Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Blushing




“When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven,
And for Christ's cross its timbers were chosen.
“Being distressed at the use of the wood,
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
'Never again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so,
Slender and twisted it shall always be,
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.
 
And in the blossom's center a thorny crown.
All who see it will think of me,
Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be,
A reflection to all of my agony.'”

The dogwood trees have just finished blooming, and here are some of the pink ones around our neighborhood. Who knew that some even grew polka-dot eggs? Legend says that dogwood trees used to grow as tall as oaks, and be mighty and strong. Until one was chosen for Christ's cross.  Because of this, God ordered that the tree would never be tall again, but be twisted and short. The white dogwood was blushed pink with embarrassment. But in fact this is only a legend, Dogwoods don't even grow in Israel. This is actually one story that needs no embellishment at all.

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Acts 5

37 comments:

BlueShell said...

Good mooooorning, dear!
I like that legend ...and I like the "eggs"! But I do LOVE those pictures and those words :"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.""!

Kisses, BShell

SquirrelQueen said...

Pink dogwoods always add so much beautiful color this time of the year. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the spotted eggs in the tree. Great photos Ginny!

You asked if I have allergies. I do but they are not that serious and over the counter antihistamine keep them at bay. I'm allergic to dust, pollen and pet dander (I know but I love cats).

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I love dogwood trees! :-)

Remington said...

They are beautiful!

From the Kitchen said...

I love dogwoods! I think they are at their best in Virginia!! I particularly love your header. If I could, I would "swipe" it and frame it!!

Best,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

beautiful photos and wonderful story, I never heard that before,

Rose said...

Beautiful! I love dogwoods....

MadSnapper said...

and your header shot certainly needs no embellishments or a story. just beautiful. these flowers are just incredible. all of these trees are just magnificent.

Hootin Anni said...

I've read that about the legend before, but it's always a good reminder to re-read it's meaning.

Aren't they beautiful?

Reanaclaire said...

Ginny, it is going to be summer soon, right? The colors of the tree leaves are so lovely...

Marie said...

Beautiful post! Very pretty photos of the Dogwoods. They're just so pretty!

Linda said...

Fantastic and beautiful post, Ginny!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Oh wow! Each picture is gorgeous.n The Dogwood does not need that legend to be beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Lovely trees...beautiful colors :)
Have a lovely day!

Eva

Tracy said...

Oh goodness, how beautiful! I love the light pink ones and the verse is lovely to accompany the photos! AND, the kittie below looks JUST like my Angel-Kitty! :)

Unknown said...

I never heard that legend but it's a sweet story! Our dogwoods are long gone so it's fun to see them again in your pictures, Ginny!

Ann said...

the dogwoods are beautiful and I've never seen one that grew eggs before...lol. I like that legend.

Mary Bergfeld said...

The dogwood is a lovely tree and its flowers are gorgeous. I have always loved the legend associated with the tree. It makes the tree even more special. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Karin said...

Love those dogwood trees - the pink and the white! They are so beautiful and you've captured the photos well!

Over the years I've found it interesting that some information from legends, poems and songs where authors have taken poetic license, are believed by others to be quotes from Scripture! They can be enjoyed for their own creativity, but are indeed not found in the Bible at all!

George said...

These are marvelous photos of some beautiful dogwood trees. Even the polka-dot eggs look good on them.

Annie Jeffries said...

omigoodness, all that lovely pink! It just puts ME in the pink!

Tanna said...

I like the legend, even if it isn't true. Beautiful, beautiful shots, Ginny! Love the eggs in the trees! blessings ~ tanna

Anonymous said...

Hi Ginny, Nicely put. I love seeing both the white and the two shades of pink on the Dogwoods. I don't have any Dogwoods here but do have a couple at my lake house. I think that they are pretty. They are hugely popular in Knoxville. Have a super nice day tomorrow!

Fred Alton said...

Ginny, your tree pictures are excellent! Thank God that Jesus hung and died on an old rugged cross made from a tree. "With His Stripes, we are healed." I'm doing much better today as I just finished my 9th treatment. Only 4 more to go.

Bobbie said...

Just gorgeous!! I love hearing about the legends... GREAT MESSAGE, GINNY!

momto8 said...

so gorgeous and beautiful and perfect...another gift for us..

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The dogwood is a beautiful tree and I've always like the legend whether it is true or not. Love the photos!

FilipBlog said...

It is a nice stiry but when you read that these trees don't exist in Israel you wonder who invented this.

Greetings,
Filip

Anonymous said...

Awesome shots .....I think the Dogwood Tree is so pretty ...I'd have a yard full of them if I could but right now I'd be happy with "just one"...wink wink....have a terrific thursday

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Dogwoods are sooo soo beautiful. Total eye candy. Love reading and scrolling your posts Ginny. You always hit stuff right on.

Lynn said...

I love dogwoods. My parents had one in their yard and dad loved to see it bloom each year. Lovely photos. Blessings.

DawnTreader said...

Always lovely to see the flowering trees in spring... Your header picture is fabulous!

Dawning Inspiration said...

Our Dogwoods are in bloom now. I haven't been able to be any where that I can get some shots - yet!
Gorgeous shots Ginny!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

They blush so beautifully

Glenda said...

Gorgeous pinks - and one of my very favorite blooms. Wish we had more around my home. Your header is beautiful!

Darlene said...

Beautiful photos. Dogwood is another one of my favorites.

Chatty Crone said...

I love the beautiful photos Ginny. sandie

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