The kids got some fun things in their Easter baskets on Sunday morning. We had treats to share, and they each got a stuffed animal, bible stories, and stunt planes. I think we got it just right this year. P1 asked if the Easter Bunny was real this year. We told him that it's just Mom and Dad. Honestly, I don't think we've ever said that there was an Easter Bunny.
I bought Easter clothes for P1 and P2, but we had no church on Easter Sunday because of General Conference. So I had to make sure I got some pictures.
We really enjoyed General Conference! Wow, what a conference it was! It was wonderful to participate in the Solemn Assembly and sustain President Nelson as the president of the church. I felt the Spirit and know that President Nelson is a prophet of God and has been called to lead the church at this time. Historic changes were made during conference. Elder Gong and Elder Soares were called the the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Gong is an American of Chinese ancestry, and Elder Soares is Brazilian. Seven new temples were announced: Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; Argentina, the Philippines, Nicaragua (their 1st), India (their 1st), and Russia (their 1st). We also learned that High Priests and Elders will be combined into one quorum within wards. President Nelson also announced that Home and Visiting Teaching are being retired, and will be replaced with "ministering". Also, young women (14+) will participate in ministering. That is something I've wondered for a while, since young men (14+) have helped with home teaching. In fact, the morning before conference started, I thought to myself, "So when will we let the Young Women help with visiting teaching?" It was a very exciting conference, and many messages touched me and addressed topics that I have been pondering.
I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are blessed to be led by living prophets today. The work of the Lord truly is hastening, and I am excited to be a part of this great work. The changes announced in conference will help us continue to build Zion in preparation for Christ's Second Coming. What a great time to be alive!
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner on Sunday, so they took a family picture for us. P1 was pulling some good faces in every picture. I guess we are at the stage where they don't know how to smile for the camera.
I loved Elder Uchtdorf's
talk about why we celebrate Easter:
"This is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday—we celebrate life!"
I'm grateful for the life of my Savior. I am grateful to know that He still lives. I am grateful for the life that He gives me. And I am grateful to know that death is not the end for any of us. We will all live again!!!
Happy Easter!
