Excuse me for escaping out of the box with using two words this week. But because I am reading “Under the Olive Tree” this Lent with my two friends, I decided to purchase from Amazon three olive tree seedlings to help us focus both our hearts and minds on Jesus in His Garden. I’m smiling as I write this because these two friends panicked when I presented them with their olive trees because they were not confident they had green thumbs and have been depending on me to alert them when to water. Plus, now I’m panicking because mine is not standing strong and tall at this point. Regardless of our props, sharing our thoughts about Jesus’ journey to the Cross these past weeks has been a beautiful journey. I began Lent desperate to really BE with Jesus this season as He experienced all the emotions (and so much more) that you and I also have experienced (and try to avoid) at any one particular moment. Feelings of dread, pain, panic, confusion, disappointment, and sadness. I try placing myself, sitting next to Jesus under the olive tree, in His special garden when He felt safe and always went to pray. I think of the thousand plus moments that Jesus has sat with me as I have gone through every one of these feelings. I, now, want to turn the tables and be that comfort to Him. I want to hold His hand, stay awake with Him, gently wipe away His tears of blood, but also grasp and support the path that He knows He must travel. Suddenly, I am reminded of all the people throughout my life, friends, family and sometimes even strangers, that have “sat” with me during my times of trial under my own olive tree. What would I have done without them? Did you know that in various cultures, olive trees represent peace, wisdom, and prosperity? The roots of this symbolic meaning can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology, religion, and biblical references. Embodying endurance and hope, these trees have weathered centuries, becoming enduring emblems of strength and resilience. We must strive, you and I, to persevere and follow Jesus, even after He has risen. We are those olive trees, full of peace, wisdom, hope, and weathering whatever force is before us. We will never wither and die, confident that Jesus is all around us. What is your source of strength this Lent? Even as you and I continue our journey to the Cross with Jesus this Lent, don’t give up now, even if you think you’ve gone off course. There is still time!
“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8
From God's Lips 
Donna,
Your olive tree may not to strong or standing upright, but you are strong and upright and bringing that strength and light into our lives this Lent. I would also love to sit with Jesus during his time in the garden and tell Him I love him even though I sin often.
God Bless,
Fran
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Donna,
Your olive tree may not to strong or standing upright, but you are strong and upright and bringing that strength and light into our lives this Lent. I would also love to sit with Jesus during his time in the garden and tell Him I love him even though I sin often.
God Bless,
Fran
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Donna,
Your olive tree may not to strong or standing upright, but you are strong and upright and bringing that strength and light into our lives this Lent. I would also love to sit with Jesus during his time in the garden and tell Him I love him even though I sin often.
God Bless,
Fran
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Donna,
Your olive tree may not to strong or standing upright, but you are strong and upright and bringing that strength and light into our lives this Lent. I would also love to sit with Jesus during his time in the garden and tell Him I love him even though I sin often.
God Bless,
Fran
LikeLike
Donna,
Your olive tree may not to strong or standing upright, but you are strong and upright and bringing that strength and light into our lives this Lent. I would also love to sit with Jesus during his time in the garden and tell Him I love him even though I sin often.
God Bless,
Fran
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