A time to teach

Easter has come and gone but I've been away from my computer for a time, and posting anything other than something that takes little or no thought has been all I've done with my blog. I've saved my more meaningful moments until a time when I could post thoughtfully. So here I am, slowing trying to catch up on almost a month of great things for me. One being that I was able to teach the Easter lesson to our combined group of Young Women. I actually do love to teach. The preparation gets to be a bit overwhelming, especially on such a topic as the Resurrection, but I do love to share my thoughts and testimony when I feel moved upon by the Spirit. I had a beautiful conversation about the Atonement and the Resurrection with Brent a couple days before my lesson. His knowledge always enlightens me and his testimony is pure, simple, solid and unshakable. Just talking with him strengthened my own testimony and my gratitude for our love deepened. Here are just a couple thoughts from my lesson that I wanted to document. First, the Easter message is JOYFUL! What is the difference between JOY and HAPPINESS? For me, something that makes me happy is not necessarily lasting. Chocolate definitely makes me HAPPY, but it comes and goes rather quickly! : ) Something JOYFUL is something lasting, that endures and remains. Such as the truth and beauty of the Easter story. Another thought was the HOPE that Resurrection brings. This sets us apart from other religions. Having this knowledge is powerful and brings peace and understanding. I shared a beautiful mini movie (put together by a friend that is AMAZING!! I have the awesome blessing of serving with her right now in YW's. You can find her site at www.theideadoor.com) of the prophets and apostles bearing testimony of Christ. If you go to her website, it is worth watching. The words, pictures and music all together are simply heart stirring. I closed with my testimony and this scripture -
Mosiah 16: 7-9
And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
It was a wonderful Easter Sunday for me. I'm blessed beyond words.