Welcome to the website. Although initially launched as a portal for discussing books, the difficulty of writing on a part-time basis has greatly lengthened the publishing process, and for a while the site was somewhat dormant. However, as the years fly past, priorities constantly reshuffle themselves until the day comes that once again, writing can be higher on the to-do list.
Beyond writing novels, however, I have realized an even greater value, and responsibility, to owning this website. Anyone tuning into the news these days is bound to be overwhelmed by the litany of discouraging reports, whether they pertain to politics, crime, human rights, weather, or any subject really. Even social media has become so vindictive and dour, full of anger and pessimism, many seem to fear the future and bemoan the current trajectory of our world. President Gordon B. Hinckley was truly prophetic when in he noted that “Criticism, fault-finding, evil speaking — these are the spirit of the day.” In this 1974 BYU devotional*, he pronounced, “Surely this is the age and place of the gifted pickle sucker.” If this was true more than 40 years ago, it is even more so today. On a more personal note, I fear the effect that this current climate of doom might inflict upon my children and loved ones.
As such, from time to time, I hope to share some of my observations and experiences in an attempt to “accentuate the positive” and fortify faith over fears. The vast majority of these random ramblings and thoughts will be primarily targeted to my children, with their well-being and welfare in mind, but if these small notes of appreciation and hope might help a few others along the way, then I will be all the more grateful. In a dark and troubled hour, it was the Savior who told His loved ones, “Let not your heard be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). As long as we have the gospel, then we have hope. Oh, and please don’t be a pickle sucker.
*https://speeches.byu.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Hinckley_Gordon_1974_10.pdf
All content is protected by copyright. © 2017 – Jeffrey Olsen
Love the book..
Hello there, if you could please wondering if you have placed his name and the family on the prayer rolls.
What is the latest on Drew? There have been no updates in a week, and he and your family have weighed heavily on my mind and heart.
We will keep Drew and your family in our prayers.