Whether it be Across the Street... or Across the Ocean

Last week we had a man come to our church from Kenya.  I enjoyed him very much.  It was heart warming.  It also stirred my heart to hear him talk about leaving his country to do what God had called him to do and to be away from his family for many years.  He talked about getting out of our comfort zone and letting God expand our borders. Ouch! That stung a little as I thought about how little I had done. I have always wanted to go to Africa.  I have always felt a connection with the children in that country. Not sure why. I love children that is one reason, but I also admire how no matter how little they have, they have such a vibrancy about life. He talked about how at the beginning of their church services the children and women dance. I can just see that!  I enjoy the culture, music, and joyful enthusiasm (of all different cultures.)  Kids are so much fun to be around anyway.  I have taught children of all color; Caucasian, African American, Hispanic and Asian.  Each one brought their own unique personality and culture to our classroom.  I find it pretty neat that God gave me grandchildren that are mixed race; black and Caucasian. I enjoy the diversity that we share together. They have taught me so much about myself and others.  I pray that someday I will be able to go on a missions trip in another country (hopefully Africa.)

My son went to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip in college. He talked about how they took baseball equipment to give to the children (not sure what ages.)  I remember him telling me how he gave his baseball glove and maybe his cleats too to a child there.  I thought that was very sweet of him.  But, the truth of the matter is, he knew that at some point, he would probably be able to get another glove and pair of shoes. (However, he did give up something of himself...his time.)

 I have a close friend that will be leaving Saturday for a mission trip in Guatemala to work in an orphanage. How wonderful it is that people are giving their time and money to help others. I'm praying for you Deb!

I often tell my husband how I want to go to the inner cities. Maybe New York.  I would love to be a part of all the wonderful things that people are doing there. I have a good friend whose children are in ministries in the inner city.  I pray that someday I will be able to go...

On October 24th, 2014, I made this journal entry:  I often ponder about world problems and what I could do to help.  As I took a walk this morning I heard Holy Spirit say, "Just take a look around you."  I met two older adults in a motorized "get around."  They met each other by the side of the road for their morning chat.  He had a bag of empty plastic bottles and she had a little plastic container with cigarettes in it.  She opened her container and ask him if he wanted a smoke. As I passed by I asked myself, "What can I offer them?" Since I didn't really know what to say or do, I gave her a smile and I said "Good morning."  She warmly smiled back and said, "Good morning." I heard His voice, "You recognized them. All people want to be recognized.  But it is very important for people in their situation to just be recognized and know that someone cares."  
That's the least I can do.  As I continued my walk I thought about so many needs just in my little block of town. I've prayed for many situations in my neighborhood.  But, I want to do more...

Our church does ministry with children and their families in foster care.  We simply take care of the children so that the husband and wife can have time alone to do whatever they would like to do.  These children are very high energy and require a lot of attention.  We just love them and play with them.  It is a wonderful time!  My husband and I enjoy doing it.

Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

I pray for all the families that are involved in ministry here in our country and abroad.  I pray for their safety and an outpouring of God's blessing on their lives and their ministry.  I don't know where my own personal ministry will take me and my husband in the years ahead, but I pray that I have a heart attuned to the needs around me and that my eyes and ears are open at all times.  I might not ever do missions in another country (but until I have that opportunity), there is plenty to do in my own community.

sammie jean

Seasons In Our Life

Change, change, change, our lives are in constant change. I was thinking about this today as the students were back off to school. Some for the first time and some for the last time, some starting kindergarten and some deciding to not go back. Things in our lives are constantly changing, nothing stays the same.  How great is that though?  Can you imagine staying in some of the circumstances that we find ourselves in forever?  

   When I think about change, I can’t help but think about the metamorphosis of a butterfly.  One of my very favorite books when I taught first grade was, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.  That little caterpillar went through a lot, but then it happened… he became the most beautiful butterfly.   Yesterday was back to school for students and teachers.  It was the first time that I have felt a little sad since retirement.  It’s expected.   It was the first time I didn’t start back to school when everyone else did in 31 years.  I felt a little displaced.  I imagine I will feel that way many times while I am trying to find my place in this new season that I am in. Today I thought about a poem I wrote many years ago. I would like to share it with you.

Seasons of My Life

I want to embrace this season

That you have placed me in;

To grasp all of its meaning

from start until the end.

I know I want stay here forever,

Probably not ever again

So I want to learn the lessons

That mold just who I am.

Father, give me a teachable spirit

That I may learn from this

Give me eyes to see around me

And ears to hear what is

This life’s important lesson

in this season of my life.

 I want to see you closer

Than I ever have before

To view you from inside the lattice

Not from afar.

To walk with you more intimately

Than I ever have before.

This time I wish to cherish

As you gently speak to me

Your plan of peace, love, and joy

Unconditionally

I know that you brought me here

In this place, I am not alone

So, I will learn to trust in thee.

Teach me to praise you in the morning, noon and at night

Knowing that your presence

is always close to me.

In this season that I am in

I will not gripe and complain

I want even sit and wonder why

But, I will trust you completely

For I know who you are

and embrace this season of my life.

When Holy Spirit gave me this poem I was going through a lot of changes in my life.  But, then, what part of my life hasn’t there been changes?  I hope and pray that if you are going through changes, (and I know you are) that you will just rest that God is in control and that He does have a plan for your life.  Whether the season is sunny or rainy, hot or cold, mountains or valleys, or like me, just a little displaced, He is perfecting in us what He has started. 

Hang in there…we are loved by an awesome God that is faithful and true!  We will become that beautiful butterfly…it just takes some time!

sammie jean 

 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.... Philippians 1:3

A "Little bit of Italy" in Chipley

It’s been exactly one month.  A month since God blessed us with the vacation of a lifetime…Italy!  I have wanted to go for most of my adult life.  So, for my retirement, Greg said, “Let’s go.” We decided to not delay it. Off we went for 11 wonderful days.  It was everything I dreamed of and so much more. I’ve seen pictures but that doesn’t prepare you for how breathtakingly beautiful it is.  We stayed in central Italy for a week and then went south for a week, to the Amalfi Coast. Although it’s only been a month, I’m starting to feel a “little” nostalgic. To help with this sentimental mood, I cooked a similar meal to the one I had in Rome and sat back and watched Romeo and Juliet on Netflix.

Several weeks ago I thought about incorporating a little Italian culture into my own home.  I decided I would go to the little market in my small town and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables each week.  I started to walk but decided it was too hot.  It was very hot in Italy but without the humidity.  If I walked to the market here, by the time I got back I would be soaked from head to toe. But not there, we walked a lot everyday and I never really got sweaty.

  Today I went and got an eggplant for dinner tonight.  I ate eggplant several times while we were in Italy; eggplant Parmesan and pasta in Rome our last night in Italy and sliced eggplant baked with olive oil cooked by Rosetta our gracious hostess at the villa in Magione.  I came up with my own variation of eggplant casserole (Italian style).  I cut up an onion and sauteed it in olive oil.  I cut up some yellow and orange peppers and sauteed them too.  I cut up the eggplant in cubes and cooked it until soft with the onions and peppers.  I added a little more olive oil.  I crumbled up buttered crackers (Ritz) and Parmesan cheese to taste.  I don’t use a measuring cup, I just add until I’m satisfied and taste as I go.  I sprinkled with a little more Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. (Our mozzarella cheese doesn’t come close to theirs.  There cheese is the best cheese I have ever tasted.)   I then cooked it in the oven at 400 degrees until bubbly hot.  I also cooked some thin pasta until tender.  In a frying pan I sauteed some minced garlic and olive oil.  I added the cooked pasta to it.  We also had a salad of mixed greens and spinach with sliced fresh strawberries and feta cheese drizzled with vinaigrette dressing.  I think I could teach the Italians a little something about how to make a salad.  The salad that we had there was a bowl of lettuce. Oh well, you can’t be perfect! (But...they’re pretty close)  Add a glass of wine, light a candle,... instantano… I’m back in Rome. 

 I am enjoying a limoncello!  Yummy!

To further my sentimental mood, I watched Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with actors Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld (all of it except for the very end, it’s too hard to watch.  If you’re a romantic, you know what I mean.)   It is such a good movie though! I cried.  It really took me back to Italy, even if the movie did take place during the Renaissance period. You have never seen such gorgeous churches as you will see there. Although the setting of Romeo and Juliet is in Verona, Italy which we did not visit (we were about 4 hours away), the architecture is still consistent throughout Italy. 

Just one of the many gorgeous churches.  I think this was in Siena.

Well, that’s enough about Italy for now.  Just one more view of the most magnificent countryside I have ever seen!

I have so enjoyed reminiscing!  Arrivederci!
sammie jean