Thursday, March 29, 2018

Remembering Easter On A Conference Weekend ~

In celebration of Easter, I thought I would share a poem written by my dear granddaughter, Sariah. She is presently serving a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Sacramento Mission. 
His Hands
His hands healed, and they raised the dead
His are hands, that loved and comforted
These hands were clasped in prayer
These hands washed feet with care

Hands that taught and broke the bread
In Gethsemane, they wept, as He fervently plead
His loving hands were then tightly bound
Nailed to a cross, then raised above the ground

A testament of His willingness to obey
These powerful hands are now scarred
Our Creator's hands, still outstretched this day
The embrace is from no creature barred

His hands will wipe away your tears
His gentle fingers are steadfastly reaching out
His humble hands will calm your fears
His hands are strong and unfailing, without doubt
By Sariah Workman

Thoughts by Elder Jefferey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of 12 Apostles as found in a message given in April General Conference 2015 entitled: Where Justice, Love and Mercy Meet. 
"So today we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced - to say nothing of our resurrection from death and forgiveness for our sins. That victory is available to us because of events that transpired on the weekend precisely like this nearly two millennia ago in Jerusalem. Beginning in the spiritual anguish of the Garden of Gethsemane, moving to the Crucifixion on a cross at Calvary, and concluding on a beautiful Sunday morning inside a donated tomb, a sinless, pure, and holy man, the very Son of God Himself, did what no other deceased person had ever done nor ever could do. Under His own power, He rose from death, never to have His body separated from His spirit again. Of His own volition, He shed the burial linen with which He had been bound, carefully putting the burial napkin that had been placed over his face "in a place by itself," the scripture says. 
.....That first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm, grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience to His commandments, lift us to eternal life.

I do know our Savior, and Redeemer lives and loves us all and gave His life that we might live. And, as we obey His commandments, we can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Parents again.  

Sharing with you some links to our Semi-annual General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which will be held this Easter Weekend. On Saturday, as members of the church, we will sustain our new Prophet and First Presidency and will also learn of and sustain our two new Apostles. These men will replace two of our beloved Apostles that passed away this past year. This will make up the Quorum of 12 apostles.
We believe in present day Prophets and Apostles. Here is one of our Articles of Faith. 
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophetspastorsteachersevangelists, and so forth. 
Here is our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson and the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, !st Councilor, President Dallen H.Oaks, and 2nd Councilor, President Henry B. Eyring. 

Live viewing options
All sessions will be streamed live on the home page of LDS.org. Sessions are also available via the Church satellite system, Mormon Channel, radio, television, satellite, and other digital channels. 

6 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

She's a poet! Well done, too.

Happy Easter, my friend.

<3

Diane said...

I couldn't be happier that Easter and General Conference are falling on the same weekend this year. General Conference is such a spiritual weekend, it seems fitting to include the celebration of the resurrection along with it.

Christy Monson said...

Beautiful Post! I'm very excited for conference. It seems I get more excited as the years go by. Hugs and lots of love for you.

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

Happy Easter to you sweet friend! What a beautiful poem! Sariah is a wonderful poet!

I love the Easter Sunday is on General Conference week-end. it's just so fitting. I'm looking forward to listening to the Prophet and getting my bucket full for another 6 months.

I think the kids are coming over on Sunday for dinner, but not until after 4:00...:0) Amber and James said that they had such a good time with you guys last week-end! Sometimes, it's just nice to have a relaxing week-end with family, where you're not hurried or have tons to do. They love having Jenny and Michael there to hang out with as well!

Loved your thoughts! Elder Holland has always been one of my favorite speakers, and I never get tired of reading or listening to his wisdom. Thank you for sharing.

Have a wonderful Easter! Love you!

Hugs and Love,
Barb

Debbie said...

hi leann, what a beautiful poem and post!! happy easter to you my friend, i hope you are having a wonderful weekend with your family!!!!

Tracy said...

Your granddaughter has a beautiful gift with words, LeAnn...this was truly beatiful! You had a Spirit-packed weekend! :) Hope you & yours are having a wonderful week carrying the Joy of the Risen Savior and Easter with you! ((HUGS))