Lost and Found...

I have been asked many times why we are Foster Parents why we would bring these strangers and troubled souls in to our home and lives, well there are actually many reasons why and when I saw the pictures bellow those reasons were brought to my mind again so real. I have read Greg's words regarding his paintings and was inspired by them, but I would like to share my thoughts on what his paintings mean to me. 

The children that are in foster care are there for many reasons, some for the choices they have made and some for nothing that they have done at all, but the victims of someone else's choices. Either way most, if not all of them have had VERY difficult and challenging lives. They have not all known love and kindness, boundaries, shown that they are worth EVERYTHING, that they have people in their lives that care for them, keep them safe, that have taught them that the Savior LOVES them and that He sacrificed for THEM. They think that they are alone in this journey of life and that they are not worth caring for, or that they can be safe and loved. These feelings lead a lot of them to take paths that none of us would ever chose for our children or for those that we care for. They are the epitome of Christ's LOST sheep. They were once among the flock and shielded and protected from the wolves and dangers of the outside world, then the ones that were charged to care for them rejected them and went on their own paths leaving their charges to fend for themselves. 

Christ told the Pharisees in Luke 15:3-7;

And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

I feel as if God has given us the ability to care for and love these lost children, to help them, and hope to guide them back to happiness and the Love of their Savior. It is not always an easy road nor not filled with complications and bumps and detours along the way. There are rewards along the path as well, tender mercies, miracles, joy, and Love. We had one young man in our home for just two days a few weeks ago and I have to say that in that time he truly touched me and my life, it was one of those times that someone touches you if even for a minute and forever imprinted themselves on your life. This is why God has lead us to this path. I only hope that we can help and impact someone's life and give them back what has been taken from them or that they have lost. As Greg's pictures depict to us Christ is there for them just as the little children, that they are just as important to Him as each of His Children are. No matter were the wayward path has taken them He is there for them and will bring them back with Him to Our Father. 

Lost and Found by: Greg Olsen

I love how Greg shows Him just sitting and listening to them. That's all they need sometimes, 

for someone to care and show them LOVE. 

 The Masters Touch by: Greg Olsen

There is of course our personal miracle that was given to us through Foster Care that was our wonderful Family! They too have been through so much and I pray that we will live up to what God has in store for them and has trusted us to do on his behalf. There is still a lot for us to do and accomplish yet, but we will all make it with the strength Christ gives us. 

THROUGH HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE...