Easter and Lilies

I've always wondered what the connection was between Easter and Lilies and so I googled it. Here is the condensed version:

The Easter Lily originates from the souther part of Japan and was brought here to America in the late 1800's. It's scepter or trumpet shape makes it a symbol of royalty. Its white color indicates purity, innocence, hope, and virtue.

Christ makes reference to the flower in the New Testament when he says..."Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." I love Christ's description.

Lilies are often called the "White-Robed Apostles of Hope". Lilies were discovered in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ died on the cross. During the Easter season, churches line their altars and envelop their crosses with a multitude of Easter Lilies, to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.

And now you know...

Happy Easter

An Afternoon with Dad

I realized the other day that perhaps it might be nice to update you on Dad with a video. Mom and I went on Friday to give Dad a hair cut and snapped a few pictures. He was not very responsive through most of the taping but I was able to capture some sweet moments. He is very weak and it seems a miracle that he keeps hanging on. I pray everyday he can be released from this life but while his sojourn continues here on earth he will be loved and taken care of. For those of you who have not been able to see Dad/Grandpa for some time this may be a little difficult to watch. Just know that every once and awhile we see a glimpse of him and it would make you smile.

Mom giving Dad a good luck kiss before I start cutting!

A video of Dad...

"We are always teaching..."

a house of order...

It was a year ago that Bob had had a conversation with our Stake President about an activity we had wanted to have with our Arboleda Branch youth. Every Fast Sunday we have a "Noche de Crepas" with the YM and YW. This particular Sunday was unusual because it was not only crepe night but the Super Bowl. We lamented over what to do. Watch the game with them, forget the game or postpone until the next week. Pres. Ostler simply counseled "We are always teaching." So we had our crepe night in conflict with the game. I don't remember if we had a low YM turnout. It doesn't matter. The words "we are always teaching" comes up often as we make decisions with our calling and as parents.

After I finished reading this morning my heart remembered this counsel and so I want to share some thoughts.

In D&C 93 it teaches us first of light, then of learning, then of teaching.

Light:

2: Christ is the "true light that lighteth everyman that cometh into the world."

Learn:

28:He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

So bottom line...keep the commandments and there are more then twelve. We are commanded in many things. And this is the command given in 93 that is so important, especially to you parents raising kids now...

Teach:

40: But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth

Now Frederick Williams is getting chewed up a bit here:

42: Ye have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction... "set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house..." Joseph Smith gets rebuked and then Newel Whitney on the same issue. It is safe to say that this would include all of us on some level. I can't teach if I don't know, and I can't know unless I am obedient. This is the condition of "light and truth." And here is the guide: D&C 109:7-8

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even

a house of prayer,

a house of fasting,

a house of faith,

a house of learning,

a house of glory,

a house of order,

a house of God.

Take a deep breath... I know it sounds simpler then it is. Never get discouraged or give up. Be the light...so they can see the way.

Loves...