Easter, A Season To Rejoice

Easter season is a time of renewing. In the spring, the whole earth testifies of the birth and resurrection of the Savior.

Elder Monson and I spoke in Sacrament meeting on Sunday. We were blessed to have the privilege to share testimony of our love of the Savior and our gratitude for His Atonement.

A recent convert came up to Elder Monson after the meeting and said, "That was such a good talk it should have been given from the Conference Center."

How sweet is that!

I also played a piano solo—a first for me since I was a youth. I couldn't tell the Ward Music Chairman 'no' because he also teaches the Gospel Essentials Class and is the Ward Employment Specialist. Besides, a missionary doesn't say 'no.' So I practiced every day and played. It went well. I like to say that my playing is utilitarian. It gets the job done without fuss or flair.

We are going to teach a modified Institute Class to recently baptized converts. It's a provident living class to teach people to become productive members of society.

Some of the questions we face:

1.         How do I quit smoking? One recently baptized member's answer. Smoke one cigarette every four days. Have two puffs after every meal so it takes four days to smoke one cigarette. By then you are weaned off the nicotine.

2.         How do I get a job with a misdemeanor on my record? One answer to this question is to look for a job that doesn't do background checks.

3.         I have no food in the house. How do I get food to eat? I have learned the phone numbers of the city and county resources for the area. We hope our families qualify. The Church helps if there is no other resource. The Church can't help everyone. There are too many.

4.         Are E Cigarettes against the word of wisdom? Definitely yes.

5.         I have no money until the end of  the month, and my car is out of gas. Can you pick me up for Church? It would be our pleasure.

These people are wonderful! They are so celestial in their love for others. We do enjoy working with them. What a privilege to, hopefully in some small way, give them a new vision of life. This is a season to rejoice.