Easter

I love Easter. It's always been a fun holiday to me, but growing up and especially since Matthew died, it holds a special significance.

Our Savior suffered the Atonement for us. He suffered pains, sickness, temptations and trials of every kind, all because of His pure, insanely deep love for us. He died for us. So that as He lives, even now, we can also live in eternity.

We talked about the Atonement a lot at church today, and as I listened to the messages and the discussions, I thought about how I feel about my children as their mother. I know that every pain, sorrow, discomfort, trial, everything they will have to face in life, I would willfully take that upon myself for their sake. And I know that so many of the trials I face in my own life, I am glad to have experienced so that I will know how to be there for my children if they go through similar experiences.

Guys, this is what the Atonement is. Christ suffered for us, because He loves us. He loves the crap out of us. Pardon me if that's an irreverent way to say it. I just know that we can't even comprehend how much He loves us, and knowing how much I love my own family, that must be like... SO. MUCH. LOVE.

And because He rose from the grave after three days and conquered death, we will also one day be resurrected and live forever with Him and those we love.

Because of Him, I'll get to be with my family forever.

And because of Him, I'll see my sweet Matthew again. Nothing brings me greater hope in this life than that knowledge.

I am so grateful for my Savior. I know He suffered for me. I know He died for me. I know if I was the only one He was saving, He would still do it. And I know the same applies to every person I meet (and I try to always remember that).




...I don't mean to take away from speaking of such an important, sacred topic, but... I don't know how to smoothly transition to posting pictures of my cute babies in their Easter clothes. (I'm not really a writer).

But here they are:

That last one is actually the most accurate picture of the afternoon. At least one of them was almost always crying while I tried to get a good shot. Luckily we got some good ones in the end. :)

I just want to say again how grateful I am for Jesus Christ and the Atonement. I am so grateful for my family. I am blessed more than I deserve. But then, aren't we all?

Love,

Ashley