Where Are You Christmas? - The Piano Gal | #LIGHTtheWORLD (ft. Matt and Amber Plus 3)

The Origin, Loss, and Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ

Jesus organized The Church of Jesus Christ with twelve apostles at its head. He gave them the power to perform great wonders and the authority to act in His name. History records that by 100 A.D. all the apostles had died and the world went dark for the next 1700 years.

BUT THE STORY DIDN'T END THERE. 
LEARN WHAT HAPPENED THAT CHANGED THE WORLD FOREVER.

 

Fort Collins Colorado LDS Temple Open House

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house, cultural celebration and dedication dates for the Fort Collins Colorado Temple.

The free public open house for the Fort Collins Temple will begin on Friday, August 19, and go through Saturday, September 10, 2016, except for the Sundays of August 21 and 28 and September 4.

The cultural celebration will be held Saturday, October 15, and the temple will be dedicated the next day on Sunday, October 16, in three sessions, 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The dedication will be broadcast to members of the Church in Colorado and in the Fort Collins Temple district; the three-hour block of meetings will be cancelled for that Sunday.

Church President Thomas S. Monson announced construction of the temple at the Church’sApril 2011 general conference.

The Fort Collins Temple will serve approximately 44,000 members of the Church from northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.

The temple is located on the southeast corner of the intersection at Trilby Road and Timberline Road, across the street from a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Fort Collins.

This will be the second temple in Colorado — the Denver Temple was dedicated in 1986. There are more than 150,000 Latter-day Saints in Colorado.

- Mormon Newsroom

Worldwide Indexing Record - Family History

 For the second year in a row,  I invested some time in this worldwide project of indexing family names.  It is such a joy and reward helping in this great cause.  Whenever  I index names, I feel a spirit of gratitude and peace come over me from these deceased persons.  I know they are truly grateful for the service that we are rendering in their behalf.  Indexing is a simple, selfless act of service that anyone can participate in...

Malachi 4:5-6

 5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Millions of the world’s historical records are now freely searchable online thanks to the 72-hour FamilySearch Worldwide Indexing Event—10,447,887 records to be exact.
On July 15–17, more than 116,000 people all over the world logged on to transcribe the historical documents, far exceeding the event goal to reach 72,000 volunteers.
“We were astonished at the number of people who participated,” said Jim Ericson, product manager at FamilySearch. “[These] people selflessly donated their time and skills to help their brothers and sisters around the world gain access to records that will allow them to identify their ancestors.”
Volunteers were from every age group and every continent. Participants from all over, including Australia, Italy, and Mexico, shared experiences and photos on the Facebook event page. Many publicized their participation on other social media platforms using the hashtags #theworldsrecords and #fuelthefind and invited others to join them in the event.
“Many who participated expressed joy at being able to make sure the people in the records they indexed will not be forgotten and may be discovered by their living descendants,” said Brother Ericson.
While the worldwide event lasted only three days, FamilySearch needs volunteers to index 365 days a year. For those who missed the event but would like to get involved, visit familysearch.org/indexing.  - Mormon Newsroom


- C.J. Poulsen

Sapporo Japan Temple to Open for Public Tours

Temple building continues around the globe as the work of the Lord progresses and moves forward.  
Latter-day Saint temples differ from the meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses of the Lord” where Christ's teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside the temple, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve God and their fellow man. -Mormon Newsroom 

Temples are bringing promised blessings to faithful followers of Jesus Christ all around the world.  This new Sapporo Japan Temple is magnificent and beautiful.  It lights up the night sky that surrounds it.  Just as Jesus Christ brings light into a darkened and fallen world, the temple illuminates the darkness to bring hope and joy to those who exercise faith in following Jesus Christ and in keeping His commandments.  I love to see the many new temples being constructed around the world.  The old testament prophecy from Malachi is surely being fulfilled as family history and genealogy abound.  It is now easier than ever to search out our descendants and ancestry.   Family Search   Ancestry.com

Malachi 4:5-6

 5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord;

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The First Presidency of the Church has announced the open house will begin on Friday, July 8, and continue through Saturday, July 23, 2016, excluding Sundays.

Sapporo, Japan Temple 

Following the public open house, the temple will be formally dedicated on Sunday, August 21, 2016, in three dedicatory sessions. The day before, youth of the Church in the temple area will perform in a cultural celebration honoring Japan’s history as well as the history of the Church in the country.

The temple is located at 620-50 1 Chome, Ooyachi-Nishi, Atsubetsu-ku Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan.

The 48,480-square-foot Sapporo Japan Temple sits on 9.8 acres with the statue of the angel Moroni on top of its single spire. The temple will serve more than 8,000 Latter-day Saints who live on the island of Hokkaido and in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of the main island of Honshu.

The Sapporo Japan Temple is the Church’s third temple in Japan and, when dedicated, becomes the 151st operating temple worldwide. The two other temples in Japan are located in Tokyo(dedicated in 1980) and Fukuoka (dedicated in 2000). - Mormon Newsroom

Who are Mormon Missionaries?

I had the privilege and opportunity to be a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2001-2003.  I served my Hmong brothers and sisters in the California, Sacramento Mission.  It was a great experience of learning and growing for me.  My testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel and church were strengthened immensely.  I saw miracles happen throughout my two years of service and those are days never to be forgotten.

 

 As Elders, we had many great experiences sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and we saw many come unto the waters of baptism and partake of the goodness of God.

Hmong Paj Ntaub = Cloth Flower - This hand stitched embroidery tells the story of the Hmong people illustrating their journey from Laos to Thailand to America during the Vietnam war.

 Today there are over 74,000 full-time missionaries in over 400 missions around the globe.  It is amazing the selfless service that each of these missionaries renders by sacrificing 18-24 months of their young adult life to bring the light of the restored gospel Unto All the World.

The Standard of Truth has been erected.  No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing, persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.  

- Joseph Smith

I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that rolls forth across the earth to gather the pure in heart into the fold of Christ.  The Savior invites all to Come Unto Him and partake of His goodness and blessings. 

Ephesians 1:10

• New Testament

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 

            

~ C.J. Poulsen

Mountains to Climb

Not a day goes by that I don't think of my sweet mother...Oh how I miss her!  I miss calling to see how her week is going.  I miss hearing her voice.  I miss seeing her at home when we go visit for holidays.  I miss her cheering me on.  I miss seeing her interact with her grandchildren.  I miss her hug, kiss, and "I love you" after each visit.

Today mark's twenty months since the passing of my dear mother.  On September 1, 2014 she left her mortal body and passed onto the other side of the veil to reunite with many who had gone before her. She has progressed beyond this mortal life into the next phase of her eternal existence.  Although life is fragile and our mortal journey can end suddenly, without much warning, at anytime, the gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace and assurance that we will reunite and live again with our loved ones.  "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22

We never know when we will take our last breath in this life; therefore we should make each day count.  This life is a time for us to prepare to meet God. (Alma 34:32-34) When a loved one passes, it brings new perspective, and we tend to take a step back and analyze our own life and standing with God.  We ponder the bigger picture of who we are and our eternal identity and destination.  I hope to return and live with my mother, loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  I know this is possible through the exercise of our faith and obedience to the commandments we've been given.

With each new passing day, I feel my mother near and know that she is happy and cheering me on from above.  She is sad to be apart from us, her family, but she wants only the best for each one of us.  I know she loves me greatly and wants me to stay on the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.  I know she is busy sharing her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with all of its saving ordinances and promised blessings.  She is teaching and sharing with others the importance of family and temple covenants.  She is sharing her testimony of the Holy Bible and Book of Mormon.  She is testifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His loving sacrifice and atonement in our behalf.  I am so grateful for this knowledge I've obtained of Christ's gospel through the witness and power of the Holy Ghost.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is so beautiful and truly is "Good News" to all who will listen and accept its glorious message.  For my friends who are suffering and feeling lost or alone, I submit to you that you're never alone.  Perhaps you've recently lost a loved one as well and are grieving their passing.  I testify that they're alive and well and have only separated from their mortal body for a time.  Jesus Christ has broken the bands of death and through His glorious resurrection has promised that same gift to all who come to this earth and die.  We will rise again and live with our loved ones.

Families are central to the message of Christ's gospel.  Our main purpose of being here on earth is to be tested.  We are being tested to see if we will exercise faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and follow after Him and His teachings.  He wants us to follow Him into the waters of baptism and become members of His church where we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Once we have become a member of His church we can then continue progressing for more gifts and blessings in His holy temples.  I love the holy temples and the promises and blessings we can receive here if we are faithful.  We can be married and sealed to our eternal companion for time and eternity and have our children sealed to us!  This is great news!  For those who passed beyond the veil of death before hearing this glorious message we can also help them progress!  "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:29

House of the Lord ~ Holiness to the Lord

 Salt Lake City Temple

 Washington D.C. Temple

Rexburg, Idaho Temple

 I know that families can be together forever through sacred, temple sealings.  One of the biggest blessings and benefits of the Restoration of Christ's Church and gospel is the blessings of family history and temple work.

• Ephesians 1:10

  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
   
• The Biblical prophet Malachi prophesied of the return of Elijah for the purpose of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers (see Malachi 4:5–6)

  This prophecy was actually fulfilled when the Prophet Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (the man who helped Joseph translate the Book of Mormon) in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. Elijah restored specific powers of the priesthood by conferring them upon Joseph and Oliver. This power is what makes it possible for families to be sealed throughout generations. Through family history work, we can participate in the continuing fulfillment of this prophecy. We can learn about our ancestors, and those who died without the opportunity to hear the gospel and receive ordinances, and increase our love for them. We can be inspired by their stories of courage and faith. We can pass that legacy on to our children.

  

I am so thankful for my knowledge and understanding of God's eternal plan of happiness and salvation.  His teachings anchor my soul and give me light and direction in a darkened world.  I am grateful for the opportunity this technology allows me to share my testimony with you and others.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves you and I.  I pray that you may feel peace and comfort.  As always, thank you for stopping by.

~ C.J. Poulsen

Gladys Knight in SoCal with her SUV

In 2007 I had the opportunity to take some dear friends to a Gladys Knight SUV choir fireside in Sacramento, Ca where I had served an LDS mission five years prior.  I enjoyed it so much then as she shared song and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This past week I was praying for missionary opportunities to share the good news of the Restoration of Christ's church and gospel.  The Lord works in mysterious ways and I spontaneously decided to look up her tour schedule again the day before she arrived to Southern California. Wow!  What a perfect opportunity to go see her again and take some good Christian friends along with me.  I busily text and messaged a few facebook friends and invited those I thought would enjoy her style of gospel music and testimony of Christ. 

The past few days have been very memorable as I was privileged once again to attend two local fireside testimony meetings with Gladys Knight and her choir, SUV.  She and her husband, William McDowell, bore solemn witness and testimony of the Restoration of Christ's gospel and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their journey in finding it.  They are now actively sharing their testimonies through word and song with their fabulous choir, Saints Unified Voices.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

ABOUT SUV
(The Saints Unified Voices (SUV) is an all-volunteer 100-voice multicultural LDS gospel choir directed by the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight. We are headquartered in the Las Vegas area, but travel nationwide to share our presentations of music and testimony praising Jesus Christ. To learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and ask questions, click here: www.mormon.org)

I invited a couple brothers the first night to attend with me and we had a great time in Irvine, Ca listening to the choir and testimonies of Jesus Christ.  We failed to take any pics together however to record our experience.  They also didn't realize she was a Latter-day Saint and learned a lot of new information that night.

The second night these three kept me company in the Arcadia, Ca performance.  We had a great time and followed Gladys out to her photo backdrop afterwards.  We missed a picture with her as the line was too long but were honored to meet Gladys and shake hands with her after she passed by us here below. She is so kind and smelled so good...dressed in all white that second night.  Isaiah said, "I'm not washing this hand, it smells like roses."  He was very giddy and excited to be there and to get to meet her.  I am happy these three agreed to attend with me last minute and we also had a memorable time.

 

We went to the photo backdrop to grab a photo after the performance (missed Gladys here) but the cameraman asked if he could interview us so we got 4-5 minutes on tape as well... :)

 Liz, Dee, Isaiah, and me

 Gladys Testimony at Women's Conference - 1999

 A small glimpse of what the SUV performances are like - 11 years ago...

Gladys journey to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I am so grateful for these experiences of hearing testimony through song and word with friends who love Christ.  I love my brothers and sisters of all races, faiths, and backgrounds.  I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that brought us all together at these events.  We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father whose marvelous work is to bring about salvation to all.  It amazes me the love He has for each one of us.  He knows our hearts and our paths of faith.  He is always standing with open arms to lead and guide us, to walk beside us and help us find the way.  Truth is truth and is everlasting and unchanging.  When truth is present, the Holy Ghost testifies and witnesses of it.  I know this to be true and am so grateful to know that you and I are children of God.  May God continue to bless you to Act in Faith and have the Faith to Act...by allowing Him to lead you and guide you... ~ C.J. Poulsen

I am a Child of God

Amazing Grace, Glorious, and Gratitude on #HisDay...

What first comes to mind with these words: Amazing Grace, Glorious, and Gratitude?

 They have been on my mind throughout the day as I've observed the Sabbath and tried to keep it holy.   I love the Sabbath day!  It is a delight each week to spend the entire day with my family and loved ones.  My heart is full of gratitude for this gift from our loving Heavenly Father.  It is #HisDay - a day dedicated to putting aside our selfish endeavors and things of this world and focusing instead on the Savior, Jesus Christ and His gospel teachings.  The Sabbath is a delight in our home each week as a special feeling and spirit of reverence comes over our family and home.  We look forward to this day of rest from earthly labors each week.

#HisDay

 

Today after church we watched Bible videos as we waited for mommy in a primary meeting.  I love my kids and they bring me more joy and happiness than anything else. #HisDay 

We watched The Last Supper

Meeting in an upper room with His disciples, Jesus washes their feet, institutes the sacrament, and commands them to love one another. #HisDay

Jesus washing the feet of His disciples -
This picture hangs in our foyer at church.

 

Isaiah 58:13

13 ¶If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the ^ahigh places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

A Family Favorite on the Sabbath  

As a family we love watching inspirational and uplifting movies centered on the Savior each Sunday.  Some of our favorites are songs of worship praising our Savior.  There are many talented musicians that we listen to and watch over and over.  Take a look at a few of our favorites... #HisDay

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)



Nearer My God To Thee



Glorious 



Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing/If You Could Hie to Kolob



I am a Child of God



Angels We Have Heard on High  
*Most viewed YouTube in our home I think :)

These are just a few of our favorites that invite the spirit of the Lord into our home and inspire us to want to be better and try a little harder.

I hope you enjoyed your Sabbath as much as we did ours.  Have an excellent week, SMILE and lift another with kind words and love in your heart!  #LightandTruth

 ~ C.J. Poulsen
 

Why are temples built in our day?

God's covenant people have always been commanded throughout history to build holy temples unto Him.  We have record of temples being built throughout the scriptures. Today, in our modern day it is no different, temples are being built across the globe at a more rapid pace than ever before.           Why is this?  Why are temples dotting planet earth?  What is their purpose and significance?

For many years, the Israelites could not build a temple because they were traveling through the wilderness. They carried with them a tent called the tabernacle, which served as a temple. After they had reached the promised land, King David wanted to build a permanent temple. God told him, “Thou shalt not build an house unto my name” (1 Chr. 22:8). People cannot build temples for the Lord without receiving His approval. The Lord revealed that David’s son Solomon had been chosen to build the temple, instead.

Solomon’s temple took eight years to complete. It was similar to the tabernacle, but it was twice as large. The walls were made of stone and were covered on the inside with carved wood and gold. Only the best materials were used to construct the temple. When it was finished, Solomon knelt at the altar in the court of the temple and offered a dedicatory prayer. (See 2 Chr. 3–6.)

OLD TESTAMENT TIMES: 

 Solomon's Temple

1 Kings: 

Chapter 6

Solomon builds the temple—The Lord promises to dwell among the Israelites if they are obedient—The ornaments of the temple are described.
Chapter 7

Solomon builds himself a house—Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple—The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

Exodus:
Chapter 28

Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated and anointed to minister in the priest’s office—Aaron’s garments are to include a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat, a miter, and a girdle—The breastplate of judgment is to contain twelve precious stones with the names of the tribes of Israel thereon—The Urim and Thummim are to be carried in the breastplate.

36 ¶And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord.

Oakland, California Temple

Kings:

Chapter 7

25 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

 Manaus, Brazil Temple

• 1 Corinthians 15:29

  29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
  

Isaiah Saw our Day

Isaiah:

Chapter 2

 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

A Prophecy Fulfilled...

Salt Lake City, Utah Temple

I was married in this temple in 2005 for time and all eternity to my eternal companion and sweetheart.  I love the blessings of the temple and the understanding it gives me of our Heavenly Father's glorious plan of salvation for each one of us.


Why the "Mormon Underwear?"

Another Old Testament Prophecy Fulfilled

Malachi 4

5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Elijah Has Returned and Restored the Sealing Keys of the Priesthood

Temple Quotations 

and

Temple Designs...

 

Revelation 7:15

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Gilbert, Arizona Temple

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah Temple

 

Las Vegas, Nevada Temple 

 

Latter-day Temple Building 

- Current Construction

IF you have made it this far I applaud you for taking the time to learn more about why temples are so important to us as Latter-day Saints.  Family History and genealogy are a very big part of our focus and work as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We believe the scripture is literally being fulfilled below:

• Ephesians 1:10

  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
  
  I leave you my personal testimony and witness that temple work is essential to the salvation of all mankind.  Sacred ordinances are performed and covenants are entered into by followers of Jesus Christ.  True discipleship is learned. The holy temples are a sacred sanctuary from the storms of this life where we can feel the peace and beauty of heavenly things.  I love going to the temple and serving there.  It brings me so much happiness and joy each time I go.  I am uplifted and edified by the sweet spirit of the temple.  It is holy and sacred and the most beautiful place on earth.  The work of redeeming those who have past on before us is very spiritual and rewarding.   ~C.J. Poulsen
  

Are apostles on the Earth today?

Have you ever wondered if God speaks to living prophets and apostles in our day?

#FaithtoAct
Elder Neil A. Anderson - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles - October 2015 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Amos 3:7

7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:14

14 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Christ's original foundation of Apostles

Christ's current foundation of Apostles

It is my witness that He does and He speaks to them concerning our day.  We are living in the last dispensation prior to the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ during His second coming.  He has called and chosen these servants (15 Apostles) to help guide us, counsel us, and admonish us to stay in the paths of safety.  Satan wants us to reject these chosen servants and to follow the ways of the world.  It is my prayer that if you're reading this, you will also listen and pray concerning their messages.  May we all stand worthy of the Lamb once He returns to reign again on Earth.

Come and be nourished by the word of God; listen to living prophets and apostles and be edified and lifted by the Holy Ghost this weekend as Christ's servants proclaim messages of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

All times are MST Mountain Standard Time:  Click below to watch the LIVE feed during indicated times.

186th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Saturday April 2 - 10am - 12 noon,  2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm

Sunday April 3 - 10am - 12 noon, 2pm - 4pm

- Jesus Christ teaching the Sermon on the Mount - 

Come, gather around your computer, television, or radio and be instructed, inspired, and edified...as the Lord holds his annual General Conference to Latter- day Saints and all who will listen around the globe.

~ C. J. Poulsen

Christ Lives, He is Risen

GETHSEMANE

None Were With Him, An Apostles Easter Thoughts on Christ

On this beautiful Easter morning as the sun rose in the East and my children awoke excited for the day...feelings of love, peace, and gratitude came over me.  My thoughts turned to the Savior, Jesus Christ as I pondered upon the meaning of the day and prepared for our Easter program at church.

Easter

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Easter is the Christian holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. After Christ died on the cross, His body was placed in a sepulchre, where it remained, separated from His spirit, until His Resurrection, when His spirit and His body were reunited. Latter-day Saints affirm and testify that Jesus Christ was resurrected and lives today with a glorified and perfected body of flesh and bone.

For the past couple of weeks my family and I have been practicing the children's song,                    "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," in preparation for singing in Sacrament meeting today alongside two other families in our ward.

Tell me the Stories of Jesus - Lyrics

1. Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear,
   Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here.
   Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea,
   Stories of Jesus, tell them to me.
   2. Oh, let me hear how the children stood round his knee.
   I shall imagine his blessings resting on me;
   Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace,
   All in the love-light of Jesus' face.
   3. Tell me, in accents of wonder, how rolled the sea,
   Tossing the boat in a tempest on Galilee!
   And how the Master, ready and kind,
   Chided the billows and hushed the wind.
   ~ Words: W. H. Parker, 1845-1929
   ~ Music: Frederic A. Challinor, 1866-1952

This Sabbath has surely been a delight! In Sunday school we learned about prophecies made centuries ago concerning our day by Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet.  I would like to highlight a few verses out of the chapters we discussed. (See Nephi chapters 26-33.)

 2 Nephi 26
Christ will minister to the Nephites—Nephi foresees the destruction of his people—They will speak from the dust—The Gentiles will build up false churches and secret combinations—The Lord forbids men to practice priestcrafts. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 27
Darkness and apostasy will cover the earth in the last days—The Book of Mormon will come forth—Three witnesses will testify of the book—The learned man will say he cannot read the sealed book—The Lord will do a marvelous work and a wonder—Compare Isaiah 29. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 28
 Many false churches will be built up in the last days—They will teach false, vain, and foolish doctrines—Apostasy will abound because of false teachers—The devil will rage in the hearts of men—He will teach all manner of false doctrines. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 29

Many Gentiles will reject the Book of Mormon—They will say, We need no more Bible—The Lord speaks to many nations—He will judge the world out of the books which will be written. About 559–545 B.C. 

2 Nephi 30
Converted Gentiles will be numbered with the covenant people—Many Lamanites and Jews will believe the word and become delightsome—Israel will be restored and the wicked destroyed. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi 31

Nephi tells why Christ was baptized—Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved—Repentance and baptism are the gate to the strait and narrow path—Eternal life comes to those who keep the commandments after baptism. About 559–545 B.C.

In our priesthood meeting we watched the film Finding Faith in Christ which illustrates many events of Christ's mortal ministry, His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His death and glorious resurrection in our behalf.

 Finding Faith in Christ

I hope you've enjoyed today's thoughts and words on how my Sabbath has been.  I also hope that you, too, have had an uplifting day which has inspired and edified you to be better and to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ a little more closely.   Hallelujah, He is risen from the grave!   I know that He Lives today and invites all to Come Unto Him. 

#Hallelujah ~ He Lives

~C.J. Poulsen