Sunday, March 29, 2009

A time of reflection.

In all the history of the world there have been many great and wise souls, many of whom claimed special knowledge of God. But when the Savior rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived—the just and the unjust.

When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 28–30)

A question may be asked—‘Will mothers have their children in eternity?’ Yes! Yes! Mothers, you shall have your children; for they shall have eternal life, for their debt is paid.” History of the Church, 6:316

“Children … must rise just as they died; we can there hail our lovely infants with the same glory—the same loveliness in the celestial glory.” History of the Church, 6:366

Our little Natalie would have been 4 today. It is hard to believe. I am still comforted by the knowledge that we will be reunited with her. I love this time of year as the earth is in bloom and things that seemed dead are alive again. I am looking forward to another general conference and then Easter when we celebrate the ressurection of Jesus Christ. We have so much to be grateful for.

9 comments:

Amy Coons said...

Oh, this was beautifully written! It is hard to believe four years have passed. I too am so grateful to have the knowledge of the resurrection. I love that talk by Elder Wirthlin. I believe it will be one of "those talks" quoted for many many years. Thank you for sharing all of this.

The Janis Clan said...

I also love Elder Wirthlin's last talk he gave in general conference last November. He taught about the principle of compensation. He said, "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.

...Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails."

I believe this principle with all of my heart, and look forward to celebrating in your hundred-fold compensations the Lord has prepared for you! I love you all!

John and Sue said...

Happy 4th Birthday little Natalie. You will always be in our hearts - always part of our family.
Love, Grandma and Grandpa Scott

Ricki said...

Your making me cry!!! She is so lucky to have you as a family! And you are so lucky to have your little Natalie up there cheering all of you on so that you can return to live with her again! I know you are grateful, just like I am, for your little Celestial Spirit. Life can take as many twists and turns as it wants, but having a extra little something to look forward to in Heaven is nice! Happy Birthday, Natalie!

Julie Hunt said...

Val, you are an amazing person. I think of you and John and how strong you have been through everything. You are such an example to me and to others.

Kelly said...

This is a beautiful tribute to the healing power of faith and the blessings of the gospel. It is amazing that 4 years have gone by. I rejoice that you will have your beautiful little Natalie to hold again some day. Ironically, Alicia gave birth to Weston Christopher on the 29th. I thought about you and your sweet family and the ebbs and flows of life. Love to you all!

Kelly said...

This is a beautiful tribute to the healing power of faith and the blessings of the gospel. It is amazing that 4 years have gone by. I rejoice that you will have your beautiful little Natalie to hold again some day. Ironically, Alicia gave birth to Weston Christopher on the 29th. I thought about you and your sweet family and the ebbs and flows of life. Love to you all!

Shelby Bingham said...

I was thinking of you guys on the 29th and wondering if you have started any kind of traditions to commemorate the day -- this blog post was a beautiful testimony of the comforting truths of the gospel! We are so blessed to have this knowledge -- love to you all!

Angie Adam said...

Val- This was beautiful. I too can hardly believe its been 4 years. How wonderful it is to have the comfort that comes with the knowledge of the gospel. love you.