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Hello everyone! Easter will be celebrated all over the world this Sunday. The following story or one like it has been told many times, but since we will be celebrating this very special holiday, I wanted to share this legend once again, as well as a poem to wish you and yours a blessed and lovely Easter holiday.

LEGEND OF THE DOGWOOD

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 monarchs 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. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints ~ 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."

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OUR STATE TREE AND FLOWER

In 1956, Virginia adopted the American Dogwood (cornus florida) as the official tree and in 1918 as the state flower. The Dogwood is well distributed throughout the Commonwealth, and its beauty is symbolic of the many attractive features of Virginia. The Dogwood blooms in early spring and its blossom is a tiny cluster of flowers surrounded by four white leaves that look like petals. This lovely tree was also adopted by the state of Missouri and is North Carolina’s state flower.

EASTER IS THE GIFT

Easter is the gift of HOPE~ Easter is the gift of PEACE~ Easter is the gift of LOVE

Let us rejoice in Him who gives them all.

May God bless you at Easter and keep you all year through.

May God give you all the faith it takes to make your dreams come true.

May His love and wisdom always help to guide you on your way.

May His light shine down upon you now to bless your Easter Day.

~Author Unknown cross ~

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I appreciate all who visit and your sweet and thoughtful comments!

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May God send showers of blessings your way!

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Love and Hugs,

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Barbara