The dogwood tree becomes a visual reminder of God’s love for his world in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus--his gift of hope and life. Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Dogwood flowers symbolize rebirth, resurrection, purity, and deep affection. And so, we sing, “Alleluia!”

But reaching for my Bible first, reading God’s Word to find hope and courage, better equips me to discern what it means to live in God’s world. It helps me separate the things that are from God and those things that are opposed to God’s Kingdom living.

Easter is not just one day, but a lifestyle of living in hope that carries us through the year.

This spring we have been watching the earth come to life—again! It always amazes us to see what seemed to be so dead, slowly bring on life. The trees begin their budding process before bursting into white or pink flowers or that bright green that just screams “new life!” The rhododendrons are beginning to bud—and today, the one in our backyard is bursting into a brilliant red and another is in full bloom in brilliant lilac colors!

God calls us to be his helpers to work to bring peace and harmony into our homes, our communities, our nation, and our world. We must demonstrate God’s will through our daily actions. It all must begin with us for who else does God have to do his work on this earth?

My ears are filled with the sounds of promise:
    “Good people will prosper like palm trees,
Grow tall like Lebanon cedars;
    transplanted to God’s courtyard,
They’ll grow tall in the presence of God,
    lithe and green, virile still in old age.”

When I was a child, the phrase “The Lord is in His Holy Temple” was sung as an opening anthem or part of the liturgy for worship. It is a phrase that takes on special significance particularly when we seem to feel vulnerable or depressed or know that we have really blown it. Entering the doorway of the church, God’s holy temple, we discover something very powerful wrapped up in those words.

There is a quietness in this reading. It is filled with the assurances that God is present and wants to be part of our lives. Quietness allows us to recognize God’s presence, God’s faithful help and compassion.

The entire trip became an experience of finding God, praising God, and experiencing his presence in our walks along the Oregon coast. It is a joy, peace, and vigor that comes when we include God in the events and everydayness of our lives. Joy and peace help us see God as the giver and provider of all that is good.