He is risen!

Happy Easter! Jesus Christ is risen!

I had the opportunity to go home this weekend and it was such a blessing. The primary children sang "Gethsemane" in sacrament meeting and it was so cute and really brought the Spirit. My sister was sick and couldn't teach in Nursery, so I subbed for her today. Be still my heart! Those kids!! So cute and so sweet!! 😍😍❤️❤️ 

Here are some Easter videos from the Church, and here are some music videos. This year's theme was #PrinceOfPeace. Here is one of my favorites. ❤️

I am so grateful for my Savior, and for His sacrifice. I read an interesting article–well, it was a video–the other day that really changed my view of His Atonement. You can see it here. I really recommend it. It was such a great video. I'm so thankful for Jesus Christ, and His willingness to suffer and die for me. He didn't have to, and He asked if there was another way (Mark 14: 36), much like all of us. But He did it anyway. He knew what He needed to do, and He loved us enough to do it. Every day, I'm grateful. He lived, He died, and He lives again. Oh how sweet is that sentence! He lives. With Him on my side, I can conquer anything and everything. Because of Him, I can be at peace. For He is the Prince of Peace.

Xoxo
Mattie

My testimony of the birth of Jesus Christ, His life and mission, and His love for us.

Now that it is December, it's time to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His life and mission. He was born to save us. I'm so grateful for His mother, Mary, who was so very courageous and brave in taking on the role of being His mother. I'm so grateful for Joseph, His earthly father-figure who, even though it was difficult, still married Mary and took care of Jesus and taught Him to be a carpenter. I'm so grateful for my Saviour, who was always conscious of His mission in life—doing His Father's work—and who did everything in His power to teach His apostles what He needed to teach them so that, when the time came, Joseph Smith Jr. would be able to read the Bible and know to ask of God. I know that Jesus lives. I know that He was born to His mortal mother, Mary, and I know that He lived as Heavenly Father would have lived, and I know that He suffered for me. I know He suffered for you. Even if you don't believe in Him, He still suffered for you. He loves you so much that He suffered and died for you, even when He knew that some of the people on Earth wouldn't ever believe in Him. I know He loves me. I know He loves you. And I really hope that you know that there are people out there who love you. I love you, even if I don't know you. I love you because I know that you are a son or daughter of a King—our Heavenly Father, who loves you so very much. You are so, so precious to Him, and I hope that you know that. I hope and pray that you will come to know Him and know that He loves you, and I hope and pray that you will come to know that this gospel—the Gospel of Jesus Christ—is true, and that God exists, and that He loves you. Because I know it is true, and I know that He loves me and I know that He loves you. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Conference weekend.

This weekend is conference weekend, and we have heard so many good messages already! I love conference weekend because I love to hear all the messages and I love to listen for what God wants me to hear, and learn, and know. I always hear something that hits me hard or that I need to work on. I would now like to bear my testimony: I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love us all. I know that He lives. I know Jesus want us to return and I know that He has prepared the way for us. I know He speaks through the prophets and apostles to us. I know that prayer works. I know that if we do our best, He will help us finish. I know that He gives us families to learn and grow in. I know He gives us trials to strengthen us. I know that with Him, weaknesses can become strengths. I know He loves us all, and I know that He atoned for us because He loves us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

He lives and He loves you.

So, one of these days I'm going to post a video of me singing/playing a hymn or Primary song. But our house is too loud right now, so the lyrics will have to do for now:

A Child's Prayer

1) Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father; I remember now Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: "Suffer the children to come to me." Father, in prayer I'm coming now to thee. 

2) Pray, he is there; speak, he is listn'ing. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav'n. 

I love this song so much. The first verse is a little child, talking to their Heavenly Father, asking Him if He is really there. And by the end of the first verse, the child has remembered and wants to pray to Him. The second verse is a parent (or grandparent), bearing testimony to the child that He really is there and that He does listen. 

I know that He lives. I know He loves me. I know He loves all of us, whether or not we believe in Him. And I know that He will always listen and that He wants what is best for us. And I know that He sent His Son to die for us, so that we can return to live with Him. He will never, ever, ever turn away from you—He is always waiting for you to turn to Him. Whether that be again or for the first time, He is waiting for you because He loves you very, very much.