Easter

We took the kids to the Easter Pageant.  For more information on that, click here.  Our 12 year old daughter Katy was able to invite a non member friend to go with us.  It is a pageant about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is fabulous and I have fond memories of going as a child.

We stopped and got Ned's Krazy Subs "to go" and we took our blankets and ate our dinner picnic style on the lawn of the temple.  We always sit on the lawn, I think it is more intimate and personal to be huddled together with my family.

My babies, Anny age 4 and Derek age 3 would not stop asking me questions all throughout the performance.  I'm glad they have a basic knowledge of Jesus Christ but at times I wanted them to just stop talking so I could enjoy it in peace but who tells their kids to be quiet and stop asking questions about Jesus?  For reals.  Anyway, I tried to be patient.

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, I thought Anny was going to cry.  She kept saying, "this is so sad, why would they do that?"  Even Derek was mesmerized.

We enjoyed the parable of the Ten Virgins (my favorite bible story) as they danced and carried their lamps.  We talked about the importance of knowing the Savior for ourselves so we will be ready when he comes again and I felt the spirit as we quietly whispered to each other.

Someday Anny will have two "big" hands.

The most awesome moment was at the end after Christ's
death when the angels are rejoicing in his resurrection.  Atop the large stage, dozens of angels singing and rejoicing and the music was wonderful and inspiring and loud; so loud that it covered the shriek of happiness that came from Anny when she saw Christ rising up from behind all the angels.  We laughed and cried at the same time.  When it was over, we reminded the kids that our bodies will die someday and we will return to our Father in Heaven just like Jesus did.  But that because of our Savior's sacrifice, our bodies will rise again and be resurrected.  All the things that were wrong with our bodies will become perfected and we will be whole.  This she reminded us gently that it will be the best day because, "I will have two big hands and no little hands."

My tears flowed freely as she remembered a principle we have taught her over and over again.  My testimony is sure that we have a loving brother Jesus Christ who suffered for our sins, died and was then resurrected just as we will.  I am indebted to my elder brother for his sacrifice and example.  I know Christ lives and loves each of us.  I want to live my life worth of that sacrifice.

I can't wait till next year...