samsblog

14 October 2013

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
What a beautiful time of year.
It's a special occasion where we can stop and thank God for the beauties of this world!

Here are a few pictures from my weekend up-north:

3 September 2013

ORIENTATION

Today was my first day of school.
Along with many other students, I started something new.

I have started my schooling to become a Recreation Therapist.

Today was orientation. Presentations, games, and free food!
The presentations today were very inspiring.
Each person that spoke was filled with energy.
Their enthusiasm for the program got me excited!

While I am looking forward to the new possibilities, I am missing last years adventures.
Two very different opportunities, yet I find myself comparing the two.

My time at bible college was excellent.
Serving God, living in residence, working in a small group, travelling...
A wonderful experience that I will never forget!

Now, I am lost in a crowd of students, trying to find my way.
Hopefully, I can use this diploma program to serve God!
It`s time for me to shine in a whole new way.
I am so excited to be a part of this new experience.

***
Today, a motivational speaker used her son`s experiences to encourage us.
Her son`s name is Joshua.
Immediately, I was reminded of Joshua in the bible.
I decided that I need to study the book of Joshua!
For most people, Joshua`s story was inspiring.
For me, I hope Joshua`s story will be transforming.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO

22 August 2013

IN MEMORY

❤ OMA ❤

MARCH 17, 1931 - AUGUST 22, 2013

After celebrating my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary in February,
no one could have expected this turn in events.

Diagnosed in July, my Oma began to decline very quickly.

The cancer had spread through a majority of her body and there was nothing we could do.

The healthiest one in the family, now facing the biggest health crisis...

Death was certain but so was life - ETERNAL LIFE!

8 children. 28 grandchildren. 30 plus great grandchildren.

For a month, family members gathered at her bedside.

Despite her ever-failing energy levels, she still had so much to teach us.

"Samantha, serve the Lord everyday of your life."

Oma knew that Heaven was near, and in that, gave me the greatest gift.

I will always remember these words and strive to serve God in all that I do.

The Lord was definitely our strength in this valley of death.
We feared no evil for God was with us, comforting our aching souls!

Psalm 25
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause. Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your Truth and teach me. For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Remeber, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindnesses, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The trouble of my heart have enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred. Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.
Redeem Isreal, O God, out of all their troubles!

Matthew 25:23
His master replied,
Well done, good and faithful servant!
You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master's happiness!

"I CAN ONLY IMAGINE"

If I had seen the moment that you first saw Him... I can only imagine...

"YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE"

Nothing will ever compare to my Oma singing this song...

"WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN"

There's a better home a-waiting; in the sky, Lord, in the sky!

24 July 2013

ACCEPTANCE

Recently I was accepted into college. This came as a great surprise as I was on, what seemed to be, a very long waitlist. Quickly, I realised that I have a lot of preparation to do in a very short amount of time. While I am looking forward to this new adventure, I am reminded that I must manage my time well. Between family, school, and work... I need to remember the one who made this all possible. I must remember to keep God as my number one priority during this busy season of life.

I was accepted into Recreation Therapy! In this program, we will learn how to plan, organise, and direct leisure activities that will enhance the lives of those involved. As a recreation therapist, I will be able to work in a variety of institutions, helping individuals develop much needed skills. Hopefully I can provide people with a program where they can "get away" from their struggles while still working on those essential skills. *This could even prove helpful in my mission work!!!

ACCEPTANCE!
This is a word that I struggle with a lot.
Yes, I am very glad that I was "accepted" but there's much more to this word.
For reasons I can't explain, I struggle to accept myself.
This has always been my perspective. I'm not good, I'm not deserving...
For the longest time, I worked hard to achieve university grades.
I thought, if I could get acceptance from university, I could finally accept myself.

Change of plans...
Instead of university, I have travelled and will be attending college.
God has taken me on an adventure,
showing me how to accept myself without "HUGE" accomplishments.

Anyways, I will be starting in September.
It's going to be a great experience!

I can't believe that a years ago, I was wondering about "Expedition."
Who is on the team? Where are we travelling to? What will residence be like?
It has been a crazy year.
CRAZY