The Acacia Tree

In Exodus God instructs Moses to build almost everything in the tabernacle out of Acacia wood. When I read this I wondered what was so special about this particular tree. Why did God show such particular favoritism towards one type of wood?

So to Wikipedia I went. I found out that the Acacia tree has a host of interesting and useful properties, and is linked to many different myths and legends of ancient religion.

But the thing I found most interesting about the Acacia tree is that, when milled for paper, it produces a product with high yield and low bulk. This means that it can be used to make extremely thin paper that is most commonly used for the pages of Bibles.

So the tree that God chose for the construction of His dwelling place in the Old Testament is used today to convey His message of Salvation and Life to the World.

Coincidence...I don't think so.

Jake and I have said many times the past couple of days that we needed to post something. But I really haven't had anything that I deemed post worthy..... that is until tonight.

This afternoon I took my sister Anna to see a movie with my Aunt Linda. On our way home I tuned the radio to a station that I know plays only Christmas music after Thanksgiving. Anna loves Christmas music. Quick side note: for those who may be reading this post and do not know - Anna is my older sister and she has Down Syndrome.

Sooo as we were driving down the road the song "What Child is This" came on. This is the conversation that followed (I have tried to remember the conversation exactly as it transpired. I hope I am accurate):

Anna: This is about Jesus being born.
Me: Yes it is - and who is Jesus?
Anna: He is Lord
Me: What else do you know about Jesus?
Anna: He was a baby and Mary had him in a barn.
Me: And then what?
Anna: People came to see the baby Jesus in the barn.
Me: And what did Jesus do for us?
Anna: He died
Me: And then...
Anna: He rose from the dead.
Me: And why did he do that?
Anna: To save us.
Me: To save us from what?
Anna: ummm
Me: From our...
Anna: Sins
Me: And where do we go when we die?
Anna: Home to be with Jesus
Me: And where is home?
Anna: In heaven.
Me: You are exactly right Anna.
Anna: That is what the song is about.

After the conversation I had to wipe tears from eyes. It really is that simple. I am very thankful for my sister and her simple but very true and real faith.

Entry One - Hello, World.

Welcome to our blog. Our plan is to update periodically - either together or separately - with ideas, stories, and anything else interesting. In the mean time please check out the "about us" section and click back soon for new posts.

J-R