THE LEGEND
OF THE
~ DOGWOOD TREE ~

~ COMPLIMENTS OF PASTOR BILL ~

THE LEGEND

An old and beautiful legend has it 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."

~ ~ Author Unknown by Me ~ ~

THE DOGWOOD TREE

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew To a towering size with a lovely hue. Its branches were strong and interwoven An 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 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." ~ ~ Author Unknown by Me ~ ~

A POEM

TheDogwood made the cross,
Jesus took to Calvary.
It was on that lonely hill,
He died for you and me.
Each year the tree does blossom,
Every petal white as snow.
But looking very deep within,
You can see where His blood did flow.
The devil was turned loose,
And he knocks on every door.
He's getting far to many souls,
Jesus died for years before.
Judgement day will soon arise,
Be it morning,night or noon.
Better pray and ask forgiveness,
For He will be coming soon.

~ ~By Winnie Lovett 11/98~ ~

THE LOVE OF GOD

The dogwood trees are everywhere, With its deep interesting story to share.
Though not a word does it say, Yet it stands as a constant reminder of what took place on that day.
As one of the sign's of God above, How much He gave as his proof of love.
When He sent His Son to die on that dogwood tree, That you and I might have a heavenly home in eternity.
Just another proof of love divine, That I must understand in my heart and mind.
From all of nature's examples, the birds, the butterflys and each tree's leaf, only confirms His love for us, this is my belief.
And even with the death of His Son, He still shows forth His love to everyone.
I wonder if I will ever have such grace, yet only time will tell, when I see Him, the one who saved me by "Amazing Grace", face to face.
Time will tell, and only then, as He stretches forth His hand, as He speaks those precious words, "You Are Forgiven", will we know the greatness of God's divine plan.
Therefore, to-day my friend just as there stands a dogwood tree, there is also a Saviour that stands, with out stretched hands,
Watching, waiting on the right hand side of the Father,
That when the time is right, He will return for you and for me.

~ ~By Pastor Bill 9/9/99~ ~

~ ~FACTS ~ ~

The State of Missouri Flag

The State Motto is: "Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto""The Welfare Of The People Shall Be The Supreme Law"Nick-Name:"The Show Me State" Statehood: August 10th,1821 (24th State)

The Flower Is: Hawthorn

The Tree Is: Dogwood (Cornus florida)

The Bird Is: Bluebird

The Musical Instrument Is: Fiddle

The Folk Dance Is: Square DanceThe State Song Is: The Missouri Waltz

Now Playing:
" THE MISSOURI WALTZ "

Thank You, Pastor Bill

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