I love to make an Easter box that contains the following items that correspond to the scriptures about the last week of Christ’s life:
Palm leaves (Matthew 21:1-3)
Bread (Matthew 26:26, John 18:18)
3 dimes (Matthew 27:3)
Sacrament cup (Matthew 26:39)
Soap (Matthew 27: 24-26)
Olive oil (Luke 22:39-44)
A cross (John 19:17)
A crown of thorns (John 19: 2-4 and Mark 15: 17)
A pair of dice (John 19:23)
Sponge and Vinegar (John 19: 28-30)
Pieces of fabric (Matthew 27:35)
Nails (John 19: 18, 37 and John 20: 25-29)
Spices (John 19: 40)
A stone (Matthew 27: 59-60 and John 20: 11)
A Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)
An empty egg (Mathew 28:6)
I love thinking of the time I went to the Holy Land in March of 2008 because I had a special witness of Christ while I was there and every year around Easter I write about that experience. I remember thinking while I visited the very place where it is believed He instituted the sacrament, how He is someone who would break bread with enemies. He fulfills His promises. He experienced the bitter cup and anything hard we all have experienced and will experience. Easter is the time when we want to remember who Jesus Christ is and what He did for us.
Here is the newsletter I received from Work and Wonder
Sunday April 17, 2022
Our relationship with God
By Todd D. Christofferson
Good morning friends!
I hope you had a most lovely Easter Sunday! I wanted to give yesterday its own space before we dove into week 2 as I know everyone has their traditions and studies they like to focus on this time of year!
So happy Monday! This week's talk is easily in my top 3 from April's conference, and here's why—I've been caught at the “heavenly vending machines" on more than one occasion (okay, many times). In fact, I've made it quite the habit—showing up with my request, inputing the effort I felt would warrant my request granted, then either 1) skipping away in delight or 2) shuffling my feet as I slink off in discouragement.
0/10, I do not recommend this strategy. This is NOT how a relationship is formed, fostered, and strengthened. Not in life with our fellow men, and certainly not with God or our Savior. Because here lies the risk that we will love God solely for what He does for us, instead of loving Him also for who we are becoming because of Him.
Does God have the power to grant our every wish should we put forth good works? Absolutely. But Elder Christofferson reminds us that “not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed, and timed according to our expectations.” We would learn very little and our growth would be stunted if that were the case.
So do our good works matter? Of course! But not because of some, “tally kept in celestial account books. These things matter because they engage us in God’s work and are the means by which we collaborate with Him in our own transformation from natural man to saint.” And that transformation is what better prepares us for the inevitable refining that we will encounter on this path of becoming—this path back to Him.
Building that relationship matters. Instead of only leaning on His power to part the clouds when the storm rages, you'll lean His presence to be with you through it. Let God manifest His love for you in more ways than just what He can do for you, but who He can be for you—who YOU can be, because of that love.
Invitation:
What if in our prayers tonight, we resisted making any requests? What if we did so all week? What might change? I'll be honest, I think it will be tough for me. But I also think it will remind me to simply catch up with Him like a dear friend, to express what's on my heart, thank Him, praise Him, learn to just be near Him. Let's see how it goes, I'd love to hear how your prayers—your relationship—changes.
Affirmation
I love God for His presence in my life, not just His power. My good works are more than the means to desired blessings, but the way to a holier and happier life as I am transformed in Christ.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.
Con amor,
Vero
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