Easter Sunday has always been and always will be my favorite Sunday of the Year. I "feel" my Savior near and I "feel" His love on this day more than any other. I am sure it is because I think of Him and all that He has done and does for me more on this day. I have always felt the difference and I hope I will continue to....I like the feeling.
I am very thankful for Christ's atonement and the love it took to do that for each of us. I am so thankful that by His choice and Will He was resurrected and that we will be too. No one has ever loved us more! (not counting our Heavenly Parents) I love Jesus Christ...the Son of God....our Brother and Savior of the World!
We do celebrate the traditions of our fathers and enjoy treats of plenty. This year our kids at home also got a soft stuffed toy. They take after their dad and really like them. Having Easter on Conference weekend was wonderful. The treats were appreciated more being able to stay home and enjoy them while enjoying the conference. I'm so glad that our kids are old enough to enjoy the talks and watch all the sessions with us. I really like my kids a lot!
Larry and I left the house early so we could visit the home of our grands and leave them a cheerful surprise on each of their porches. This year I found bunny tracks at the dollar store and used them which was much easier than the flour and stencil we used last year. Larry and I bought stuffed bunnies last year when they were on clearance and I saved them and remembered I had them and we even had an extra which was perfect so that Trichelle's little bun in the oven could have one too.
Each grand was thrilled and surprised by the gifts they found on their porch. The older grands got side walk chalk as well. I think they all look pretty happy.
My grands thrill me to pieces and as I received pictures from their mommies I couldn't help but smile and get a little teary eyed. These little's melt my heart.
I love surprising my grands and adding to their Easter fun. I hope they don't catch on and that we will be able to do this for a few more years. I'm really glad they all live close....that is truly a blessing!
Larry invited the Sister's over for breakfast and to watch the first session of Conference with us. They were as thrilled to receive a cute bunny and some treats as my grands were. It was fun having them over. Sister Frazier told me that we are her adoptive family. She likes hanging out with us. The missionaries are fun to have over. They have such great spirits!
I love Conference being on Easter. I love hearing the words of God given to us through our leaders. Yesterday we were told that each speaker was assigned their topic...assigned by the spirit. I love the revelation given to us through the Holy Ghost. It's such an awesome gift.
There are always so many wonderful messages. Too many to have a real favorite.
Yesterday after conference I received a nice text from a dear friend saying: "There was a talk in the later conference today that reminded me of you and Larry. He mentioned that there are those that make everyone feel included and loved. Whether it's attending a youth sports game or driving a widow around. It's not about the calling but what you've done to help others. That's you and Larry." How nice it that? I was impressed with my friend for taking the time to send that sweet message to brighten Larry and my day. She could have just thought it but she went a step further and shared it with us. It did make our day. It's nice to be recognized every now and then so you know that you are making a difference.
There are always so many good reminders!
The talk by Brent H. Nielson hit me the hardest. He shared the story of his sister who had left the church when she was older. He told of how him and his brothers and mother tried encouraging her back only to push her further away. Finally they just loved her and prayed for her and included her in their lives. It took 13 years before she came back but she did come back. I couldn't control my tears...it hit home. Kimleighel came over after the talk to give me a hug and she said that she just realized that my brothers and my sister had all fell away as well as Larry's sister...I gave her a tight hug as I whispered "your sister" too. I know that in time all will be back....♥
Trials will always be part of this glorious life. Our trials strengthen us and make us better. Crazy how that works but it does.
No matter what though our Savior is always there for us and already paid the price. He also showed us the way and paved the path. We are never, ever alone!
In as much as we do to another it is as if we are doing it for Him! If we could remember that better we would do so much more than we are.
Every day we need to study the scriptures and pray. These simple principles will carry us through what ever comes our way.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True and Complete. It is such a blessing in my life. I find peace and comfort from keeping the commandments and serving in my callings. I love the guidance of the gospel, the gifts and tools we are given to help us, and the leaders that love and support us and instruct us through revelation. I am thankful for a Prophet that leads and guides us. I know that he talks to our Father through our Savior, Jesus Christ. They all love us and want to help us back. I know the Book of Mormon and the scriptures talk to us and will be answers to our prayers. It's important to read them daily. I know that our Savior LIVES! He lived and died for us and lives again. He came back as he said he would!
***I invited my mom over to have dinner with us and she declined because she would miss watching 60 Minutes...and that's what she does. A little reminder to me why I hold back and keep space between us.
