New Beginnings

Blessings have been pouring out in my life. Even though I feel like I am walking in "the valley of the shadow of death," I am constantly reminded that God is holding me. The set of footprints in the sand are His; not mine. I am not able to hold myself right now; but God is re-assuring me that He is holding me.

The past week has been filled with many changes. I had an incredibly difficult exam week; it included a few breakdowns and it ended with "crazy Steph". Anyone that saw me Thursday night or Friday knows what I am talking about. My body was so ready to crash, but my schedule was still incredibly booked. So, I got silly and had issues trying to follow conversations. I had a lot of "oh that makes sense now" moments.

Friday was incredibly insane between work, packing, cleaning, and singing for honor's convocation. Just when I thought I could rest, people came back to the room to hang out and talk. They talked, I laid half asleep, half away. But, it was so good just to be with people.

Saturday was an early morning filled with getting ready for Graduation where I had to usher, sing, and say goodbye to some of my closest friends. Yes, I was the lone roommate not graduating. It felt a little weird sending them off to the real world and realizing I still have 3 semesters left. It also got me a bit nervous as I will no longer be living in the same room (or even on the same campus...or same state) as my close friends. After they left, I slowly packed up my belongings. Then, once Mo was off work, we realized that both of us underestimated how much stuff we had left to fit in the car. I can honestly say we were filled to the brim. We made sure I could see out the back window. But, there was a pillow and backpack by my side/legs and Mo had things by her legs, on her lap, and in her hands. Needless to say, anyone who saw us knew we had just moved out of our college dorm rooms.

The past 24 hours have been filled with introductions and new beginnings. Our new home is beautiful and we couldn't be more thankful for this incredible couple that has let us into their house for this summer. But, they are not only letting us into their house; they are welcoming us into their family. Our "Mom" keeps telling people "I had two kids move out, so now I found some new ones!" But, she also cautions that we are not allowed to tell her actual children this. :P

Tomorrow is a big day; first day at the internship. Nervous. But mostly, I just don't want to drive in all the nasty traffic. This is going to be MUCH different for the small town Iowa girl; that's a guarantee.

Prayers would be appreciated :)

That's all for now! I hope God starts to help me heal and eventually provides answers to why I was going through all of this.

Blessings

Today, I'll admit is another struggle. I haven't written on here in a long time, but it's time to update everyone on something I think is important.

Some of you may or may not know that I am going through a lot now. But, as I'm attempting to edit my 12 page paper (yes, this is also a form of procrastination) I have Spotify on. All of a sudden 10,000 reasons came on and I was compelled to share. Even when we feel all alone; even when we feel like we are in the midst of the hardest thing we have ever had in our life, it's time to go to God. It's time to thank Him for everything we do have.

My Blessings
-A God who loves unconditionally. He does give and take away, but He provides comfort by telling me He will never give me anything I cannot handle. (He must think I'm a lot stronger than I feel lately!)
-A family who is always a phone call, text, facebook message, or skype away. No matter how long I spend away from them, I still am able to feel close to them.
-Christian education. Fact. I'm able to attend Trinity. WOW!
-Friends who are there any time, any day. Friends who understand when space is needed, when a hug is needed, and when vegging out is needed.
-Technology for allowing me to be able to look up devotionals that address anything I'm dealing with.
-The fact that I can carry my Bible around!
-Music.
-A new church and family that has welcomed me in and provided me with a home.
-An internship to practice what I have been diligently studying and learning.
-A car that gets me where I need to go. (Yes dad, this means I'm going to get an oil change for it and have the tires checked out.)

How easy it is to come up with just that list and I know there are tons I have forgotten.

Take the time today to reflect on how you are blessed, not on all the bad stuff. Exams are rolling around, but just remember: we are BLESSED to be able to attend college!

Also, if you are willing, take the time today to say a little prayer for me throughout what feels like thousands of changes in my life.

~To God be the glory!