This is My Story

New beginnings are so refreshing.

I remember when I was a kid, I always looked forward to the start of the new school year. Why? Because it was the start of something brand new and fresh. I had a brand new backpack filled with school supplies that were in mint condition. I couldn't wait to fill up my empty desk with my folders and school books that I had never opened before. The school hallways and classrooms were filled with smells that had been absent from my nose all summer long. Finally, I was back in the school where I would spend the next nine months. I knew the coming year wouldn't be easy. I knew there would be times when I didn't want to go back, but it didn't matter what happened, or was going to happen; the first day of school was always pleasant for me, because that one day started something new.

I am saying all of this because like my first days of elementary school, this blog is brand new as well. I am not new to the blogging world; I have been blogging since I was thirteen years old. It's so hard to believe that I started Sammy's Blog six years ago. Although it was quite rough at times, and the grammar could have used a little extra work, I am pretty surprised how well I did for a thirteen year old who wrote about her dolls.

As the years went on, my posts started to change quite a bit, and several months ago I decided that I was going to but that blog to rest. I have changed quite a bit over the past six years. It was obvious when reading my blog posts. Of course change is not a bad thing, and growing up is necessary. If my life still only evolved around dolls and Disney like it did back when I was thirteen, well, there may be a problem. So after a several month break, I have decided to start blogging once again. Welcome to the new Sammy's Blog.

Echos of Mercy is a line from the popular Crosby hymn Blessed Assurance. When coming up with a title for this blog, I wanted something that represented what this blog was going to contain. I have always loved the idea of naming blogs after lyrics from songs, so I found myself going through my playlists trying to find something that stood out. He is We, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift were observed, but none of them seemed to be what I was looking for. The majority of these singer's/band's songs have to do with romance of some sort. At this point in life, that is not really something I feel represents who I am. That's when I turned to hymns.

Though my first blog was originally named Sammy's Blog, I later changed it to something less generic, I suppose. Saved by Grace is the name of a hymn, also by Fanny Crosby. I love learning about hymn writers, and find Crosby's testimony so inspiring. If you don't know about her childhood, you should definitely look it up; it's fascinating. I decided to then go back to where I had originally gone. When I saw Blessed Assurance on the playlist, I seemed to have found what I was looking for.

At this point in my life, I don't know what my future holds. I have a lot of questions that don't seem to hold any answers. Where will I go after I get my associates degree? What field of study is right for me? Will I ever get married? Should I be doing more with my life? I oftentimes find myself strangled in these questions. I just want answers, though it doesn't seem like I will be getting any in the near future. That's where my problem lies; I want to know everything now, when in actuality, I should be spending my time praying for God's will in my life. He says that He knows the plans for me, and they aren't to harm me or cause me failure, but instead He insures a hope filled future. He also says that all things will work together for those who love Him.

And that is where the title of this blog comes from. Constantly throughout my nineteen years, I have proved again and again that I am far from perfect. I don't deserve a good life, though God promises that He will take care of me. He is showing me mercy. Sometimes I wonder if that's really the case. Bad things can, and do happen to me. But it's when I hear the echos of mercy and whispers of love that remind me that God is there and is taking care of me. He sees the entire picture. He knows what my future holds, and I have to remember that even though the road can be bumpy at times, it is leading down the path God has for me that is filled with hope and a future.

I invite you to come along with me down this path into wherever I'm supposed to go. You can do that by subscribing to this new blog of mine, and showing your support. The more readers I have, the more convicted I'll be to keep this blog up. I also want you to know that you, whoever you are reading this is more than just a reader on this blog. I want you to know that you will be considered my friends. I want to make it a goal to pray for every one of you, so if you have something you want me to pray for, please leave me a comment or send me an email at SammySleuth@gmail.com. I will make it my priority to lift up your needs, whether you are a sibling in Christ or not. It's what friends do for each other.

Thank you for coming to my new blog, and I hope that you will come with me as I start down this road ahead, praising my Savior all the day long. 

Samantha