On the rare occasion that I remember my dream, it is almost certain that my dream will contain some sort of normality to it. Going out to eat with some friends or studying for a test, my dreams are often so realistic that I have a hard time remembering what was a dream and what may have been a distant memory. 

When I think about the dreams and hopes I have for my life, I wonder if I often keep my dreams simple and so close to reality to avoid disappointment of them not being fulfilled. But that is not how God want me to live my life. 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

First, my hopes and expectations should be in The Lord, not anything else. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Secondly, as His child my life is perfectly orchestrated within His sovereign will. So even though I'm granted the opportunity to dream up things in my heart and plan (whether big or small), it is God who carries out the perfect plan for me.

This is so exciting to me as God has given me many HUGE dreams for my life, most of which at the moment I cannot even imagine how they will come to reality. But what's sweeter than a great unforeseen dream coming to life?

-Stephanie

I thought it only fair to follow up such a wordy post with an update on my life these past 3 months, and there's no better way to catch up then to show some pictures, so let the good times roll....

Between my normal day to day (you know cooking, teaching English to Spanish families, doing Diabetes data analysis research, and hanging out with crazy friends). I have been,

Experiencing the indecisive, oscillating weather of Nashville, Tennessee. That's right sunny and warm, tornado warnings, and 30 degree icy snowfall all within one week. Not complaining about this beautiful white sight though.

Working on my only official New Years Resolution for the year (how is everybody doing on those btw?): Becoming a SALSERA, or in more practical terms working on improving my Latin dancing skills. Not such a bad goal when I have beautiful, fun, and incredible dancing Erin by my side.

Interviewing at med schools across the country. (Thankful to God for the opportunities and provisions to do so). I have visited and learned about different schools that I would love to attend, and I look forward to seeing where the Lord will place me in the year to come. Greatest of all, I got to see some of my favorite faces in these different cities including all my NY family, my brother and sis in South Florida, in the week to come I will see my Tazzy boo, other brother, and mom, and pictured above is my best friend, Caro, and adorable nephew, Essie (who is growing up way too fast!)

I've also been enjoying life here in Nashville. Learning new things about the city and people that I meet here daily! I have such an amazing community at my church that I am honestly taken aback by daily, but I'm so grateful to God! We are all so different, and I love that! At this one beautiful day in the park celebrating Jenny's birthday, I tried Bocce ball, Wiffle ball, and Slacklining all for the first time!

Lastly, but definitely not least! My favorite season is approaching us. SPRING officially begins tomorrow. I am so excited for warmer weather and tons of beautiful flowers, who are apparently very ready to spring out as well!

That is all for now! May the peace of Christ be with you,

Love Steph

Do you suffer well?

In a world where we are constantly avoiding any hardships in our lives it is absolutely counter-culture to embrace suffering. But what exactly does the Bible say on this?

First in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' time on this Earth it is clear that He suffered for our sake.


"And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again." Mark 8:31

As followers of Christ we are also called to pick up our cross and emulate our savior.


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

This is reiterated throughout the New Testament where the apostles challenges us to suffer for Christ's sake.





"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake," Philippians 1:29


"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled," 1 Peter 3:13-14

Now why do we suffer? Like previously stated we suffer for Christ's sake and God's glory. (Romans 9:36)

But the often encouraging thing for me is that we, believers in Christ, are ensured that our suffering is never done in vain. Suffering stirs up and develops fruits of the spirit within us like many other things cannot. So much so that we are told to rejoice in our suffering:





"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5


"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 

And lastly nothing on this Earth, neither trial nor finite tastes of joy can ever amount to the exceeding pleasure and glory that we will discover for eternity in heaven (Romans 8:18)

Has the idea that we should not only avoid running from suffering, but embrace it been convinced to you yet? If your anything like me you still have a hard time grasping this, and I am in continual prayer for God to help me understand how to suffer well.

Lately, I feel like I have not suffered well, I have taken refuge in complaining and have been lacking in my ability to love others. Specifically, finding little joy in the process of waiting to hear an answer about medical school. However I am so grateful that where sin abounds, grace abounds even greater.

I am thankful that as I learn how to suffer as Jesus' has called me to, His very Spirit will never leave my side.
I may not be flying through trials, but I can take one step at a time.

"A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles’ wings, but is a life of day—in and day—out consistency; a life of walking without fainting"- Oswald Chambers

-Steph