Thursday, August 15, 2013

What Do I Do with My Life?





What Do I Do with My Life?


That used to be THE question.

All through high school and college I would constantly question myself as to what job I was going to have.  This inevitably led to stress and anxiety about my future.  It made my life one big headache.

I just didn't know what I wanted to DO with my life. I was consumed with this question and some of my family would frequently ask about it as well (out of love of course, but it didn't make it any easier for me).  But who says a JOB is the meaning of life?  Who says a job is the most important thing to figure out, and if you don't, you're a failure?  And the big one-- who says a career defines your worth? I don't understand! What about BECOMING the person you were made to be? Not just having a good career...

It all boils down to money and security, especially living in America. Why do we yearn for security so much? Why is that what life is all about?  If I had to choose between a solid, stable, well-paying career or a not-that-great-paying job with a life filled with wanderlust, joy, and contentment without all the STUFF, you better believe I'd choose the latter.

After intently searching for my dream job, changing my major three times, applying to numerous different programs at many different schools, I came to the conclusion that life is so much more than just yearning for those things that do not have any eternal worth.

Recently I quit my well-paying job and sought what God has for my life.  And yes, I am grateful that I worked there because it enabled me to pay off my student debt I accrued while I was searching for that perfect degree and career.  Ironic, huh?

But as for my life now, I am BECOMING more of the person that God has made me to be. I don't worry about what I am going to DO with my life, God's got that. He has a plan.  Recently, I've had more time to seek Him more diligently and give my heart rest in the mere fact that I don't have to have all of it figured out. Surprisingly, I'm at peace about it. I am filled with joy!

He's revealed to me what my life purpose is! I guess you're wondering what that is?

To follow Him. To trust that He has me every step of the way.

That's it.

And day by day, He gives me a new little glimpse into my destiny. I think I can 'kind of' see what my future looks like from a distance... but that's like trying to look at a train close up (thank you Pastor Brian for this analogy!)  All I see are the box cars flying by me and it takes my breath away.  I can't understand my life from this close up; only God can.  God can see the whole train from above and He sees my life, your life, from beginning to end. And THAT is what I am trusting in.

Coming back to destiny... quite honestly, my destiny is heaven.  I rest assured in that.  While here on this earth, my role is to proclaim the gospel that brings salvation through Jesus Christ to every single nation, tribe, and tongue.  This is the work that Jesus has started and I'm here to continue it.  What an amazing destiny God has planned out for those who love Him! So I encourage all who are reading this to cling to the hope that God has given us and to stop worrying about 'what am I going to do with my life?' and 'I need to have a solid career to be successful'... just trust that God has a bigger plan for you.  Pursue Him and everything else that you need to do in this life will follow suit.

Uncovering Hope one piece at a time, and I am SO enjoying it :)

Love, Steph

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Stepping Stones- update #2


Update part 2!

As we move closer and closer to our departure date to YWAM, I am excited to announce that we have hit our goal of $7,400 for our tuition fees!!

Only $5,600 left to go!

That means, we are now solely raising funds for our Outreach in January.  We can now pay for our tuition!

We still need your help and we still need your prayers.  We will be fundraising up until December.  Please pray that people's hearts would be moved to help us.  I haven't got any action from my PayPal account either, so please be aware that that is always an option to give as well :)

FUNDRAISING EVENTS-- Photo shoots!! Having mini-sessions all day with Becky on Saturday! Can't wait to see everyone there! Check out her blog, here.

And also, a YARD SALE! Be there or be square on August 10th from 7-1 at 6228 Seal Place, Waldorf, MD  20603 in the Hampshire neighborhood (we will be directly on Hampshire Circle across from the townhomes).  We are collecting donations for this event, if you all have anything you would like to get rid of!

**If you have received a letter in the mail, please get those back to me by August 8th so I can have a feel for what we are looking at in the next couple of months.**

ALSO!! We really do need monthly sponsors for our trip.  We honestly have drained a huge chunk of our savings for this, knowing God will provide for us. Please pray about sponsoring us while we are at school. We still need the funds for personal care, laundry, snacks (cause we all know Peter and I both are bottomless pits), and weekend gas money.

Thanks for keeping up with us :)

Love, Steph