I can't even pretend like I'm caught up on blogging. I have an entire Turkey trip to post about, which will probably have to be like 10 separate posts because there are so many pictures. But not having a computer of my own makes keeping up with a blog difficult, so I'm not ready to start that project yet. Maybe when school gets out (5 weeks!!!). I hope I still remember everything by then.
Last week was Easter, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did an amazing job of creating really powerful Easter-themed media about Jesus Christ and his impact on the world. One film in particular really struck me - it's the most common one from the website. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3TI4bYerU. My favorite part says,
"Because of Him...we can start again and again and again. Because of Him, guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, despair becomes hope. Because of Him, we have second chances, clean slates, new beginnings. There is no such thing as the end because of Him."
As I thought about the blessings that I have because of Him, I was overwhelmed at how His love, life, and sacrifice affects every single facet of my life, all for the better.
Because of Him, I get to be with my family forever, and by then we will all be much better people.
Because of Him, I can move on when I make a mistake and focus on being better.
Because of Him, I can start over, no matter how many times I've started over in the past.
Because of Him, I have felt the relief and joy that comes from being forgiven.
Because of Him, I have felt the peace that comes from forgiving others and myself.
Because of Him, I can have faith and trust in other people's ability to change through the Atonement.
Because of Him, I know I don't have to live with my imperfections and weaknesses forever. I can work to improve myself and have hope that my efforts will be magnified by His infinite grace.
Because of Him, I can have hope for the future, even though there is death, destruction, and danger everywhere and it's only getting worse.
Because of Him, I don't have to feel alone in my trials and struggles.
Because of Him, I have met incredible people who have changed me forever.
Because of Him, I am able to see the bigger picture and make choices that I know will bring me lasting peace.
Because of Him, I can make decisions with confidence, being led by the Holy Ghost.
Because of Him, I know I will see lost loved ones again after this life.
Because of Him, I know that my efforts in this life will count for something. It's worth it to try to be better and do the right thing because I'm working toward eternal goals.
Because of Him, I know everything that seems unfair in my life and in the world will be worked out for the good of everyone.
Because of Him, I know there's always something for me to learn. I know that my trials and challenges are not punishments, but opportunities.
Because of Him, I feel joy.
I know He lives and because of Him, I, and everyone else, will live again. That knowledge brings a greater meaning to this life. We are not here by chance. We are beloved children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and has sent us here to learn, grow, and become like Him. Because of Jesus Christ, someday we will return to Heavenly Father's presence, and because of Christ, we can stand confidently.
Because of Jesus Christ, my life has purpose.
