A few years following my brother's death, I randomly read Psalm 52:8, which says, "But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love." I decided to do a little research. Why would David compare himself to an olive tree?

I found that olive trees can get out of control. If left unattended, an olive tree will end up looking more like a short, fat shrub, and it won't produce much fruit. But if the farmer cultivates his tree and prunes it in a way that helps it grow tall, it will be a beautiful, strong tree that produces much fruit.

So here was David saying that he was an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. He was trusting God's unfailing love. David, the man running and hiding from King Saul, said this after an ally was killed by one of Saul's men. He knew where to keep his focus. In the midst of a terrible time in his life, he was trusting God. He was allowing God to cultivate him. To prune him like a farmer does an olive tree.

I look over my life and see the many times of suffering I've experienced, and I can honestly say that God has always been here with me. He has used the hard times to cultivate his fruit in my life. The scars that remain are amazing reminders of how I have made it through. Reminders of how my spirit has grown stronger and more beautiful. It's these scars that remind me right now in this particular moment that I am an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in his unfailing love.

His love is what helps me stay focused on the silver linings he provides in every rain cloud. Here are few...

97. honesty
98. better late than never
99. repentance
100. broken bones, when mended, are stronger than ever
101. new commitments
102. Jesus holds our world in his hands
103. friends who support, encourage, listen, pray
104. restoration
105. counseling to help on journeys
106. transparency
107. seeing a big picture...not focusing one what i can see now but on what God sees
108. Word of God...speaking straight, giving promises, providing hope
109. truth and honesty
110. support groups
111. ability to love and forgive
112. confession
113. unconditional love
114. what lipstick and blush can do for a tired face :)
115. time for reading and relaxing
116. grass in a vase from a cute little girl
117. backyard picnics
118. hand holding
119. gentle kisses
120. backyard campouts
121. love prayers
122. whispers of truth
123. confessing love
124. unexpected breezes on hot days
125. seeing something that sparks a beautiful memory
126. humility
127. surrender