Happy Easter!

I love Easter. It signals the start of Spring and the renewal of the earth, and all living things.  It also reminds me that there is live after death, and that some day will be resurrected.  Once we are resurrected, we don't have to worry about death, pain, suffering or just plain old misery!  Yes, Easter is a wonderful time of year to think about our Savior, Jesus Christ and His Infinite Atonement!

Thank you, Jesus Christ, for suffering for my sins and giving up your life for me on the cross.  Thank you for the blessing of resurrection to Eternal Life.  Thank you for your life and teachings.  Thank you for your example of obedience to God, The Eternal Father and doing His will.  Thank you for completing your earthly mission.

Easter is also a time for my children and I to reflect on the passing of my husband and their Dad.  He died on April 2 2000.  It was General Conference weekend.  My girlfriend called me and talked to me about one of the talks at General Conference.  The talk was on Widows and Orphans.  I have read and reread that talk many times and feel eternally grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This Easter all the children and grandchildren are in Utah.  It could seem really lonely except General Conference was on TV and I got to watch it.  It made me realize that I am a member of a large, family oriented church and that Jesus loves me.  I don't feel lonely because I have brothers and sisters all over the world.  Plus, I am but a phone call away from the girls.  I will be seeing everyone in just 2 short weeks.

Oh the places we'll go and the activities we'll have~!

Happy Easter and Aloha,

Stephanie