My thoughts on Easter 2015

When I was in 3^rd grade, my younger sister got very fussy one Sunday afternoon.  Even at six months, this was unusual behavior for her. She was usually a peaceful calm baby. Later that night, I came out of my room and the home teachers were giving her a priesthood blessing. The next day or the day after, Laura was admitted to the hospital. She was diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Death, deafness and retardation were the promised outcomes, if a complete recovery wasn't possible. Laura was (and still is) a fighter and she received a clean bill of health. She graduated with honors from Minidoka County High School and Brigham Young University, where she majored in Math. Because of this illness as an infant, my mom was doubtful that Laura could have children. Well, she gave birth and raised four sons to maturity and is expecting her 3rd grandchild this spring.  The miracle still continues today as Laura continues to take care of those she loves and cares for deeply.

I started off the year with a surgical procedure. After the procedure, I felt clean again. The problem that had been plaguing me for some years was gone. It was relief and I was grateful. I have had some other procedures and surgery and each time, I feel there is more hope for better health and an end to problems that have bother my body for the last few years. 

It is difficult dealing with illness and weakness (and sin). I have learned to hope and keep the faith. And this is possible because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered in Gethsemane and died on the cross for us. Our Savior had compassion for us, which is why He performed miracles as He healed the sick and the afflicted. Because of this, we can become whole again, our bodies and souls can become clean again.  And no matter how many times we mess up, we can repent and be forgiven. We all struggle daily. Stress doesn't stop the blessings from coming. Easter isn't just for the dead, but the living also. When Christ was resurrected, there was hope for all the human race. The Atonement brings a hope of being able to repent, to make our lives new again. When resurrection happens, the old will be cast off and a newness will come.  It is all possible because Jesus Christ loves and cares for us deeply. We all as humans have a second chance. Our Savior, Jesus Christ suffered and died for us and because of Him, eternal life is possible.