The Promise of Spring

As promised in a previous post, here are some photos of the spring flowers in and around my neighborhood.  The early blossoms of daffodil were a cheerful sight when the trees were still in their winter drab. 

Turning onto my street at the peak of the blooming season was like driving into a fairy tale!  The soft pink blossoms of the cherry trees was so soothing and welcoming.



The azaleas!  Oh! the azaleas!  Across a lawn of bright green grass you're greeted with amazing pink, fuchsia, and white blossoms.  So wonderful!  I just wish the blooming time lasted longer.

And finally the dogwood trees with their beautiful, simple flower. 

The legend of this flower is always such a great reminder of the compassion of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour:

     At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.  

     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said,

"Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.  In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

http://www.appleseeds.org

 

The promise of spring, the promise of new and eternal life from the greatest gift who paid the highest price of all, because you are LOVED by God. 

May you also have, know and believe in this Promise of Spring. 

John 3:16

HE IS ALIVE!

HE IS ALIVE, INDEED!

Happy Easter