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Devotions from the Olive Grove
Welcome to the home of the enhanced Olive Tree Blog with weekly devotions featuring an original picture (taken by yours truly or a friend) plus an accompanying reflection incorporating the peaceful Visio Divina experience.
Olive trees symbolize peace, wisdom, and endurance. Be blessed.
"But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; my trust is in the tender mercy of God forever and ever." —Psalm 52:9


Beasts Bless
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Lisa Livezey
1 day ago2 min read


Taking Time
When we focus on the small gifts from the Lord, we forget our selfish demands.
Lisa Livezey
Apr 302 min read


Mountain Top Experience
The early church fathers used muscle, grit, sweat, blood, and tears to lead the way for Christians today.
Lisa Livezey
Apr 232 min read


Vintage Value
They shall still increase in a fruitful old age: and shall be well treated. —Psalm 92:14 DRB It was created in 1960 — the cherished Zoo Key at the Philadelphia Zoo. Insert the Key into one of the "storyboxes" stationed in front of an exhibit or habitat and an audio recording provided fascinating facts about the creature in front of you. In 2007, the Zoo retired these keys, but recently they have been brought back by popular demand. This vintage metal Key in the picture bel
Lisa Livezey
Apr 162 min read


Aspects VI: Shining Olive Tree
Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life. —Philippians 2:15-16 DRB PRAY to quiet your heart READ the reflection below IMMERSE yourself within the picture SELECT a word or phrase to repeat MARK down your grace-filled insight The Mount of Olives is believed to have once been a grove of olive trees. These trees stood by Jesus throughout his ministry: when He was teaching, when He was heading to Jerusalem to be hailed as King, when He was
Lisa Livezey
Apr 92 min read


For Me, Kind Jesus
And they crucified Him. —Mark 15:24 RSV The below hymn was recorded on Wednesday evening at a Tenebrae service. The recording is not flawless — in fact the first verse is missing — and yet I have listened over and over because of the message. We are not perfect, really quite messy with our personal issues and life challenges. And yet — JESUS! His love covers, acquits, and meets us in our frailty. From there, we can meet others with His loving message. Who was the guilty? Wh
Lisa Livezey
Apr 32 min read


Aspects V: Desolate Olive Tree
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? —Psalm 22:1 NRSV In the Garden of Gethsemene, Jesus went off alone so he could express His deepest feelings to His Father. Why did God not "take the cup" from Jesus? Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Why did God let one of the Lord's followers turn on Him? In the high priest's courtyard, one of Jesus’ most ardent followers denied ever knowing Him — three t
Lisa Livezey
Apr 22 min read


Aspects IV: Accompanied Olive Tree
Heatlhy companionship is medicinal.
Lisa Livezey
Mar 262 min read


Aspects III: Used Olive Tree
You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good. —Genesis 50:20 GNT Fine olive oil, gourmet olives, auto-immune supplements, and polished carvings. All are produced through invasive actions to the olive tree. Its wood was chopped, sawed, carved, and sanded. Its fruit was picked, sliced, or pressed. Its leaves were gathered, dried, shredded, and encapsulated. Feeling used, picked at, carved up, pressed upon, or shredded? Have hope. God is able to work it all for goo
Lisa Livezey
Mar 192 min read
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