Above: Easter eggs died using Onion skins and found greenery from my backyard.
Easter was wonderful. Noni and Papa (Ben's parents), Ben's brother Chris and his two sons, Owen and Sam, and Olea and Adam were all with us for Easter. We had a delicious dinner and a wonderful time. I love having a full house. That is truly happiness!
Who knows what Sacrament meeting was about because with our three boys we never get to listen much, but Relief Society was great. We had a fantastic lesson about overcoming anger. I really enjoyed it.
This is a subject that I have been thinking about lately. I recently have seen Ulysses showing some of the characteristics I exhibit when I am angry and it has kind of been a smack in the face. I need to re-evaluate my actions and what I want to teach my kids. I don't want to teach them bad habits.
So the lesson gave me some really good things to think about. I really am trying to focus on not letting myself get angry. Stay calm. Take a deep breath. Don't explode. Communicate. Don't cry! Some times I am better at it than other times.
So to tie it back to Easter... I am so thankful to my Savior, Jesus Christ. His love for us. His sacrifice for us. I am also so thankful for my Father in Heaven to love us enough to send my brother, Jesus to this earth. The magnificence of His Plan of Salvation is just amazing. We are so loved. He is truly our Father. Jesus is truly our Brother.
I can not teach my children the things necessary to return to Him with out help. Forgiveness is the key. I am filled with humility when I think about that. I can be forgiven for my sins. I have the opportunity to live eternally with my family. My partnership with my best friend does not ever have to end (this was also our 11th anniversary weekend). Our house full of family can stay full for eternity. But only if we choose to follow the teachings and principals of the Gospel.
I am deeply flawed. I am so thankful for the ability to ask and be granted forgiveness. I love the Easter reminder of this glorious key. I love Jesus Christ and I am thankful for His influence in my life.
*****
I didn't mean for this to be a testimony type of post. I was just laughing at myself because today is Fast & Testimony meeting. We didn't end up going to church - but apparently I bore my testimony anyway... Ben's gallbladder started hurting him badly this morning and Uly's nose is drippy so I decided to stay home and cook. I am fasting today. This is unusual for me. I don't usually fast. I like to think it is because I have been nursing or pregnant for the past 5+ years. That's really just an excuse. Whatever, so today I am fasting. We need some help with a decision, we need help with our health, we just generally need help. Who doesn't? I guess that's why I'm a bit more "churchy" than usual... I don't know.
6 comments:
I love you, Jess!
Those must be the coolest looking easter eggs I have ever seen. I love how creative you are! I also loved this post. It makes all of us stronger by reading it!
your awesome!
Well Jessica Garnet Stier,
Preach on mah sista! I mean it. I consider myself a good buddy to you and have known you for sometime now. I have never heard you lay your guts down like you just did. I love your words, I feel your message, and your enthusiasm for good-livin' has caught me.
Keep passin' on the truth and light!
Good stuff.
You are missed here in Washington but we'll always have the 619 baby!
Hey Kiddo,
Sorry we forgot your anniversary! So happy belated anniversary!!! So fun to see the eggs. I'd been saving onion skins for weeks to dye eggs then Dad came home with dozens of dark brown eggs!!! We colored them with crayons - that was fun. Loved your testimony, honey. I went down to Newport to visit my Dad, his 81st bday, and went to church there in the Newport ward. I really love that ward, and was compelled to bear my testimony. And come to find out, Dad bore his in Ferndale that same day. So I guess it was just the spirit movin' thru us this past weekend! Wonderful time of year. Your photos are really coming out beautiful. Great job. Love ya!
I love dyeing Easter eggs that way. I learned it from my grandma when I was little.
You should never feel like you need to apologize for bearing your testimony, wherever it is. I think it's sweet that it just sort of flowed from your ponderings.
(I linked to you from Kazzy...just so you know)
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