Olsens Unite!

Hey bloggers, 2nd lieutenant Mark Olsen reporting for duty, once again, to keep my fans and the public informed and updated on critical issiues. I hope that everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving together. I know I did. I guess for me the best part was that I got to hold a little baby girl (Mckenna- 9 lbs, 3.5 month old) instead of helping with dishes. What a relief. I'm sure all of the Olsens in the blogging community would love to hear other Turkey-day stories of triumph and/or disaster, so get posting, bloggers.
In other news, our speakers at church today spoke on the "abundant life," obviously referring to blessings and not money, ipods, or cars. Somehow it was mentioned that we each have the potential to create a masterpiece out of our lives. It is impossible to create a masterpiece is without joy, sorrow, sufffering, sacrifice, and love. For Lance Armstrong, his masterpiece is his devotion to cycling. Beethoven's masterpiece was of course his music (and his temper, I guess) and Michaelangelo's masterpiece was his art. I was thinking that for some people, at the end of their life, their masterpiece may be the service they've given, or maybe the family they raised, or different people that have been touched by friendship throughout their life. I know that some people create a masterpiece of patience and humility. A life of sacrificing one's self for others would also be a beautiful masterpiece.
One last thought: my buddy Steve mentioned some quote from President Eyring in his priesthood lesson today. When writing in a journal, look back over the day and ask "How have I seen the hand of God in my life or the lives of those around me today?" I bet that whether the anwswer is written or not, this great question will cause reflection and appreciation and allow us to see the deeper meaning beyond seemingly meaningless events of the day.

Keep me posted.