The House of the Lord

Enjoy the Atlanta Temple Dedication! And take a minute to watch this brief video about temples:

HAPPY EASTER!

       

                                Mary and the Resurrected Lord                Jesus' Tomb                    Jesus Shows His Wounds

HAPPY EASTER! He is risen! He is risen! Shout it out with joyful voice! For today, enjoy these two wonderful presentations. May the joy and miracle of that first Easter morn be with you today and always. Happy Easter!


Testimonies of the Apostles


And it wouldn't be Easter without some wonderful music!

1   In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2   And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3   His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4   And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5   And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6   He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7   And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8   And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9   And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11  Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13   Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14   And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15   So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Matthew 28: 1-15

Saturday of Easter Week: Work for the Dead, The Jewish Sabbath

Jesus Christ

29   And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;

30   But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to fall the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
31   And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
32   Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.

33   These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
34   And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
35   And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.
36   Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;
37   That they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression, that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his words.

D&C 138: 29-37

FOR TODAY:

Watch this brief presentation by President Boyd K. Packer. And also a wonderful clip from President Hinckley!

Read this talk by Elder Ballard on service to others.

For children:

• Make a family tree with as many generations as you can.
• Visit the temple (today's the last day of the Open House!)
• Use play dough to create an Easter day scene with the tomb, garden, etc. Don't forget the door on the tomb so it can be opened tomorrow!

Friday of Easter Week: Calvary

The Crucifixion

To read to full passage (Matthew 27:1-61), click here.

FOR TODAY:

Watch this powerful excerpt from Elder Holland.


Read Elder Wirthlin's talk, Sunday Will Come.

For children:

• Read Book of Mormon stories about what happened there when Jesus died.
• Taste test vinegar and compare it to water.
• Do an object lesson using a glove to demonstrate the physical body and spirit.

26   Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

27   Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28   And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29   And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30   And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31   And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
32   And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
33   And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

34   They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
35   And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
36   And sitting down they watched him there;
37   And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus the King of the Jews.
38   Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Matthew 27: 26-38

Thursday of Easter Week: The Last Supper and Gethsemane

        

                               Jesus Washing the Apostles' Feet     Jesus Praying in Gethsemane           The Betrayal of Jesus

26    And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27    And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28    For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

36    Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

39    And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Matthew 26: 26-28, 36, 39

FOR TODAY

Watch these special thoughts by Elder Holland.

Read thoughts from Elder Ballard about the Atonement and the Value of the One.

For children:

• Go to the grocery store and buy some traditional Passover foods.
• Make a placemat for Easter using construction paper. Talk about the Last Supper and the significance of the Sacrament.
• Enjoy some time in a garden or anywhere outside. Try planting some seeds! Talk about the Garden of Gethsemane.

To read the complete account in Matthew 26, click here.

Wednesday of Easter Week: Miracles

Jesus Blessing Jairus' Daughter

We do not have recorded events for Wednesday of Easter Week, so take this opportunity to think about some of the miracles He performed and the way He ministered to the sick and needy.

FOR TODAY:

Watch this video from President Uchtdorf talking about Jesus Christ.

Read and explore any of these articles from our most recent General Conference. We had so many wonderful addresses concerning service and reaching out to our fellow man (and woman). Enjoy!

For your children and family:

• Print and read this article in the "For Little Friends" section of the April 2006 Friend.
• Make time to visit someone you know who is not feeling well or is lonely.
• Do something helpful for a neighbor or friend.

Tuesday of Easter Week: Learning About Jesus

The Sermon on the Mount

As we do not have specifics as to what Jesus did on Tuesday of this week, take this day to think about His teachings and parables. Some of my favorites are found in Luke 15: the parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son. How great is the worth of souls! When I read these parables, I think about how much the Lord loves each of us. He is the Good Shepherd and stands willing to help and guide us -- to help us become the people He wants us to be. When we build upon His gospel, we cannot fail! I love the Easter season because it helps me remember just how much we are loved by our Savior, Jesus Christ.

FOR TODAY:

Watch this video (also shown below) reminding us of the power of the Atonement and the personal relationship we can have with Jesus Christ.


Read this talk by Elder Bednar about the Tender Mercies of the Lord.

For children:

• Play hide and seek, talk about how important each of us is to the Lord.
• Print and color this picture from an April 1999 Sharing Time lesson.

Monday of Easter Week: Cleansing the Temple

The Temple of Herod

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves
13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
Matthew 21: 12-17

TODAY'S FEATURES:

Watch this clip from President Eyring about temples and the Savior's love for us.

Read this article by President Monson from our most recent General Conference.

For Children:

• Visit the Atlanta Temple Open House today!
• Build a temple out of sugar cubes and frosting.

Note -- Want to see these ideas in advance? Check the blog itself the night before. Each of these messages will be posting the eve of the event so that Feedblitz can send it to you the next morning.

Also, if you could not view the video clip for Palm Sunday, click here.

Easter Week: Palm Sunday

Triumphal Entry by Harry Anderson

1   And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2   Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
3   And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
4   All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5   Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
6   And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7   And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8   And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9   And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
10  And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
11  And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Matthew 21:1-11

Happy Palm Sunday! Today marks the beginning of the week leading up to Easter. Growing up in a family where my dad was a chaplain and my mom was a convert, I learned a lot about the various holidays observed by other Christian faiths leading up to Easter. And while we do not specifically celebrate it as Mormons, Palm Sunday has always been a wonderful one to me because this marks the day that Jesus entered into Jerusalem. His arrival sadly marked the beginning of events leading up to the Atonement and His Crucifixion, but it also meant that only days hence would He be resurrected and a great work brought to pass.

This week, I will be making daily posts of scriptures and thoughts leading up to Easter. This is indeed a most holy day and time, and I don't want us to miss it! Each day I will share with you three things: a reference for additional reading, a multimedia resource to enjoy, and an extension idea to use with children. I hope you enjoy!

TODAY'S FEATURES:

Watch


Read
I encourage you to print this article in the Friend. Even if you do not have children at home, it's one of the best, most concise summaries of the week leading up to Easter I've seen (and its visual design is appealing to both child and adult). Check it out!

Apply with Children

• Cut out palm leaves with green paper. Kids will love cutting the fringed edges.
• Read Mark 11:1-10 and act it out as you go. Kids will love being the donkey or spreading their coats to make a path on the floor.

Materials make it easy

When I was still working in the publishing industry, my work focused on writing/editing textbooks for students learning English. I loved it because I knew that the right structure and guidance on the page would make classroom instruction so much more effective. Truly, the right materials make learning so much more accessible and easy!

The same holds true for gospel literacy too, and I love that the Church has so many incredible resources readily available to us. All of us. This week I want to focus on some of the media that can help increase our understanding of the gospel AND help us teach it as well. Let's be sister scriptorians -- to lift ourselves and others!

• Manuals and Other Printed Materials: This deserves an entire post on its own, but I'll touch briefly on it here. There are countless manuals and print materials available to us that help us increase our understanding of the gospel. One of my favorite things to do is to take the teacher manuals for Gospel Doctrine and use those to guide my study of whatever volume of scripture I'm reading. Also check out the Missionary Reference Library if you've never read those!
• General Conference Subscriptions: Did you know you can subscribe to get an extra copy of both the General Conference issues of the Ensign? That way you can save one in a special place for your personal study -- and mark it up all you want!
• Visual Resource DVDs: These are pretty recent releases, so you may not know they are out there. They include all kinds of visuals to help you better understand the scriptures. So far they have been released for the Old Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants. Check them out!
• Gospel Art Book: For those of you with kids, this is a great volume. First of all, it's amazingly inexpensive for what it is, and second, it captures most of the pictures in the old Gospel Art Kit (GAK)... and then some! They do not have the story summary on the back like the GAK, but children love just looking through it and studying the pictures. Especially during Sacrament Meeting!
• Mormon Channel: Probably most of us have gotten familiar with the Mormon Messages on YouTube, but you may not have realized just how much there is available to you! Visit the Mormon Channel to listen to a variety of programming that you may find educational, uplifting... or just plain enjoyable!
• Movies: Visit the DVDs section of the Online Store and you'll notice what a vast collection of video presentations are available. These range from old classics to great recent releases. I have several favorites, but don't take my recommendations.... go look for yourself! They teach great principles, and by bringing things to life, make gospel learning much more real and memorable. (They're also good for fun Sunday activities!) 
• Church Magazines: I'll touch more on these in a later post, but I couldn't leave them out here. I'd especially encourage you to take some time to explore the online resources for the New Era and Friend magazines. Wow!

This week's post has been more general, but I hope it gets you thinking about what resources are available to you. Tap into these materials to enliven and enrich your gospel literacy... and share it with your family and friends, too!

Getting to know the new lds.org

This week we're going to shift gears a bit, but we'll still focus on tools that will help us learn about the gospel.

You may or may not know that the Church launched an all new lds.org recently. One of the best updates is a unified login. This started transitioning a while ago, but your login now accesses so much more than just your ward/stake website. Through one login, you can now access FamilySearch, stake/ward websites, your own personal "study notebook," your profile on mormon.org, the online store, and so much more!

Beyond that, have you had the time to explore it at all? There are some wonderful tools I don't want you to miss! Since many of you will likely be visiting the website this weekend to stream General Conference, I thought this was a good time to point some of them out. Here are some highlights:

• The main homepage: Totally redesigned, you may feel lost momentarily compared to the "Classic lds.org" design, but it's all there! I like the Quick Links and Related sites listed in the left column. Also the events listed on the right column too. The Latest Features, listed down the middle, are constantly changing, and I almost always see something of interest. Check them out!
• Prophets and Apostles Speak Today: You can get to this from the main homepage (on the right side) or find it listed under "Menu" at the top. WOW! What a resource! I love the recent message transcripts because it lets you read addresses from our leaders that you may not otherwise have heard or seen. Also the Gospel Classics. A great resource, and a wonderful place for personal study!
• Study Notebook: This is one is amazing!! Click on the "Tools" menu on the main page to find it. You can highlight text in any of the materials you study on the website, save it to your study notebook, make notes, add a journal entry... so many things! You'll want to fiddle around a bit to figure it out, but it will be worth your time!
• Your Patriarchal Blessing: Did you know you can request a copy of your patriarchal blessing by just signing in and clicking? Also under the Tools menu on the main page. Check it out!
• About the Church: Click on "Menu" at the top of the page and explore the options listed under "The Church." I learned a lot! I especially liked reading bios on our leadership under "Organization."
• Study: Under "Menu" this section looks fairly similar to the old links, but don't let that fool you! They have made each section much more robust and more easily-navigated. For example, special for today, check out the Activities for Children for General Conference! I'm also looking forward to the "Media Library" being launched.
• Helping in the Church: I'm so excited to tell you about this one! Click here to visit the Helping in the Vineyard website. This is a new endeavor allowing members all over the world to volunteer on a variety of projects. Literally ANYONE can help and even in only five minutes increments. (I was especially pleased to see some editorial work for me!) It's just in its piloting stage, but this is sure to be a great way to contribute!

And just for fun, since it's Conference Weekend, take a behind the scenes look at how Conference all comes together!

I hope this little tour gets you excited to go see what resources are available to you. New features are being added each day, so it's worth checking back often!