"You're just spinning your wheels"

I heard the words, If you try to _____ (fill in the blank) on your own, "you're just spinning your wheels." I immediately had a flashback to the other morning when I tried to ride my bike. Getting a little bored with the same exercise routine, I decided to add a little more variety. Found my bike under tons of dust and spider webs, hoping to ride it. Needless to say, it had been a while. Checked the tires to see if they had air. The back tire needed a little. Since I had no idea where the air pump was, I jumped on the bike anyway. Enthusiastically I started peddling. To my dismay, I wasn't moving. All my peddling was to no avail. I stayed perfectly still...going no where. Looking down, I found the culprit. My chain was off.

Yes, Lord. I understand. If I listen to your voice and obey, You promise that You will be faithful to me.

Living life with you 🚲 💜

sammie jean

A wise man will hear and increase in learning
Proverbs 1: 5

I don't have to understand...just believe

excerpt from blog Spring has Sprung 5/5/16... alifelyingdown 

I just love spring!  Everything wakes up from the dead of winter and dresses up in its finest attire.  Every tree lies dormant before it becomes clothed in all its beauty. Every tiny bud and seed no matter how small, lies quietly asleep beneath the earth before the warmth of the sun causes it to shoot forth for all to see. The symbolism of death and life is so beautifully portrayed in nature. It reminds us so of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everywhere you look is a constant reminder of His great love for us.

death has to come...I don't have to understand it. I just believe.

Although the season is not spring...thank you Father for new life that I see ❣

sammie jean

waiting...

Waiting is the hardest thing to do. Especially when you really want something. Who would have ever thought that it would take so long for us to close on the little cabin in the mountains. The one of our dreams. I sure didn't. We found it in August. Here we are...still waiting. Waiting.  I've envisioned a fire in that stone fireplace at least a million times; standing so close to it that I burn my backside; curling up on the couch with a cup of hot coffee; watching the fire, crackle and pop. I've envisioned cooking a country breakfast in the little kitchen; grits, eggs, and smoked country ham. Sleeping in the old wood-framed bed; listening to new sounds, never heard before. I've envisioned sitting on the back porch looking at the fall colors; listening to the little brook, across the road, running and skipping over the rocks. Walking through the yard rustling leaves beneath my feet; with the mountain air so cold that my nose and ears feel like they are going to freeze off. But...it’s only in my dreams... maybe one day, soon, it will be reality.  And, again, it might never happen. I felt positive that it was God's will for us to have this cabin...waiting though, makes me wonder. It makes me question everything. No matter what, I have come to this resolve today. Lord,  I want your will to be done. You mean more to me than anything on this earth. No thing can ever take your place. If that cabin has only been in my dreams...well, they have been great ones 🌄

sammie jean

Little driveway into our cabin...

It isn't finished...yet

Always down a path of some sort. Every one a little different. This one, River Walk in North Carolina. As I watched the Canadian Geese in the river, something else caught my eye. A man on the river bank painting. An artist inspired by the view. Understandable. His canvas in his lap. I watched him as he packed up to leave. I rushed over to ask him if he would sale his painting. He said he never had before." I like to keep them," he responded.  Besides, it wasn’t finished. He asked me if I wanted to see it. "Sure," I replied. I would love to. We stood on the bridge, looking at the unfinished piece of art. He critiqued it. A little rough here. Color not exactly right. Need to add this, change this. I had no idea what he was talking about. He knew though. After all he was the artist and this was his masterpiece. I didn't have to understand. I can just envision this conversation with my Father God. Looking at the "painting of my life."  I ask Him. “May I take a look?” “Sure”, he replies. "It isn’t finished yet," He tells me. "But, when it is, it will be one of my very favorites."

Father, I'm trusting in your design for my life,

sammie jean

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

His good pleasure...

...for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work

Philippians 2:13

 I am so glad that I can rest in Him! It brings me so much peace to know that even though (through my eyes) my life looks like I haven't accomplished very much, haven't done much for Him, or done things the right way, my Father has been willing and working in me His good pleasure. So...nothing I have done or haven’t done has been wasted; the things that I have done selfishly, the things that I have done rebelliously, the things that I have done out of fear, anger, or greed. He has been working in me through it all. It is all about Him. I will never be worthy. Thank you Father! Only you could have come up with such a "perfect plan." ☩

sammie jean 

but take courage...

 In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

I love this! Lord, I put my hope and trust in you; today and forever.

Sammie jean

Lake Talquin, Florida

Shout Out to my Sister!

New York, Top of the Rock

Dear Brenda,

     I love you, appreciate you and respect you, even more today than I did yesterday.  You are so much more than a sister...you are my dear friend ❤

Beach fun with mama!

Love you always and forever,

Sammie