Oct. 5th, 2012
So as I mentioned yesterday, today was the anniversary of Papa Bob's death. Let's go back in time a little. I'll tell you a quick story:
Once upon a time, we were at a BBQ at Butch & Sandy's house... Papa Bob and I were in the house getting some food or something, and I was through, so I walked out the back and shut the sliding glass door. LITTLE DID I KNOW...Papa Bob was following me out and a few moments later we all hear a *clunk* as he ran into the door I just closed...
I have NEVER lived this down. For months at every gathering, I was reminded of how I "shut the door on Papa Bob". It may have even been mentioned at his memorial.
So today, since I was unable to go with Scott after work, I decided I would stop by just before two right before I went into work.
I drove into the cemetery, parked my car and got out. Well...the sprinklers were on and I thought I might be able to maneuver around them, but with them on, it was harder to find his spot and I ended up pretty wet. I have a feeling he was laughing at me up in heaven.
And that's how Papa Bob finally got me back for slamming his face in the door...
:)
RIP Papa Bob<3
Friday, 5 October 2012
Thursday, 4 October 2012
GVG²
Whew! It's been a busy week.
Rockin': My Beloved by Kari Jobe<3
So tonight was our Campaign Rally for the bank. It's night where we get together with the other branches in our district to get amped up for fall campaign! This year they had a t-shirt contest that we prepared for extensively. We all had white t-shirts with a gift box & ribbon, the words "Garden Valley Gift Givers" and our "number" in glitter glue, then a bow on the gift and our "names" on the back in sharpie!
We had Margie as "Bubba", Kelley as "Crusher", Sara as "DestroyR", Patty as "Chomper" (for Halo), Vicki as "Ninja", Sarah as "Bear Claw", ME as "bR00tuHL", Haley as "RULEZ IZ RULEZ" and Cierra as "Game OVER!". Oh and Vince as "Top Dawg". :)
We had plenty of fun preparing for this. At the rally, we "mingled", and there were some Minute To Win It games and bla bla bla... Guess what?! We won the games! We tied for first, but then we had been closer on the tie breaker question, so we get a pizza party! What what!
Also for the t-shirt contest part, I "rapped". It was ridiculous.
But I had a lot of fun, and it's nice to bond with my team.
I'm not so sure what else to write today.
I'm kind of glad it's over. It kept me busy and excited...right after I posted about things winding down! So maybe now things really will.
Tomorrow's the anniversary of Papa Bob's death. I'm sad just because I'm sad. But I'm a little disappointed because I won't be able to go with Scott to the cemetery when he goes because of work, but I think it will be okay, because I will go before work.
It's been a weird week/month. I really miss my family. I miss Christmas' at Gramma's or Aunt Sandy's with everyone. I miss Cousin after getting to spend some time with him again! I miss Mallory, Korbin and my sweet baby Ava. Soon Kyle will be heading back to MD for a time. And Papa Bob's anniversary just puts cherry on top I guess.
But in everything, I know God has a plan.
Now rockin': Beautiful Things by Gungor<3
Great music on Pandora tonight. :)
Rockin': My Beloved by Kari Jobe<3
So tonight was our Campaign Rally for the bank. It's night where we get together with the other branches in our district to get amped up for fall campaign! This year they had a t-shirt contest that we prepared for extensively. We all had white t-shirts with a gift box & ribbon, the words "Garden Valley Gift Givers" and our "number" in glitter glue, then a bow on the gift and our "names" on the back in sharpie!
We had Margie as "Bubba", Kelley as "Crusher", Sara as "DestroyR", Patty as "Chomper" (for Halo), Vicki as "Ninja", Sarah as "Bear Claw", ME as "bR00tuHL", Haley as "RULEZ IZ RULEZ" and Cierra as "Game OVER!". Oh and Vince as "Top Dawg". :)
We had plenty of fun preparing for this. At the rally, we "mingled", and there were some Minute To Win It games and bla bla bla... Guess what?! We won the games! We tied for first, but then we had been closer on the tie breaker question, so we get a pizza party! What what!
Also for the t-shirt contest part, I "rapped". It was ridiculous.
But I had a lot of fun, and it's nice to bond with my team.
I'm not so sure what else to write today.
I'm kind of glad it's over. It kept me busy and excited...right after I posted about things winding down! So maybe now things really will.
Tomorrow's the anniversary of Papa Bob's death. I'm sad just because I'm sad. But I'm a little disappointed because I won't be able to go with Scott to the cemetery when he goes because of work, but I think it will be okay, because I will go before work.
It's been a weird week/month. I really miss my family. I miss Christmas' at Gramma's or Aunt Sandy's with everyone. I miss Cousin after getting to spend some time with him again! I miss Mallory, Korbin and my sweet baby Ava. Soon Kyle will be heading back to MD for a time. And Papa Bob's anniversary just puts cherry on top I guess.
But in everything, I know God has a plan.
Now rockin': Beautiful Things by Gungor<3
Great music on Pandora tonight. :)
Here's hoping...
"[Love] bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13 : 7-8a
Monday, 1 October 2012
Falling for October
Today is October 1st.
I'm not usually one for fall/winter. I don't like the cold, the cold rain or that it gets dark so early. But this time feels different; this time feels fresh and crisp, which is why I think most people do like fall. It's also bittersweet. I'm really excited for this month, but at the same time I am sad.
Let's start with the "neither here nor there": As if there's not enough breast cancer pink in my life, this month, as always, there will be more. I don't know quite how to explain it, but it just means something to me, and I will always support this cause.
The bitter: Today is the last day for a real long time I will be able to hang out with Mal and Ava. Korbin will be returning early next morning, so my best friend and my baby girl are off to Virginia Beach to "ready the home" and welcome their soldier back. I am so proud of Korbin and how quickly he progresses, but I am sad that it take my family away. It really doesn't help that I'm a big cry baby, but even though I told myself I wouldn't cry last night (knowing I'd see them again today), I couldn't help but shed just one tear (or two...) when Ava with her newly acquired big girl voice turned and said "bye bye Sam". She's not quite two and can't express herself as well as we adults can, but I think she knows something's going on.
There will be skype dates and Glee dates and facebook chats and texts about racism, but it's not quite the same, you know? But I know they'll be back, one way or another.
Continuing with the bitter, the anniversary of Papa Bob's death is not even a week away. It's weird to think it's been only a year, because it seems like it's been so long! He was definitely a bright spot in our family, and even though I didn't know him for too terribly long, he treated me as his own and made me feel like I'd known him forever.
The sweet: Life FEELS like it's calming down, although I should know better... Maybe it's just my bear instincts preparing for winter, but I feel a little more content than usual. At the end of the month, we'll be putting on a Harvest Festival at the church for kids in our neighborhood, and I am super excited, because I feel like this is something good for our church. I feel like this will be one of those projects that really brings the church together.
Perhaps part of it IS just me transitioning from summer to fall. Summer always gets so crazy and GLOW isn't precise(?) and organized. Summer's more of a "if we have time, sure" season. Fall, the kids are back in school, people are getting back to their normal schedules, and so am I. We'll have what feels like our first "real" GLOW in a few months, and there are other little things going on that I'm excited about too.
We'll see!
Here's hoping...
I'm not usually one for fall/winter. I don't like the cold, the cold rain or that it gets dark so early. But this time feels different; this time feels fresh and crisp, which is why I think most people do like fall. It's also bittersweet. I'm really excited for this month, but at the same time I am sad.
Let's start with the "neither here nor there": As if there's not enough breast cancer pink in my life, this month, as always, there will be more. I don't know quite how to explain it, but it just means something to me, and I will always support this cause.
The bitter: Today is the last day for a real long time I will be able to hang out with Mal and Ava. Korbin will be returning early next morning, so my best friend and my baby girl are off to Virginia Beach to "ready the home" and welcome their soldier back. I am so proud of Korbin and how quickly he progresses, but I am sad that it take my family away. It really doesn't help that I'm a big cry baby, but even though I told myself I wouldn't cry last night (knowing I'd see them again today), I couldn't help but shed just one tear (or two...) when Ava with her newly acquired big girl voice turned and said "bye bye Sam". She's not quite two and can't express herself as well as we adults can, but I think she knows something's going on.
There will be skype dates and Glee dates and facebook chats and texts about racism, but it's not quite the same, you know? But I know they'll be back, one way or another.
Continuing with the bitter, the anniversary of Papa Bob's death is not even a week away. It's weird to think it's been only a year, because it seems like it's been so long! He was definitely a bright spot in our family, and even though I didn't know him for too terribly long, he treated me as his own and made me feel like I'd known him forever.
The sweet: Life FEELS like it's calming down, although I should know better... Maybe it's just my bear instincts preparing for winter, but I feel a little more content than usual. At the end of the month, we'll be putting on a Harvest Festival at the church for kids in our neighborhood, and I am super excited, because I feel like this is something good for our church. I feel like this will be one of those projects that really brings the church together.
Perhaps part of it IS just me transitioning from summer to fall. Summer always gets so crazy and GLOW isn't precise(?) and organized. Summer's more of a "if we have time, sure" season. Fall, the kids are back in school, people are getting back to their normal schedules, and so am I. We'll have what feels like our first "real" GLOW in a few months, and there are other little things going on that I'm excited about too.
We'll see!
Here's hoping...
"[Love] bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13 : 7-8a
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.
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!
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'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!
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.
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