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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


Doorkeeper Duties
I choose to be content where He has placed me

Lisa Livezey
6 days ago2 min read


Simple, Stubborn, Sober
Sometimes God provides a simple, effective solution to the stubborn stains in our lives.

Lisa Livezey
May 282 min read


Glimmer of Hope
[Elijah] said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” He went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” Then he said, “Go again seven times.” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” — I Kings 18:43-44 NAB The younger brother was sure that something good lay on the horizon. He spoke about it from the heart, wanting his loved ones to share in God's beauty. His sister caught a glimpse and then pointe

Lisa Livezey
May 212 min read


Beasts Bless
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing

Lisa Livezey
May 72 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


Aspects IV: Accompanied Olive Tree
Heatlhy companionship is medicinal.

Lisa Livezey
Mar 262 min read


Aspects II: Noteworthy Olive Tree
Nicodemus was different from his colleagues.

Lisa Livezey
Mar 122 min read


Aspects I: Fake Olive Tree
He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. —John 12:6 RSV This olive tree looks very convincing — the leaves are green and shaped appropriately and fruit is visible. But an attempt to crush the leaves, cut the wood, or press the olives would yield only man-made plastic. Jesus spoke about those who honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far from Hi

Lisa Livezey
Mar 52 min read


Inconceivable
Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you great things beyond the reach of your knowledge . —Jeremiah 33:3 NAB These Northern Lights in Iceland are witnessed by earthly eyes and the stars alike. If these inconceivable beauties can be seen by all mortals, imagine what more God has for us who love Him. We cannot fathom it but we can believe through eyes of faith. Prayer Lord, you telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names (Ps. 147:4). You know

Lisa Livezey
Feb 262 min read


A Lofty View
Whether we observe Lent or not, it's important to abstain from taking a lofty view

Lisa Livezey
Feb 192 min read


Eternal Fount
the water rising within me is the living water

Lisa Livezey
Feb 121 min read


Granddaughter Guest
Future generations will serve him; they will speak of the Lord to the coming generation. —Psalm 22:30 GNT I'm excited to announce a guest post this week, written by my 12-year-old granddaughter who is a writer herself! Her name is Iael /yah-elle/, Hebrew for the Biblical heroine Jael. Included at the end is a bio and headshot. Enjoy! Night Thoughts I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on the housetop. —Psalm 102:7 NRSV

Lisa Livezey
Jan 152 min read


Inner Workings
The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O Lord endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands. — Psalm 138:8 RSV This piano was cumbersome and weathered, headed for the dumpster. But the part that makes music refused to come apart. There was still life left in this instrument. The Master Craftsman knows His instrument. We might feel weathered and ready for the dumpster, but what He placed inside us still has value and the potential to bless other

Lisa Livezey
Jan 82 min read


Cristo: hand in HAND
Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me. —Psalm 73:23, 24 NAB In this New Year, I reach for His HAND. (photo: Trevor Livezey)

Lisa Livezey
Jan 11 min read


Cristo 4: The Highest for the Humble
Hearken, my dearest brethren: hath not God chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him? — James 2:5 DRB (photo: Lisa Livezey) He was born in a humble place to a poor family. Now, He reigns high in the heavens in His rightful place. Can you see Him up there on the highest mountain? We are told that the poor in

Lisa Livezey
Dec 25, 20252 min read


Cristo 3: Outstretched Arms
When will we turn and notice Christ — our Redeemer who is waiting for us?

Lisa Livezey
Dec 18, 20252 min read


Cristo 2: Radical Radiance
Author Lisa Livezey reflects on the radiance of Christ

Lisa Livezey
Dec 11, 20251 min read


Cristo 1: Cristo de Redentor
Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. — Job 19:25 NASB (photo: Trevor Livezey) In 1859, French priest Pierre Marie Bos arrived on the coast of Brazil. While ministering in Rio de Janeiro, he dreamed of building an image of Jesus on one of the tall hills overlooking the city. His idea materiali

Lisa Livezey
Dec 4, 20252 min read


Sun Still Rises
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. — I Thessalonians 5:18 NAB Unfortunate things do happen — sometimes by accident, other times from malicious acts, or maybe even as a result of our own human failings. Yet the sun still rises the next morning and for that we can give thanks — and take a new step forward. Prayer God of all, thank you for everything including seemingly unfortunate events. Even though I can't see it right now,

Lisa Livezey
Nov 27, 20251 min read


Flourishing Forward
They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. — Psalm 92:13 NRSV The alcove between our church and parish hall was once unappealing. Scraggly weeds existed amidst gravel and dirt. Pipes stretched up the wall of a building that had seen better days. Yet the gardener saw an opportunity and used her knowledge to arrange decorative plantings — things that would grow happily in what seemed a desolate spot. The ugly corner became attractive

Lisa Livezey
Nov 20, 20251 min read
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