Sunday 30 September 2012

Psalm 100

Unending faith!
        My pastor is an amazing man, and there is no one else like him!
        I don't even know how to begin this, so I guess I'll begin at the beginning! My pastor at the Roseburg Church of God of Prophecy is Steve David, but he is so much more than that to me. He is my friend, my "grandpappy", technically my 2nd cousin and my step-uncle? I've known him pretty much my whole life and even lived with him for a short time. He's been my pastor all but a short while, first in Albany then here in Roseburg. I love him and his family dearly and so appreciate everything they've done for me.
         This year he's gone through some health complications and long story short is diagnosed with cancer. He's now on a regiment of one week on, one week off of chemo for six months. He's just starting his off week of his second chemo treatment.
         His never ending faith and trust in God is unbelievable. Not once has he doubted God's plan for him. After his first surgery when he found out he'd still have to go through cancer treatments, instead of wavering and being angry, he said that "God must have a plan for his chemo doctor". He knows God is going to reach somebody through his sickness, but he doesn't know who, so he just waits and trusts in the Lord.
         Earlier this month he preached a message, just before he started his first chemo treatment, about how it's totally worth it to go through trials if it means we'll reach someone for God, whether it be family, friends or even a stranger. If they can look at him and see his peace in this situation, surely that'll turn someone's eyes to Him. He had us all crying of course.
         This morning, after doing chemo just this last Monday through Wednesday, he preached another message. He just won't give up and rest! Today he preached on Psalm 100. He spoke about how we make a joyful noise to God in ALL things, no matter the situation. That we need to serve the Lord with GLADNESS in every crisis and every joyful time as well.
         I am just amazed by him every day, and I am so proud and grateful that he is MY pastor.

"That means even with cancer I can glorify God."
"I'd rather die believing that my God is a healer, than become bitter and angry and die anyway!"

What an example to everyone. I can't wait to see what God does through Steve.

"[Love] bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13 : 7-8a
 

Saturday 29 September 2012

Your Love Never Fails

          Hello World!
          Everyday I'm reminded of You. I'm reminded that You never fail me, that You always love me and that You never give up on me. We are made overcomers by the word of our testimony, so even though I've told this to some, I want everyone to know that God is faithful to us. Seems like forever ago already, but just last weekend was the third annual Hallelujah Conference. In the last couple months it just seemed like everything was falling into place. Just as I was getting nervous, God provided me with all three speakers almost in one day! I was feeling really good and excited for the upcoming conference. Well two days before the conference, I got a devastating email from my final speaker telling me he wouldn't make it. My first human instinct was to panic. I was racking my brain trying to come up with something to fill the two hour void ending the conference.
          So I took a moment, and I said to myself, "You haven't failed me yet" and just then He starting flooding me with ideas and inspiration, and this incredible peace just flowed over me. I had several people offer suggestion as to last minute speakers or things to do, and I said not to worry, because God's given me a plan.
         The next day God showed me why He gave me that plan and that peace. He knew what was in store, because my speaker emailed me back to let me know he worked things out and was able to make it again! Praise God! He is just way too good to me!
         Once again another test in trusting Him, because He has everything worked out for my good.

        But TODAY, I got to spend a good many hours with my baby girl, Ava! So it was pretty much the best day ever. :)

I just love her!!

I'm being rushed out the door, so BYE!

Friday 28 September 2012

It's My Life

          Well...here I am again! This is my FOURTH blog: the first (Sammy Thinks) wasn't unsuccessful per se, but I was young, and it fizzled out. The second (21st Year of Living) was a fail. I think I had 25 out of 365, but it was by far the most popular, and I really enjoyed it! The third (Marriage 101) was a big fat F-! I think because the last two were so specific, I just couldn't keep up. I need a simple place to express my view on the world. Hopefully as you all join me on this endeavor, we will all learn more about ourselves, about the world and about our Creator who just simply loves me (and you...and you and you and you!).
          After seeing so many of my friends and family blogging again, I decided to retry one more time. Without further ado, I would like to introduce me to YOU:
         My name is Sam. I am 22 years old. I have a giant head full of dreams and aspirations, but I haven't yet found the key to open it! I am State Youth Director for Church of God of Prophecy in Oregon. Co-Youth Director at our local Roseburg Church and a teller at US Bank! I love life, and I love my Creator and my Savior Jesus Christ! I married my best friend Scott on March 19, 2011, and I just love him so much! And on that same day, (I got an awesome package deal!) I gained a wonderful step-son Scotty who is 10 years old, just like his father and makes parenthood seem like a walk in the park. We also have my hysterical and magical three-legged feline friend, Gus Chiggins, who loves me unconditionally even though he really shouldn't!
         Seems pretty great, right? Well it gets even better! On top of all that, I have more loving parents than a girl knows what to do with, a plethora of grandparents, FOUR brothers (one blood, one in-law and two steps), THREE sisters (one step, one exchange and one step-in-law/cousin (don't ask!)) and way too many cousins, aunts and uncles! I have a few close friends that are just as crazy as me, a beautiful "niece" whom I love more than the world, plenty of other friends and bright-eyed youth.

         This is my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.