βBut the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.β
ββJamesβ¬ β3:17-18β¬ β
Let’s start this week with a throwback pic of a beautiful church from 1885, Shelby County, Alabama. No, I wasn’t there in 1885, but I did get by in January a few winters ago!
I took some time last week to visit a couple of marsh and bog type spots to get an idea of what’s happening in the wetlands in winter. Sycamore trees are often found near water and you’ll have to excuse me, but a Sycamore is one of my favorite trees, especially in winter against an awesome blue sky.
The marsh at a distance looks dormant and dead if you only give it a passing glance. True, it is a very different place in the winter but there’s still more happening than I realized!
Water hyacinths and other aquatic flowering plants will be showing off here in a few months and it looks like preparations for spring are already underway!
We are thrilled to now have sandhill cranes in north Alabama in abundant numbers. The birds migrate in large groups and winter here, especially on nearby Weiss Lake. Some birds are not easy to distinguish for me, but the red on the front of the head around their eyes is a sure way to identify the sandhill.
I have to give you a sequence here as this white egret allowed me to come very close and had no urge to leave. I found out why rather quickly…the fishing was good at this spot!
I knew when the egret slowly eased it’s head into this position that something was about to take place. I guess I should’ve opted for a video because that long bill hit the water like lightning and the result was…
…lunch! The bird turned quickly, protecting the catch as if I was going to steal the fish.
We all probably recognize cattails when they have that shape that looks like a dark brown corn dog on a stick. I think they should be called corn dogs instead of cattails but I wasn’t consulted. But, they sure look different in the winter!
I decided to take a break from the wetland tour. EK would probably love a corn dog and WL would definitely eat a cattail if you didn’t keep an eye on him!
This doll (Juliet) once belonged to PJ but now has a new owner!
Back to a dryer area, the woods beside the house, and the winter berries of Barberry (Leatherleaf mahonia). This evergreen shrub does well in the shade and has thrived in the edge of the woods for several years.
A January daffodil hangs it’s head. Is it loneliness or the realization that being ahead of schedule isn’t always a good thing? After all, significantly colder air arrived today and there is a small chance of snow!
Indulge me briefly as I put together another sequence. A sunset last week captivated me and I couldn’t walk away. The constant changes held me spellbound I suppose and I made pics until dark!
I saw what was taking place and hurriedly headed out wearing a tee shirt. I had only planned to take a quick photo and get back inside.
It wasn’t tee shirt weather but I got over it!
It is scenes like these that remind us that even in a world that is certainly in turmoil that peace can still be found. The Prophet Isaiah said, ” You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you”.
Have a blessed and peaceful week!
βJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and foreverβ.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
dear friends, I love everything you show: the simple and beautiful style of rural churches, the images of the egret that is going to take flight… it is very beautiful. And as !!! the photos of the grandchildren … They are beautiful !!! I love…
And thinking about it, how many thanks must be given to the Lord for everything we have despite the fact that humanity is involved in not very pleasant things, but for that reason I think that being free of viruses and undesirable things is already a very important reason.
I send you a huge hug
Hola Dolores, me alegra el dΓa cuando escucho de ti, mi amiga. Tus comentarios siempre estΓ‘n sazonados con amor y gracia. Espero que tu hombro se estΓ© curando y que estΓ©s bien.
Te mando abrazos Pam
Sunday greetings to the Richardsons! Beautiful sunsets, grandchildren, and overall observations of our world around us. I feel like we have quite a lot in common between our two states, but your warmer winters leave me a little green with envy, esp today as we anticipate another snow event of 8″ or more. Let’s hope we all have a safe and healthy week ahead.
There is snow is surrounding counties, but none here. Enjoy your week and stay safe!
Stunning and peaceful pictures…Adorable Grands. God bless you and yours. Have a lovely Sunday.
Thank you dear one!
Love these photos and the sequences! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Stacy. Happy Sunday.
PS. I have missed your blog.
Amazing egret photos! Those sunsets are stunning.
Thanks so much, Carole. Enjoy the snow!
Cute cute cute and beautiful pics of your grands and nature. Happy Sunday Pam. Have a great start to the new week. xoxo
Thank you, Kris and Happy Sunday to you!
Greetings Pam and Butch from snowy South Carolina! I immediately started humming the childhood hymn about Zaccheus climbing the sycamore tree. I learned it when I was about EMβs age! The closeups of the egret are spectacular as are those sunsets!
Enjoy the winter wonderland, Roxanne. Emma sings the Zaccheus song. She is so funny, she says βZaccheus, you come down right nowβ¦β
Thatβs the best part! Does she point and shake her finger when she says it?!?
Yes, she does!
Oh Butch, thank you for sharing your Sabbath vision …always so compelling through your eyes. The little Church .. .. if those
walls could speak-and they probably do to some sensitive souls. From the Sycamore through to the cranes and egret…and to the cattail dressed in winter ermine – mesmerizing… and then a dead stop at the little ones’ endearing, happy faces for a bit of heart melting . A short winter walk through yours and Pam’s paradise garden …but oh, then the finale of the journey ! be still my heart, already stilled by the beauty of that glorious sunset…. no one captures sunrises and sunsets like RM.. I can now face the prospect of our snowbound conditions of the day … with a bit of warm cocoa and kugel on the tray … and Everyday
Living to recall. The Lord’s bounty of gifts is profound and humbling. Merci, dear ones.
Your comments are always delightful to read. Enjoy your cocoa and kugel, stay cozy and warm!
I love the beautiful old church and wow, the sandhill cranes! WL is growing like a weed, such a cutie and the sunset is gorgeous! Fingers crossed we don’t have a major snow/ice event today, I hope you both can stay cozy!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. So far, it has only been rain!
There’s something about a white church in a blue sky that stops me in my tracks. This is a lovely one. What beautiful photos today — a lovely way to start the day!
I agree, Jeanieβ¦a white church against a blue sky stops me in my tracks. Happy Sunday!
Sunday Morning stroll with Butch gives us a closer walk with the Almighty God! Such beautiful things he has bestowed upon us during your walks!
Loved the egret catching lunch and see the littles always makes me smile.
Happy Sunday Butch and Pam!π
Thank you, Nancy for your sweet comments. Happy Sunday!
Pam and Butch, Those sunset shots are amazing. We really love that old church. The cranes are so interesting; we always enjoy birds especially in the winter. We received a lot of rain and a bit of snow. It will be gone by tomorrow hopefully. I had to laugh at the commentary regarding the corn dogs and cattails and the blue eyed children. That was cute. They’re all precious. Love the daffodil. We’re ready for them. Enjoy your week. Claraβ€οΈ
Thanks so much, Clara. It has only been a rain event here. Stay warm and Happy Sunday β₯οΈ
Dear Butch and Pam. Such lovely photos. The white church against the blue sky is just beautiful and oh, the sweet ‘little ones.’ I can’t say enough about them. I still think of Ella Mae as a ‘little one,’ but she isn’t going to be that way long. Love the Sandhill Cranes and the Egret fishing for his lunch. They have such patience.
Thank you for the beauty and have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Sandra. Enjoy your snow day and stay warm!
I agree with Nancy.
Thank you, Alice!
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! Another lovely post for our Sunday! The sunset you captured was absolutely stunning and the scripture you shared with it was perfect. Wishing you both a wonderful week ahead!
Thank you, Shannon. Wishing you a beautiful week sweet friend!
The sunset sequence of pics is stunning! Ty for the nice things I see here with each post. I do enjoy. GRANDdaughtersππare beautiful & that big smiling boy is HANDSOMEπβ¦ precious blessings.
Thanks so much, dear friend! Blessings and hugs, Ann!
Oh, those sunset pictures!! I can surely understand why you didn’t want to rush back inside, even if you were freezing! That sunset is just breathtaking, and yes, it certainly is a grand reminder of Who is in charge in this evil world that is turned upside down. He is with us still, and He is the only constant and stability we have to cling to. I am thankful you share your lives and beauitful photos with us. You all get the prettiest sunsets, and it is wonderful that we can all enjoy them with you. God bless you all for all you do!
Thank you, Cheryl for your encouraging comments! God bless you and yours.