easter 2012

it's hard being away from family on easter. easter = family, in my mind. without the resurrection, my family and i couldn't live together forever.
it's even harder when all you want to do is crawl under a rock (or back into bed) and sleep forever (or, at least until the trials pass you by--but i learned from president eyring last weekend that it doesn't quite work that way).
thankfully, good lessons and messages, combined with a kind and mindful Heavenly Father, have driven those feelings away (at least for today).
today, not only am i grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior, for redeeming my sins, and making it possible for this imperfect body and spirit to be reunited once again and live with Him again, but i am also grateful for a) good friends and 2) good guy friends that respect and honor their priesthood so that they can be the hands and the mouthpiece for Heavenly Father's blessings and guidance.

i never really appreciated the priesthood, as i grew up in a home without it. but as i went through college, and was assigned home teachers, and made friends with guys, i learned what an important resource it could be. i think it's still a hard thing for me to ask and utilize it, but the feelings i get and the guidance i receive when i trust and have faith is an extraordinary thing.

i also spent the early afternoon prior to making easter dinner (which was delicious, btw) re-reading my notes from general conference. what inspired messages! even more so when you go into conference with questions, prepared to receive answers and revelations.
and it's funny, because you think, oh, these don't relate to me. but they do! they may not relate to your life right at this moment, but at some time or another, they will. and what peace they bring!

if you want to see what i mean, visit this site and read or watch the talks from modern-day prophets and apostles.