Friday, April 9, 2010

~FingerPrint Friday~


There's a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman that goes:


I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you.

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true.

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.

I see God's fingerprints on many signs of spring. Two of my favorite are in this photo: pussywillows and birds. When I was a little girl, the first time I saw pussywillows in the yard of our childhood home.....I was smitten. I was fascinated by their look....their feel....and of course, their name!!

According to an old Polish legend, many springtimes ago a mother cat was crying at the bank of the river in which her kittens were drowning. The willows at the river's edge longed to help her, so they swept their long graceful branches into the waters to rescue the tiny kittens who had fallen into the river while chasing butterflies. The kittens gripped on tightly to their branches and were safely brought to shore. Each springtime since, in Spring, the willow-without-a-flower decks itself out in gentle velvet buds that feel to the fingers like the silky coat of a small cat. These buds are known today as catkins and remarkably, in every country, these soft willow trees are named after cats.


No one but God could make these tiny little puffs of the softest gray come out of teeny buds. Miraculous!!!

Stop by Beki's blog for more fingerprints.


Then take a peak here for some great blogs!

The Girl Creative

13 comments:

Ballerina Girl said...

What a wonderful story for such a beautiful branch...I also adore pussywillows!

God's creations are amazing!
BG

Sarah AKA The Thriftress said...

I'm visiting from New Friend Friday. I am so happy to see all the wonders of Spring coming out! Especially after the snowy winter.
Sarh

Darlene said...

What a beautiful story. I had never heard the story of the pussywillow. Hope you are having a wonderful Friday.♥

Rosebud Collection said...

What a wonderful story and being I am part Polish..made me enjoy it even more..All kidding aside, the pussy willow is such a happy sign of spring. My mother would cut the branches and root them in water..
Happy Fingerprint Friday.

rentz said...

Love the picture!

Vicki said...

That's a great story and a gorgeous photograph...that little nuthatch is beautiful! Great fingerprint post!

Woman in a Window said...

There are miracles all around. Today I watched a motley crue of tiny birds around my feeder. It was gorgeous to me. Better than television. Ha!

You are well? I hope so. (I am well...)

xo
erin

littlebird said...

thank you for sharing that lovely story with us.

artsyclay said...

I just saw some pussy willows the other day in a vase at a restaurant and had to feel the softness. Love your photo and story. Happy Spring.

Mewes Mountain Arts said...

That is just beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing and God's Blessings to you and yours!!

Anonymous said...

Never heard the pussywillow tale until now, and it's lovely! Down here in NC, the dandelions have taken over my yard and I'm delighted. Even though they're technically "weeds" the cheery yellow color screams Springshine to me. Isn't is great to slide into the warm seasons again?
Love,
Kathi

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Carol...this is simply a gorgeous post! I love the photo...it is, quite frankly, superb!! And the Polish tale was so lovely! Thank you! This post makes me smile and smile! Much love to you! Janine XO

Marci said...

I love to hear stories about how something/someplace/someone got their name! I'll never look at a pussy willow the same again! thanks, Carol! Happy springtime!