A Lenten Friday Special

It’s Easter Weekend and right on cue, the dogwoods are blooming across the South. It’s a natural symbol of rebirth and renewal.There is a beautiful story about the Dogwood Tree being the wood used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The story, generally told at Easter when the dogwoods flower, adds that Christ caused the flowers of the dogwood to be a reminder of the cross on which He died. He allegedly did this by giving the flower two long and two short petals, and to have what look like nail prints on the petals to remind us that Christ suffered on the cross with nails through His hands. The story is remarkable, but unfortunately the legend is not true. And there is no biblical basis to it but it's a nice poem and suitable for Good Friday reflections.

Flowering Blossoms Dogwood Tree

"In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
"Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony."

My friend JoAnne was the inspiration for the blog on Legend of the Dogwood Tree.

Here are some recipes from Ever Ready Friday Lenten Specials

Lemon Dill Tilapia

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2013/07/tilapia.html

Fish Tacos with Lime Cream

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/03/fish-tostadas-with-chili-lime-cream.html

Maple Balsamic Glazed Swordfish Steaks

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/10/boston-cuisine-part-2.html

Provencal Shrimp and Walleye in Foil Packets
Cook's notes: Foil packets can be baked in oven if your grill is still buried under snow. Spray foil packets in the inside with cooking spray before adding shrimp, fish and vegetables. Bake 425 degrees for 15-17 minutes.
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2015/05/fish-tales-and-provencal-shrimp-walleye.html

These pictures captured the beauty of flowering dogwoods in Tennessee on a trip back to Minnesota from Florida in March 2014.