A few weeks ago I purchased our first olive tree. It just seemed fitting with the name of this blog. I plan on buying more, one to represent each child. The thing is, I do not want to plant it here. This dream keeps coming to the surface and I want to save this tree to plant else where. So many obstacles in the way, but the last time I checked, that is a great place to see God show off. Want to hear about it? I assume you all said a collective “YES”!

Years ago a property caught my eye. We drive by it several times a day taking and picking up the kids from school. I wondered about who lived in the house and what animals they might have in the barn. I really wanted to get through the gate, knock on the door and just ask for a tour. Then one day a sign was posted outside the property advertising an estate sale. I would finally get my chance! The kids and I explored after school, but it was a bit of a let down. What looked so charming from the outside, was not carried inside. It was so outdated and the price was way too high. Projects do not scare us, but this would require so much on top of the cost of the home.

Then the day came when the property went off the market and I was a bit sad. I assumed it had sold and did not ask my husband to check on it. Time went by and another for sale sign appeared at this house. This time the price was lowered significantly and the owners had done lots of remodeling. I could not wait to take another look! It was beautiful and our kids loved playing in the wide open spaces. They ran, explored and were kids. We prayed as a family before we left and continue to pray. If this is for our good and God’s glory, we will be moving. If it is not, we will remain in our current wonderful home.

As I have asked God about what His plans are, much comes to mind. What would be perfect for our family and friends, would work wonderfully for others to come and enjoy. Ideas started flowing and they have not stopped. We could build a small cottage for families who have adopted or foster families who need a getaway. They could be cared for during their stay by our family who does love well. Missionaries who need a break could come and stay. We would serve big meals and pour out hospitality. Our kids could have the groups they are apart of at school and church come and play. People who are in need of restoration could come and find encouragement. Barn dances and meals could be had in a moments notice. Our doors would be open to whomever the Lord would bring our way. As a family, we would welcome them and give them a place at the table. Jesus would be spoken of often, it’s just who we are. Teaching, worship and prayer would happen anytime. In fact, worship really never has to end. Sounds a bit like the early church doesn’t it.

We continue to pray and ask the Lord for His will to be done and know it might not match up with our desire. We trust Him because our family has no doubt He loves us so. Our home, regardless of location, is a place where love is grown daily. Its roots are deep and our foundation is God. We take His Word as a letter of love, pure truth and desire to live out what He has written to us. It would be such a gift to share with others even more than we do now.

So, there it is friends. A bit of a dream that comes from my heart. Thank you for letting me share it with you. I have been just about ready to burst with excitement with the thought of this home where love would dwell. I have many verses marked in my Bible with this dream in mind. One is, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle from my people’s way.” Isaiah 57:14. I pray these words back to the Lord since they were His to begin with.

I will leave you with a great quote from C.T. Studd that a friend shared on social media recently. “Only one life ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”  So, “We have put our hope in the living God.” 1 Timothy 4:10. And while we wait, we will tend to our potted tree and the cute little seed growing in the window. Yes, love grows well in our family.