We are NEVER alone

Sometimes...I think life is so tough and I don't understand why I have to have the trials I do. It's in those moments I forget for just a split moment how truly blessed I am. I have had such an incredible life & I feel guilty for not remembering that for a moment. Today I had a training where we spoke about refugee students in our schools. That got me thinking and I know one of the next steps in my life is going to be to help them somehow whether it's volunteering or finding a full time job at a refugee center. Hearing stories about refugees makes me wonder how I could ever complain about anything in my life. These children of God I've realized must have been TRULY elect & so strong in the preexistence for them to have the strength to come down and endure those hardships. I hope that one day I can help make their lives better somehow...Now that I'm on the topic of the gospel I want to share some incredibly important thoughts that I've had & some that I've heard this year that have really stuck with me. Anytime I have a hard day or thought these always pick me up without fail. I know that's why the gospel is there...to pick us up when we are down, remind us where we come from & to keep us going through those trials. Truly makes me happy to know I am a part of something so special.
"Whatever you do, do well. Be good at it. Stand a little taller. Be a little better." Gordon B Hinckley
   Coming from one of my favorite prophets-this constantly reminds me to take it a day at a time &
    to just be a little better each and every day!
"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." CS Lewis
     Seriously this quote is exactly what we need. We have to remember Heavenly Father has a plan
        for us & it's better than anything we've had or could imagine for ourselves.
"Do you love someone but do not like them? Change that into praise and never give criticism. Learn to like them as well as love them!"
     I always say I love so & so because they are a child of God but I am striving to give praise and
       to truly like people as well...and it's tough haha
"Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid"
     Easily one of my all time favorite scriptures. I know & believe in this gospel and have no reason
       to fear.
"The commandments don't serve a purpose unless we obey"
      This was deep the first time I heard it and how true it is.
"Men's hearts are changed every day"
       I can't remember where I heard this but it changed my life. It makes me think of so many,
         including my dad, who are stubborn and hard hearted but I have hope because men change
         every day.
"Simplicity takes courage..."
"There is only ONE choice that ALL our other little choices feed into: Do we choose to follow
    Christ and be like him?"
     There is only one choice that will make every other choice incredibly easy.
" LOOK FORWARD WITH FAITH AND HOPE...Hope is to trust in God and toward something. Heavenly Father wants us to press forward and have hope. It's part of his purpose that we have faith"
       This is a constant that I am working on to continually look forward with full faith & hope and
         remember that my Heavenly Father knows what is best for me & has a plan for my life.

"The atonement is the driving force in the universe!"
"WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE?"
      I can think of nothing else that brings me the comfort, happiness & feelings that this
       gospel does. I can think of nothing else that has brought all the change in me throughout my life
      & has brought change to so many others I know and that change is ALWAYS for the best & truly
       good.
"The world is a troubled place....the temple never is."

Finally....
"The coincidences in the gospel are never REALLY coincidences"
 
 This painting I never knew existed until this past year & it is remarkable. The story & symbolism behind it is truly touching. I am posting it here so everyone can see it & I can always remember
we are NEVER alone.

                                     LOST & FOUND by Greg Olsen

I received an e-mail from a young man who expressed his discouragement at not being able to find many images of the Savior with teenagers. He noted that he had seen many paintings depicting Christ with loveable little children, but rarely had he found his age group represented in such a setting. This young man closed his message with these heartfelt words: “What about us?” Many of us have probably asked a similar question. What about me? Who doesn’t love little children with all their precious innocence and charm? But what about those of us that may not feel as lovable; those of us who may have struggled and lost our way, or who have wandered paths that have left us worn and doubting our worth? Thankfully, Christ’s love carries no conditions and is extended in full measure, especially to those who feel lost and forgotten.
Greg Olsen – 2003
Painting Symbology: The young man is dressed in dark clothing representing those dark clouds that at times weigh heavy on our souls and seems to cover the light that still shimmers inside us. The knapsack and bedroll remind us of the worldly burdens that we all carry around … fear, discouragement, pain, loneliness, sorrow, anger, hopelessness and on and on. The meandering path in the background symbolizes the twists and turns of life’s journey, some of which stretch us to our limit. Such was the case with Dan the young man I used as a model in this painting. Dan was a friend of our family whose path brought him to a place where he chose to leave this life and the clouds that must have surrounded him. Dan’s journey has made this painting all the more poignant for me as life imitates art. Wherever we are in our journey, the Lord is near. He will not force himself upon us, but simply waits for us to ask for his help. Unlike most of us, who have difficulty seeing beyond the outward view of that person on the bench, Christ sees the soul knows the heart and remains the ultimate Savior and friend.

Would you like to add a special touch to your print?

Yes, I would like Greg to personally sign my print. ($20)

. - See more at: https://www.gregolsen.com/gallery/lost-and-found#sthash.6Ye0wj3o.dpuf

I received an e-mail from a young man who expressed his discouragement at not being able to find many images of the Savior with teenagers. He noted that he had seen many paintings depicting Christ with loveable little children, but rarely had he found his age group represented in such a setting. This young man closed his message with these heartfelt words: “What about us?” Many of us have probably asked a similar question. What about me? Who doesn’t love little children with all their precious innocence and charm? But what about those of us that may not feel as lovable; those of us who may have struggled and lost our way, or who have wandered paths that have left us worn and doubting our worth? Thankfully, Christ’s love carries no conditions and is extended in full measure, especially to those who feel lost and forgotten.

Greg Olsen – 2003
Painting Symbology: The young man is dressed in dark clothing representing those dark clouds that at times weigh heavy on our souls and seems to cover the light that still shimmers inside us. The knapsack and bedroll remind us of the worldly burdens that we all carry around … fear, discouragement, pain, loneliness, sorrow, anger, hopelessness and on and on. The meandering path in the background symbolizes the twists and turns of life’s journey, some of which stretch us to our limit. Such was the case with Dan the young man I used as a model in this painting. Dan was a friend of our family whose path brought him to a place where he chose to leave this life and the clouds that must have surrounded him. Dan’s journey has made this painting all the more poignant for me as life imitates art. Wherever we are in our journey, the Lord is near. He will not force himself upon us, but simply waits for us to ask for his help. Unlike most of us, who have difficulty seeing beyond the outward view of that person on the bench, Christ sees the soul knows the heart and remains the ultimate Savior and friend.

OST AND FOUND

I received an e-mail from a young man who expressed his discouragement at not being able to find many images of the Savior with teenagers. He noted that he had seen many paintings depicting Christ with loveable little children, but rarely had he found his age group represented in such a setting. This young man closed his message with these heartfelt words: “What about us?” Many of us have probably asked a similar question. What about me? Who doesn’t love little children with all their precious innocence and charm? But what about those of us that may not feel as lovable; those of us who may have struggled and lost our way, or who have wandered paths that have left us worn and doubting our worth? Thankfully, Christ’s love carries no conditions and is extended in full measure, especially to those who feel lost and forgotten.
Greg Olsen – 2003
Painting Symbology: The young man is dressed in dark clothing representing those dark clouds that at times weigh heavy on our souls and seems to cover the light that still shimmers inside us. The knapsack and bedroll remind us of the worldly burdens that we all carry around … fear, discouragement, pain, loneliness, sorrow, anger, hopelessness and on and on. The meandering path in the background symbolizes the twists and turns of life’s journey, some of which stretch us to our limit. Such was the case with Dan the young man I used as a model in this painting. Dan was a friend of our family whose path brought him to a place where he chose to leave this life and the clouds that must have surrounded him. Dan’s journey has made this painting all the more poignant for me as life imitates art. Wherever we are in our journey, the Lord is near. He will not force himself upon us, but simply waits for us to ask for his help. Unlike most of us, who have difficulty seeing beyond the outward view of that person on the bench, Christ sees the soul knows the heart and remains the ultimate Savior and friend.

Would you like to add a special touch to your print?

Yes, I would like Greg to personally sign my print. ($20)

. - See more at: https://www.gregolsen.com/gallery/lost-and-found#sthash.6Ye0wj3o.dpuf