We have a small dogwood tree growing on our property, and it is in full bloom now. I have always loved dogwoods...their blooms are so beautiful and showy in the Spring. I also love the Legend of the Dogwood, which tells of the symbolism of the tree and its blooms as it relates to Christ's crucifiction. I thought it was particularly poignant to see this dogwood blossom next to this thorny vine, reminiscent of Jesus' thorny crown. Here is the poem called Legend of the Dogwood. It is of course just legend, but it is a sweet reminder of the supreme sacrifice of our Savior - the perfect Lamb of God...
The Legend of the Dogwood
In Jesus time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so
Slender & twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a throny crown.
All who see it will remember me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected this tree shall be
A reminder to all of my agony."
Author Unknown
I'm so grateful to you Jesus, for coming to save a lost sheep like me - thank you for your ultimate sacrifice so that we can live with You for eternity...
"But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all."
Isaiah 53:5-7 (NLT)
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Just a quick update on my 50 by Fifty Challenge - I lost one pound! (One pound per week for a year is the goal) It was, however, a short week. I bought a digital scale on Sunday, but when I got it home it was dead on arrival. So Monday, sweet hubby took the dead scale back to WalMart after work and got another one and brought it home. So I didn't get to weigh in for my official start weight until Tuesday morning. But, this week will be a full week and I will have much more to share with you about some food finds that have helped me as well as how I dealt with an Easter potluck...should be interesting!
Speaking of the Easter potluck, I will be making a super-easy dessert to take and I will share the recipe and step-by-step photos tomorrow. I may not be tasting my own dessert, but that's OK...I've had it before...too many times :o)
I wanted to thank all of you for sharing this journey with me and praying for me...what a blessing you are! I definitely feel the grace and courage flowing to me through your prayers! Thank you!!
Have a blessed Good Friday and a wonderful Resurrection Sunday if I don't see you beforehand!