Faith, Folklore, and Friends

And pray that we may be delivered from  wicked and evil people, for not everyone  has faith. But the LORD is faithful, and  he will strengthen you and protect you  from the evil one. ~2 Thessalonians 3:2-3

Chewacla State Park consists of 696 scenic areas just off I-85 near Auburn, Alabama. It is a beautiful pocket of nature that provides camping, walking trails, and programs throughout the year. This entrance sign is at 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, across the street from the Hampton Inn, where we were staying.  We were impressed with the park rangers who were very friendly and helpful, even though  I had a lot of questions. It was a hot day when we were there, and this camp provided a cool, beautiful place to rest.

In the summer gloaming, we sit near the garden, quiet, and watch the birds come to feed. I know that we are supposed to deadhead the flowers, to lob off anything past its prime.   It is not going to happen here.

There are six things the  Lord  hates,      seven that are detestable to him: 17           haughty eyes,          a lying tongue,          hands that she d innocent blood, 18           a heart that devises wicked schemes,          feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19           a false witness who pours out lies          and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. ~Proverbs 6:6-16

Who wants to stick their feet in this?  Me, that's who. The Little River flows atop Lookout Mountain near Ft. Payne, Alabama.  Through eons of time, the river has cut through limestone and sandstone to form the Little River Canyon.  With walls up to 600', it is called the Grand Canyon of the East.  It is a stunningly beautiful place, and these photos are not even close to capturing how spectacular it is. Little River Canyon Preserve was established and made a part of the National Parks System in 1992.  The Little River Canyon Center, part of Jacksonville State University, was opened to the public in 2009. It houses the Little River Canyon National Preserve office and serves as a welcome and educational center.  It is located near Ft. Payne, Alabama, atop Lookout Mountain. This boulder must weigh a lot; they built the road around it rather than try to move it. I'm hoping we can go back in the f...

I don't do much sewing or quilting in the summer. I spend as much time as possible outside loving on the flowers and vegetables.  But sometimes, during the hot afternoons, I crank up the sewing machine.  Yesterday, I completed this quilt top that I started in late April. It has twelve large blocks, all different, but all made from half-square triangles.  The red fabrics are all different, too.  I used the different red strips pieced together to make the first border. This block may be my favorite. I have some other projects that I need to finish, so I don't know when I will be able to quilt this top.   It will go on the "to be quilted" stack.

His seed also will I make to  endure forever, and His  throne as the days of  heaven. ~Psalm 89:29

Peace I leave with you, my  peace I give unto you:not  as the world giveth, give I  unto you.  Let not your  heart be troubled, neither  let it be afraid. ~John 14:27

 DeSoto State Park covers more than 3500 acrs, and borders the Little River.  It has a lodge, cabins, hiking, and more.  The most impressive part to me is the 104' DeSoto Falls. This park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  It is approximately eight miles northeast of Ft. Payne, Alabama.