Dear Editor,
As a Nation we either stand together or like the Democrats fall apart! I rather stand up for our Nation and not close down the government. Thank Goodness there are still some Democrats that actually still love our Nation and not use the American people as a puppet for their off-beat agenda. So, they hate Trump, get over it! He is here for four years and beating your chest and making threats only make the Democrat party look totally foolish. Remember, we live in the Bible Belt. We believe in prayer and prayer WORKS!
Sincerely, Mary Ann Smith
God’s creations
Dear Editor,
The ugliness of winter has been replaced with the beauty as new life springing up all around us. Nature that appeared to be dead was only resting in the Creator, preparing for its moment in time to burst forth, in all its glory, worshiping and reflecting the glory of our God. Nature is literally singing God’s Greatness. All of God’s creation adores Him!
Don’t you enjoy this season? The beautiful flowers, birds singing and building, and the warmer temperatures help to revive us so that we may prepare ourselves to honor and glorify our worthy Savior during upcoming Holy Week.
Signs of this Holy season surround, such as the ones mentioned below.
PINE TREE CROSSES - Pine trees begin their new growth in the weeks before Easter. Notice the tops of the pine trees and you will see three yellow shoots.
As the days get closer to Easter, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross. By the time Resurrection Sunday arrives, most of the pine trees will have small yellow crosses on the tallest shoots. These crosses represent the crucifixion and sacrifice of Christ, resulting in His death on a cross. The cross symbolizes the reason Jesus coming to Earth – He was born to die. For you and for me. Jesus willingly gave His life as a sin offering. He took our sin upon Himself, in our place, so that we could be forgiven and not have to suffer the penalty of eternal death, isolated from Him for all eternity.
THE DOGWOOD - The Dogwood tree blossoms during this Holy time. Its flowers are cross-shaped, with bloodstained petals and a thorn-like center. This imagery serves as a reminder of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, connecting the natural world to His story.
The dogwood tree stands as a living testimony to Jesus’ crucifixion, calling all who see it to reflect on His great sacrifice and all-consuming love.
THE EASTER LILY - Mentioned many times in the Bible, the white Easter lily symbolizes purity, rebirth, new beginnings, and hope. Legend has it that white lilies sprung from the ground under Jesus during His final hours on the cross, as His perspiration hit the ground. They symbolize Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of everlasting life.
BUTTERFLIES - Butterflies are another symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. Just as butterflies emerge from a chrysalis in which they are hidden away, Jesus emerged from the tomb three days after being laid to rest there. Resurrection day gave us the promise of eternal life for all who believe in and follow Christ. The life cycle of the butterfly shows the transformation that Christian faith can bring, through the grace of God.
Indeed, all nature declares the glory of God! People can deny God, but nature knows its Creator. It is not ashamed to recognize and honor Him. As the Passover and Resurrection Day approach, make the time to notice these symbols and reflect on their meanings.
This can bring a fresher appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice for every human, along with a humbleness to seek and draw nearer to Him than ever before. It will help enrich the joy we find during this wonderous season.
Sincerely, Debra Hall
