Easter ever in my heart...

(You may view other photographic art masterpieces by Mark Mabry here...)How does one verbalize the tender feelings of not only gratitude, but honor and praise to the most important event ever to take place in the history of the world... let alone the profound sacred feelings that rest upon a full heart for the pre-ordained Savior of the world?

Easter... a reflection of the perfect atonement, the despicable crucifixion and the glorious resurrection of our elder brother, Jesus Christ... it is difficult for me to wrap all of my thoughts into this event all in one day... Easter... but I can think of no better day of the week to celebrate the gift of the atonement and resurrection.

With so much swirling through my heart and mind, I sum it up like this: This man, born in the most humble of circumstances, lived a perfect life, performed miracles to many... who atoned for my sins and yours... who felt the pain and weight of the world... who had more love than any other... who carried, hung and died upon the cross at Calvary... This same man over came death on the 3rd day. He lives.... of this I am sure.

The Easter celebration brought about family and friend gatherings. Worship. Feasts. Fun.

We hunted baskets and eggs. We sang lots of songs. We cried and laughed.

As part of family tradition we hide an empty egg (resembling an empty tomb... for He is risen!)... The egg is the most coveted egg... for the finder of it gains the best reward. Even in a sea of treat filled plastic Easter eggs, the empty egg is most sought after and cheered for.

Empty.

And the empty egg winner this year was Ms. Bailey.

Though Easter Sunday is days past, I promise to keep it ever in my heart. For each day it's message is one that I not only believe and live, but each day I become the recipient of the gift which was given at such a monumental price... the sacrifice of the perfect Son of God. And for that I remain profoundly grateful.
Happy Easter... all year long!

I resolve myself to...

I believe Greg Olsen is the artist who created this image.

A Mecham tradition is that we each give a gift to the baby Jesus every year. (a lot like a new years resolution) We wrap up a little wooden baby Jesus with our commitment written out on paper and place it under the tree... to be opened on Christmas morn and carried out through the year. Though Cole tries his hardest to figure out how he will get a new lightening McQueen hot rod to heaven, this is not the kind of gift we offer. In years past some have tried so hard to "give" up sibling rivalry... others to "give" the gift of better visit teaching... or to stop swearing (at least around the kids)!

In the events of this past year, I was fortunate and quite unfortunate to witness a life altering event at the sacrifice of Stephanie and her beloved. In serving her family I found the truth in so many things... the reality and promise we have been given to "find our self in service", to name one. My testimony of a merciful God and the Savior of the world has grown monumentally. My understanding of the Word of Wisdom is more clear... and I am more determined to live it. I have friendships that are bound by loving service. These people are genuine and kind and I can't imagine living a life long without them. I feel that I saw a literal raising from the dead. Nie and Mr. Nielson are my miracle... and yours... and I am thankful to a loving Father in Heaven for allowing me to be a part of world-wide gathering of His children... coming together for good. I learned lessons that changed me forever.

From this event and education, I have chosen to gift the baby Jesus my commitment to openly share His gospel (shamelessly) with anyone and everyone. And as a new years resolution I will serve, more diligently, His children.

Today, on the fist day of a new year, I declare a heart felt love and honor and a devotion, unshakable, to Jesus Christ. I know He is real and that He will return to earth as promised by prophets. I anticipate that day so that I might personally thank Him for an unearthly abundance of blessings that have come from His atonement.

Enjoy a Healthy, prosperous year full of gratitude and optimism!