~♥~
I have chosen this pen name, because I lived in orphanages and foster homes during my childhood years (although I am not an orphan). I am a writer of spiritual memoir and character sketches, and consider myself to be sort of a “wounded healer”. I have a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
I have been writing my memoirs and other true stories for many years, in order to encourage other “seekers” who may be feeling confused and hopeless. I am just beginning to post my writings and I hope that they will enable someone to find inner strength and meaning in the chaos of their own life.
I am inexperienced in blogging, so I will probably make lots of mistakes. Please be patient with me while I am learning. Thank you.
~♥~
MY PHILOSOPHY
I love Christ, but I am not very fond of religion. I am not a nun, although I felt drawn to the monastic lifestyle at a young age, before my life became too messy. I have attended a church where people often address each other with family titles like mother, brother, daughter, and sister, and I have grown accustomed to being called “sister.” This is a beautiful practice, and means a great deal to people like me who have not enjoyed traditional families.
As a child, I was heavily influenced by Quakers, then I was converted and baptized in a Baptist church, and I was confirmed and took my first communion in an Episcopal church. Later in life, I became part of an African-American Pentecostal holiness church. I also dabbled in lots of “exploratory religion” outside of Christianity during my teenage years.
I could “zoom in” on the positive or negative aspects of every version of faith if I chose to do so. But I believe in compassion and dialogue, and never passing judgment on anyone. I don’t believe Jesus hated anyone.
I found these precepts on the “Interrupting the Silence” blog by Father Michael K. Marsh, and they sum up my philosophy about how to live in a Christlike way. These rules are not just useful for monks, but for anyone trying to imitate Christ.
~♥~
The Seven Rules of a Monk
These are the seven rules of a monk:
In the first place, as scripture says,
“Love God with all your soul and all your mind.”
Then, love your fellow human beings
as you love yourself.
Fast from all evil.
Never pass judgment on anyone, for any cause.
Never do evil to anyone.
Discipline yourself and purge yourself
from material and spiritual evil.
Cultivate a modest and gentle heart.
If you can do all these things
and see only your own faults, not those of others,
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
will be with you abundantly.
Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers
~♥~
DEAR OLIVE….
Don’t go ’round confused– if you have anything you wish to ask me about my faith, my life, or my statements, please ask me. I would like to have more dialogue with my readers, and to clarify anything that may be unclear.
If I am able to answer your question, I will do so in the most conscientious manner possible. Be aware that I don’t haggle over non-essential doctrine or anything that might create unnecessary controversy or division in the Body of Christ. We need more unity, and less fragmentation.
Also, it goes without saying- I don’t know everything…don’t ask me the stuff your two-year old is asking you, like “How did God get here in the first place?” and “How come everything isn’t perfect?” I might try to answer and make a real fool out of myself, but you wouldn’t want that, now would you?
So now that we’ve cleared up the ground rules, I am going to start a page entitled “Dear Olive” so you can submit your inquiries using the “comment” button.
Here is the link to the page: https://olivetwist.wordpress.com/about/dear-olive/
Peace Be With You,
Sister Olive
~♥~
This page has the following sub pages.
Olive Twist – I like that name. And, yes, I thought about “Oliver Twist” right away. I was curious who s/he is 😉
Hi Olive…intriguing blog….I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award…great to connect…thanks…
You are so kind, and I am humbled. I am now following your writings as well.
Hi Olive!
I’ve nominated you for the HUG Award (Hope Unites Globally Award) 🙂 You can see your nomination on my blog here: http://flamidwyfe.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/blogger-awards-part-1/
Also, you can learn about this award here: http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/
I truly enjoy your blog and believe that you give hope to many people! Your stories are amazing!!
Many blessings,
Sandi from http://flamidwyfe.wordpress.com
Thank you so much for this honor, and for all of the encouragement you send my way on a regular basis. You are a blessing!
God’s peace and blessings be with you,
Mike+
Thank you, and peace be with you…I always enjoy your blog too.
“Sister Olive”
Dearest Olive – I started and finished reading your book The World is not My Home, this past weekend. The Spirit that moves through it is amazing, I found myself wrapped up in emotion so many times – I love that you wrote it from your memories, as they are the things we carry as the years roll by – that shape us and allow our soul growth as we move through this journey we call life. You have told a remarkable story, and I recommend reading it to anyone and everyone. Many blessings for your continued growth and the well being of you and your family. Thank you for sharing, and thanks to the Lord for your guidance…
Always,
grandfathersky
Thank you so much for your kind remarks. I have written my story to encourage and console others like myself who have found life to be terribly unfair and almost unbearable at times. I also am thankful for the divine help and guidance in my life. I hope that you might find time to review the book on Amazon if you have not already done so. Blessings to you and your loved ones also.
Shalom, Olive
Your journey seems to convey powerful emotions and I am deeply moved by your journey to find your father in Mallorca.
You are so kind…I am grateful for your message. Peace be with you.
Olive Twist