Happy AMEN Day ,

I wanted to let you know in May I am traveling to Israel to do a filming of Foods in the Bible. To say I am a little nervous about this adventure is correct. So, if you will, please pray for me and this event. I promise to let you know how it goes and when the videos are ready for you to watch with your Bible study group.

And one food I will film a deep dive into is olives.  There is so much to connect between the old and new testament by the menu of food. And olives is one of those 'therefores'. 

And they are amazing for us to enjoy every day.

These little fruits you probably toss in a salad or enjoy on a charcuterie board, or maybe even pizza. Yet, did you know they’re packed with both physical and spiritual goodness?

Physical Benefits of Olives 🌱

First, olives can work wonders in the body. They’re not just tasty—they’re packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s a quick rundown of why olives should be your new fav:

• Heart Health: Olives, especially in olive oil form, are loaded with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that help reduce bad cholesterol. 💪 "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) A joyful heart physically, and spiritually is good medicine. Remember...Just as we are physical, we are spiritual...Just as we are spiritual, we are physical!
• Anti-Inflammatory: They help reduce inflammation in your body, which can aid in preventing chronic conditions. Talk about a natural anti-inflammatory! 🌿
• Rich in Nutrients: Olives are high in vitamins A, E, K, and B. They also have iron, which helps with energy and supports your blood health.  

Olives are also great for your liver and digestive health, supporting the body’s natural detox processes. These little fruits are a true gift, nourishing both your body and soul. 🌱

Spiritual Significance of Olives ✝️

Now, let’s get to the fun part—the deep, spiritual meaning of olives! Did you know that in the Bible, olives and olive trees are mentioned over 30 times? 

In fact, olive oil was used in the ancient world for everything from anointing kings to lighting lamps in the temple. It was a symbol of peace and God’s provision.

One of my favorite biblical references to olives is when Noah sent out a dove, and it returned with an olive branch, signaling the end of the flood and peace being restored. 🌊 “The dove came to him at the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly picked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” (Genesis 8:11, NASB) What a beautiful reminder of God’s peace and provision, even in the most challenging times.🕊

Olives are also closely linked to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In ancient Israel, olive oil was used to anoint prophets, priests, and kings. This is a great reminder of how we are set apart and anointed to live out our calling. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.” (1 John 2:20)

Here are some fun facts about olives:

• Olive trees live over 900 years. It is believed that some trees in the Garden of Gethsemane are from the roots of trees when Jesus prayed for the cup to pass. That’s some serious longevity. 🌳
• Olive fruits start off green and gradually turn black as they ripen. It’s like a beautiful transformation! 🌿➡️🖤

Olives (and their oil) can easily be added to your meals. In fact, you can use olive oil in my 7 Foods of the Promised Land Salad. It’s a perfect example of how ancient ingredients come together in a nourishing dish for the body and soul. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly encourage you to check it out! (You can find the full recipe here).

For even more in-depth details on these foods, I go into great detail in my book, 7 Foods of the Promised Land, which is on sale right now! This book is one of my favorites that I’ve ever written—it’s packed with biblical wisdom and health-boosting recipes. You can grab your copy here.

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey..." (Deuteronomy 8:7-8, NASB)

Embrace these ancient superfoods and let them nourish both your body and spirit. In every olive, we can see God’s provision, peace, and health. 🕊️

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1) God gives us everything we need!