"THE PRINCE OF PEACE"

Easter is so much fun with kids. The easter egg hunts, the baskets, the easter bunny, the darling clothes! But I wanted to write a few of my thoughts on the real reason why we celebrate Easter. I have always been thankful for the Atonement of the Savior. But it hasn't been until the last few years as I have gone through my divorce that I really understood how amazing the Atonement really is. I have truely come to understand what they meant when in the scriptures they called the Savior the "Prince of Peace." Through him I have come to know that the only true peace in times of trial is found through him. He has been my friend, my listening ear, He has understood my pain and sorrow and helped me find peace and joy in my many blessings. My sweet friend Katie sent me an e-mail saying that she heard a talk by President Hinckley that said, "single mothers prayers are heard first in heaven." I was completely choked up reading this. I believe this must be true because I know the only way I have gotten through these last few years is through Heavenly Father hearing and answering my prayers.

There is a talk by President Hinckley in the Liahona this month that I took visiting teaching and it has such a neat quote by him. He says, "We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accimplishment. For others, disappoointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.

In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.

He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is "risen for the dead,...the firstfruits of them that slept". He is the Lord who shall come again "to reign on the earth over his people."

I am so thankful that I have a testimony of these words. I am so thankful at this time of year and always for my Savior who atoned for my sins, hurts, heartaches and understands what I am going through and loves and comforts me. I hope you all have a happy easter. Much love from our family to yours!

Trista