As you, my readers know, I have been away from the blog for a time. I have been working on another project that I will share with you later.

Yesterday I was privileged to spend some time outdoors. I rode my bicycle and then walked around the yard, enjoying the sunshine and the warm air.

Spring is my favorite time of year. The days get longer, bringing more light. The trees and plants put on their new growth in shades of green that you rarely see except in the spring. Colors of pink, purple, yellow, and white are popping out in the flowers.

Azaleas are some of my favorite flowers. I do wish their booms lasted longer than a few weeks. This is a reminder to me that I should enjoy the present and the blessings God gives each day. I am grateful that now there are azaleas that bloom again later in the year. It gives me something to look forward to later.

In my little flower garden I saw that the spirea was blooming and on one bush I saw the shape of a cross. Since this was Good Friday, I began to meditate on the sacrifice Jesus made for us when He died on the cross.

My neighbor has both a pink and a white dogwood tree in his yard and he allowed me to take pictures. Some legends say that the dogwood blossoms are a symbol of the crucifixion, even the petals are in the shape of a cross. The indentations on the edges remind us of the wounds of Jesus. The center has been said to resemble a crown of thorns. The pictures of a brier and a rose show the sharpness of the thorns that pierced the head of Jesus. Even though the center of the dogwood blossom symbolizes the crown of thorns, I like to think of the crown of Jesus, the King, not just of the Jews, but of the whole world.

As we enjoy the beauty of Spring and celebrate Resurrection Sunday, let us be grateful for His sacrifice, but let us rejoice in the promise of new life for us who believe, because of His resurrection from the dead.

Easter blessings to you all!