Grocery Store Hours

            An empty grocery store parking lot in broad daylight?  I do a double take every Easter when I pass Glenn’s and see no cars in the parking lot.

So many people are hopeful that they can continue their existence after passing from this earth, they take one day a year to celebrate the Savior’s resurrection with family and friends.  For this one day, shopping is done in advance and the store parking lots are empty. 

“We need not doubt the reality of the Resurrection simply because we do not understand it. We witness the constant miracle of birth; it is real, although not fully understood. The coming of a newborn child occurs under the direction of a loving Father in Heaven. So will the resurrection of everyone who has lived, who now lives, or who will yet live upon this planet.”  (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Our Acceptance of Christ,” http://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/06/our-acceptance-of-christ?lang=eng&query=neal+maxwell+great+question+life )

            Jesus broke “the bands of death” (Mosiah 16:7) that you and I can live forever.  I am thankful for the peace and hope this miracle brings to my life.

David Jensen, 29 March 2012

“FREE GIFT! GET YOURS NOW.”

            A business newsletter that I recently read suggested the words above really grab attention when used as a headline or email subject line.  Alas, as a tightwad and skeptic, I’ve learned to ignore offers that appear to good to be true.

            But, there is one free gift I confidently look forward to.  Everyone who is born on earth will receive it – and there are no strings attached!  That is the resurrection made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

           

Paul explained to the Corinthians:  “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ... For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20,22)

As the Son of the Eternal Father, Jesus had the power to give up his life and the power to unite His spirit body with His “body of flesh and bones, never again to be divided.”*  Anticipating this gift brings peace and contentment to my daily life.

* LDS Bible Dictionary, page 761  http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/resurrection?lang=eng&letter=r

Service

There is one recorded conversation with the Savior that strikes me personally every time I hear or read it:

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: ...

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? ...

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:34-40)

When I serve others, I not only notice the blessings from doing what Jesus asks, but I am happier.  “Your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth.” (President George Albert Smith)*

Thank you for all you do to help your neighbors, family members and work associates.

(My thoughts from January, 2012)

* http://lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-2?lang=eng