Easter Reflection

I love this time of year. The grass is turning green, flowers are pushing their way through the ground and the trees are budding. It's a time of new beginning; everything is so fresh and new, but my favorite part about spring is celebrating Easter.
I try to maintain a Christ centered life, but will admit that I get side tracked occasionally. I love how at this time of year we have some extra time to reflect on our Savior: His life, ministry, the atonement and resurrection.


I love all the feelings and emotions that come with such reflection. We are all so blessed! We have been given an AMAZING gift! Hope - if nothing else. The hope that it gives each of us; that this life is not all there is, that Jesus Christ, our older brother, our Savior and Redeemer, has atoned for our sins. He has over come death and because of that we will ALL be resurrected.
Not only will our body be reunited with our spirit, but that body will be made whole and perfect! No more handicaps, disabilities or pain! What an amazing thing we have been promised!

Today in church Joyce and Jeff Underwood were our speakers. I don't know how many of you know the Underwoods or their story - but it was a very special meeting. In the summer of 1993 Joyce and Jeff's 11-year-old daughter was abducted, raped and murdered - it's a very sad story and I can't imagine what it would be like to endure such a horrific ordeal.
Sister Underwood began by asking "How many of you have ever lost a child?" My first thought, knowing their back ground, was 'No - not like you have.' But then she clarified "...even if only for a few minutes..." which I have done. It's frightening not to know where your children are, what they are doing or if they're OK.
I always have to chuckle a bit when I hear the story of the 12 year old Jesus being left in Jerusalem after the feast of the pass-over. 'Where's Jesus?' 'You don't have him?' 'I thought he was with you.' But I'm sure that Mary and Joseph felt awful! They, of course, were able to find their son, whole and unharmed, and even conversing with doctors and scholars at the temple. Jeff and Joyce were not so lucky. But because of the atonement they will be with their daughter again.
Joyce shared the experience she had in the temple while doing Jeralee's work; '... that she is busy with a great work on the other side; that she is well and happy...'
What a great thing the gospel is! In a situation like theirs it would be hard for anyone not to become hardened and bitter. But because of their faith this amazing family has pulled together and moved past this awful experience, and can look forward to the day when they will all be together again.

I am so thankful for my Savior. I know that he suffered and atoned for my sins - and that only through him can I repent and be made whole.
I am so thankful to be living on the Earth today and am so glad that I have the gospel in my life.
I am thankful for loving parents who taught me the truths of the gospel, have answered my questions, and given me the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to decide for myself if these things are true.
I love my Savior - and am eternally grateful for his sacrifice and for the merciful plan of happiness.
I know I am a daughter of God. I have divine potential and my Heavenly Father loves me!

I hope each of you are able to enjoy this Easter holiday and this beautiful time of year!!