However many mistakes you have made....

I believe that this says it all.  Thank the Lord above for providing this most-marvelous of gifts.  We are ever-blessed, especially if we will receive it.  

"I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don't have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.  It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines."  - Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard"

Healing Power is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Words about Jesus Christ; from Vickey Pahnke Taylor

From Vickey Pahnke Taylor - we get the following beautiful 

message and words about Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Vickey!!!

"There are no adequate mortal words for sharing my feelings about Jesus Christ, and His loving, perfect Atonement. Here are a few simple thoughts:

1. Easter is a time I revere and in which I joy! How perfect that it comes at the first signs of spring - at least where I live- and I can enjoy the symbolism of the flowers beginning to peek out of the ground, renewed!

2. As a child, my favorite part of Easter was arising early - in darkness- to dress and head to church for the Sunrise Service. After being baptized at age 16 into this Church, I've recalled those Sunrise Service days yearly. I like to get up early and watch the sun come up. What perfect imagery.

I Know that My Redeemer Lives: From Rachel Koko

From Rachel Koko who blogs at Filled With Charity, we get the following powerful and personal witness of the Atonement of the Savior and our current and ultimate need for Him.  Thank you, Rachel!

"I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and 

the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ."

 ~ Elder Bruce R. McConkie

 

"None Were With Him"; an Apostle's thoughts on Easter

"Book of Mormon prophets teach us that the Atonement was part of the plan of salvation that God had for each of us his children. In Alma 34:9 Amulek teaches:  "For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made."

"Alma continues, "And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." (Alma 42:15)

Trials and Tribulations

Most of us have experienced some type of heartache and grief.  It is part of the mortal experience and trial of our faith. One of the things that has best helped me through those days, weeks and even years of trial is truth; truth based-upon solid doctrine.

A favorite quote of mine is from Elder Orson F. Whitney who said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

That understanding has strengthened me to put my trust in God and endure more faithfully.