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Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

February 25, 2014

3, 2, 1 . . . Takeoff!

When I was growing up, I had lofty aspirations of becoming an astronaut. In retrospect, this desire was likely sparked by watching SpaceCamp one too many times rather than by any real interest in scientific advancements or lunar landings. (And, for the sake of full disclosure, maybe I was also enthralled by those cute little packages of astronaut ice cream.)

But when it came down to it, the greatest pull of the astronaut life was the adrenaline-laced takeoff. After months, maybe even years, of training, it all comes down to one big moment. As the seconds tick backward from ten, you hold your breath, knowing that this critical juncture marks the difference between launch and disaster, success and failure, life and death.

That moment contains all the drama of new beginnings, new explorations, new adventures.

In good news for all of us, this website launch has significantly less drama attached to it. And unless for some unforeseen reason I die of embarrassment at some point along the way, the stakes are not life-or-death. But even so, I am holding my breath in eager expectation of this new beginning.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you, hearing your stories, and sharing glimpses of grace together. God tends to do some wildly beautiful things when he brings people’s lives to intersect, and I’m eager to see what he has up his sleeve for all of us.

So thank you for joining me here. I invite you to nose around the website, check out Sarah Parisi’s beautiful work, and make yourself at home.

And now, for that SpaceCamp moment you’ve been waiting for: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . takeoff!

Women at Risk necklace

I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
—Isaiah 43:19

***

In honor of the website launch, I’m giving away a free necklace today. It was made by a woman who was rescued from the sex industry in Bangkok, Thailand. I had the privilege of serving on a short-term trip with Kay and Mike Killar of Samaritan Creations several years ago, so it means a lot to me that this necklace was made by one of the precious women in their ministry. To see more beautiful products made by at-risk or rescued women, check out the Women at Risk site here.

For your chance to win, simply answer this question in the comment section:

What new thing is happening in your life right now? Is there something you’re getting ready to launch?

Be sure to submit your answer by Friday, February 28!

54 Comments Filed Under: Start Here Tagged With: beginnings, Faith, fresh start, God, Grace, Isaiah, new, Samaritan Creations, Thailand, Women at Risk
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About Stephanie

I think that glimmers of grace are all around us, and I'd love to share those stories with you. I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and join me at StephanieRische.com.

Quote of the Week

“Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
—Madeleine L’Engle

Discussion

  1. bIG a says

    February 25, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    awesome job. Launch day has been a major success. I have a little idea of how much effort went into getting this dream off the ground. I am sure this site is going to soar and that those of us who visit it will soar from your creative combination of words that will cause our minds to lift off into a new space in our hearts. thanks for being obedient to God. I am a grateful RECIPIENT of your obedience. thanks for living your life for Him first 🙂

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:03 pm

      Thanks so much, AT! You have been an encouragement and an inspiration ever since this was just a little seed of an idea.

      Reply
  2. dANIEL rISCHE says

    February 25, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    What new thing is happening in your life right now? Is there something you’re getting ready to launch?…..
    mY ANSWER IS A BIT OBVIOUS…..MY WIFE’S WEBSITE LAUNCHES TODAY!!!! SOME oTHER RANDOM THINGS THAT ARE NEW FOR ME; a NEW HAIRCUT, NEW SONGS LEARNED ON GUITAR AND SOME NEW SHOES.
    tHE WEBSITE lOOKS gREAT!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:04 pm

      Hmm, that’s news to me! In other news, you make a good Jackson Browne. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sally says

    February 25, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    We are gettinG ready to launch a new book study (finding glory in the thorns) at FBCG for parents of children with special needs And adulTs with special needs.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:05 pm

      Sally, that’s wonderful news! I know you will be a source of hope and encouragement for those parents. Blessings on your new endeavor!

      Reply
  4. Sarah Parisi says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    So proud of you, Stephanie!! Loved working with you and am so happy the site is launched! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      This new endeavor is ending for you, but I have a feeling there are some new ones on the horizon! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mary Kok says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    i’M STARTING A NEW JOB AT THE AGE OF 58 (AND 1/2). i DIDN’T EXPECT TO BE DOING THIS, BUT hERE i AM. eVERY MORNING i FEEL LIKE IT’S 10, 9, 8 ….BLAST OFF!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Congratulations on the new job, Mary! I imagine this can be a bit of a scary launch, but I believe God will give you just what you need for each day. Blessings to you in your new role.

      Reply
  6. tiffanie says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    the site looks fantastic! i’m so happy for you and proud of you! not much new going on over here other than the everyday newness (and silliness) that comes with toddler life.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks, Tiffie! I think if you live with a toddler, every day is a new adventure!

      Reply
  7. Heather says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    yay!! so excited for you Stephanie!! I guess the newest thing going on around here has been my podcast. Enjoying trying a new medium. Can’t wait to see how God uses you in this space!! (a gorgeous space, might I add).

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:09 pm

      That’s awesome, Heather! Your words have been an encouragement to me on many occasions, and I’m so glad more people get to hear them too!

      Reply
  8. Erin says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    We’re getting ready to move, so we’ll be launching forward once we find a place that we like.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      Moving can definitely be the best of times and the worst of times. Blessings on you as you begin a new chapter in a new place.

      Reply
  9. Suzanne Gosselin says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:53 pm

    It seems things are always new in this season of life: my first full-length book for first time expectant parents comes out in the fall and I’m having my third child in August. We’re also looking to move into a house (from our townhome). So lots of changes ahead! Love the website!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:12 pm

      Hi Suzanne! So nice to hear from you here! Wow, so many new things ahead for you. And congrats on the new book! What’s the title?

      Reply
  10. Eric says

    February 25, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Kinda looks like Daniel’s new thing should be a new computer– his caps lock is broken 🙂

    Congrats Steph! My new thing, hmmm… I got nothing!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:13 pm

      hAha! It wAsn’t daNieL’s faULt…tHeRe wAs sOMethinG wonKy wiTh tHe siTe earLieR.

      Reply
  11. Wendy says

    February 25, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Hi Stephanie! I am so very happy for you! I know one day soon, I’ll be selling YOUR book to readers hungry for more words and perspective from their favorite blogger/author!

    My new launch…well, I’m preparing to “launch” my middle child out of the nest and into college this fall. She’ll do great…but Mom will miss her. ;’) Thankfully, she’s only 45 minutes away, so we’ll still be able to enjoy simple pleasures like a Saturday lunch at Qdoba when we need them! Congratulations, again! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:15 pm

      Thanks, Wendy! Oh wow, that’s a big change to send your middle child off to college. I am confident she’ll be a light in her new world as her mom is in hers. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kim says

    February 25, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    I had to check out your new launch over my lunch hour. What a beautiful place to spend a few minutes! I look forward to checking back often because I know God will be using your site to pour his grace into many people’s lives.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      Thank you so much, Kim! I say amen to that–may people forget about my words and encounter God’s grace here.

      Reply
  13. Kristy says

    February 25, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    I am in the process of launching a new support group for women who are suffering in silence with fear and shame from having an abortion. True healing of any spiritual or emotional wounding can not take place apart from the grace and love of Christ.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:18 pm

      Kristy, what a wonderful ministry! And I can’t think of a more prayerful, empathetic person to lead it than you. Blessings to you and those ladies on this new adventure!

      Reply
  14. Aimee says

    February 25, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Love love your website!! We are getting ready to launch into spring and summer and hoping to be able to foster care more consistently in those seasons.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:19 pm

      I second the vote for spring and summer. 🙂 And I’m praying for you and those precious kids that God may bring into your home.

      Reply
  15. neajeanne says

    February 25, 2014 at 8:06 pm

    We’re doing our home study to adopt a fourth child. We have three biological children, but this is a whole new world.

    You’re web site is lovely. I can’t wait to see what God does here. I’ve heard it said that a good strategy is to look where God is working and join Him. So, here I am. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:23 pm

      So sweet! Thanks, Linnea. I’m praying for you and your family as you prepare for the child God is hand-picking for you.

      Reply
  16. Nadia Ianakieva says

    February 25, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    Congrats on your new website!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:23 pm

      Thank you so much, Nadia! A warm welcome to you.

      Reply
  17. MMM says

    February 25, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    Does having a baby count? 🙂 Every day is full of new surprises and smiles, and a reminder of God’s love and amazing handiwork! As far as launching goes, all the launching we do around here involves spit-up!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:24 pm

      Ha ha! I cracked up about launching spit-up. I definitely think it counts to launch a baby into this world. Love you, MMM!

      Reply
  18. Kara says

    February 25, 2014 at 9:40 pm

    The website looks AMAZING! I love it. It feels like you, looks like you and has the grace and beauty that are you. Can’t wait to see what wonderful words you have yet to share with us.

    As for what am I about to launch, what is something new in my life? The reality is nothing really. However, I am hoping that this year this month this moment God launches me into a new awareness of who He is, not only in my life, but in everything around me. Every day is new and I am hoping to be launched from an attitude of complacency and comfort into what Jesus really desires my life to be.

    Again love the website and so excited for this new adventure for you!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 25, 2014 at 11:25 pm

      Aww, that’s such a high compliment, especially coming from someone whose opinion I value so much. Thank you, Kara. And I love your perspective about asking God to launch us into his desires!

      Reply
  19. Angie Hart-Goetz says

    February 26, 2014 at 1:21 am

    This is so exciting! You look wonderful Stephanie, you were always smart and beautiful in school. Thank you for this amazing and positive place! My newest launch is starting my own blog, a big step for me. Mine is more of a journal of sorts. I can’t wait to see all you have in store! Blessings!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:03 pm

      That’s awesome to hear about your blog, Angie! What’s the link? I’d love to follow you.

      Reply
  20. Marie says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:52 am

    Stephanie,
    You’re blog is beautiful and I look forward to reading future posts. Not much is new in my life, but I have been trying to focus on keeping my relationships “fresh”. It’s so easy to fall into a busy routine as a working mother that I find that my time with my kids and husband is not often quality time. I can’t squeeze more time out of my day, so I’m trying to appreciate and enjoy the moments I have. I guess you can say my perspective is new.

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      I love that, Marie! Sometimes the new thing isn’t a tangible thing, just a new perspective on the now.

      Reply
  21. Nate says

    February 26, 2014 at 3:48 am

    Lookin good, lookin good! and the site is wonderful too! Super excited to see what all comes next, and for a very long time!
    New…well, to quote Stephen King, “A sort of hush fell over my…creative life–not a writer’s block, but a sense that it was time to stop goofing around with a pick and shovel and get behind the controls of one big great god a’mighty steamshovel, a sense that it was time to try and dig something big out of the sand.” To that end, at the prodding of a friend, I have ordered a very small laptop I can tote on the train for writing on my commutes…

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks, Nate! And wow, that’s exciting to hear about the writing-during-your-commute adventure! I can’t wait to tell people about how you wrote your novel on the BART…

      Reply
  22. Nancy says

    February 26, 2014 at 4:00 am

    I am launching a personal study for 2014 to gain a deeper understanding of the person of Jesus Christ through the scriptures.
    I am so excited for this website to launch. I will be able to say I was there from the beginning. I have no doubt that many other people will find out why we love you so much. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      That sounds like a wonderful journey, Nancy! You have been there in many ways from the beginning…praying for me before you even knew me. 🙂

      Reply
  23. Sara Tatham says

    February 26, 2014 at 4:30 am

    Congratulations on this new endeavor Stephanie! Your website looks amazing and I’m enjoying your writing. You have a true gift. A transition committee that I co-chair is launching a new website too. I’m hoping that Daniel had a hand in the development of yours so that technical assistance is only a yell over the cubicle partition away!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Sara! Yes, you know Daniel–he has lots of technical skills and artistic skills, and I got a great package deal!

      Reply
  24. Melissa Avery says

    February 26, 2014 at 5:18 am

    I’m starting a new volunteer position at a non-profit organization. I’m excited!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Congratulations on the new volunteer position, Melissa! From all I’ve heard about you, I know you’ll be a blessing there.

      Reply
  25. kelli says

    February 26, 2014 at 6:27 am

    congrats! looks great (and i think it’s super cool how your husband is supporting you in this.)
    at this point, i feel like i’m back at mission control, watching some people i love who are starting new missions. but that’s cool…someone has to package up the astronaut ice cream!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      It’s only a matter of time before you get that job as a personal book-selection consultant. 🙂 I love the way you shine in all that you do, Kelli.

      Reply
  26. Bonnie Anderson says

    February 26, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    As someone who has known you since you were a little girl, I could not be more proud of your accomplishments. You always stuck to your guns and weren’t afraid to share your belief in Christ with anyone. I hope He continues to bless you as you grow this website!

    Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 26, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Aww, thanks, Bonnie! I have so many fun memories of going to church with you and riding in your Jeep when I was a kid. Blessings to you!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Announcing the Winner of the Necklace! says:
    February 28, 2014 at 7:53 am

    […] And now it’s time to announce the winner of the necklace: […]

    Reply
  2. Unearthing Your Buried Dream says:
    March 3, 2014 at 8:04 am

    […] I was ten, I had aspirations of becoming an astronaut and an author. The intergalactic dream died a quick death when I realized I didn’t like any […]

    Reply

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