Celebration of Life Service

The service will be at the graveside at Randolph Memorial Park at 2 pm on Saturday. We're asking everyone to bring their own chair so you won't have to stand the whole time. Thank you all for the love and prayers that you have all given. We are deeply appreciative. God is good.

He Being Dead, Yet Speaketh

What a beautiful sound to hear your baby's heartbeat on a monitor. But dreams become nightmares when all you hear is silence. For 40 weeks, we dreamed about our upcoming birth. We dreamed of what this child would look like and who's features he/she would have. We prayed even before the child was conceived that God would give us a little preacher boy. On March 29, 2011, God answered our prayers.

However, he's not your typical preacher boy. You see, the day before he was delivered, we found out through ultrasound that our baby had already gone home to meet his Lord. So, how does he preach?

His name is Zion Jeremiah Sams. The Hebrew root of the word Zion means waymark or sign. It was often used of an object or place to help people find their way. "Jeremiah" means of whom Jehovah has appointed. Of the Old Testament prophet, God said,

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

My little preacher boy has already preached God's sovereignty and God's grace to people all over the world, literally. God's sovereignty is preached in the fact that his death was a sovereign act of our Creator. Job 1:21 says,

"...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

 The Doctor and hospital staff had no explanation as to his death. He was a beautiful healthy baby boy. "There was nothing anyone could have done or done differently", the Dr. told us. This was unexplainable to man, but not to God.

Little Zion is preaching God's grace in the fact that the grace of God is presently encompassing my family.  Crystal and I spent much time alone holding our little preacher while watching the sunset, praising God, and rejoicing in His goodness. We are hurting bitterly. We weep...but not as those who have no hope. Our heart is broken, yet something strengthens us. My dear friend, Pastor Jeremy Varner gave me this verse that explains it so well, found in Psalm 73:26,

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."

But, how does this happen? How can those grieving the loss of a child still have joy amidst the tears? How can a mother laboring to deliver a lifeless child raise her hands in praise as we listen to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing Psalm 3? One small, beautiful, powerful word explains it: GRACE...God's undeserved, unearned favor and goodness.

I will post more later as this will be therapeutic for me. To God be the glory.

Skipping Class

"Skipping Class" is an 8x10 acrylic on canvas board, painted in plein air. I couldn't resist painting this group of college students while soaking up some rays at Hurley Park in Salisbury, NC. The spring colors were beautiful along with the cool breeze, so if this rowdy crew really was skipping class...I can't say that I blame them.

Thornburg Barn

This is a 9x12 acrylic on canvas board. The painting was done in plein air at the old Thornburg place on Lassiter Mill Rd. near Farmer, NC. I started painting at around 6:45 pm trying to capture the golden fleeting sunlight across the top of the barn and trees. This was a real struggle for me in a race against time to catch the mood of the scene before the sun hid itself behind the trees.

Homemade Pochade Box

First of all...what is a "pochade box"? In a nutshell, it's a small portable easel used to paint in the open air. It comes from the French word for "pocket". Since I've started painting in plein air, I've noticed the weight and bulkiness of my french easel while carrying it around. I have nothing against that easel...it's pretty cool with all the features on hand. But, why paint a small painting on a large easel if it's not necessary?

So, I did a little research and found a site with great instructions by Jim Serrett. Here's my finished product...well, almost finished:

Creekside Park Plein Air

This plein air painting measures 9x12 and was painted with acrylics on canvas board. The subject matter is "Muddy Creek" located inside of Creekside Park in Archdale, NC. It was nice to paint out where the public was passing by. I met several nice people who curiously wandered in to watch every now and then.

Southwest Park Plein Air

Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. This 6x8 acrylic on masonite plein air painting was painted at Southwest Park in Guilford County, NC. This is by far, not my favorite painting.

Uwharrie River Plein Air

This plein air painting depicts one of my favorite childhood swimming holes. It's located behind my parents' house on the Uwharrie River near Farmer, NC. Many memories have been made here around these big rocks, from snakes, mud fights, and tree swings, to slipping in the mud and busting your rear...like I did yesterday. Don't worry, I didn't hurt the mud.

Saturday Night Painting

I painted this 8x10 Saturday night. My usual Saturday nights are consumed with study time for Sunday School at my church. Yeah, I know...some of you preachers will say, "Don't wait until Saturday to do your study!" But, I'm not one of those fortunate enough to be able to study as a full time job. So, my study takes place in my spare time. This past Saturday night, I was able to enjoy some painting time since Evang. Michael Grant would be teaching for me on Sunday.

New Premiere Pediatrics Mural

Premiere Pediatrics in Asheboro, NC now has a tropical beach mural to add to their collection of scenes. Dr. Wayne Connors is the pediatrician and the only male in the office...poor fellow. He desperately needs our prayers. Actually, he's surrounded by a good group of ladies dedicated to their profession, so they make a good team.

Wheatmore High School FCA

I'd like to say thank you to the Wheatmore High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) for allowing me and my wife to come this Friday morning to give a gospel presentation through art. Can you get the gospel into the public schools? Absolutely!

Tobacco Barn Painting en Plein Air

This is this morning's plein air painting. It's a 9x12 acrylic on canvas board.

Birth Freedom March

What an inspiring day it was yesterday in Raleigh, NC! My wife and I carpooled with our activist friends to the state capital to be a part of the "Birth Freedom March" hosted by North Carolina Friends of Midwives. It was a beautiful site to see so many families there to support the legalization of Certified Professional Midwives.

 design copyright by Jeremy Sams

In honor of this special day, Crystal and I sported our home-made homebirth shirts of which we had many compliments.

Open field en plein air

This is today's plein air painting. It measures 6"x8". This painting took about an hour and a half, which was surprising for its small size. One of my challenges is that I want to keep adding detail and smooth lines, etc...

Another challenge for me is that I automatically want to start with my background without drawing the composition out first. But, is there an exact formula for this? I'm sure there is, and I'm probably learning the hard way.

• problem #1... when I paint my whole sky in first, with no other drawing, the paint gets grey-ed out when I paint on top of it...so, I'll need to paint my composition in first.

• problem #2... the sun was out today and I had to keep adjusting my easel for the best light on my canvas. At first, it was completely in the shade while my eyes were looking into a sunny landscape. So, when I looked back at my canvas, I couldn't determine the colors. My eyes were constantly having to adjust.

So, I'm learning. Every day is a new experience.