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As a slight breeze blows through the trees, a small child swings on an old wooden swing. A large limb supplies the strength for the swing's suspension. A small herd of cattle and horses stand under another large shade tree swatting flies and seeking coolness. Looking around I can see an area where several trees were chopped down and only a stump remains. I can see several of these stumps have various small shoots growing off of the side. Trees seem to strengthen and beautify the ever ending landscape.
The old oak tree seems to be a security for the small child as its branches carry so much strength. Similarly the other tree branches supply shade and an escape from the heat. I do believe most of the strength comes from the roots or foundation of the beautiful living thing.
A strong gust of wind blows and a few branches and twigs seem to tumble down, but all of the strong branches endure. Did you ever realize that if the Cottonwood tree was not exposed to the wind it would wither and die? The wind strengthens the root system of this fast growing tree. Maybe that is why we only see these trees in ditches and open areas. As the season changes, we will see the branches hanging as if with sadness in their hearts. The ice puts a tremendous amount of weight upon them. The strong will bend and survive and the weak will break when the wind blows. Our hearts are subjected to the same weight of worry.
The growth of a tree is very important. If it grows deep strong roots, the tree will endure the weather for years to come. As Isaiah stated: "A shoot will arise from the stump of Jesse." This meaning a new leader would arise. Jesse was King David's father and the shoot was referring to "Jesus."
A tree or individual with strength and a deep foundation of prayer and values has less chance of breaking. The wind is referred to as our trials and errors in life that make each of us a lot stronger. This can be compared to the roots of the Cottonwood. Several good contributions to a good foundation I have found are: family, love, reading the bible, putting all things in God's hands and giving till it hurts. Therefore, "Stand for something or you will fall for anything!"
Lisa Rexroat
Dieterich, IL
As a slight breeze blows through the trees, a small child swings on an old wooden swing. A large limb supplies the strength for the swing's suspension. A small herd of cattle and horses stand under another large shade tree swatting flies and seeking coolness. Looking around I can see an area where several trees were chopped down and only a stump remains. I can see several of these stumps have various small shoots growing off of the side. Trees seem to strengthen and beautify the ever ending landscape.
The old oak tree seems to be a security for the small child as its branches carry so much strength. Similarly the other tree branches supply shade and an escape from the heat. I do believe most of the strength comes from the roots or foundation of the beautiful living thing.
A strong gust of wind blows and a few branches and twigs seem to tumble down, but all of the strong branches endure. Did you ever realize that if the Cottonwood tree was not exposed to the wind it would wither and die? The wind strengthens the root system of this fast growing tree. Maybe that is why we only see these trees in ditches and open areas. As the season changes, we will see the branches hanging as if with sadness in their hearts. The ice puts a tremendous amount of weight upon them. The strong will bend and survive and the weak will break when the wind blows. Our hearts are subjected to the same weight of worry.
The growth of a tree is very important. If it grows deep strong roots, the tree will endure the weather for years to come. As Isaiah stated: "A shoot will arise from the stump of Jesse." This meaning a new leader would arise. Jesse was King David's father and the shoot was referring to "Jesus."
A tree or individual with strength and a deep foundation of prayer and values has less chance of breaking. The wind is referred to as our trials and errors in life that make each of us a lot stronger. This can be compared to the roots of the Cottonwood. Several good contributions to a good foundation I have found are: family, love, reading the bible, putting all things in God's hands and giving till it hurts. Therefore, "Stand for something or you will fall for anything!"
Lisa Rexroat
Dieterich, IL
