Day 299 - Easter Sunday

It was a beautiful day! We had a fantastic worship service with the whole family. Austin helped me bless and pass the sacrament and Jaylin gave a talk that she had prepared for the ward for Easter. The bishop emailed that out to the ward so that they could enjoy it as well. Here is her talk:

When I heard that school might be cancelled for a while, I was truly upset. All classes I had scheduled at Highline have to be continued online or through video conferences. This isolation includes my involvement on the track team, in seminary, continuing with my job, seeing my friends and any activities I would be able to do as a Senior in high school. My first reaction was to be angry at the world for the inconvenience that this has brought all of us. After figuring out that that served no purpose, I quickly turned to strive for a gospel-oriented stand point. I knew that this would allow me to be happier, with a positive outlook on each passing day. Churches everywhere have begun to cancel their church meetings. We have been cautioned not to let our guard down too quickly, which is why celebrating this holiday with family from home is the best fitting option. We all know how our neighbors have been affected by the Coronavirus. It is the one thing that we are all constantly thinking about. Now, briefly imagine what it would be like if everyone’s thoughts were filled with the blessings of Easter the same way our minds have been invaded by thoughts of this virus. The very first person that Jesus visited following his resurrection was Mary Magdalene. She was devoted to Christ, which saved her from a life of sin. When we choose to pray every day for the current pandemic, caregiver and health workers around the world, the economy, and for life to be normalized - as stated by Russell M. Nelson - we will be able to see the change in our lives through the devotion we show to Him. Resurrection is defined as the reuniting of the spirit with the physical body in an immortal state. We will all one day be safe from both diseases and death. We have also been told by the prophet that our generation is built for the obstacles we are being given. As we use our knowledge in a proactive way, to avoid any further spread of this disease, not only will there be a physical difference made in our societies, but the Lord will take notice in our efforts. He knows the challenge He is giving us at this time. I believe that He also knows what hardships we can handle. He is giving us the resources we need to get through this together. As long as we listen to the people who are acting as His hands, all will be normalized. This is truly showing His work in our day, and the knowledge we have of His return is coming to pass. I believe that as we work and love with our families in this time, we will be blessed, and the Lord will know of our love for Him as we keep all commandments we have been given. Stay safe everyone, I say these things faithfully in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jaylin did such a fantastic job and we sent this out to family and friends as well. She received lots of positive feedback from many who were able to read it. This was also the last day of Austin's quarantine. We celebrated with an outdoor Easter egg hunt and then took an Easter basket to grandma and grandpa. We had a fantastic dinner with scrumptious funeral potatoes and then took Austin and the family down to Point Defiance to go on a walk, where he could somewhat enjoy his 'freedom' of being done with quarantine. We got there and the five mile drive was closed, but were able to go down near Anthony's restaurant and walk down along Owen beach. He loved being out there and we all enjoyed a bit of the sunset and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

What a cool blessing to be able to ‘walk with Austin’ as I continue the #walktobahia