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

Color

It's March 1st.  The day started out rather dreary here, as in many parts of the world, so today is about color.  After all, color is a good thing and it is a sure fire way to lift one's spirit.  

This was my view this morning:

Rather drab, wouldn't you say?  I would much rather have been looking at this:

common in Rabat, the Orange Trumpet Vine, puts on a spectacular show

Here is just a sampling of the the many flowers of my garden in Morocco.  Never again will I have glorious color such as these tropical beauties, but I do at least have my photos to remind me of days well spent enjoying what I knew was a precious gift! 

the main entrance to my house



Bouganvilla of my garden



Bouganvilla cascading over the exterior wall

my favorite, Plumbago

Plumbago along the exterior wall, in full bloom

This jasmine draped over a balconey just off my bedroom.  Each spring, I waited with great anticipation for the blooms that would bring heavenly scents wafting through the garden and my bedroom.  I expect it is bursting into bloom about now, or will soon.  I hope the current residents in the house enjoy it as much as I did!

Moroccan jasmine

smells heavenly!

In South Carolina, although very different, and not quite as heavenly in scent, is Yellow Jasmine.  I have always loved it, and it is also our state flower.

My day improved by mid-day.  The sun was shining brightly and by afternoon our high temperature had soared to 84 degrees!!!  Spring is coming!  I can feel it, I can see it, and my nose is starting to tingle as the pollen makes itself known to everyone.....and everything!  I'm very excited about spring this year, even with the curse of allergies.  I have not seen a South Carolina spring in 20 years!  My children have never experienced it. The azeleas and dogwoods are spectacular and I can't wait.  Don't worry, I'll post more photos of spring once we're in full bloom.  But this preview is just to bring you back for more.

So enjoy these pre-spring days, and be sure to start taking your Claritin!