We will all face death as the Savior, but showed us we shall rise again!

As Easter approaches, do we feel the joy that comes from a promise that we will live after death?

This week we have been reading the advent of Easter in the New Testament. The burden that Christ had knowing what is to happen, and facing that pain, even knowing that after he will live again. We too know that we will come to a time when we will die, but as Jesus, we will live again. But we must be prepared, for we never know when.

Is the World Out of Control?

Meanwhile, what of the world we are living in? We don’t know when we wake up what kind of horror will be seen in the day. In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus foretells of the great calamities that will precede His Second Coming. Are we standing together as husband and wife to be prepared for the great day of the Lord? Are we frightened, or want to give up as trials seem too hard?

Your Heavenly Father Wants You to Stay Strong!

I read a thought from Elder Holland. He gave four things God asks us to remember in troubling times. 

"First, our adversity and affliction shall be but a small moment. Our trials seem to be long-lasting-or everlasting-when we are in the midst of them, but they do come to an end...Often enough in our mortal struggle, the only response we can make is to hang on and hide in "the shadow of [God's] wings... until these calamities be overpast." Difficulties do pass, hard times end, the trouble we thought would never go away goes away. So there is hope, not simple stoicism, in enduring.

Second, if we endure our challenges well, God will exalt us on high and we will triumph over our foes, whether those foes be actual people seeking to do us harm or simply the vicissitudes of life that bring grief and trouble with them...

Third, we need to remember that we do have friends. Thank heaven for friends! The Prophet Joseph was reminded that his friends were still standing by him and that they would yet hail him again with "warm hearts and friendly hands."

Fourth, in our despair, there can always be a tendency to self-pity. We need to resist that at all cost, for it damages everything it touches...We have many, many blessings, and there are many, many people in the world who face far more circumstances than do we.”

How Does Your Life Compare to Others?

Not that bad, huh? I think my friends and family have blessings beyond good. And when the going gets tough… we all have each other. So we learn this week that in the end, all will be well if we stand in holy places and together.  Rejoice in the Easter message!

Many thanks to my friends who have asked that I continue my blog. Here we go!

I am taking a class of the New Testament, and as the teachings can be applicable to making our marriage better, I would like to post thoughts for you to ponder and apply. Many of us have been married many years, but we need to continue our quest to be the best we can. As Robert Browning said: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be…”

The New Testament Teaches Us How to Treat Each Other.

Matthew 18:21-22. Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him. I say not unto thee, until seven times: but until seventy times seven.

In the Teachings of the Presidents, the Joseph Smith manual we find his thoughts on forgiveness. He said: "One of the most pleasing scenes that can occur on earth, when a sin has been committed by one person against another, is, to forgive that sin; and then according to the sublime and perfect pattern of the Savior, pray to our Father in Heaven to forgive [sinner] also. " Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our Heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us"

I have learned that if we are angry with someone and don't forgive, that only hurts us. Sometimes they are not even aware of our anger. We suffer and the anger only eats at our emotional and mental health.

"Love Means Never Having to Say Your Sorry", not true!!!

Saying “I’m Sorry” quickly will stop the gulf that sometimes grows the longer you let the hurt fester. Jesus said we must forgive everyone, for he has said that he is the one who can judge others. We will be judged as we judge. Ouch! That could be painful for eternity. 

Random thought!

Anyone remember the clown toy that would balance on a rounded bottom? One side was bright orange and the other just plain white. When tapped, he bobbed around showing each side. I like to look only the bright side, the good things my husband does, and ignore the other side. Why be upset over unimportant things? Will it matter next year, or five years from now? Enjoy now!