Easter Fireside Talk

Sunday evening the Columbus 2nd Ward (of the Indianapolis Stake -- the church congregation I belong to) held an Easter Fireside at which I was asked to speak on the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ.  It was a blessing and a privilege to speak.  I enjoyed the time I had to study and ponder what I would say in the short time I was alotted.  (Honestly, keeping it short was what I struggled with the most.  I could have talked about this for 20-30 minutes and been just fine.)  I think it went well, and I felt like Heavenly Father directed my words.  Here are a few things from my talk.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie has said the following about the Atonement of Christ "nothing in the entire plan of salvation compares in any way in importance with the most transcendent of all events, the atoning sacrifice of our Lord.  It is the most important single thing that has ever occurred in the entire history of created things; it is the rock foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest".

Let us remember every day, especially during this Easter season the blessings we are eligible for because of the sacrifices of our Savior.  Let us remember to call on His name often.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell said the following, "Atoning Jesus is already familiar with our sins, sicknesses, and sorrows.  He can carry them now because He has successfully carried them before".

I know this is true and I am grateful every day for the knowledge I have of our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.  I am grateful for Christ's Atonement for Me in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by His crucifixion.  He has allowed me to be forgiven of my sins as well as provide me an opportunity to live with Him, my Heavenly Father and my family forever.  Two things I will always be indebted to Him for.

Friends Sleepover!

Last Monday we had a sleepover at our house.  Our good friends, The Pendleton's, had a baby and that meant that Kenzie and Brooklyn got to spend the night at our house.  As you can see in the picture the girls had a great time.  We all slept (yes, there was actually sleeping) in our bedroom.  Brooklyn in the pack-n-play, Kenzie on Lindsey's matress and Lindsey on our loveseat.  We didn't think they would do much sleeping if we put them anywhere else.

We all had a great time.  It's a blessing to have close friends!  Congrats to their family...welcome Joshua!

Seashells Anyone?

Mom and Dad just got back from a great trip to Bonita Springs, Florida visiting Uncle Gene and Aunt Sharon.  They saw billions of seashells (which I can't imagine, because we always struggled to find even a few when we went to other parts of FL growing up).  So Lindsey has reaped the benefit of their finding.

Look at all these shells!

Jeremy and I were amazed at all the shells.

There are big ones, little, ones, spiral ones and flat ones.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!  We're VERY glad you are back home.  We missed you!

Fun at the Park!

It has finally started to feel more like Spring!  Today was another beautiful day and we spent a few hours of it at the park with some friends.  We went to the neatest playground we have in town, which is at a school, but since it is spring break this week it was available.  Lindsey and the girls had a great time. 

Lindsey's favorite thing was this really neat slide!

She saw some older kids going down like this and had to try it.

She didn't go down the traditional way anymore after this.

Lindsey and Kenzie going down together.  They are so cute.

Brooklyn (Kenzie's sister) had a great time too.

I got something to remind me of the day...a red face.  I think most of it is sun (which I am not complaining about), however, some of it could be due to the little breeze.  Regardless we had a great time being outside!

Day is Done

I was blessed to see this beautiful sunset on February 25th. I just couldn't let it go without capturing it. Just beautiful!

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

Following is a link to a video recently posted on www.lds.org from Elder David A Bednar (who is a Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). As I watched and listened I was overwhelmed with peace and love. I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and He is always there for us.  I am grateful for the reminders He gives me each and every day of His love for me.  I am also extremely grateful for his patience when I am having a hard day and need a little extra reminder.



"The Lord is good to all
                 and his tender mercies
                                 are over all his works"
                                                                                                              Psalms 145:9