I'm still here

I know it's been quite QUITE a while since I've posted. I'm sorry about that. Soon, very very soon, I will post a good deal more. I've been waiting for a very special parcel to come in the mail which will enable me to use this blog as a tool to show the blogosphere something I've been interested in the last few years: photography.

Ever since I was about thirteen or so, I've been fascinated with pictures. I love looking at old pictures of when my siblings and I were younger, and how styles have changed so much over the years. Mom always made it a big deal to capture moments of us growing up, whether it be a field trip, a birthday, a new bike or car, whatever was happening in our lives. Oftentimes, I would be a little embarrassed when she showed up at school functions with that huge camcorder in hand, constantly to her eye. But looking back, I appreciate it.

My sister, Beverly, is much the same. It's a rarity when she doesn't have her camera, and I've grown used to having to stop what I am doing to 'take this picture real quick' or 'hey smile for just a sec.' It's never a bother though, because I can see capturing those moments of day to day things make her happy. :) Especially if it's something new Carter has discovered.

I think Beverly and I both get it from Mom though. I have always loved the fact that you can freeze such a precious moment in time forever. Pictures can tell a lot, whether it's the joy you're feeling, how green the grass looked after the rainshower, or how peaceful the cat is while sleeping in the window.

Which is why, after not telling anyone for years, I've decided to pursue a dream of becoming a photographer. I've never been one to experiment with the arts, for I was scared of failure. I can do what I'm told and occasionally be good at it, but to pick up a camera and make the art myself, seems a very scary thing to do! Sure, I could take the normal picture of family posing, but to tell people, 'okay look here and stand like this' and making it actually look decent, isn't something I'm good at doing. So, maybe soon I will be, because, after a lot of research, late nights reading, waiting, bargain hunting, and praying, tomorrow, I will be the proud owner of my first SLR camera! It's not the best, it's one of the cheaper Canons, but it's a great beginner camera, and I can't wait to have it, finally, here! I've been counting days, and now hours, until it arrives!

Now I'm off to go find something to keep me busy for the next... 27 hours and 47 minutes or so..

In His Love and Mercy,

Samantha

Time

Time. Ahh.. time... If only there were more of it. If only it came faster. If only it moved back. It's a mysterious and wonderful thing, time.

All through our childhood years, we want it to speed up. We want to be older, taller, bigger, if only the time would speed up.

In highschool, we want to graduate, go to college, start our careers, or just LEAVE. If only time would allow it to be so today!

Once we're at our graduations, we think 'where did the time go? i wish it would slow down' as we're walking to get diplomas. We say goodbye to the same friends we were wishing to be older with as they go to college, and just wish time would move back.

We get married, and want time to stop for just a few minutes during that first kiss, first dance, and the honeymoon.

We have children, and it's now there turn to have their arguements with time.

As brothers and sisters, we need to learn to slow down, spell a rose, take that time out of your homework, housework, book, or internet time to play, to laugh, hold a baby, pet a dog; because you will not have the time RIGHT NOW ever again. Seconds tick by that you can't take back, don't take them for granted. Laugh, love, live, and most importantly, Glorify God with all you do, but don't waste your time.

Good Ole' Alabama

......People respect their parents.......................
.........it's never soda, pop, or cola, it's coke..................
.......wrangler jeans............
.........cowboy boots................
.....80 degree weather in the middle of winter............
..........country music..........
...........family dinners.........
........church on Sundays..............
............children running through the grass..............
................sweet tea..........
........outdoor weddings.............
.......dirt plus water plus anything with wheels.........
..........bonfires.........
......yardsale saturdays.....
..........everyone knows everyone like family...........

And people wonder why I love alabama?

Dear Daddy,

It's hard to believe it's been eleven years as of yesterday. Things change so much over time. You'd love to see us now. Mom and I live on our own, back in our home town. Bubba lives next door, finally on his own. Beverly is married, and with a child! You'd love him dearly, he's so sweet. I graduated highschool, can you believe it? We miss you so much here, I can't wait to see you again! I know you're much healthier and happier now, but daddy, it's hard not feeling selfish and wanting you here. I can still hear your voice in my head sometimes, and it brings a smile to my face, and a happy tear to my eye at times. A lot of things have changed here, some for the better, others for worse, yet all for the glory of our Lord. Bubba has a son too now. He's almost ten. I hope you're doing well, and I know things are for the better now, but dad, it's so hard not having you here. I wish I had your guiding hand in my life, as I turn into a young woman needing the love of a father. It's okay though, it's made me much tougher learning on my own. Sometimes I wonder if learning on my own has made me TOO tough. It's hard to let people in for I'm scared they'll leave too. But God gives us challenges right? This is all His will right? I still have a Father here, and even though I miss you, I know you're with the Father as well. Looking forward to the day we see each other again! I love you, and I miss you so much!

Your daughter,
Samantha C.

Trusting God

One thing I have had to learn the hard way is trusting God. I am thankful for Him for showing me how to, though. I needed it.

Recently, my dog, my friend, my companion, Kaos, was put to sleep. It was the hardest event I've had to live through. Words can't describe how I felt saying goodbye and Bubba and Beverly taking her to the vet.

See what happened is, she's been puking, but we figured it was because of her new dogfood, so we just switched back. Then, she wouldn't walk or potty for about 70 hours. The vet told us her liver was bad and her kidneys are messing up. They had her on antibiotics, and she even ate for them!! They told us it was a sign of improvement. Later they did bloodwork, and her kidneys had shut down, and they wanted us, erm, ME, to make the decision, let her come home and suffer, or put her down. I could NOT make that decision, so my mom did. It was so hard. BUT God has shown his grace and mercy on me. I have listened to so many songs about relying on Him, no matter what's wrong, and His strength being all a person needs.

I miss Kaos, more than words could ever describe, but I'm resting in God's hands, knowing He has a plan, a purpose, and a future for me, and He loves me, and that's what matters. I lay my sorrows in His hands, and He takes my burdens for me. Jesus took every single burden I had when He died on the cross, so why should I be sad? God blessed me with Kaos for a short time, and yes I'm greedy and want more time, but I'm thankful for what He's given me, when I deserved nothing. When I deserved to sit and cry and mourn for a long time, God reminded me, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Mathew 5:4.

Thank you, God, for helping me and my family through this!





Note: I know Kaos was 'just a dog' but we care deeply in our family for our animals. :)

I'm Still Alive!

I know it's been a few days since I've posted, but I haven't had time nor motivation to do so.

Not a lot has been happening in my neck of the woods. I have finished my brother's blanket and have been working on Mom's now! I also have a short list of things I'd like to accomplish this month:

1. Finish Mom's blanket
2. Complete these books: Black by Ted Dekker; House of Night Series by P.C. & Kristen Cast; Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris.
3. Get a sleep schedule created and stick to it.

hmm that's about it for the list!

Next month, I will be spending lots of time helping with a wedding a my dear friend Brenna! I can't believe she's getting married! You can just see God's love through her and Eliot. They are truly a match made from Him!

Also, I ask that you all pray for some friends of mine whose names will be unspoken. I have a few friends that aren't Saved, and it breaks my heart knowing this. Yet, it's not my decision, but rather it's their own. Please pray they find the way, and that those around them are great examples of Love of Jesus for them!

Little Ways To Save Money

Since I turned eighteen, I have had to learn how to save money; save for my future, for bills, for my wedding, groceries, everything. I need to save to have it for later. Needless to say, I've learned to budget and stretch a dollar!

Here are a few things I've learned on how to save on money (and resources!) that might help a little. Keep in mind, these are just things I do, not that you SHOULD do.

- Save water! Every other day, take a bath instead of a shower. You're using a bunch more water in the shower than a bath anyway!
Also, I have a drip in my bathroom in the sink. I have learned I can put a cup under it, and put the water in the washing machine! Even though it's just a little bit, it's a little bit of water being used. Although I wouldn't drink it after it's been sitting there for a while, it's just washing clothes, and should be just fine.

- Wear handed down clothes. My sister and I exchange clothes all the time! We are close in size, so it's fairly easy to go find that ONE shirt I just HAVE to wear and don't want to go by. :) Also, if neither of us want or can wear the clothes, we find someone else who can or give them to a thrift store.

- Re-use bottles for bottled water. Instead of buying bottles constantly, use the same bottle and wash it daily. You're helping the planet's resources, and your wallet!

- Use less shampoo. A little goes a long way, and sometimes you don't have to use that entire handful to clean your hair.

- Eat smart! While I do mean eat healthy as well, sometimes it's smart to choose what to eat by the expiration date and not by craving. For example, if you're craving grapes, but see that the oranges are going bad soon, eat an orange instead. You'll save on how much food (money) you're throwing out.

- Use clothe napkins. You'll save in buying disposable ones, and in how many trees they cut down to make them for you! While my mom doesn't practice this, and therefore we don't have them in our house, I hope to use them in my own home when I'm older.

That's all I can think of for now, and if you think of any more, please share in the comment section! I'd love to hear your ideas!!