Gotta Love Easter

Wow, this easter Sunday was incredible!  We have this tradition in our family where all the kids have to be awake and in the hallway that enters into the family room in order to see what the easter bunny brought!  If one kid isn't there then the rest can't go.  I woke up to the noise of my sisters and mom "Come on Mark, everyone is awake and your holding us up."  I replied with "Do it without me, I'm tired and I want to have energy for church."  They all replied "We can't do it without you."  So I finally got up and boy I'm glad I did.

With the morning sun shining through the window my sisters and I walked speedily into the family room to find the best easter present we've ever received.  In separate piles scattered throughout the room was an easter basket full of candy and different framed pictures of the Savior Jesus Christ painted by the likes of  Greg Olson and Simon Dewey.

My Mom pointed to my pile and said "that one is yours Mark"  and so on until we were all sitting by our different pictures.  Each picture was carefully selected for each child.  My Mom and Dad chose each one that reminded them of us individually.

With tear-filled eyes my Mom went around the room and explained why she got each picture for each child.  As she bore her testimony to each child about each picture she selected, I couldn't stop thinking about and feeling how much she loves us and wants us to come the Savior.  She joyfully explained how happy she was for each one of us and the decisions we are making.  What a powerful moment it was when she got to me.  I couldn't keep my eyes dry as she explained "I selected the picture of Christ gathering his sheep, because I know how much your mission means to you.  I am so proud of you for brining some of Heavenly Fathers sheep into his fold." 

I will never forget the feelings of joy and sweet peace the Savior brought into my soul through my Moms vibrant testimony.  This was the most meaningful Easter, because it was all about the Savior and his Atonement.  What a blessing it is to have a Mother and Father who know and who care.  

The Savior Lives.  I testify that in the Garden of Gethsemane he suffered and bled from every pore to take upon him the pains, sicknesses, sins, weaknesses, and anything that is imperfect with each of us, so that we don't have too.   He will succor or run unto us if we but have faith and believe that he can take away our pains.  He died painfully on the cross and gave the perfect example of forgiveness as he cried Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  I testify that three days later he rose from the dead and overcame death for all of mankind.  He completed the infinite Atonement to save each and every last soul.  I love him and know I have personally felt his saving and empowering grace in my life.  I know he appeared with Heavenly Father to Joseph Smith to open the last dispensation and restore his church upon the earth.  Joseph Smith was indeed the first Prophet!  He brought forth the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.  We learn more about the Saviors Atoning Sacrifice through this book then by any other book.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.  It is led by a true Prophet today even President Thomas S. Monson.  

Little Creeper

This morning I was walking to the Taylor building to turn in my Book of Mormon portfolio. With a smile on my face because of the beautiful weather and peace in my soul because of almost being done with school I made my way across the street and by the engineering building, which is about 200 feet from the Taylor.

I glanced over and looked at something that caught my attention on the building. As I turned my head back toward the sidewalk to see where I was walking I saw out of the corner of my eye a little animal coming closer and closer to my feet. My first thought was "its just a friendly cat, because cats aren't too scared of humans." It definitely wasn't a cat, it was a stinking squirrel. I jumped back as this tiny little pest scared the living crap out of me. The peace that once was in my soul turned into fear.

Why was I so scared of a squirrel? The reason I think I was so scared once it clicked that it was a squirrel is because they usually run when a human gets close to them and squirrels can jump really high. The thought ran across my mind "would if it jumps up towards my face with those sharp claws." Another reason I was so scared is because I had tried so many times at scout camp as a young boy to catch one and never came close. The dang things are pesky and quick. Lesson of the day: Watch out for squirrels, they love to pull pranks and scare people.