This is an amazing article!!! Its long but well worth reading through to the end. I found the thoughts shared here to be especially encouraging as Michael and I have recently been discussing whether continuing with college and getting my bachelors is really the best way for me to accomplish my goals. Looking forward to sharing more about that decision with you all as things unfold, but for now I'm satisfied that we are on the right track :)

Trees and the meanings thereof

Trees have always held a certain fascination for me, somewhat like Lucy in Narnia, and I sat down a few days ago to see if I could put into words the meaning that trees in general have for me. The words that came to mind were: growth, life, flourishing, gracefulness, strength, beauty. What a picture! This definitely represents who I want to be (flourishing, graceful, strong) as well as what I desire for my marriage and our family (that we would grow together, creating a beautiful life that will encourage and inspire those who witness it).

Since trees are somewhat of a theme for our wedding, this picture of what trees could mean inspired me to see what I could find on meanings of specific trees. However, I was wholly unprepared for the wealth of analogies I found...

Birch ~ growth, renewal, stability, adaptability. Birch trees are apparently highly adaptable and are able to withstand harsh conditions. They are often the first trees to begin to grow again after a forest fire, courageously taking root in new areas. Oh, I want to be like this as I move across the country, I want to grow and be adaptable. I want to draw strength and stability from God and from the precious relationships He's given me as I struggle adjust to a completely new environment.

Alder ~ strength. The description of this tree I found to be particularly fascinating. It provides such rich nutrients to the soil in which it is planted, that it has the ability to restore poor ground to a healthy Ph level! It tends to grow along streams and not only do its intricate roots provide a safe harbor for fish, its leaves also decompose easily in water, providing even more rich nutrients to its environment. This is a picture of what I hope our home will be. A safe haven for all who enter its doors, a place of refreshment and restoration.

Ash ~ connection. I don't think I've ever seen an ash tree (or if I have, I didn't know what I was looking at) but from what I read they are huge, both in height and in girth. Not surprisingly, they also have massive root systems. I love this image of being well rooted and staying grounded and connected. I have really been enjoying praying with and for Michael and I'm so looking forward to getting to do this together in person, every day, as we stay rooted in the true Source of our relationship.


And that's just a sampling of everything I read on trees! My brain is now over-run with ideas on how to remind myself of these lessons on a regular basis. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to post pictures and share with you all about another tree project I've been working on. Stay tuned :)

This is what's inspiring me today. I'm dying to get back into my knitting and super excited that now I'll actually have a reason to knit sweaters since I'll live somewhere cold enough to wear them :)

Today I am...

...excited! For when something that used to cause pain is able to inspire, I know that I have found a place of forgiveness. And oh what a sweetness that is. To not be holding on to old hurts opens up so much space you didn't know was there, opens it to be filled with beauty and inspiration and life!