Easter hope

One of my best friends was recently asked what Easter meant to her. She replied by simply saying "hope." This is what Easter means to me as well. This is what the Gospel means to me. Hope that we can repent and be forgiven of our mistakes. Hope that we will see our deceased loved ones again. Hope that goodness will ultimately triumph over evil. Hope that there is a plan for each of us, a great plan of happiness. Hope that we are never alone. Hope that family relationships can be eternal. Hope that we can live with God again someday.

Yesterday, the day before this beautiful Easter sabbath, I spent time with dear friends who recently had a baby girl. As I held their precious daughter who was just a little over a week old, I marveled at the miracle of life and all that new babies represent. She represents hope. Hope for new beginnings. Hope that she might live a life full of happiness. Hope that there is still a reason for progressing and moving forward. One cannot be near a child without feeling near to God, as if walking on sacred ground. I believe the same is true of all beginnings and especially of Spring. New flowers emerge with the hope that there will be sunshine and rain, and that they will blossom. Hope that says it will slowly become warmer and the earth will receive new life.

However, the ultimate hope surely does rest in the Lord Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday brings with it a special celebration of the resurrection and the glorious atonement that was accomplished for all. I'm grateful for the hope I have in my Savior. I'm grateful for the New Testament which preserves the record of that first Easter when Christ appeared to Mary. I know that life is worth living and there is joy to be found in living righteously. I hope that throughout my life, the word "hope" continues to take on new meaning and that I might always remember its source.

General Conference

What a weekend filled with peace, comfort, and instruction as I listened to the word of God through the mouth of his servants. Millions gathered around the world to listen to General Conference. On Saturday I watched both session on my laptop, sitting in my room, and I wore pjs the entire time. I only mention that because it was a very relaxed and calm environment in which to listen and learn. All was quiet and peaceful around me and I was able to listen to the Spirit.

I received the last minute opportunity to attend the Sunday morning session of conference at the conference center in Salt Lake City. The day was bright and crisp as I walked through temple square surrounded by people...people who know what I know...people who understood that we were going to listen to a prophet of God. Sitting in the conference center, even with the massive amount of people, there was still a feeling of purity and serenity in the air. At that moment everything felt right. And after listening to the 2 hour session, walking outside into the sunshine was the perfect addition to an already wonderful day.

Among other things I felt like a theme throughout all four general sessions of conference was faith and hope. I love the principle of hope. It is the antithesis of doubt and discouragement. What better way to describe the gospel of Jesus Christ- hope! The gospel of Jesus Christ truly is the good news. He brings hope to all mankind through his atonement and matchless gift. All things will be made right in Him. No matter what is happening in the world around us we can not lose focus on that most fundamental principle- that Jesus Christ is our hope and our salvation and He will stand by us. He understands perfectly and He stands at the door waiting for us to knock and ask for His help and comfort. I know this is true with all my heart. I know our Savior loves us. Even when we make mistakes, He loves us still!