Sunday is Super

I love Sunday.  I look forward to it.  Many of God's most tender mercies come to me on Sunday.
Here is my list so far today:

• Driving to church with Jordan
• Waking up on time
• Hugs from a wonderful friend
• Val's talk in sacrament meeting
• Hollie sitting by me in sacrament meeting
• Singing "Should You Feel Inclined to Censure" in sacrament meeting
• A wonderful lesson about prayer in Sunday school
• Katy's lesson in relief society
• Sitting by Sharon and Andrea in relief society
• Linger Longer! 
• Wonderful friends who make me laugh
• Boys having enough courage to come sit by us
• Talk time with Marissa and Amy about the life of a teacher
• Two more boys talking to us (even better, they were hilarious!)
• Strengthening a friendship
• Beautiful music while driving down Fruitland Dr.
• Seeing deer while listening to beautiful music while driving down Fruitland Dr.
• Spontaneous family time
• Sunday afternoon naps

There is so much more that can happen tonight.  The Lord blesses us in the most simple ways.  Those deer did not know they needed to be standing where they were to warm my heart, but they were there.  Some say it is just coincidence or happenstance.  I say it is one more way Heavenly Father has shown me He loves me. 

I'm going to go finger paint now!  If anyone wants to join me and see the joy that this simple art form can bring give me a call!

I Know that My Redeemer Lives

Source

Easter.  My thoughts right now are very hard to put into words.  If I could I would take out my heart and put it in your body so you could feel the emotions I am feeling right now.  I literally ache with love for my savior Jesus Christ.  Life is hard, for everyone.  That is why Heavenly Father sent His son to give us the Atonement so life would not be as hard.  There have been so many times when I felt alone, deserted by my friends and family.  I feel broken and the tears just won’t stop.  Without fail I receive some type of peace.  Sometimes it comes in the form of emotional comfort and sometimes it is as if I am wrapped in a blanket of love.  Jesus Christ does that for me.  He makes those times when it seems I can’t go on bearable.  He has been with me through heartbreak so many times.  He knows how it feels to have the people or person you love reject the love you have for them.  He understands how I feel even when I fall in love with the wrong boy.  He knows the pain of watching my mother suffer with cancer.  He understood my loss of courage when I spent days in the hospital with my dad after his accident.  He will never desert me; especially through the trials of watching those I love face death.  He loves me.

Most importantly, He forgives me.  I am far from perfect.  I can be stupid.  I make decisions that are not in line with the plan of Heavenly Father.  I cause pain to others.  Jesus Christ has taken care of my imperfections.  He has made it so I can be forgiven for the mistakes I make every day.  He has given me a chance for Celestial eternal life.  Sometimes I don’t show Him that I want that.  Sometimes I forget my goal.  He does not give up on me.  He says “Melissa.  Someday you will be made perfect.  I know you can do it.  I love you.  Learn from this mistake.”  Sometimes I make the same mistake over and over and yet He does not give up on me.  He loves me.  He is my SAVIOR and REDEEMER and He LIVES.