Spring Has Arrived!

Although the calendar hasn't quite reached the appointed day, it's springtime in North Carolina!  After being in chilly Ohio for almost a week, I returned to find my sunny-yellow forsythia and daffodils blooming their hearts out.  I took a walk around the yard with my camera yesterday to survey the changes. All creation is awakening from winter.

Yesterday, the iris shoots looked like stern rows of soldiers lined up for battle. This morning, several buds have opened to show off their feminine side...fluffy white blooms.

The little tree I begged my husband to dig up and replant in our backyard last year is covered in pink blooms.  I'm not sure if it's a wild plum or cherry; no matter, it's gorgeous!  I know my husband loves me, 'cause he stomped through mud and thorn bushes behind our house to get it.

I noticed the dogwood blossoms are still tight and green, but by this weekend they'll unfurl to pure white.  Although they are the flower of Easter, our dogwoods never seem to be able to wait until Easter for blooming.  Each dogwood blossom has four petals, forming the shape of the cross.  Holes in the blooms are symbolic of the nails that pierced Jesus' hands and feet, each red-tinged petal, a reminder Christ's blood shed in atonement for our sin.  The spiky green centers of the dogwood blossom represent the crown of thorns placed on His head.  

The beauty of springtime reminded me of lyrics in All the Earth, by Parachute Band, "hear the trees' joyful cry, praising You, and so will I".  You can listen to it by clicking on the link below.  Don't let this day pass without enjoying the beauty of God's creation.  Life is short; stop and smell some flowers along the way.

All the Earth, by Parachute Band:  http://www.youtube.com/embed/ISbbVHRT50s

Copyright 2012 Charlotte Laney