The Story- Stephanie's Perspective

Back to the beginning:

I was driving from my friend's house on January 2nd (this year) after spending a wonderful New Year's with her and others. While on the way home I was plagued with thoughts and questions about why I am still single. I was finally getting to a place of contentment in my job, and at church, but this one area of my life had always been a struggle. So on this particular hour long drive, I was praying about this "issue" of singleness. And then and there, I realized that being single was not something to "deal with" or a compromised way of living life, but it was exactly where God wanted me for that particular time. Being single allowed me time to grow in my relationship with God and invest in other things like my job, friends and church. And I was completely at peace and full of contentment with everything about being single and was actually looking forward to seeing what God had in store in this life of singleness.

Two days later, my friend had sent me a message saying she had sent my bio to someone she knew and hope I didn't mind too much. She then proceeded to tell me a few things about him (although he got way more information about me!) So, that very night, I was introduced to Steven, through Facebook chat. We talked for hours.Then, we continued conversations over the next few weeks. In the back of my head, I really wasn't sure about it all, especially since he lived in North Carolina. I was waiting for the conversation that inevitably happens: "You're a great person, but I just don't think this is going to work." That conversation never happened.

First Date:

Next thing I know, he is calling my dad and planning to come to Ohio for a visit. He came the weekend of my birthday. He took me to The Melting Pot. We were there for 4 hours. Any fears I may have had left over about this relationship not working melted (yup...it's a pun). So, on my birthday in February, we officially started dating. He came to visit me a couple more times and soon it was very clear where this was going. We made the decision for me to move to North Carolina. So, I quit my job, a week later I had an interview for another job in NC, and the next day they hired me.

And here we are:

Last night, Steven surprised me with a little date since we didn't have church, I didn't think too much of it. He made reservations but he didn't tell me where we were going. I really had not idea that last night was going to be The Night. Then we pulled into the parking lot of The Melting Pot and all I could do was smile. If nothing else, it was going to be a special date just because it was where we had our first date. So, we got in, and sat down in a nice private booth, gave our order and chatted for a while. After our server got our cheese fondue ready, I was ready to eat! So I started getting my bread ready, and Steven hadn't even touched his utensils. So, I put mine down and wondered what was going on. From there a lot of it was a blur, because he said something close to "I can't wait. I thought since we had our first date at The Melting Pot, that this would be the perfect place to propose. I knew I wanted to marry you..." (And he pulled out the ring and everything else became a blur) It was perfect. The ring is perfect. He is perfect for me!

I love him and I'm so excited to share life with him, it is going to be so much fun! :-)

 

A New Classroom

As the new school year approaches, I have finally been able to meet the majority of the Kindergarten teaching team and I've been able to get into my classroom. Now that I've done these two things, I feel WAY more confident about teaching Kindergarten. The team I'm teaching with is pretty amazing. They are so helpful and friendly and willing. The administration at this school is amazing. They are all so excited about teaching, about their school and about this coming school year. It makes me so excited to leave a family of educators in Ohio and come to another family of educators in North Carolina. God is so good to me!

Here are just a few pictures of my classroom. Pardon the mess...I took these pictures before I've been able to organize and straighten up and decorate. Here's to a great new year!

There's a bathroom back there!

Desks are moved to create whole group area

This has since been organized :-)

A New Adventure

The adventures of a whole new life started a week ago today. I enjoyed my last (for a while) Starbuck's with my sister and niece and they sent me off with love and prayers. While I was sad to leave, I was so excited for what I was driving to, 7 hours south. Now, a week later, my excitement for being here has grown. While I miss familiarity so much, exploring a new town, in a new state, with mostly new people has actually been a lot of fun.

I am a creature of habit and thrive on consistency. I typically don't enjoy a lot of change. In the past, major life changes have proven to be very difficult and created major obstacles in my life. This change, though life altering, has been nothing but a blessing. God has allowed me to go through many challenges and changes, mostly in the last 10 years, to bring me to a point of contentment, joy, and peace about whatever comes my way. I am confident that there will continue to be changes and challenges in my life, but as I am learning, these challenges shape me to be more like Christ. The best part, now, is that there is someone that God has brought into my life to share in these joys, challenges, and adventures. I am so blessed.

When I reflect on all that God has done in the last 7 months, I am speechless. The best I can say is, "My cup runneth over..." God is so good.

Me? Blog? Maybe once a year...

Well, to the two people who read this, this is for you.

I hardly remember that I have this blog up and then I occasionally look through my Facebook page and realize that this blog is linked up on there and I should probably write something. I usually have absolutely nothing profound or amazing to say, just ramblings and thoughts from me.

As I was reading Psalm 89 this morning, I felt rushed, tired and desired more than anything else to go back to bed. Some days, I think it is best for all humanity (or 26 second graders) if I just stayed in bed. However, my students rely on me to be consistent, and so consistent I am and I show up to work. Anyway, I digress, back to Psalm 89. As I was reading this morning, verses 8-9 really stuck out to me.

"O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them."

These last few years have been full of changes. Now, as I sit here, feeling like I'm just starting to get used to life where I am, there are more changes on the horizon. Great changes, don't get me wrong. Changes that I'm very excited about, but it is change nonetheless. God just seems to work that way in my life. So this morning, my heart felt like the raging waves of the sea, and God made it very clear that he will still them.

 "Be still and know I AM God" 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard your heart..."

God is sovereign. God is in control. Life changes, but nothing takes God by surprise. And for that, I am so thankful. So, here's to change and getting used to a new normal, again.