Official Announcements

Yes, yes it has been a LONG time since I have written on here. A main reason I did not post for so long was because of the constant changes and unknowns I was facing.

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce my plans for the future!

• December-Graduate
• January-Move home
• January-? Take CPA exam and PASS!
• August-Start my full time career at Deloitte

Yes, that last part is the one I am most excited about! Since mid-August I have been going through a crazy journey. The journey of "where is God leading me and how will I get there" is not one that is easy at all.

If anyone knows me, they know I am a fan of structure. So many things of this semester threw my structure off completely. I had the structure of work Monday, classes Monday night-Thursday afternoon, and work Friday.

But, my structure was thrown completely off by so many things. I am part of a Consulting class working with a real client. I had no idea what the project would include until our first meeting with our client. I was stretched in ways I didn't think possible. My accounting mind was forced to think about marketing instead. What a challenge! We are doing great things for our client and I am incredibly excited to put the final touches on our project in the next few weeks.

The other thing that threw off my structure was the unknowns of where I would be after December 13. I went on many job interviews. I filled out applications. And, if you know me well enough you know I put my full heart into the process. Before each interview I found things I loved about the firm and I fell in love with each firm. I could see myself there and I got incredibly excited. Here comes the hard part. I received 4 no's. Some of these were not even formally given to me, I just stopped hearing from the firm. Others involved me going on multiple interviews and then getting told no. Let me tell you what, rejection is even harder when you have invested your time and heart into the process. 

But, here's the good part. Within the past week I received 2 yes's. I felt like I was back in the college decision. Ultimately, I trusted my gut decision and chose to accept the offer at Deloitte. I couldn't be more excited. It is such a great way for me to start my professional career.

Some of you might be wondering why I'm not starting until August. I am going to take a break. I am going to take time off. Yes, that is so unlike me. But, remember I'll still be taking 4 sections of the CPA exam which is not an easy task. I have made the decision to move home for the transitional period to spend time with my family, work for my dad when I have time, and pass all 4 sections of the CPA. 

I could literally feel the weight come off my shoulders when I received my offer from Deloitte. That feeling has stayed and I am thrilled to take time off. I look forward to spending time spoiling my niece. I look forward to following where the Lord continues to call me to go. I look forward to being an example for others. I hope to give back in some way to others in the ways that have been done for me. I have not missed or forgotten all the prayers, coffee, snacks, listening ears, and hugs that I have been given through my time at Trinity. I am looking forward to this next chapter as scary and unknown as it is.

With Love,

Stephanie

22: It's Miserable and Magical

Ladies and Gentlemen. 22. It's Miserable and Magical.

I turned 22 this week and let me tell you what, this week has been a very trying one to say the least.

Shortly before turning 22, Taylor Swift's song started to run through my head. Let me tell you what, that woman knows exactly how 22 feels so far. Just a few of the lyrics from the song describe this week:

         "We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time. It's miserable and magical."

Safe to say, the girly jam feels like it will be my theme song for this year. Struggling, but realizing that there is magic in all of this.

I truly am feeling 22. Adult status and all it entails.

The day I turned 22 I woke up late, a button fell off my dress, I made multiple stupid and large mistakes at work, and I felt like I couldn't win. Just ask my mom, almost every single hour she was receiving an email about the next "crisis". Truth be told, if it hadn't been my birthday, none of this would have seemed as bad.

But, instead of focusing on the bad, my mom kept reminding me to stay positive. I had an awesome new outfit that I got to enjoy all day. I had some very kind co-workers who got a good laugh about my day of mistakes. They had no idea it was my birthday, but they still made me feel like I could do this.

The following days were incredibly busy and filled with highs and lows.

Saturday I took an afternoon and evening to myself. I could tell that shopping, reading, cooking, and just winding down were needed. I calmed down about this scary thing of being 22 and an adult. I realized that the next year is going to be trying, but I will continue to learn who I am as a daughter of the Lord.

This morning's sermon hit home, which caused me to finally blog about being 22. 

(I'll attempt to forget the fact that I came home and my bathroom ceiling started to leak....AGAIN! Gotta love good 'ole 1D.)

Truths that I am sticking to this year (inspired partially by this morning's sermon):

The Lord has promised good to me.

My hands cannot do this. It is not what my hands have done. "Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit."

God's hand is a hand that unites.

God's hand protects. 

All power is in His grip. "God, we do not know what to do but our eyes are on you."


I have received many other truths this week in so many different ways. In Bob Goff's book Love Does, I continue to strive to live a life where my love is an action. Where I go out and "do" instead of just sitting around praying for God to change things. The Lord has promised good to me and I know that His plan is far better than any plan I could think of or see.

In one of my comments for our Bible study on Love Does, I pondered on this quote; "...maybe we're all a little like human origami and the more creases we have, the better." Often I think my creases and folds are things to hide and be ashamed of. I often forget that I cannot see the bigger picture. I cannot see the beautiful origami the Lord is shaping me into.

Watch out world! I'm 22 and I'm ready to press onward!

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

Last summer I had my first taste of "the real world". Little did I know, I was spoiled last summer.

Mamma Shari often had dinner ready within 30 minutes after I got home. I did not have to make the entire meal. I generally cut veggies or fruit and set the table. Simple.

Groceries were bought and I did not have to lift a finger to get them. Simple.

Mo was around to help navigate the commute and pack meals/figure out what to pack for meals. Simple.

I was free to work, sleep, read, and enjoy learning who I was as an individual.

This summer I realize that although I thought I was in "the real world," I was far from it.

Cue this summer:

I want a warm dinner? I have to cut, slice, prep, cook, saute, etc. Besides all of the extended prep time, I have to come up with ideas. Making decisions is not my strong suit. Luckily, my stomach generally tells me how soon I need food and what I'm craving.

Groceries? A task that has been fairly easy as I enjoy looking at ads for what's on sale and making grocery lists (yes, Mom, I am your daughter!). Butttttttt.....when you get back from vacation at 11pm, a run to the grocery store is just exhausting. This week I chose to wait until the following evening. Even though this seemed to work, it still took a large chunk of my evening.

Commute? All on my own. Cue: Books on CD (a.k.a. Lifesaver!)

Packing Meals? Me.

Bills? Me. Getting the first bills in the mail this week reminded me that it is now up to me. No longer do I have a roommate who pays the bills and leaves a note on my desk telling me how much I owe.

All of these things seem small and mundane, but I assure you, they aren't.

Tonight instead of sitting through a class and helping the students at the beginning/end of class with any questions they had, I was the professor. Tutoring/Student Aiding already caused me to respect my professors more. But tonight, I learned what night professors go through. Putting in a full day at work and then going straight to teaching for 3 hours is exhausting.

I got asked tonight if I had children. I was reminded yet again how amazing mothers are. I find all these tasks exhausting. I'm only taking care of myself.

Ladies and Gentlemen. The Lord knows me well. He knew I needed extra time to become an adult on my own. Maybe someday way way WAY in the future I will be ready for a husband and/or family. I'm confident the Lord will continue to prepare me for the future in ways that only He can.

Until then, I will continue to respect teachers, parents, and adults in general. This whole growing up thing is a lot harder than it seems.

Perfect Weekend

One of the things you learn when you live far away from home is that it is a reality that visits with friends, family, and others is something that is spaced out with distance. It seems there is never a point when "everyone" is together. Well, this weekend I got a taste of something I never imagined.

So, to start this out, I must mention some background details. The past 11 days have included 8 different performances for me. That's just music. I'm a student too. I wasn't surprised when I started to get sick because I knew I was over-doing it and my body just wanted to rest.

Cue: Friday.

I slept in skipping Philosophy of Ed because I knew my body needed the extra sleep. I went to school to attend choir rehearsal, eat lunch, and have piano lessons.

 I also must note, I was stressed. I knew that I had 2 performances left; Alli's wedding (piano music) and our choir concert. I remember before choir rehearsal thinking "The only person who could get me to relax is Alli." How perfect that I was about to go see her.

After classes were over, Josh and I drove to Wisconsin. We had good talks including business ethics, science ethics, choir, and many other things. It did not feel long at all because of the great company Josh provided.

I dropped Josh off at Katie's college so he could be with her. I proceeded to go to the church for wedding rehearsal. Stress was instantly lifted off of my shoulders when I got hugs with Alli, Sam, and Alli's parents. I didn't even remember the stress once I was with them.

We also had rehearsal dinner (which was delicious!!). Highlight: to all my Jimmy Fallon lovers out there, Alli and Sam wrote thank you notes to each of us. They had the music timed perfectly and made us laugh in a way that only they can.

After rehearsal dinner I had an amazing opportunity. I got to visit Sarah! She did my nails, showed me her favorite hang out spot, and then we fell asleep while talking.

Cue: Saturday.

Sarah and I woke up and took our time getting ready. We looked vastly different as I was in my wedding attire and Sarah was dressed for a comfy relaxing day. She made delicious coffee which I got to enjoy in a cool mug.

Sarah then took me to one of her favorite little areas. We went for brunch at a cute German place and even had a little time to shop.

By noon I was back at the church making final preparations to get Alli and Sam married!!! I had the privilege of helping Alli get in her dress, and helping with the little things before the ceremony. Then I got to play piano for the wedding; a true honor. Alli and Sam made faces at me during the ceremony (since they were facing the pastor and me). They also made me cry twice. Happy tears, of course. Sam and Alli are a winning pair who have been through many things together.

So many details of the ceremony showed the uniqueness of Sam and Alli. It was so wonderful to get to celebrate the two of them.

After the wedding, I, along with a few friends, and the Wier Aunts and Uncles set up the reception hall. I took upon the task of setting up the candy table. Of course, someone HAD to taste each kind of candy. It would be horrible if no one tasted the candy before serving it to the wedding guests. I took one for the team.

Once the reception hall was set up, we had some time to hang out in a suite that was reserved by Alli's parents for the Wiers and any of us friends. I have never seen so many people in a hotel suite at once. I can also say that I spent a few hours hanging out in a large bathroom in which one of Alli's cousins spent sitting in the bath tub (without water). I was able to meet many of Alli's cousins, aunts, and uncles, and have some awesome conversations.

The reception food was yummy, the dance was fun, the candy was almost gone. No, I didn't catch the bouquet.

I could go on and on and on. But, one thing resounds that I must share. Alli and Sam's friends made me feel so loved. They treated me like they had known me for years. I can honestly say a visit to all of them is a MUST this summer. I had such a great time getting to know their friends and families. Before leaving I got many genuine hugs from people who had just met me the day before.

Cue: Sunday.

I dropped Courtney off at the airport and drove home.

I was planning on meeting my parents for brunch but..... they got a flat tire. They made it to Trinity 4 minutes before my concert started. My honorary parents/summer parents were also able to come. Bonus: Mo and her mom came to the concert and quick said hello before they had to get going.

After the concert, I spent about an hour and a half with my parents and my summer parents out to eat. Then I had to say goodbye to my parents.



Yes, this was a long post, but it was worth a share. Thank you for reading all of this! I got to see college friends who I haven't seen in a year, make new friends, and see my real parents and honorary parents. It was short, but it was rich.

Time to rest, organize, and finish out the last week of classes and exam week.

Falling Behind

Falling behind is the theme I have felt recently.

1. I've fallen far behind in updating this blog.

2. I've fallen behind in my online classes that are "self-paced".

3. Not graduating in May....

Reasons for falling behind?

For the first two I can give an honest answer that is simple. I have been immersing myself in the Lord. I have been trying to follow where He is calling me. With that, I have taken many opportunities to go to events by myself. That's scary. But, I can't even begin to describe the amazing things that have come out of me attending things on my own. Conversations that I've been able to have. Prayers with others. Laughs and giggles with old friends. Meeting new people.

Often in life I feel the world is telling me that I can't be alone. To go somewhere alone is a shame. I see this especially on campus when I hear people asking "who are you going to [chapel, outcry, bible study, opus, the concert, the movie, etc.] with?"  I get a weird look when I answer "no one" or "I don't know". Even I find it weird when I see it.

But, what I have found is there is a beauty in being alone sometimes.

If we're being honest the only logical answer for #3 is that my double major just simply wasn't possible in 4 years. Often I find myself feeling like I didn't work hard enough. I feel sad that I don't get to experience these ends with my class.

I'm drawn to Ecclesiastes....."there is a time for everything."

As much as I want to graduate in a few weeks. As much as I want to be done. I am starting to realize that I must embrace the now. I must embrace the new connections I am making. This extra summer and extra semester is a blessing for me. I get a little more time at a place that has given so much to me.

There will be a time for me to update my blog (although it may always continue to be infrequent).

There will be a time when I finish those online classes.

There will be a time for me to graduate.

Right now, I get to enjoy the here and now. I get to stay up late (when I'm healthy).

I get to watch friends get married. (My time will come in the far away distant future).

I get to watch my niece grow up.

It is well. It will all happen....in God's time.