Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Dying for Happiness: The Trial of My Life ~ Part 2

A continuation from: "The Trial of My Life ~ Part 1"

So now that the commitment to God was there, the work began. Once a week I had therapy with Dr. Susca, and then the hard part, implementing what I learned into my regular speech. I had to begin to stutter, and I had to be okay with stuttering in front of my friends, peers and adults. It was hard, but with the newly found happiness and positive attitude it began to become easier. I am so grateful for good friends who supported me through this trial, and did not show frustration or annoyance towards my stutter. One friend even said, "It never really bothered me, and sometimes I even found it fun to try and guess what he was trying to say."  One funny experience that I remember in this time, trying to stutter and not hide it was with this same friend.

I loved Jamba Juice, I mean who doesn't, it is just so delicious, but there was always one thing that I hated about. They ask for your name to put on the order. It is proven that with many people who stutter one of the hardest things to say is there name. I was no different. So this one time, we go to Jamba Juice and order, and she asks for my name, JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ... I pause and try to get my composure. JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ, I tried again, but it was just not coming. Third times the charm right? JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ, nope, still not happening! Then my friend stepped in and said my name to the lady who I am sure was frustrated by this point. It was a hard experience, but as we left we all laughed about it, and made light of the whole situation. Again, I am grateful for friends who made my trial easier and more fun!

After continued effort on my part and counseling from Dr. Susca I began to get my stutter under control, the proper way, not by hiding it. I was able to talk  more freely and with more confidence, and I was able to communicate my desired thoughts.

Mom continues, "We will be eternally grateful for Doctor Susca's willingness to help get Elder Dye on his mission.  He is not a member of our church, but he knew about the pressures missionaries would face, so he would 'test' him.  Question his faith, and put him in uncomfortable situations in order to teach him how to respond."I was able to talk again, which I knew meant that I would be able to serve a mission. A goal I always had, but an achievement that seemed far distant for quite some time. How could I serve a mission if I couldn't talk? Well, God is love, and He loves us, and he will "Prepare a way for [us] that [we] may accomplish the thing which he commandeth [us]." (1 Nephi 3:7)

Mom concludes, "As parents it's sometimes very difficult to watch our children suffer.  I'm so thankful for a son who did not give up on his desire to serve a mission. Who did what it took to be prepared and for wonderful people willing to accept him and his challenges.  I know when we take our problems to the Lord we will be directed in ways that we would never have thought of on our own.  The Church is true. The gospel of Jesus Christ can bring joy and happiness to our lives if we keep the commandments and rely on the Lord."


"If [we] will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put [our] trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind... he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver [us] out of bondage." (Mosiah 7:33) Whether that bondage be a speech impediment, an addiction, an inappropriate relationship, or any other trial that we can face in this life, through Christ, there is a way out! That I know!

If there is any one who reads this that has questions that I could answer or a trial that through my experience might be able to help you through, PLEASE let me know. Leave a comment or email me, jordan.dye@myldsmail.net.


To read the Previous Posts in the Series and learn about upcoming posts, check out the Series Page.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Dying For Happiness: The Blessings of Service

"Calling yourself a Christian brings with it the duty and the privilege of a lifetime of service.

"Jesus Christ said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). This doesn't mean we have to die to show our love for our friends. We lay down our lives every time we put someone else's needs before our own. (And the 'friends' mentioned in the scripture above can be understood to be everyone we meet, since Jesus also commanded us to 'love one another.')

"We lay down our lives through service. Church members have many opportunities to serve. We can do small acts of kindness for our neighbors, take part in community service, fulfill responsibilities within our local congregations or contribute to the Church's large-scale humanitarian efforts. These actions, whether great or small, let us feel the happiness of connecting with our brothers and sisters and remind us that God often allows us to be the answer to someone else’s prayers." (Mormon.org/service)

I know that service to others brings so much happiness into our lives. From a young age my parents taught me the importance of serving others, and how to do it. From helping at every move and planned service project in the ward, to quietly helping others in time of need, to reaching out to the community and sharing the light of Christ.

I have loved to do service, yes, I like many teenagers had my moments where I didn't see the point if I wasn't getting an immediate reward. However, I learned that the rewards from selfless service are great. The happiness that it brings to me and those I serve is enough for me! Two of my favorite yearly service opportunities were the City Clean up Day, and the Christmas Basket Project. At these two projects I got to see directly the blessings and happiness that it brought into the lives of those we served. My great friend, Cathee was the one in the community who organized these two projects. She is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but she knows the importance of helping others. I got to work closely with her over the years and grew to love her greatly. One summer she asked me to do something for her, and I could not say no. She asked me to be a youth representative on the Board of Directors for the Hughson Family Resource Center. I then spent many hours volunteering at the center and helping others who were less fortunate than I. I also had the great opportunity to team up with other youth in the community to help make the lives of youth and children in our town better!

It was such a great experience for me, I learned and grew so much through that service. I am eternally grateful for Cathee and others who gave me a chance, as a youth to grow and be blessed through service. For I know that "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17).

To read the Previous Posts in the Series and learn about upcoming posts, check out the Series Page.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Dying For Happiness: The Priesthood

As I continued to grow in the gospel, my knowledge of it's power and strength grew. This knowledge especially grew when I received the Aaronic Priesthood. It was an amazing feeling as a twelve year old boy to know that God trusted me enough to give me his power and authority to help bring others unto salvation. What a great responsibility. This song sums up being a young man who holds the priesthood in a great way.



It is true, we need to learn our duty by the Prophets voice. We have opportunities to serve and to lead, even as a youth. It was such a great learning experience for me to learn and grow as a person and in the gospel through having those responsibilities. Due to the Priesthood I learned from a young age how to lead others in accomplishing a purpose. I was then able to take that trait into all other aspects of my life and lead in different ways throughout my life. When I was 17 one of my friends learned about the church and decided that he wanted to be baptized. He asked me if I would baptize him.
Of course, I said that I would love to. Although I was excited I was also a little nervous. I was a teenager, and I would be performing an ordinance for this friend that is required to live with God again. It was a great thought to know that God trusted me enough to allow me to do such an important thing! I felt so good after the baptism, and it helped me to better understand the priesthood and the blessings that come with it! I know that the Priesthood is real and that it truly is the power of God! I know that it can bless all of our lives if we allow it, whether we hold the Priesthood or not.



To read the Previous Posts in the Series and learn about upcoming posts, check out the Series Page.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

My Dad!

My Dad is the greatest! As I think about the things that he does and the amazing example he is, there is no other way to describe him then amazing! Well, I guess incredible, wonderful, great, outstanding, fantastic, marvelous... I think you get the point! I love my dad!!!



He loves people more than almost anyone else I know. Growing up my mom and I would sing in the choir, which practiced before church every Sunday, my Dad did not sing, because we wanted to have the time to go and talk to everyone that was at church that day, to hug them and tell them that he loved them! And he was ALWAYS sincere! With that love, he would do anything for anyone. I still remember going with him and my brothers to help people move. I am sure that my Dad has helped hundreds of people move, he was busy, but there was always time to serve! What an example of service he is. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had to serve, and the lessons of service I have learned from my Dad.

My brother Richard says this about my Father, "I have a lot of great memories of Dad, especially on camp-outs and family outings. One thing I really always loved though was that he would always be willing to shoot hoops, kick a soccer ball or catch a baseball after a long day of work and sore wrists. It meant a lot to me that he'd do that for us and spend time with us whenever possible."



We always did things together as a family, and it was almost always outside. My Dad taught me how to shoot a basketball, swing a bat, hike, load a backpack, repel, start a fire, and so many other things that have to do with nature and being out in it. He taught me to have a great appreciation for God's creations and find joy in them!



My dad taught me how to change the oil, brakes, alternators, fuel pumps and water pumps on our cars, since it seemed like they would always go out!



My dad taught me lots of things, but most of all he taught me the things that matter most. How to love others, the Lord and the Gospel. When my brothers and I were younger he would sing us to sleep. He would always sing the primary song, "I Wonder When He Comes Again." I love this song so much, and get emotional almost every time I hear it now!

My Dad just had such a sweet way to share the gospel even with us! He taught us how to share the gospel with others, and the importance of missionary work. My Dad was always involved in missionary work, serving his own mission then constantly supporting the missionaries and sharing the gospel with those around him. He also taught us consistency and the importance of reading the scriptures. Here is Richard again, "I would have to say though there is one memory of Dad that always stands out, that is of Dad's Book of Mormon that he takes to work to read for lunch each day. I've heard him tell stories about being mocked and ridiculed and having to eat alone. I still feel a great sense of pride and love for Dad when I picture the dirty, worn pages of his Book of Mormon by his lunch pale when he comes home. I think of his dedication to the Church, his love of God and our family.... priceless memories of someone standing up for what is right and good. Love you DAD!"

My Dad has taught me everything I need to know and do to help me return to my Heavenly Father.

I love you Dad!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Only A Father

I love my father! I remember hearing stories from my mother, that when I was younger and Dad had to fix the car or something,
I would always be right next to him with my little plastic tools, because I wanted to help, and I wanted to be near my father. It was always a great experience and we grew together. I remember doing things with my dad and having a pretty good relationship with him. But, when I was a teenager, things began to change. In my eyes the words to one of my favorite songs at the time fit me perfectly. It was "Perfect" by Simple Plan:

"Hey dad look at me
Think back and talk to me
Did I grow up according to plan?
And do you think I'm wasting my time doing things I wanna do?
But it hurts when you disapprove all along

And now I try hard to make it
I just want to make you proud
I'm never gonna be good enough for you

I'm sorry
I can't be perfect"

That was how I felt, like no matter what I did it wasn't good enough for my father. It seemed as though we disagreed on almost everything!

Looking back, it wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be, but it wasn't the best it could be. After high school I went to School in Utah at BYU, 700 miles away from my father. I attended Priesthood Session of General Conference and listened to the talk "Father's and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship" by Elder M. Russell Ballard. As he talked, the guilt and remorse came into my heart. I knew that I had not been the son I should have been, and this whole time I had blamed it on my dad! As soon as I got back to my apartment I called my dad. Come to find out we both had thought the same things during that talk. We talked and cried on the phone that night and I committed myself to improve my relationship with my father. It is true "I can't be perfect," I messed up and still do, but our relationship grew. I love my dad so much, and still think about the things that I missed out on in my teenage years. I have realized how much I took that special bond between a father and a son for granted. But I truly know that my dad loves me, and I love him so much! I do have great childhood memories with my father. You can read some of them in my post tomorrow!

I know that I am not the only youth who took my relationship with my father for granted. If you are one of those youth, or know one, plead with them to strengthen their relationship with their father, it will be one of the best things they will do. Here is a video about a young man, striving to strengthen his relationship with his father in response to Elder Ballard's same talk that touched me!



I think often this same type of thing happens between us and our Heavenly Father. We disagree, grow anger and begin to turn away. Sometimes we feel like he doesn't love us anymore or that we can never live up to who he wants us to be. We take that deep relationship we can and should have with him for granted. But I testify with every fiber of my being that we can live up to who he wants us to be, we can please him, and we can have a deep rooted relationship with him. Just as I repaired my relationship with my father, so can all of us repair our relationship with our Eternal Father. Our elder brother suffered for us that we can repair relationships, both here and in the eternities! Access the atonement and heal wounds!

There is no time like the present to build and strength relationships with our fathers, both the one here and the one above!!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Siter's Sunday: Be Ye Therefore Perfect

Here is a post by Gayle Dye, Thanks Gayle!

“Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in Heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)



Recently Brandon and I were asked to speak in sacrament meeting. We were asked to speak on Matthew 5; The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus Christ is the perfect example we have of perfection. His entire life was focused on teaching, serving, healing, loving and sacrificing all he had for His Father’s will. The whole point of The Book of Mormon is to bring men unto Christ. The scriptures are full of his teachings and experiences he had here on this Earth. I have three favorite moments from his life.
  1. In his early childhood when he was lost for three days. He was found by the temple teaching doctors or teachers about the gospel. The important thing in this story is that he was teaching them and they were asking Jesus questions. This young boy was closely in Heavenly Father’s hands as he began to learn and share the gospel with all those around him.
  2. When men brought an adulterous woman before Christ and said that she should be stoned for sinning in adultery because that was the law. Christ looked at each of them and said then he who is without sin, be the first to cast a stone. Each man left. This moment shows how merciful Jesus Christ is. He was able to tell the woman to “go and sin no more.” Christ loves each of us so perfectly he was able to look past the grievous sin of the woman, and give her a second chance.
  3. As he hung on the cross he had to give up his own life in order for each of us to live with the Father again. No other man could have done this. It was his job, but how selfless this was of him to give up his own life that we may live again.

As humans we know we are imperfect. We sin, we struggle, and most of all, each of us goes through trials. We are however, never alone in these trials. Heavenly Father sent his only begotten son for us; so that we could be happy and return to him again one day. Heavenly Father knows us so perfectly that anything we struggle with we can look to Him and Christ. He challenges us with new trials all the time. They are hard and they are trying. I know and am learning firsthand that life is not easy. I recently graduated with my degree in elementary education. I have been praying and searching endlessly for the right teaching job. It has not come. I’m learning patience and prayer are my two best friends. Every once in a while I can feel Heavenly Father’s arms around me telling me that everything will work out. As I prepared my talk on the atonement I came to realize that the reason the Lord gave us The Sermon on the Mount is to help us become perfect like him through Christ. What beauty is in those words. I have a testimony of the gospel. I know that the Savior lives and loves us. Heavenly Father gave us the Savior that we will be able to live with him again one day.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Gardener of our Lives!


Our lives are like a garden plot. At first we are plain and barren, just dirt. But we are not worthless, we have so much to offer. As our life goes on and we begin to learn and grow we begin to better our lives, and allow the Savior to work with us. Sometimes there are things in our garden plots like weeds or sins that cover us and prevent us from being beautiful and full of goodness. But as we work with Christ our plots become ready for planting.
This does not come with little effort, we have to work at it. We have to want to become a beautiful garden, and we have to clean up those things from the past, the weeds and thistles that plague the ground and prevent new growth!

Then, as the land is cleared, the seeds are planted and begin to grow! However, they won't grow on their own, they must be nourished and they will begin to turn into something simple and beautiful.

 The sprout shows progress but it's not all over yet, the continued care and nourishment must still take place!! As the process of nourishment and weed removal continues the simple sprout grows into a plant yielding much produce.


So it is with our lives. We are the plot, empty but with much potential. As we begin to have faith, repent and be baptized, our land is cleared, nourished and ready for planting! As we receive the Holy Ghost our seed is planted and we begin to grow. And as we endure to the end, constantly repenting and allowing the Holy Ghost to strengthen and nourish us, we yield great fruit to there by bless the lives of others!!!

I know that we must have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end, for "this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (2 Nephi 31:21)

I know that "[We] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us.]" (Philippians 4:13) As we allow him to do the gardening in our lives, I know that we will become big, strong and fruitful!

If there are any parts of your life gardening that you are struggling with, you are not alone, there are many people to help. Seek help from God, your bishop, or me!! We would all love to help you!!!!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Watch with Wonder Wednesday: Service Blesses lives

So, I am back in civilization with a working computer, so here is the post that I was planning to post on Wednesday!

I am sure that many of you have heard about the tornadoes that touched down here in the South and the destruction that they brought with them. This event has caused me to reflect on many things, but especially on service! Tuesday I had the opportunity to go serve at the Bishop's Storehouse (basically a food pantry), and it was a great feeling of joy and peace to help those in need. It made me think of the great effort that the church has put into helping those effected by the tornadoes. Members of the church in this area sacrificed their weekend last week and spent two days working non-stop to help clean up from this disaster. I found this article by the church on the efforts provided to those in need!

Mormon Helping Hands Pitch in to Aid Neighbors in Tornado-Ravaged Southern U.S.


“We have people coming from all
  over the South to help out,” 

“It is important to know that work provided will be free and these representatives will not be asking for any type of donations,”

One Recipient said to her helpers "Y'all look like
a bunch of squirrels running around with
chain saws. You're everywhere!"


“We know that selfless service is an important 
characteristic of followers of Christ. Mormon 
Helping Hands helps us give of our time and
talents to aid those in need, and there certainly 
is an immediate need,”


I know that the service these folks provided changed lives. And we too can do service to change lives, whether it's helping those effected by disaster, or simply giving someone a smile and a wave!

Check out the Church's new website to find ways to serve at  vineyard.lds.org. You do NOT have to be a member in order to use this website, or serve! But if you are not a member, and would like to become one, let me know, and I can help you out! :)

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Sister's Sunday: The Key to Happiness!

Since this is a blog about dying for Happiness, maybe it would be good to know what the key to happiness is? So what is it? What is the key to happiness in your life?

Well, for me, one of the keys to happiness in my life is... yup you guessed it, my mother!!! My mom brought me into this great earth, and taught me the ways of living in the world today. She taught me how to serve, how to resist temptation, how to repent, how to live the gospel, how to cook, how to handle life, and most of all how to LOVE! My mother is one of the greatest examples of Christ like love. I mean, she has to be, she raised 5 boys for Pete's sake! She is an example of giving that never ceases! My mom was the Relief Society President in our ward for years, she was always busy helping others and never turned anyone away, and yet still had time to love me and be my mother! Then as she served as the seminary teacher, spending countless hours studying and preparing for her lesson, yet still dropping everything to help me with a problem I was having, or something I needed! She was always there to support every step of the way during my life. One thing that I highly respect of my mother, is that no matter how much she cared, and probably often wanted to make my choices for me, she taught me how to make difficult decision and live on my own, by allowing me to try and fail, as I often did! Then, tenderly loving me and guiding me back to where I needed to be! My mom is everything to me and one of the reasons why I am here on my mission! She is a constant strength to me, when something is hard, and I want to quit, I think of my mother, and then gain the courage and strength to continue!


One thing that I often remember doing with my mother is singing with her while she played the piano. I really miss those days! But in memory, I found this video, that I think is great!



Love ya Mom!!!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Blessing of New Life!

Life is a gift from God, we are here to be tried and tested! We are here to prepare to return to live with God again (Alma 34:32), and we are here to have joy!(2 Nephi 2:25) Life does have a purpose! Joy is one of the wonderful things that this life should be full of! Many of the things that we do in life should bring joy!

Something that brings many people joy is new life! As a baby is brought into this world, it is a sacred experience! One that is filled with much love and joy! My Brother Jeremy, and his wife Jenna have had the great privilege to bring a new life into this world!!! Which also means that I now have a niece! It is an exciting thing for me, so I can only imagine how excited Jeremy and Jenna are to be new parents of a beautiful daughter! I am so happy for them and this new adventure in their lives!!

I am sure that this new baby will soon begin to love life and enjoy every minute of it! So should we enjoy our lives, no matter what happens, for we truly are children of God!!!

This isn't her, but will have to do.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Watch With Wonder Wednesday: Go Pro for God!

Hey ya'll, Who doesn't want to be a professional at something? Don't we all just look up to those who are "Pro"? Well, here is a man that I look up to and he is "Pro." He was a pro golfer and then decided to go "Pro" for God as a Mission President, actually my best friend's Mission President!

We all have our talents, things that God has blessed us with, and He wants us to use them to bless others lives! It is your choice, but God wants you for His team, so choose as President Summerhays did and... go "Pro" for God!!!!

So for lack of time and creativity, today for "Watch with Wonder Wednesday" here is the video from Mormon.org for Bruce!









Check out his full profile!


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sister's Sunday: Oh Sweet Music!

Who doesn't love music? I am sure you do! I know that I do, and I know that my awesome sister Alyssa does! So here is Alyssa with the Power of Music!!

Elder Dye suggested that I write something about music, and I thought it would be very fitting since I will have performed my senior recital Saturday April 30! I am graduating this semester in music education.




Like so many other things, I think that the Lord created music to bring about his work. I think the reason I ultimately became a music major is that I have had so many faith building experiences through music. I have had experiences where something, maybe a decision, suddenly becomes clear. I understand that there is a plan, and I can feel my Father's love.

In 1830, Emma Smith was directed by the Lord to collect hymns for a hymn book for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Lord knew that music was important. It is so prevalent in the way that we worship. If used right, it can bring the spirit into any meeting. I know that that spirit can testify to those listening that the words being sung, often testimonies of others, are true! One of my favorite hymns is "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Every time I sing or hear this song, I feel so strongly that my Savior does live! It is so comforting to me. I know that he is always there to wipe away my tears and I can feel his love so strongly.

Music is powerful. It is all around us every day. Many of us wake up to music, drive to work with music on, actually work with music on, etc. It is amazing how much it influences our lives, both in positive and negative ways. What if I always tried to listen to music that would uplift me or bring the spirit? I think that I could be one step closer to becoming like Christ, because the choice to listen to wholesome music will bring the spirit, and with the spirit guiding me I know I can do great things. Elder Busche said in a BYU devotional, "...The greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do." I am so grateful for music, and I am so grateful for this gospel and the peace it brings.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Watch with Wonder Wednesday: You can do the Impossible!

Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough, or that the challenge in front of you was just too much? Many people have, but we know that "With God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37) Here is a man that I am sure felt like that, but he put his trust in God and has done amazing things!!!



View Jarem's Full Profile and read about his great accomplishments as he put his trust in God at mormon.org/jarem

I built my own leg, I make the impossible, possible... and I'm a Mormon.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

When Church Hopping Ends!

Here is a snippet of what Sister Bowes wrote for Elder Walker:

"I want tell you how I came from searching for the Truth since I was a teenager. I've been to almost every denomination you can think of. At 14, I knew I was in the wrong church. At 16, when I started driving, I would church hop. Sometimes I would enter a church building and the people were very friendly but that's as far as it went. I also felt like an outsider at some and even though I yearned to be part of their service, it was too clickish and I was ignored.
 
I'd even begged members of these different churches to study with me, but to no avail. I felt like I was traveling in a foreign country where I didn't understand their language. I never would give up though and off I'd go to yet another church.
 
Nothing changed after I was married. We both ended up church hopping. We had children and we drug them with us. That is until one day.
 
We had a yard sale 6 months ago and up rode two little Elder fellers..." Read the rest of her story at eldermcwalker.blogspot.com


Monday, April 25, 2011

The Empty Tomb

Since it is Easter season, I have been thinking a lot about Christ and what he has done for us. I often focus on the suffering and pain that he went through in Gethsemane and on the cross to help me in my own trials and Gethsemanes. But this time I have decided to think more about the empty tomb that blessed Sunday morning!! This morning I read the accounts from the Gospels about Mary Magdalene and others discovering the empty tomb and the Resurrected Lord! The power of that experience hit me this morning! I can only imagine how Mary Magdalene felt as she went to the sepulchral to take care of the body of her beloved Savior, and find the tomb EMPTY!! I can imagine the rush of emotions that hit her all at once, fear, frustration, anger, doubt, depression etc. etc. As she was on the ground crying and I am sure wondering why, she looked in the tomb again, and saw angels, who then asked, "Woman why weepest thou?" (John 20:13) She responds "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him."(John 20:13) The angels comfort her by saying, "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here for He is risen." (Matthew 28:5-6) And then "...she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." (John 20:14-15) She realized that it was Him, that He truly had risen! I am sure that she was then filled with joy and excitement!



So in our lives we often come to a tomb, and find it empty. Those emotions of fear, frustration, anger, doubt, depression etc. etc. then swarm us but if we look with proper perspective we will too find comfort just as Mary did. I have found that comfort over and over again in my life, because of what happened there at the sepulchral that wonderful first Easter morn!