best way I know to start the day...

take a different path...

AS THE SUN SETS ON 2017...   

                           

                                                 what a fantastic year!!!!!!!

I was thinking...how can I best describe this year?  It would just have to be, don't be afraid to take a different path. Sounds brave doesn't it? But, for almost the first time in my life, I can say... I did that. It was not easy. I'm not good with changes. Territorial changes especially.  I don't know if growing up in the same house for 18 years; with same school, same grocery store, same friends, had anything to do with it or not. I do like variety in my daily life however.  I cook different things; make up my own recipes. I like spur of the moment trips. I love surprises. Small kinds like that. But, big changes...I haven't been as flexible. I don't really like to make decisions. I don't know if that stems from being afraid of making mistakes or what. Well this year...we made a change. A huge change. We had no idea that when we made the first little move how quickly everything else would start to move; selling our house weeks after putting it on the market. I've learned a lesson in control. To let go a little. For me...it's really difficult. I think when you have made so many mistakes in your life you try so hard to control the little bit you have left. We all know what that is though. Fear.  I love how Jesus taught this to his disciples. "Step out of the boat," he told them. Well, guess what? It was nothing like they thought it would be. Just like they had to learn, we had to learn too. So, that's what we did. We stepped out of the boat. We took a different path this year. One I have never known before. The surroundings were different. Everything was different. We downsized. We sold everything. Well almost everything. We went from a 1400 sq. foot home to a small camper trailer. Yet it feels like we are living bigger than ever before. We are having so many new experiences. A new church. New friends. Involved with work in Uganda and other parts of Africa. Prayerfully a mission trip in 2018. Involved in a local pregnancy center. Bought a cabin in North Carolina, sweet, christian, friends there. And as if that wasn't enough new for one year, we just found out that we are going to be grandparents again after 12 years (by the time the baby comes.)  It is absolutely mind-boggling. Only God could have done all this! I have really learned this year that He does expect us to take the first step. You and I both know that the first step is the hardest one to take. I'm praying that I have grown enough that the next step I take won't be as difficult.That this measure of faith that I have, will carry me through to the next step....wherever that might be. I love the analogy of "taking a different path". It has been so relevant in my physical and spiritual walk this year. I have taken so many new paths. I have thought about it often. In fact, all year long. It all started this year on my walk every morning down the little dirt path to and from my new house. Or I should say my little camper in the woods. This path has been very peaceful. Peace like I haven't known in a very long time. We found a new path while we were in North Carolina. It led us to a beautiful river, flowing over rocks along its way. There I found a rock with "forgive" written on it. It was a reminder to me of Jesus' grace and mercy in my life. Because of His great love for me, I can forgive others. My family has been down the path of forgiveness this year. Like the river that we saw, it has been so refreshing.  I really have learned this year that there are special treasures down paths that I take. I am so grateful for the gifts that I found down each one. I know now that I will never know what is down the path unless I go looking. I also know that chances are slim that someone will push me out of the boat. I have to step out intentionally.  Jesus promises, He will always be with me. He will never leave or forsake me. What else do I need?

Here's to "new paths" in 2018,     
sammie jean

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

My "new" path in North Carolina

our little photographer...

Our granddaughter took these photos on her recent stay with us. She searched high and low for the perfect insect, flower or whatever caught her eye. At one point, her pawpaw said, "Look at her." She was flat on the ground, camera in hand; just like the professionals. She's just a little kin to her Ammie, I would say. We both love taking pictures of beautiful things. I love these pictures Mia. When I look at them I just have to smile. They remind me so of you.  I pray that you will always hold on to Jesus. Believe in the beautiful girl that you are and just like the flower; bloom wherever God plants you.

 Love you precious girl 💕
Ammie

going on a bear hunt...

 I remembered that little game that we played when I taught first grade, ages ago, this morning. Going On a Bear Hunt.  I was teaching a unit on the "coldest places on earth", the polar regions. Our classroom was full of imitation snow and ice and I even turned the air conditioner down in the middle of winter. It's a good thing that we were all decked out in our heavy coats, mittens, ear muffs, boots, the whole outfit, because we were shivering cold. While outdoor, our Florida temperature was probably no colder than 60 degrees. But, inside...it was rigid cold. The kiddos lined up behind me and we trudged through ice and snow as we sang, "We're going on a bear hunt and what will we see? We see a_." Filling in the blank with animals that lived in the coldest areas of the world in alphabetical order. What made me think of that was the print I saw on my walk this morning. I think it was a bear track. I know, I'm guilty. Every track is a bear track. That's what happens when you live in the woods. I will admit it. I'm scared of bears. Believe you me, I am not going on any bear hunts. And I don't want to find any either.

sammie jean 🐻

I keep stumbling over it...

There I go again. Again, and again. Almost every morning for the past year, or as long as I have been walking this path, I have tripped over the same little bitty annoying root in the middle of the road. Yes, it has been a "stumbling block" because every time I trip on it I almost fall face first to the ground before I manage to catch myself. You would think that I would remember that it is there by now. You would think that I would take a different path, at least. And, I know what you're thinking, why don't she just dig it up?  Good question. The only reason I can give is... I guess it has just not been that important to me.

I read Proverbs 4 this morning; the chapter entitled "Get Wisdom at any cost."  Long but well worth the read. Vs. 10-13 stood out. Listen my son (my daughter), accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it's your life. 

 There might be "roots" in my path but one thing for sure, if I listen and accept what you say, you promise that you will instruct me. It is in my best interest to put your word at the top of my priority list.

your wisdom is life to me,
sammie jean

MERRY CHRISTMAS...from our "neck of the woods" to yours 💓 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6wsLm6cZ1E&index=14&list=PLyMHgzRC7GYO1ki8JcGv8_lZ5GVCIGdN9

crystal clear ???

My granddaughter and I made crystal ornaments last week for her to take home to put on her Christmas tree. We read and followed the directions closely. They turned out beautifully. So, yesterday I decided to make some more for my tree. I didn't look at the directions this time but rather, resorted to memory. That's pretty much how I am every time I make something. I follow the directions the first time and then the second time..I don't. I took my time; carefully adding the water, the Borax, and then boiling the water until it all dissolved. I was very careful to go through all the steps and add the ingredients, as I remembered it. I looked patiently for crystals to form all afternoon. I started to worry a little. I knew that it didn't take that long the last time we made them. I kept looking. But, no crystals. By night fall, I was pretty sure something wasn't right. I got up the next morning and went straight outside to look at my little project, hoping for a miracle. Still, no crystals. Just a mason jar full of water. I guess that's what happens when you don't follow directions, you don't get the desired results.  I finally decided to look at the recipe again. My memory had not served me well. I had failed to add the right proportions of Borax to the water. In fact, I missed the mark by a long shot.  I was disappointed in myself, realizing once again how stubborn I can be and how I rely on myself way too much.  And... I might add... a touch of laziness too.  After my walk and talk with Jesus this morning, it got me thinking about my mistake and how this relates to my life in a spiritual sense. Time with Him always puts things in the right perspective. He always gently teaches, corrects, and encourages. And all without one single spec of condemnation. I realize that I rely on myself and my way too much at times. Jesus is the only way...and I need to follow Him completely... with my whole heart. I don't have to though. I can even follow him halfheartedly or from a distance. But, if I make that choice, I should never expect to live a life in His fullness. But, because of his loving kindness to me and His faithfulness over and over again,  I want to come to him everyday in prayer, reading His word, and meditating on His love for me. I don't want just a memory of Him. I want His fellowship daily in my life.  His recipe will never fail...He promises. It might be in my best interest to follow it ♡

♥sammie jean♥

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22