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He is Risen

I'm pretty excited about Easter tomorrow. Mostly because I get to FINALLY open the Easter package from my family that's been sitting in my closet since WEDNESDAY. The anticipation has been killing me. Just a little. Yeah I'm 19, but I still like presents! Jenn told me that she picked everything out and that one thing is CUTE and the other is AWESOME. I'm also supposed to call and thank her specifically for the package after I open it! Funny, funny girl. Anyways, I promise cute little presents aren't the real reason why I love Easter, just an added bonus!

Yesterday morning, I woke up and got ready for work, which on Fridays since I have no classes which is literally the best and I highly recommend it, consists of throwing my hair in a ponytail, putting on yoga pants and a t-shirt, throwing my work uniform in a bag, eating breakfast, and walking out the door. Yesterday I woke up a little earlier than usual, so I had some extra time. I decided instead of doing what I usually do when I get ready early, i.e. browsing my Facebook news feed and checking out what's new on Pinterest, I would do something a little more, shall we say, beneficial. I decided in honor of Good Friday I would watch this video, a clip from one of my all time favorite General Conference talks. Let's be honest, Elder Holland gives the best conference talks. Don't we all feel like this when they announce that he's next to speak? I vividly remember that when this talk was given was one of the first times I really paid attention and learned from a Conference talk. Christ's Atonement humbles me each and every day. I have seen it work in seemingly small in the grand scheme of things, but truly miraculous ways in my life. It gives me the chance to make mistakes and be forgiven of them and learn from them. It has an enabling power that can give me strength when I need it. Through it, I gained the truest friend that I will ever have. He will never let me down and he will ALWAYS understand what I am going through, because he went through it first. As Elder Holland said, "One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Christ walked that path so utterly alone, we don't have to." It's true and I love that! The thing I love the most about Easter is that it is focused on Christ's resurrection. He was crucified for us, and then he conquered death. I am so thankful that because he was crucified and rose again on the third day, we will all be able to be resurrected one day. It gives me so much hope and a desire to rise to my full potential during this life and be the person that God designed me to become.  I am so thankful that I have Christ's perfect example to look up to. I love him and strive each day to be more like him. Not a day goes by when I do not need the Atonement, and I am so grateful for it! Happy Easter everyone!

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