Easter Sunday

What a wonderful service we had today on this beautiful Easter morning. Michelle D. gave an amazing talk and quoted the words of one of one of  my very favorite primary songs.  

A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.

The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

I know He lives!

I will follow faithfully.

My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

 

Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.

Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.

 

I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

 

He is real to me. No I have never seen him or touched him. But I have felt the spirit. I have felt the spirit when I have studied his words. I know that the peace I feel when I fully live the Gospel of Jesus Christ is greater than any other feeling that I have ever had.

 I am just your average mom, who sometime gets so busy with life that I am guilty of neglecting the things that are truly important. I make mistakes, I make alot of mistakes. Each day I am learning and growing. And I am so grateful that each week I can partake of the sacrament and 

get a fresh start to a new week. 

I feel as though I have always had a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But 8 years ago when I faced the death of my first true love, my dad, I felt a warmth that is indescribable.I know that I was the only person in the room with my dad and yet I know that the room was filled with the spirits of his loved ones who had gone before. They had come to bring him home. And it felt as though they had wrapped a warm blanket around me and filled me with their love. 

And I can testify to you that I heard a voice as my dad passed from this life. 

It was real. I don't know how else to describe it. But it is the concrete that will cement my testimony until I see my dad again.

And it said "Kristan, the Plan of Salvation is real, the gospel is true, and you will be with your dad again. Families can be forever. Just hold on. It will all be worth it" 

I really cannot fully explain the feelings I had on that day. But I do know that on this Easter Sunday I am reflecting on my relationship with my Savior, my older brother Jesus Christ. I am reflecting on the things that I was taught on that day 8 years ago and the progress I have made and the progress I have lacked since.

It is like I need to be reminded daily that the atonement is for everyone. 

And each day, even many times a day, I can get a do over.

I can continue to gain peace in this life and be washed clean from those things that weigh me down.

 I can get help with my challenges. 

 Jesus Christ brings hope to our lives. Because of Him, our past does not dictate our future. We can gain strength to overcome anything. As I taught my little primary kids today, he knows and he loves each and every one of us.

He is risen, and He guides and directs His church today!