped me whenever I needed help on anything..
I love reading your journey.. And I will really miss your comments on my blog..
I will be waiting for your return..
Hope to hear from you soon..
Take care
Blogger hugs..
Kim

Shirley said...

Enjoy yourself and your family. I'm sure it's a break much needed...I tend to be with you on this one...I also, may need to do the same thing!!!

PandaMom said...

You know I did the same this summer. You have to evaluate what is truly important to God, your family and you. We know you aren't gone forever. Have a wonderful time getting ready for school and a new fun fall season around the corner. (((Hug))). ; )

3 Peanuts said...

Stef,

I totally get it. I, too, will be blogging a lot less. I did a lot this week because of Jude's situation and I was stuck in the beach house while Kate napped. But I agree that while blogging is a fun thing...it can become consuming. I will be back to posting once or twice a week and reading other blogs only occasionally because I'd rather spend my time with my family. As it is I mostly blog when the kids are asleep but I could be spending that time reading or hanging out with the hubby more:) Life is short--we need to live it!

I hope you enjoy your break and find a way to keep in touch somehow. You have inspired me in many ways and have touched my heart. I really respect the way you have raised Emmie.

Hugs,
Kim

Lauren said...

Cute pic! That is such a great thing to see. I think we often all take life for granted.

Anonymous said...

All the best to you, Stef...Hope everything is okay.

Nancy said...

I will miss you. Hope all is well, and whatever isn't, I hope there is a happy, quick resolution(for your own sake). Will see you when you return.

Hugs!!!

Elisa...life as we know it. said...

Take your time...although I will miss you loads.

thinking of you.
Hugs
Elisa.

Mr.Brian said...

I understand if you need to take a break.Please know you will be greatly missed.
You have made me laugh and made me cry at times.
I feel I've made a wonderful new friend .
Please take all the time you need.If you need prayers let us know.
May God shine his light apon you and give you peace.Bless you my friend.

Anonymous said...

The journey is long and hard but we will be here when your ready to return. Don't forget to be good to yourself!

Dawn said...

Stef~

Enjoy your time away. I think as summer winds to a close and another school year begins, we are all taking a look at our lives and our families and feeling like we need time to just be. I love your blog and look forward to when you post again.

Blessings
Dawn

Tami said...

Take your time and enjoy your haitus. We'll be here waiting when you return.

Beckyb said...

Ummm - does that mean email too?!?!?! Nope, can't do without my Stef fix!!! :) I'm praying for you friend!!

Jewels of My Heart said...

I will miss you friend... Enjoy your precious family... enjoy quiet time sitting at His feet.
God's speed to the answers you are searching for and God's peace.
Love,
Daleea

kitchu said...

My heart completely understands.
Hope you will check in every now and then. I'll miss you.

redmaryjanes said...

I completely understand. Seeing Jude's situation and passing has caused me to look at my life and my family and realize that every day is a gift.
My friendship is always with you. I would love to set up a play date with you one weekend so that Sophia, Eli and Daniel can play and we can talk. Let me know.

Unknown said...

I completely understand. Even without children, and I am constantly reminding myself to guard my time, to not miss special moments, and to give myself more fully to people that I love. Blessings to you.

mommy24treasures said...

I will miss you, I pray you find the peace and direction you are seeking...
hugs
Connie

Nikki said...

That is such a beautiful picture of your kids! I love it!

Good for you...listening to that still, small voice.
I'll be in touch.
XOXOX

crazylady said...

I'll suck it up.
When you're at the top, only place to go is down. I like rummaging at the bottom of the barrel every now and then. You get to lie down at the bottom. Rest up pretty girl.

Laura Nipper said...

I love the photo of your beautiful children. You are so blessed. Enjoy the time away spent with your family and the quite time spent with God. Your blog has been so up lifting and I so enjoy reading your posts. You have a wonderful ability to write and share a small part of your life with us. Praying for you as you reflect and listen to what the Lord has for you.

Two Kayaks said...

Damn! Just when I have finally been able to see your blog again. Take all the time you need...sometimes a break is so refreshing for the soul.

kerri said...

Enjoy your family time.

jennifer said...

You will be missed. Go enjoy your family. We'll be here when you get back.

Roy and Lori said...

Take care !!!!

Abby's Mom said...

Enjoy your time for you. I hope that everything is okay though.

Adele said...

Oh Stef, we must be going through the same thing right now. I haven't had as much time to dedicate to blogging lately and quite frankly, I have lost my desire to blog for awhile. Life gets busy and I don't want to miss a thing with Miss Mallory. I will surely miss your posts but I know you will be back refreshed and recharged. I am going to not spend so much time blogging either. It takes up sooooo much time. Take care.

insanemommy said...

Sweet Steff, I understand. Really understand. I hope all will work out whatever it is. Take all the time you need. I look forward to your return. Rest. Enjoy your family.

Mom 2 six said...

Take time. I will miss your sweet comments. I love following your journey.
Take care !

Diana said...

Hi Steffie,
I too feel the "changing of the seasons" and a whole bunch of emotions right now. Do whatever you have to do to get yourself back...
Love your daughter's name, was hoping for an Alyssa...Get it? Sophia and Alyssa?

Kim said...

Hope you are having a GREAT SUNDAY!!!
Just wanted to say hello..
Take care
Kim

Anonymous said...

long time lurker, first time comment but i wanted to let you know that i'm really going to miss you blog. i can't wait until you are back to follow some more. you have a beautiful family and i am praying for you on your journey to olivia (btw that is my favorite name ever!)

sheryl said...

Oh I am going to miss you! But I understand where you are coming from. I am searching and listening for answers of my own. I hope you find the answers you are looking for my friend!

k1 said...

Maybe you and RedMaryJanes and SewHopeful should come out to Seattle when Kelly and Katie are here.

Andie said...

Steffie...I will miss you. I totally understand, though. I pray that God will give you the peace you are seeking. Enjoy your time away, and as always, enjoy your treasures! I look forward to your return.
Blessings-Andie

Anonymous said...

I'm missing about reading thing 1 and 2 :)

Mommy Spice said...

I'm right there with ya. I've backed off of blogging a bit as well, just adjusting to changes and new beginnings. I'm going thru some soul searching myself, which has not left much time for blogging. Keep in touch when you can. I love hearing about your families adventures.

Michelle said...

I just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. I hope your Hiatus will provide you with the peace you need! Take good care of yourself!

Jill and Jaap said...

Completely understand.

I have been going through some similiar times lately.

Take care, friend, talk soon.

Elise said...

We all need to take a break once and awhile....thoughts and prayers are with you though and with your special family!!!! I will blogging a lot less coming up this fall...life is just so full and what a blessing that is!

Truly Blessed said...

Don't worry -- the world wide web will be around for a long, long time. People will still meander by your site to see if you've written any new entries, but we'll always come back!

School's back in session next week. Are you up for a GNO? Just say when...

cougchick said...

follow your heart and enjoy your life. We will be here when you return.

Juliette said...

Hope everything is well and yes YOU and your loved ones come first.
I like reading your posts and looking at your nice pictures so I'm happy Bloglines will let me know when you return.

Elizabeth said...

Steffie, always be true to yourself and don't apologize. always follow your gut and find your own adventures. I'll be here cheering you on and ready to hear about your journey when/if you are ready to share. I will miss you but that's ok. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I too have been having thoughts of ending the blog.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

just now checking in ... you take all the time you need my friend ... i am not going anywhere ... luv ya and pray for your family daily ...

t~ said...

Take all the time you need. I will miss you though. I often go through times of soul searching as well and sometimes just need the time to reflect. Enjoy your time!

Nesting For Natalie said...

Stephie,

I love your blog. Perhaps it is because your writing displays a woman who has depth.

I pray your break brings the answers you are seeking in this coming season. I pray you will feel refreshed, inspired about your plans, and directed by God.

Hugs from another mom of many...but never too many!

Amy

Tiffany said...

I love your blog and love following along. I totally understand the need for a hiatus. We all need that. Blessings to you and your family!

crazylady said...

Hmmm.reread your post. You're evaluating how to 'serve'.
Are you in prison? Or just working some OT at TGIF's?

Elizabeth said...

just checking in to se if you weren't just giving ME the brush off. And once I was gone youd continue to post..... are you done yet?

Adele said...

Just wanted to drop by and say hello and that I miss getting my Steffie-fix here on your blog. I hope you are enjoying your time away. Starting next week I will probably be taking a little blogging break myself. Take care. Miss ya!

Colleen said...

Oh Steph...you will be missed. I am thinking of you friend. Sometimes you do just need to take time for YOU and for family. The real important things in life. As you said, these blogs really show only a sliver of our real lives. I hope all is OK, and am sending many cyber hugs your way. We will all be waiting for your return.

Roy and Lori said...

Hope you are having a
great weekend! Take care!