Thy Olive Tree Blog
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A 40-Day Anxiety Journal to Root You Deeper in Christ
So often, anxiety isn't just about our circumstances, it's about the stories we tell ourselves in the middle of them. The fears, assumptions, and "what ifs" that quietly take root in our minds can leave us feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from the peace God promises.
What if the thoughts keeping you awake at night weren't the truth?
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What Monks Taught Me about Catholic Business -- Plus 4 Resources for You
There is much we can learn from the monks! Benedictine monks, for example, live by the principle of Ora et Labora, meaning pray and work. Prayer and daily work are not separate worlds. Rather, ordinary labor can become holy.
Understanding why I work the way I do helps you know what to expect from everything in Thy Olive Tree: quality over quantity, depth over trend-chasing, and faith woven into every page.
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What Is a Creative Missionary? A Definition for Catholics Called to Create
A Creative Missionary seeks to serve God and root Catholics deeper in their faith through all things creative: words, art, music, design, beauty, and wonder. This definition has 3 parts and 4 guiding principles.
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My New Identity as a Creative Missionary
After years of multi-passionate Catholic creativity, I finally found the identity that ties it all together. Here's what it means to be a Creative Missionary.
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Helping Kids Understand Biblical Symbols and Stories
I'm so happy to share a set of books made just for kids that helps to bridge the Old and New Testaments making biblical typology easy for children of all ages to understand.
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The Turin Crucifix: A Combination of Beauty and Accuracy
As a retired engineer, Mark collaborated with artists worldwide to produce the most accurate crucifix based on details from the Shroud of Turin, other Relics of Christ’s Passion, recent archeological discoveries, and revelations to saints and mystics. The Turin Crucifix renders His Holy Face and wounds as accurately as possible—down to the geometry of the nails used and even the angle at which the thorns may have struck His skull. Mark has conducted experiments to demonstrate the plausibility of this rendering.
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Why did RCIA change to OCIA?
OCIA stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process through which adults (and sometimes older children) prepare to enter the Catholic Church. The change from RCIA...
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Who was St. Gianna Beretta Molla?
St. Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatrician, wife, and mother. She was a devout Catholic who balanced her career in medicine with a deep commitment to her family and faith.
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Thoughtful Catholic Easter Basket Gifts: Beyond Chocolate and Sweets
Easter is a time of joy and celebration of Christ’s resurrection. While Easter baskets are often filled with chocolates and candy, they can also be a beautiful way to share and deepen our faith. Thoughtfully chosen Catholic gifts can transform a simple basket into a meaningful tradition that nurtures the spiritual growth of children and loved ones.
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Catholic Baptism Gift Ideas: For Children, Godparents, Priests, and Deacons
Baptism is one of the most significant moments in a Catholic’s life—the sacrament that marks their initiation into the Church and welcomes them into the family of God.
Baptism gifts are a chance to give meaningful presents that will support the child's spiritual development. Our list includes gift suggestions for the child as well as the priest or deacon and the godparents who participate in this special day.
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Our Top 5 Catholic Resources for Lent
During the Catholic Church's sacred season of Lent which spans 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, Catholics observe a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to prepare for Easter. Catholics observe Lent by reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice, repenting of sins, and engaging in spiritual disciplines that bring them closer to Him.
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Catholic Gifts and Resources for the Month of March
During March the Catholic Church celebrates numerous important feast days and solemnities which provide spiritual growth opportunities and time for reflection. Looking for Catholic books, devotionals, or gifts to accompany these celebrations? Explore our curated selection of Catholic resources for Lent and feast days to enrich your spiritual journey.
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