Facts, Opinions, Thoughts and InspirationAvis Ward (8,613)     Avis Ward    Avis Ward Company, LLC Love Etched in StonePosted Tuesday, July 29, 2008 (37 days 20 hours ago.) Viewed 147 times.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "etched in stone?" Another used is, "You can take that to the bank." What each of these statements mean is what is being said is absolute. There are no, if's, and's or but's about which to speculate. Let us refer to this phrase as an absolute truth. 
Permalink Comments (5) The Kindness of StrangersPosted Friday, July 25, 2008 (41 days 17 hours ago.) Viewed 204 times. Since learning as a child in Sunday School we could possibly entertain angels and not be aware of it; I have tried to be kind to everyone. Those same Sunday School classes taught us the Golden Rule. I have made an effort to do good wherever and whenever I could. These lessons have remained at the forefront of my mind. Learning Sunday School and Bible Study lessons have helped me through this journey called life. Spiritual parental supervision seasoned with more love than I could ever use have been a tremendous blessing, as well. Although I do not have biological children, I have shared with family, friends and strangers that if I had children, I would be kind to everyone because my children would reap the benefits of my kindness. It is something I am convinced of because of my life. I am receiving blessings that have not been earned or merited by my deeds. My parents were doers and givers. No one was ever denied their kindness. They gave to everyone and shared whatever they had with others. Their giving spirit has proven to be a beautiful legacy left to their children. Presently, I am working on a project that is beyond my skill-set in many ways. I have searched the Internet and found a forum for help. It has been two weeks and I have found the kindness of strangers who are demonstrating the same spirit of giving taught by my parents and at church. These people have given many hours of their time without monetary compensation. I suggested payment to one young man and he was highly offended. This young man and I have formed a partnership of sorts. We have learned from each other. We have already had a falling out, so to speak, but a bond has formed between two people who care about others. He is young enough to be my son and I feel maternal towards him. He has a brilliant mind and is wise beyond his twenty-four years. We have communicated through tense moments that are apart of life and are moving forward. It is refreshing getting to know someone with such maturity and gentleness. As we worked on a new project earlier today, he asked what I had in mind. He wanted to know my ideas about something. In my excitement throughout the day, I had failed to eat anything except a piece of fruit. I answered him, "well, I hadn't thought about it." My tummy was talking to me too and I had decided I would make an omelet and toast. He came back with, "knowing as little as I do but as much as I do about you, I think you'd want something religious etc . . . and something for dentists . . . " What he said caused my eyes to mist over with tears. This young man has listened to me, kept an open mind, learned things about me and could think for me. I let him know, "yeah, that's what I had in mind but my hunger is making me daft!" He laughed out loud and told me to get a bite to eat and I could check something he was working on when I returned. I am privileged to enjoy the kindness of this 24-year old Dutchman. We have discovered we have visited some of the same places in Europe. He is fluent in four languages and we communicate in three of them. I have learned basic words in Dutch and have amazed him when I answer in Dutch. Earlier, I was wondering if he'd gone out with his girlfriend but he popped online. It is Friday night and six hours later in Holland. I have learned his girlfriend is a student and works part-time. She had fallen asleep on the couch which allowed him computer time. He came online to check my progress on our project. It pleased him and that made me happy. We never know how others will impact our lives when we meet them, whether online or in real life. Because I had a problem and not the solution, in my search, he provided the solution and so much more. We have become friends. I find that incredible! The invoice I would receive for his services would be astronomical! I do not take lightly how he has blessed me with his knowledge, time, expertise, friendship and kindness. This young man's kindness has encouraged me to do more. . . to be more. . . to give more. . . to help more. . . and to tell you about him. Be kind to everyone. How we treat others is important. And if you are a parent, believe it or not, your children will be affected by your deeds. I know that to be true. Copyright 2008 Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
Permalink Comments (15) The Power of ForgivenessPosted Monday, July 21, 2008 (46 days ago.) Viewed 614 times. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." -Jesus Imagine this: You've been beaten worse than an animal, spat on, nailed to a tree, pierced in your sides, given vinegar to drink, ridiculed with a crown of thorns and you're a King, lied on and found faultless yet you ask your daddy to forgive the guilty! Does that illustrate to you the importance of forgiveness? When we offer forgiveness, we are retaining power over ourselves instead of relinquishing it to someone else. We are preserving our health and peace of mind. IF (a big if at that) Jesus did not forgive those who crucified Him, He would not have risen from the grave three days later. Can you begin to imagine where this world would be if He had not? I shiver to think of it. It's unimaginable for this finite mind. I shudder in afterthoughts! Thank you, Jesus for being who You are! If we hold malice in our hearts against anyone for any reason, we are not deserving of our Father's forgiveness. Remember the first and yet second commandment? How can you say you love God and hate your brother? When we do not forgive one another, we foster hatred. I know of someone who forgot her husband was abusive (according to her daughter.) The daughter couldn't understand how her Mother could forget something so horrendous. I offered it was the work of the Lord protecting her so that she would not harbor hatred and non forgiveness for her dad. (They have been divorced for several decades now.) This was shared because we do not always have to "forgive and forget" as we may need the memory to serve as a lesson learned should another situation similiar to what was endured occurs. But we can remember, like Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, the sting of death has been removed; the sting of the incident is no longer there because of forgiveness. Try forgiving everyone today. Even if you must write them a letter to vent yet never mail it, you can live free from a painful past and eventually, the aroma of peace and the fragrance of joy will surround you. It's so worth it than to miss out on eternity. My sins have been forgiven (and so have yours) and I have forgiven others. I forgive anyone else in advance of an offense. It's liberating! This is the Power of Forgiveness! Copyright © 2008 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
Permalink Comments (13) Happily Ever AfterPosted Saturday, July 12, 2008 (54 days 20 hours ago.) Viewed 129 times. I've written about the relationship my parents shared for thirty-eight years. It was not perfect. How can two imperfect people have something perfect, unless you count me? I hope you laughed as this article is meant to do just that, make you laugh.
I have read many articles written by Warpies (SearchWarp's Authors) about laughter and how it does a body good. I was actually voted one of four (two girls/two boys won) Class Clowns in my senior year of high school. I do not intend to be comical it just ends up that way. I confess to being witty, and will say something offhanded but quite appropriate for the time.
If you want to laugh a little and learn the importance of laughing, I suggest using SearchWarp's Articles search feature and type in keywords: laugh, laughter, sense of humor and laughing. Type these words individually. Some articles will be repeats but new ones will surface. You will find a common thread in these articles and that is how healing and fabulously wonderful it is to laugh. I enjoy being whole and feeling fabulously wonderful so laughter is all right with me. Of course, I use discretion.
I received something in my email that I am anxious to share. There is a risk for me to share it because those who know me best do not find humor in things that will crack me up. I will say it's me and not them but I haven't changed.
I started this talking about my parents' relationship. They enjoyed marital bliss with its ups and downs and disappointments and it seems the couple in the following have enjoyed a 'happily ever after' fairytale-like marriage for many years. Read how that was accomplished.
What do you think, was that not hilarious? I hope you're still laughing. If you didn't find it hilarious, believe me, you are missing out!
July 2008 by Avis Ward of My FM!
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