“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.”
Psalm 102:25-27
Hello February! We don’t have snow but many of you do. So, our first pic today is a look back on a snowy scene from this month 2 years ago, Highlands, NC.
I mentioned to PJ that if she had a pic to share that added some color to winter that it would be welcomed. I do love this one but I have to wonder, with Valentine’s Day coming up, is there an upright and pure motive behind the share? I did accept it as PJ sending me a sweet message, (and also maybe a reminder)!
Hanging out along the river again this week but from an aerial viewpoint with the Appalachian foothills as a backdrop. With just over 2 inches of recent rain, there is plenty of muddy water!
I shared some beaver work on a recent post from ground level, but decided to return and look over the same area with the drone. What is clearly a nice space created by beavers for their everyday living has also contributed to the demise of a lot of trees and other vegetation!
After being visited recently by pileated woodpeckers, it was nice to catch a glimpse of what looks like a female red-bellied woodpecker this past week. I wonder about the name “red-bellied” because the red spot is small and faint on the belly, or so I am told! I never get a look at their belly. Don’t blame the birds though, I don’t like to show my belly either!
Fencing is an old combat sport that has been in existence a long time. It became part of the summer Olympics in 1896. The name “fencing” comes from a Latin word that means to ward off, protect, or defend. This new construction down along the highway is what we in the south call fencing. It makes perfect sense once I learned the Latin. I never dreamed knowing Latin would be helpful in building a farm fence!
EM was awarded the honor of being Elementary Principal for a day. She called us from school to report that the kids were all behaving well and no one was in trouble! I spent a day or two in the principal’s office myself quite some time ago, but that’s another story.
While passing an overgrown vacant lot, I spotted this cheery site. In spite of wintry days, these yellow hints of spring were everywhere and they warmed me up on a cold day.
I am featuring the girls this week. Our yard is covered with cardinals most days. The orange beak is a standout. She is munching on some local fare!
Crosses are found in a lot of places and represent many different things to people. I’ve noticed crosses are a very popular item seen in all kinds of jewelry. What thoughts come to mind when you see a cross?
Crosses are often displayed to show honor, respect, and as a memorial to those who have sacrificed for our freedom and protection. Of course crosses are used in like manner as we remember our loved ones and friends who are no longer here to be a part of our everyday living. I just noticed how many places I saw crosses while riding about, and this prompted me to pull out a few pics to represent some I had noted in the past.
One of our favorites is this one inside a church in Moose, Wyoming. This is not a painting in the background, but the view out a window of the Grand Tetons. The Cross first and foremost represents the finished work of Christ. Again, what comes to mind when you see a cross?
This old foot bridge spanning the creek has survived a lot of summers and winters and still felt sturdy when I walked across it. Near the foot of Lookout Mountain, this stream runs through a family property of folks we’ve known for many, many years. The parents are gone now, the dad who built the bridge, but I really don’t think he would’ve minded at all that I stopped and took a brief stroll down this old path. It is 5 minutes from our home and, while definitely out of the way, I’ve still passed this spot many times over the decades. Yesterday was the first to walk across. Fond memories of a sweet couple who once lived just up the creek!
A wild sky drew me out one evening and I decided to keep practicing with the new long lens.
I sure enjoyed some up close views. This not as close as I wanted but without a tripod I cannot hold steady enough for the maximum zoom. It is not convenient to run around in our pasture on a cold windy afternoon with a tripod.
Thanks for checking in. Have a wonderful week!
”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
Hebrews 13:8
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Beautiful pictures. E.M. is adorable! Happy and blessed Sunday,dear friends.
You change our hearts, and so the world. Thank you, dear Pam. You crack me up about the Principal’s office. The cross reminds me of the love of God, and the love of His own dear Son, who did His Father’s will, to save us!! Amen!
Amen and Amen! Thank you, Sharon!
Thank you, Maristella.
Beautiful pictures and wonderful commentary on the Cross!
Thank you Carla!
Butch and Pam, Such a nice Sunday compilation. Crosses remind me of sacrifice and God’s promise of everlasting life through Jesus. That church in the Tetons has a fabulous view! The footbridge looks really well built and the creek is a nice view. The lady birds are so pretty. EM is so cute! The evening sky looks as though it’s on fire! Gorgeous! The ice storm created havoc for many here locally; 135,000+ homes without power, more than 400+ trees on the roads and more down in yards at the height of the storm Thursday. There are still 75000 without power and trees are still falling due to the ice weight and saturated ground. We lost a huge oak tree but it didn’t fall on the house so that was a blessing! So many have damaged homes and with no power there will be burst water pipes. The linemen are working tirelessly and we’ll have warmer temps today to melt the ice! Praise God! We are currently blessed with heat so all is good and the tree will be cut up in due time. Just praying the others will get heat soon! There will be a lot of firewood for fireplaces as so many of the trees were oak trees. Unfortunately, most of it will go to the dump because of the extreme circumstances. Thanks for bringing us some beautiful, interesting pics to enjoy. Hope you have a wonderful day! Clara❤️
Clara, I am so sorry about all the damage around your area. Ice storms do wreak havoc. I am glad you had no damage to your home.
Amen, everlasting life through Jesus! Thank you Clara ♥️
You are capturing great shots with your drone and new lens Butch! EM looks quite grown up behind the principal’s desk! Pam was definitely hinting Valentine’s Day with her pretty pink mug photo…Keep warm and cozy this week!
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna! Happy week of sunshine ahead!
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! EM is absolutely precious serving as principal of her school. You have once again shared some beautiful photographs. Those sunsets are stunning! Wishing you both a blessed week ahead!
Thanks so much, Shannon! Wishing you a blessed week!
Such a beautiful post! The cross speaks Salvation and LOVE to me but it also speaks of suffering that our Lord had to endure. The principal of the day looks very official. Da, you don’t want to be called into her office. The birds are awesome. The sunsets are truly amazing. Your new lens is being put to very good use. Love the image you stole from Pam. Beauty to come! A blessed day for you dear friends.
Amen, Dianne! Wishing you a blessed week dear one!
The sight of daffodils is a most welcome one this morning! We must be just about one month behind in the preview of spring (fingers crossed). As for the cross, it is a significant relic in my religion. Among those I have, my father’s from WWII is my most meaningful. That photo in the Grand Tetons is magnificent! EM would make a good principal, you can already see it in how she directs her PJ in decorating and her little sister in what toys she’s allowed to play with, lol. Butch, the sunset photos are spectacular!
EM is definitely following the first child tendencies. She is a natural leader and a little bossy sometimes. I know your father’s WWII cross is really special.
So appreciate the droned and zoomed views..what a great choice of subjects…what an interesting topic to contemplate – the
Cross – Redemption and Salvation – I would imagine our EM awarded more gold stars than any demerits she issued. It is
heartening that the foot bridge spanning the creek is a gift that keeps giving, though the builder has passed. He understood
the significance of legacy. I don’t think Pam has to leave hints about Valentine’s Day for her beloved… lovebirds that you are.
Bless you for another lovely Sabbath album of Scripture and your surroundings, Butch.
Amen, Mary! Thank you for your warm thoughts dear one!
Prayers for those impacted by storm outages and property damage….
Yes 🙏🏻
Good morning, Butch and Pam. Beautiful photos, especially of the sunset – simply glorious. Precious Ella Mae, perhaps there is a career path in bloom. The world is in desperate need of educators.
Wishing you and your lovely family a beautiful day. We have blue skies, hope you all do too.
We have had two days of sunshine and blue skies. Have a lovely week, Sandra!
Happy Sunday Pam. Have a great week. xoxo
Thank you, Kris!
EM for Principal! What a sweetie! So grown up!
I enjoyed your thoughts on the Cross. When I see a Cross I think of Jesus and his sacrifice.
I enjoy our Sunday Morning Strolls… Thank you.
Enjoy this February Day.
Amen, Nancy. I enjoy our visits!
Happy Sunday Butch and Pam! EM looks very official and professional! In the first grade my teacher sent the entire class to the principal’s office; my best friend, Marie, and I held hands and cried all the way because we knew we hadn’t been bad. Butch, you were very trusting to walk over that icy cold water! If you get back over to the Highlands area, check out Pretty Place Chapel (or Google the pictures); it is one of the most beautiful and sacred places I’ve ever seen.
Thanks Roxanne. I always enjoy your stories when you share. We will check out the Chapel. Hopefully, we can make it that way soon!
Those daffodils are so refreshing that spring is coming.
Love your bird pics too.
The cross reminds me of the suffering Christ did for us by taking on our sins. If we confess our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we will be saved and will not perish but have eternal life. Heaven is a place we will live with God forever.
Amen and Amen, Bonnie!
Beautiful and serene post, Butch. Although, EM as principal isn’t exactly serene. She has a “very much in charge” look! So precious. As for what I think of when I see a cross, I always think of Jesus, and His sacrifice. Love to all.
Amen, Patti. Thank you dear friend!
The cross reminds me immediately Butch of how much Jesus loves me. I’m glad we still use the cross on the church steeples and the crosses on the grave and yes I wear a small cross on a chain around my neck and have done so many years.
The buttercups are the first sign of life and what’s to come, we are still covered with snow. Spring is a long way away for us so I enjoyed seeing the blooms.
EM looks like she knows she is in charge. What a nice honor.
Hope your week is one of many sweet memories from your own precious valentine.
Amen and Amen, Alice! Thank you dear one.
I’m loving that principal of the day and the buttercups and blooms. Lovely in your world! We won’t see spring till mid-April.
Thank you, Jeanie!
Pileated woodpeckers?! I haven’t seen (or heard) one of those for a long time. They ARE striking birds–quite different from their smaller cousins. Your granddaughter is quite striking too with those big brown eyes! (At least they look brown to me in the photo.) She looks quite at home in the principal’s chair. / How delightful to glimpse those cheerful daffodils. I suppose we won’t see ours bloom for another six weeks–maybe longer. But that’s OK. Plenty to enjoy about winter!
Thanks so much for your sweet visit, Nancy. Happy Weekend!
That picture of EM playing principal for a day is just priceless! She looks so grown-up and dignified! So precious! And those sky photos are absolutely stunning. It was such a joy to come and visit with you all this evening. God bless you and all your family!
Thank you, Cheryl. Grandchildren are a blessing!