(If you are visiting from the P31 Woman magazine, thank you for stopping by! 
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Two years. Yes, two years of rejection letters before I received my very first “yes”. “More Examined In The Waiting Room” is my very first published piece. I’m humbled and delighted that though the rest of the authors in P31 Woman magazine are “known” authors, I am an “unknown”.
I want to thank the entire Proverbs 31 Ministry staff, especially Lysa TerKeurst and Glynnis Whitwer who have gone before, encouraged and paved the way for me and countless women to pursue their passion! Thank you for this opportunity! (Opportunity sure has been the the word of the week here!) I also want to thank my writer’s group, Scribe’s Alley, particularly Jen (THANK YOU for never quitting, that choice helped change my life!), Mike and Al for critiquing and pursuing this call together!
(I celebrated today with an iced coffee from McD’s!)
I’m delighted to say that I’m finally “published”! But what delights me even more is that I experience God more intimately when I wait…more than when I “get”. And, not just in that doctor’s office waiting room that I mentioned in my article , but everywhere!
I’m learning to not just white-knuckle-wait, but to worship God while I wait. Worshiping God is much more fun and I’m near positive that it burns more calories than the worrying/fretting approach. 
What does worshiping God while I wait look like?
Well, it depends on the situation…
Waiting for our second son to be born, I memorized a scripture and spoke Hebrews 11:1 every time fear rose up in me. I said that verse A LOT. Waiting in a pre-op surgical room, it meant that I listened to a surgical nurse tearfully speak of her ill and deteriorating father, instead of focusing on me…me…me. Waiting for a financial miracle meant that Dave and I gave above our tithe when the pennies were diminishing each month. Seven years later, that additional $100 seed of monthly “worship” translated to currently a 100% increased income today. Waiting for loved ones to come into a relationship with Christ has meant that many times I talk less about Christ and pursue to act more like Him (loving). When I’d really rather just shake them and lay out the, “Steph Fink Eight Point Plan of Salvation.” (As if…) Waiting to be published required more than disappointment, but to rise up again to my keyboard, and type one more piece. The refusal to quit is an act of worship.
God keeps telling me, as I tell our two young sons, “Patience child!” I won’t lie, I’m not a naturally gifted “wait-er”. No, I’m a “git-r-done” (if this Jersey girl is permitted to borrow that expression from the southern folk) kind of gal. But now that I see God is interested more in how I behave during the wait than after I have the final result, I want to sing a different song, a new song.
Instead of, “When God, when…?” or 
“Nobody knows…the trouble I’ve seen…” I want to sing a new song that is less like, “UGH!” and more like, “God, I don’t see you moving but I trust you!”
To celebrate this two year wait and this very special “published” moment, I would like to give you a “New Song” to encourage you in your wait.
The first 25 people to post a comment here will be sent a music CD! You can post about something you are waiting on right now (I promise to pray for all posted), something you are celebrating after a long wait, or anything related to the waiting topic…you will receive a hot-off-the-presses-this-summer, CD appropriately titled, “Give me a new song”
Post a comment and I’ll contact you privately for your mailing address (and no, you won’t be put on any form of mailing list from me as that would require me to be far more organized than I currently am!) 
As a special bonus, anyone who watched America’s Got Talent last summer and cheered on sweet top 10 contestant cutie, Kaitlyn Maher, she sings on the CD too!
(L-R: Our son Cal, Kaitlyn, our son Jake, friends “Bubba” and Madison!)
For those that I’m not able to give a freebie to, you can listen to song samples and purchase a copy here.
No matter where you are at in your wait game – entering, in the middle or received your answer – choose to worship God and wait well!
Mrs. Fink!!!! Congratulations! I miss you guys! I hope everyone is doing well and I’ll continue to pray for the family, hope you all get better
Hopefully I’ll be able to see everyone soon, either over Thanksgiving break or winter break 
Hope you have a great day!
Love,
Sami
HEY SAMI!!!!
How’s the cool college student doing!??!? We sure miss you here too!!!
You my dear are the winner of a rockin’ worship CD! And I know your Momma raised you right listening to good worship music (sang by Mom!)
Please email me steph@encouragedinheart.org your college address girl – so you can worship to dorm walls silly!
Love, hugs, and STUDY HARD!!!!!
Congratulations, Steph! I’m so proud of you!!!! xox
Thanks SO much Chele!!!! HUGS!!!!
Proof positive in the powerful effects of prayer. Steph, I am so thankful to see how God has worked in your life, changed you, and then enabled you to use your giftings to reach out to women. The circle has now become larger and more women will be blessed by your humility and your story. Story is one of the most powerful tools we have outside of prayer. And God is faithful. . . faithful!
Thank you for your beautiful words Ginger! I won’t ever forget the trip south to my first ever writer’s conference and the eclectic (yes, that’s the word) music selection you traveled and DJ’ed my car CD player with! Look in your mailbox for your newest CD to add to your collection!
Stephanie,
Waiting seems to have been the makeup of my entire life. I do struggle immensely with waiting patiently, trusting the Lord while I wait, and (as your article brought it to my attention) worshiping God while I wait. I want things now, now, NOW!
Some of the things I’m praying over and waiting for right now is to finally marry the man of my dreams….I already got him, just need the ring.
Also, as most of the United States, I’m waiting for a better job or a second job so that I can keep up with my bills. As most people can relate, these are hard times and it can be very hard to trust that God is going to come through when you don’t see the answer.
I want Christ to shine through me and show His love to those around me. I want to get out of His way. I want to praise and worship Him while I wait patiently for His answers and solutions. I have a lot of growing to do.
Thank you so much for your article, it is an inspiration!
Kayleigh
Thank you for posting a comment Kayleigh! I just emailed you privately to get your address so I can send you your FREE CD!
I struggle too with waiting patiently and I am encouraged that your heart is to shine Christ through you as you balance the waiting (and getting!) times! That’s a sure indicator that Christ is alive and moving in and through you already!
I prayed for you, your honey, job(s) and bills – that God takes you step by step through with the reality that others are watching and being inspired/influenced toward Him as you go! God bless you!
Steph … you are an inspiration; a reminder to never let go of your dreams no matter how long they take to come to fruition. Enjoy this success and this journey that God has planned for you and most importantly, continue to share it with EVERYONE you come in contact with! I always have difficulty (like Sarai) waiting for God, and I often step in to “make things work the way I think He wanted them to work” … praying for patience daily. Love you, Sister!
Mrs. 4.5 Miles and Fabulous, You are an inspiration to me sister! Thank you for believing with me a long time ago as I shared what God laid on my heart, which is a far cry from what my resume said! May we wait and glorify Him throughout! Love you my Sister! And, check your mailbox tomorrow you big winner you!
Congrats! Cute kiddos in that photo
My prayer is that this article is the first of many that will impact millions for the Kindgom!
B2B4ever baby!!!
They sure are cute kiddos in that photo…I hear their Mom is a real snappy dresser and great bargain hunter too!
Thanks for the support, prayer and new slogan – B2B4ever!!!!
Steph, it can’t already have been over 10 years since you and Tom first started as partners, can it? There’s been SO much waiting in that time! I think now, however, I am waiting to come to terms with the idea that we’ll never have a daughter. It seemed like such a certain thing, back before Ian was born, and even last year when we were planning to adopt. However, God’s plan is always best and it appears now that our family is complete the way it is. So I am waiting for my heart to catch up, and I am NOT waiting to realize the blessings that God has already given me! I certainly count you as one of those blessings, Steph, and now countless other women will too! Many congratulations to you!!
Sweet Kim – I CAN’T believe it’s been over 10 years that Tom and I started as partners and you and I became sisters! We went from young DINKs (double income no kids) officers through MANY joyful times, an F5 tornado, Y2K, murder mystery parties and tearful waiting seasons. God has been real through each and every of those highs and lows and I pray right now that the hole in your heart, in God’s perfect timing, is filled to overflow. With much love, prayer and sincerest gratitude for celebrating such a special moment in my faith journey!
How awesome Steph! Thank you for your words of encouragement… There is so much peace in worshiping God for who He is–and not always focusing on what we are “waiting” for. God’s promises are true–regardless of what are circumstances may be telling us. His perfect will IS worth the wait!!!!
Thanks Lu! I’ve been praying for you, Chris and the kids during your current waiting season. I sincerely appreciate your comment sister – THANKS for writing and I pray that the songs on the CD (which I’ll send via Jess) encourage your heart while you wait for God to answer! God bless you sister!
It has been a pleasure to walk alongside you during the wait–and learning to fly from the chicken coop, us eagles! I am always always up for a worship CD and would treasure it whilst driving/waiting my life away right now!!
Thanks for cheering me the entire way Kathy! We’re no longer chickens but bolder, stronger eagles thanks to God for the work He’s done and is doing in our lives!
I pray the CD will encourage you in your wait and commute to and from Mom! Check your doorstep tom. morn!
I love reading you. I really do. And I am so thrilled for you being published, hooray!
Thank you SO much Gwen, your words mean so much to me! Be checking your mailbox mid-week b.c you are a WINNER!
CONGRATS!!!! I’m so excited for you! Waiting is so hard. I’m so proud of you for not giving in to discouragement. It has paid off! I should learn from you and be patient in several areas of my life.
Way to go!
Has anyone ever told you that you have a really rockin’ name?!?!
Waiting IS difficult and I prayed right before sending you this that God would strengthen you in each and every are of your life where you feel stretched. Thank you for celebrating this special moment with me!
Thanks for your support and sisterhood!
Are you kidding me? I’m ready for a cd any day of the week!
I’m sending you my copy of P31 for an autograph. And a lippysticky kiss, too!
love you and SO PROUD OF YOU!
kim
Thank you my sister, for your love, prayers, call, comment and support! I hope you’ve received your CD and that your worship singing self can worship our awesome God on that commute of yours! MUCH LOVE AND GRATITUDE!
This post is a confirmation for me- love it.
Thanks Jenn! And, you looked SO surprised with the wrapped paper!
Hey I can’t leave you a comment on FB? Arg! Anyhoo – CONGRATS! So proud of you and happy to celebrate you in this accomplishment. Will you bring a copy with you Thanksgiving weekend for us to see? Where can we get a copy? Sending a HUGE hug – boob to boob, lots of squeezing! xo
Thanks for celebrating with me Mimi! You rock sis! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!