It’s Easter weekend and my thoughts turn from Cadbury eggs, of which I couldn’t find anywhere this season, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My sister-in-law asked in a family post to share our favorite pictures of Christ, of which I have many, and it reminded me of how important this past ‘Holy Week’ really is. A time to reflect on our blessings and ponder on what life is.

From what I have learned from reading and listening to ancient and living prophets, it all began before coming to this earth. We were born as spirit children of a loving Heavenly Mother and Father of whom we were given our individual personalities and gifts.

I am a child of these celestial beings who created me and were the architects of this world which my temporal body resides. And what a beautiful world this is! I feel a sense of gratitude for the mountains, hills, waters, landscapes, and living creatures to enjoy life and all that it has to offer.

I am a personal witness of how we are all part of an eternal family. From the power of having two children of my own with my eternal soul mate to being connected to extended family, friends and neighbors. This mortal life didn’t come from nothing. It came by design, and man and woman were created in Gods image. We are here on this earth to be tried and tested. We, just as our earthly first parents Adam and Eve, will experience physical and spiritual death. It is in this that we may experience joy. Because without knowing pain and suffering, how can we know love and happiness?

It is in this ‘fall of man’ that the plan was put in place. Our loving Father in Heaven sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to come down to earth to be a Savior to all mankind. Thru the power of the atonement and resurrection, we will overcome the bands of spiritual and physical death.

I know without a doubt that Christ came. He lived. He ministered. He suffered, and He died. And on the third day He arose, and He lives! I know that my Redeemer lives! And there will be a time in the future where I will not only meet my maker to recount my life here on earth, but I will also be reunited with all who have passed before me. Including my brother and Savior, Jesus Christ! What a glorious day it will be! I look forward to that day! In the interim I live… I live here with the knowledge I have. I live to embrace the trials and challenges life has ahead of me, and I live to remember Him in all that I do. In His Holy Name, Amen.