My mom left behind several Bibles when she died. Every time I open one of them I find a hidden treasure inside. Today I found an olive leaf from the Garden of Gethsemane. This was the garden near the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion.
Many of the trees growing in that same area right now are likely around 1000 years old…so they are not the same trees that lived in Jesus’ time but the fact that they stand in the same place referred to in the Bible makes them so very special. I don’t know if my mom received this leaf at church or possibly from my aunt who traveled to the Holy Land on several occasions. Regardless, it is a very special souvenir.
I received three of the sweetest messages today…all blessing me with words of encouragement. One person in particular wrote that he was excited to read what I have on my heart during Lent. I actually have so much on my heart right now I sometimes do not even know where to begin. I am currently unemployed. I have a major issue with my insurance still. Things aren’t exactly going as planned. But in the mess is a message. And in the stillness I feel contentment and joy like I never have before. When I stop and focus on what is truly important, my heart always go back to Him.
Lord, even in the darkness help me to remember that nothing is important unless it glorifies you. I know you are there to help me, comfort me, and guide me. I will follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Blessings,
Stacey ~ iamalive
(I apologize if the picture is sideways on your screen. That is something we are still working on…thank you 🙂 )
Your blog is so inspiring!