Happy Blessed Easter, Everyone!

Easter Weekend is here!
Together, let's rejoice in our Risen Savior!

I wanted to wish you all a blessed, Happy Easter. I am looking forward to being with family and observing together the greatest sacrifice that Jesus made so we could be saved! Of course, we will color and hide eggs, have a special dinner, and do Easter baskets... those family traditions are so sweet. Gathering and rejoicing on Resurrection Sunday for what Jesus did for us is a priceless blessing!

Nails were not what held Jesus to the cross. Jesus had the power to come down from that cross, but He knew it was what had to be done for His believers to be saved. He died on the cross for you and me because of His love for us; He loved us that much! As we observe this Easter Sunday, I am so thankful my Savior gave His life for me, so I can look forward to the promise of Heaven and living in eternity with Him.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16

If you haven't asked Jesus into your heart, please say and pass this prayer below. Salvation is the greatest gift of all: a relationship with Jesus Christ and eternal life.

Salvation Prayer

Jesus, thank You for my redemption and for being my Redeemer. Thank You for paying the price for me that is greater than anything I know or can imagine. Thank You for being my Lord, making me a part of Your family, calling me Your friend, and making it possible for me to place my life into the Father's care and keeping. What a privilege I have to honor and glorify You each day. You were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Easter and the Dogwood Tree Story

Here is a favorite story that our family always reads at Easter. An unknown poet wrote the legend of the dogwood tree poem many years ago. The poem reflects the cross that Christ hung on was made of dogwood; however, this type of tree was not natural to the Holy Land. Regardless, the poem's point is one that no matter what the wood used for the cross, Christ suffered upon that cross.

An old and beautiful legend says that, at the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other large trees of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength, it was selected as the timber for the cross.

But to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus, in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all, said to it:

'Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross.

Henceforth it will be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross.

Two long and two short petals. There will be nail prints in the center of the outer edge of each petal.

Brown with rust and stained with red.

And in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember.' These words help ready my heart for Easter, and I hope they do the same for you.

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

Poet: Unknown

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: "Not ever 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. The petals shall have bloodstains marked brown and a thorny crown in the blossom's center.

"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 of all of My agony."

Have a Blessed Easter, Everyone!