It's The Little Things

To say I am nervous is an understatement. Next week I take my first CPA test and I am starting to really feel the pressure (and the difficulty of saying no to hanging out with people). With all of these nerves have come sleep issues because my brain won't stop thinking about all of the things I'm expected to remember.

Last night I found myself on my knees while doing my devotions. I felt I needed to fully surrender my time to the Lord. I meditated on some scripture and then prayed for the ability to get a good night's rest. To my excitement, that was exactly what I got last night.

But, it doesn't end there!

Mid-morning I received a call from my Mom saying one of my old scholarship donor's was at Dordt. I immediately got ready and went to say hello to him. All I intended on doing was thanking him again for the money he donated to me. Little did I know, he would later tell my Mom "I just spoke to the Queen!" Yes, he was talking about me. This donor was so excited to hear about my graduation, the job I received, and my studying. He took time out of his busy day to listen to me and to tell me that he believed in me. He even wanted to take a picture with me because he said he cherishes moments like these.

It's the little things. My past scholarship donor gave me quality time to tell me he was proud of me and believed I could pass my test on the first try. Wow. I cannot even begin to describe how it felt. But I do know this, it was just the reminder that I needed before these next days of intense studying.

God always seems to surprise me with the little things.

Continuous Curiosity...Wait, What???

As promised, a post to explain the new title, subtitle, and look of my blog.

As I spent New Years Eve and Day with a close friend, I found myself realizing how much my life truly was changing. I started this blog awhile back as a way to keep people back home in touch with pieces of my life while at college. That is no longer the case. Now, I live in Iowa (for the time being) and am a college graduate.

My last semester of college was one that was very typically busy. I tackled an 18 credit semester (all 300/400 level courses), 20 hours of work each week, and the job hunt. I found a lack of balance especially because of the job search and not knowing where I would be after graduation.

The title: Continuous Curiosity
Throughout this "transitional semester" and the timing after I knew what 2015 would look like, I was encouraged by a friend to stay curious. This friend saw how the lack of a schedule was stressing me out. Instead she told me I needed to be curious. I needed to get out there and be vulnerable. To be curious and try new things. She said if I went and did something and did not enjoy it to just throw it off my shoulders and recognize that it wasn't for me.

Instead of being stressed by the changes I have chosen to be curious.*

The subtitle: These three remain: FAITH, HOPE, LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE.
This passage has always been one that I have clung to. It's hard to put it into words, but I think what I love most is the simplicity here. Life can be summed up in three words and we are taught which one is the greatest.

I also live a fairly simple life. From drinking my coffee black to getting read in the morning in under 15 minutes. (If only the tax code followed this same view...)

The Layout:
The layout is also simple-see my explanation above if you missed it. :) I also feel it represents me with my favorite color and a more rustic feel. The rustic feel is partially due to the fact that I'm back in Iowa.

Until next time!
<3 Steph

*Ironic note: My niece is obsessed with Curious George and I have loved being able to watch episodes with her. Not gonna lie, it's pretty interesting and entertaining! (Or...maybe I'm just a kid at heart).

December: A Look Back

Even though 2015 has started, I feel the need to look back on all that happened in December.

When December began I knew it was going to be a whirlwind of a month. I had accepted my new job, decided to move home for part of 2015, and knew I would be graduating.

To say December 1-13 was busy would be an understatement. Looking back, I have no idea how I survived. I had multiple presentations, papers (over 150+ pages), tests, and GRADUATION. 

As more things were checked off of my to-do list, I started to realize that my time at Trinity was ending very soon. I have seen many friends graduate before me, but I still did not know what those "lasts" would feel like. I'll admit it, I teared up multiple times. This shows just how truly blessed I have been by the Trinity community.

Graduating truly was the icing on the cake. December graduates have the advantage-no need for tickets and that poinsettia tree in all of your photos! My entire immediate family came out for the event (including my 18 month old niece!) Along with them, my grandparents and some close friends came. 

To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. All of these people came. For me. The attention was fully on me and I felt flattered and incredibly happy. It was a true testament for my parents to be able to see all of the people who surrounded me with support and encouragement while at Trinity. 5 years ago when I was considering Trinity, I never could have imagined all of the support I would receive.

The rest of December included my last week of working at Gallagher (bittersweet), moving home, spending Christmas day with Mom and Dad, celebrating Christmas with my family, and a trip to Wisconsin to see college friends and meet new friends to ring in 2015.

<3 Steph

P.S. Stay tuned for a post explaining my new title!