Simple + Southern Sunday No. 6

November 30, 2014~ Simple + Southern Sunday

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons”
‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4-5‬

During this most wonderful time of the year, there are so many things that bring a smile to our faces!

Butch was about to slip into a phone booth and change into his Santa attire to prepare for the trip north but was willing to pause for a quick photo.

A beautiful wedding chapel located at Noccalula Falls park in Gadsden, Alabama

Noccalula Falls, in our hometown, is truly a grand sight and the surrounding park has numerous activities and recreational opportunities. The area is a very popular place for tourists and locals. The wedding chapel featured above can be seen beyond the falls.

Equally beautiful at night especially when decked out for Christmas!

Mary Grace (big sister to Elsie and Virginia) proudly displaying her home-baked pumpkin muffins.

Unusual hand stitched artwork purchased from the artist herself at an outdoor market in Darby, Montana

Taking a break from all the Christmas decorating to enjoy a peppermint latte and pecan pie with salted caramel sauce!

It wouldn’t seem like Christmas without the dedicated Salvation Army bell ringers!

The Byers Carolers were a gift from our friend Kathy

My Mother’s iron skillet and her recipe for corn bread are the first ingredients for her dressing, which happens to be the best!!

Santa and Hudson hashing it all out…

You can see this pin and many more on my Christmas Pinterest board, Joyeux Noel

Advent

As we are approaching the Christmas season, there is much anticipation. There is decorating to be done, trees in need of trimming, and lots of homemade goodies being baked. But most importantly, we look to, and anticipate The One who is to come! We enter into this season known as Advent, which simply means “coming”. We know that the Lord Jesus has come, and we eagerly await his return! For the next 4 weeks, we want to invite you into our Advent devotions here on Simple Southern Sunday.

We also recommend this devotion from Desiring God to help prepare your hearts during this season: Good News of Great Joy

As we light the candles week by week, be reminded that Jesus is the True Light that comes into the world.

The first candle represents HOPE.

“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising”
Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭2-3‬

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Simple + Southern Sunday No. 5

November 23, 2014~ Simple + Southern Sunday

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together”
Colossians 1:16-17

We always enjoy putting together our weekly “Simple + Southern Sunday”! It makes us keep our eyes open to the wonder of everyday living!

We hope that you will be reminded daily of God’s goodness!

Small but beautiful Anglican Church near Butch’s office!!

The brave turkeys of Turkeytown. A group of 5 gobblers have been recent regulars in our back pasture, turning up their beaks in defiance of Thanksgiving. They keep an eye on us and aren’t fond of posing for photos.

Seth and Allie all dressed up–only in the South can you have an outdoor wedding in late November!

Seth made these rustic & elegant antler candle holders for me for my birthday! The antlers were from a deer that Butch killed about eight years ago. I always love a gift that has been hand-made and these are one of my all-time favorites. You will most definitely be seeing these on Christmas tablescapes!

Our friend, Tyler who is on mission in Cambridge, England captured this photo. The wall and doors are on the campus of Sidney Sussex College on Jesus Lane.

Virginia decided to paint her lips with her Mother’s pink lip gloss!! I think she did a great job!!

Orange Cranberry Apple Salad– be sure to see the recipe at the bottom!

You can’t get more southern than this–dried okra pods painted with a Santa face! Aren’t they the cutest ornaments?!

“Would someone please open the door?”

Look who was spotted at Gadsden Variety yesterday! See tomorrow’s post for more about our hometown!

Orange-Cranberry-Apple Salad

1 package fresh cranberries (freeze for easier chopping)
1 large orange (juice and zest)
1 large Granny Smith Apple chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup sugar
1 regular box of orange jello
1 cup boiling water

Quickly wash and chop cranberries in food processor
Add 3/4 cup sugar to cranberries and let stand
Mix jello with boiling water and add orange zest and juice
Add chopped apple and nuts to the cranberry mixture and stir
Combine jello mixture and cranberry mixture and stir until mixed.
Refrigerate overnight

“I was glad when they said to me,
‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
Psalm 122:1

Simple + Southern Sunday No. 4

November 16, 2014~ Simple + Southern Sunday

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long”
‭Psalm‬ ‭25‬:‭4-5

“For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the Love which from our birth
Over and around us lies:
Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
This our Sacrifice of Praise…”
-Folliott S. Pierpoint (For the Beauty of the Earth)

Beautiful old church in the lovely and quaint Cave Springs, Georgia

Katy and I saw this ginkgo tree on our road trip to Rome this week. Have you ever seen a more stunning tree?! And notice the birds nest in the top right! I can only imagine that our Creator delights in creating such beauty for us to enjoy! You can read and see more pictures from our road trip here: When in Rome.

“…Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest” -John 4:35

Wonder what Elsie is baking? Nana (Patti) will need lots of help in the kitchen at Thanksgiving!

Hearn Inn at Rolater Park in Cave Springs. Love the leaves all over the ground!

Before you exit our blog – slow down – at least a little! This exit off I-24 in TN has only a short distance from the Interstate to the traffic light at the end. If you decide to get off here, get off and out of the way–no lingering on this ramp! But, feel free to linger on our blog as long as you like!