The Heart of Just Steph

Raise your hand if you have never been through heartbreak, loss of any kind, illness, abuse, rejection, abandonment, etc. Can anyone out there in reader-land say they are completely hurt-free? Can you say that you have never been disappointed, let down, back-stabbed, etc.? Every one of us has a story. If you have a pulse,…

I was sharing my faith journey with a new person in my life. I explained how I had been mad at God for a long time. I felt my prayers were not answered, especially when I was praying for what I had been told was God’s Will. I had blamed God for my Rare Disorder,…

Slip a sable under the tree for me. Been an awful good girl… As I reflect back over 2018, I wonder what I do not have that Santa could possibly give me. This year has been one of enormous growth.  Growing pains hurt. They wake you at night, haunt your days and bring to the…

I still pinch myself almost two month after my trip to Dubai. With most experiences, time diminishes the excitement. For me, time has yielded introspection, reflection and a deeper understanding of how I want to move forward.  I look back on my trip with a sense of awe and amazement at myself for traveling alone,…

“Travel opens our minds to different cultures, philosophies, and world views. Travel opens our hearts to the people of foreign lands and their different traditions and creeds. Travel dissolves the stains of prejudice that infect our hearts and societies. Money spent on travel is money well spent on an education that you will never receive…

Human beings are wired for generosity.  If you have kids, or care for children in one capacity or another, your giving treadmill is on 24/7. Your communities are constantly asking for volunteers to plant shrubs in the town center. Your employer strong arms you into supporting the upkeep of the lion’s den at the local…