One of the things that we loved about Ushimado, our New Year’s getaway in Okayama (see entry below), was being surrounded by olive trees. This town is famous for their olive production. Not only do we love olives, but they are special to us because of Olivia…Her life verse is Psalm 52:8:

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

Olivia is such a precious gift to us — we thank God over and over for blessing us with her as our third child. Her sweet disposition…her mischievous smile…her joy for worship and singing and clapping….she quickly endears herself to everyone. Here she is, flourishing under an olive tree (and even eating one or two!):

We’re so thankful as this new year starts for how God has fulfilled his promise of giving us olive shoots around our table (Psalm 128:2)…