Querido Familia y Amigos:
Sunday I had another private miracle. I had taken a vase of flowers and was glad I had, because it was the barrio's (ward's) conference and la presidencia de la estaca (the stake presidency) was with us. I had caught Dad's cold and wasn't feeling great but there was no one to lead music for Sacrament Meeting. The bishop had asked several members without success, so I volunteered. After the second song, I thought I needed to go home. Not knowing if there was anyone on the stand that could lead, I asked Heavenly Father for help. I received enough strength the finish my assignment of four songs. Then I was headed home when the counsellor in the Primary asked for my help with the music. The stake Primary presidency was teaching both songs and classes but didn't have a pianist. I had received the impression not to go home. Before I left for church I also had the impression to bring food. Now I knew why. I played for the opening, went to Sunday School and ate my food, then went back and finished all the music and the Primary meetings with strength to spare....until I got home. Then I went to bed for the rest of the day. What did I learn? Don't kiss your husband when he has a cold, and ask for help when you need it.
Sunday I had another private miracle. I had taken a vase of flowers and was glad I had, because it was the barrio's (ward's) conference and la presidencia de la estaca (the stake presidency) was with us. I had caught Dad's cold and wasn't feeling great but there was no one to lead music for Sacrament Meeting. The bishop had asked several members without success, so I volunteered. After the second song, I thought I needed to go home. Not knowing if there was anyone on the stand that could lead, I asked Heavenly Father for help. I received enough strength the finish my assignment of four songs. Then I was headed home when the counsellor in the Primary asked for my help with the music. The stake Primary presidency was teaching both songs and classes but didn't have a pianist. I had received the impression not to go home. Before I left for church I also had the impression to bring food. Now I knew why. I played for the opening, went to Sunday School and ate my food, then went back and finished all the music and the Primary meetings with strength to spare....until I got home. Then I went to bed for the rest of the day. What did I learn? Don't kiss your husband when he has a cold, and ask for help when you need it.
|
Hiking Volcanoes:
Dad left with Dr. Marroquin Monday morning to hike two volcanoes, Pacaya (which we had hiked in January with Shawn's family), and then Acatenango. From the second volcano, they could have looked down on Fuego, the most active volcano in Central America. However, Dr. Marroquin became ill, so they didn't finish the second hike.
Dad left with Dr. Marroquin Monday morning to hike two volcanoes, Pacaya (which we had hiked in January with Shawn's family), and then Acatenango. From the second volcano, they could have looked down on Fuego, the most active volcano in Central America. However, Dr. Marroquin became ill, so they didn't finish the second hike.
Lunch from Puerto Rico: Monday we also had an authentic Puerto Rican luncheon at President and Hermana Burk's home. It was to honour the temple employees. President Burk grew up in Puerto Rico and took his wife back later to raise their family. We missionaries went early to prepare the food, then served it from an extended bar of ingredients in the kitchen. We had rice and beans, salad, pork chops with sweet cooked banana, fried plantain slices and masa fritters. Dessert was flan served with Hermana Burk's special: tortilla slices with dulce la leche. This dessert is special to me because I first tried it when the Burks brought dessert for our family dinner years ago. Bless Shawn for meeting and marrying Rebecca Burk! | |
Sacred Art by Greg Olsen
“Sacred Space” was inspired by the scripture in Luke 17:21,”… For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you”. Sacred Spaces evoke feelings that not only heal and inspire but also help us discover our higher selves and our oneness with the Creator. Often times we connect these spaces to physical, sanctified locations… but, as the Savior suggested, some Sacred Spaces are not limited by such boundaries. Any space becomes sacred when it transforms our mind and awakens our soul to discover the Kingdom of God, not only around us, but also within us. For me this piece represents a divine invitation to enter into those higher realms, a space of peace filled with His love and presence.
The chronic effects caused by the frantic pace of modern life seem to be contagious to our inner soul and consciousness. Like most everyone else, my daily life can be hectic and it can often feel far from spiritually inspiring. As a result, it’s not hard to experience fear, discouragement, depression, anger, doubt and general negativity. I have found that regular meditation has created for me a special “sacred space” to which I can retreat and let the world and its persistent symptoms fall away.
Meditation has become a rejuvenating refuge, a therapeutic cocoon from which I can reorient my perspective. People often ask me where my artistic inspiration comes from. I most often find it in my own inner sanctuary which I can enter through the stillness of personal prayer and meditation. This sanctuary serves as a portal to realms that at times seem heavenly. This is where I feel God’s love and inspiration. This is where I also become more familiar with what I think of as my Higher Self. This is a place personally accessible to each one of us!
– Greg
The chronic effects caused by the frantic pace of modern life seem to be contagious to our inner soul and consciousness. Like most everyone else, my daily life can be hectic and it can often feel far from spiritually inspiring. As a result, it’s not hard to experience fear, discouragement, depression, anger, doubt and general negativity. I have found that regular meditation has created for me a special “sacred space” to which I can retreat and let the world and its persistent symptoms fall away.
Meditation has become a rejuvenating refuge, a therapeutic cocoon from which I can reorient my perspective. People often ask me where my artistic inspiration comes from. I most often find it in my own inner sanctuary which I can enter through the stillness of personal prayer and meditation. This sanctuary serves as a portal to realms that at times seem heavenly. This is where I feel God’s love and inspiration. This is where I also become more familiar with what I think of as my Higher Self. This is a place personally accessible to each one of us!
– Greg
Happy Anniversary to Shawn and Becca, Happy Anniversary to Us!
Family Photos: hover your cursor over the photos
Little Things:
Fun, courtesy of Carol Cramer, Mac's sister