The Tree Song

This beautiful spring scene was taken by Deb Campbell in the Great Smokey Mountains. She shares many of her lovely snaps on her Facebook page 'Deb Campbell Nature & Wildlife Photography.' This is Daffodil Hill in Cades Cove. Take a look at her page.

 Used with permission.

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive."

 Eleonora Duse

The name Evie came to mind the other day, and I was reminded of a song I heard when I first came to Christ. Evie is a Christian Gospel singer and still relays her message in inspiring songs.

It's that time of the year again when lamb are seen in the fields. My friend, Kathy Kreyling, took this snap and the next one near her home.

Following is the first verse and chorus of the song I remembered:

"I saw a tree by a riverside One day as I walked along
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky Growing tall and strong
How do you grow so tall and strong? I said to the riverside tree
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me

"I've got roots growing down to the water I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine
And the fruit that I bear is a sign of life in me
I am shade from the hot summer sun-down
I am nest for the birds of the heaven
I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be
A strong young tree"

This was on a children's album if I recall correctly, but loving nature as I do, I loved the words. And isn't that what we're all doing? Becoming what the Lord meant us to be?

 Thanks Kathy for sharing your snaps! Wish I was in MD at my favorite sheep farm!

At the same time I remembered a song Amy Gaither-Hayes sang on her first album Hidden Graces. The title of the song is "What Belongs to You" and it shares about nature and life. Two verses share these thoughts:

"This blade of grass The falling rain
The fields of corn And golden grain
The doves in flight The morning dew
That's what belongs to You

"Our greatest thoughts That shine so bright
Our days of labor The songs we write
The notes we sing Our voices too
That's what belongs to You"

And the chorus goes: "We take these gifts Into our hands
We hold on tight We make demands
And You just smile Until we learn
That peace can only come in the return." 

Loved my time in the barnyard on the sheep farm near New Windsor, MD.

Just simple songs about nature and life. But simple enough to have a profound affect in your mind.  May we all continue to become what the Lord meant us to be. And remember whatever we do, it all belongs to God.

The sheep farm in Woodbine, MD always gave me opportunities to take pictures of lamb. I will miss it this year.

"Simplicity of character is the natural result of profound thought." William Hazlitt (1778-1830)