None were with Him

With the Easter season fast approaching, I often find myself thinking about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means to me personally. 

I know He suffered for me personally to find out how I would feel when I came to this earth. He had to experience the heartache, the disappointment, the sorrow, the sin, that I would face during my life. And I know He suffered these feelings not only for me, but for every single person to ever live. 

I love Easter time because it is the beginning of spring. When I see the flowers and the trees start to blossom and grow, I often think of myself as I reflect on the Atonement. I am given the chance to start over again through theAtonement and become a person I am more proud of and my Savior would want me to become. Because of this sacrifice, I am able to do these things that I take for granted so often. 

Remember this unforgettable sacrifice and don't take it for granted because there was a price paid for each of us, whether we use it or not.  

During this Easter season, reflect on your life and make the changes you need to. Devote your life to Christ. 

"Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to."

Forgiveness

This has been a hot topic on my mind lately. I have been trying to be more Christlike and one of my biggest weaknesses is I can hold a grudge like no other.
Studying Christ's life, I know that He forgave everyone and loved every single person. A few years ago, in church choir, we sang a version of Love One Another and one of the verses said something about how He loved everyone even those who killed Him. (I wish I remembered the exact words...) That line was special to me and always will be. He loved the people who took away His life, so I can forgive those who have hurt me.
I know forgiving others is hard. Believe me. But I know it is essential for us. These past few months, I have had a lot of hateful feelings, and I finally realized it started weighing me down and making me a different person. I knew I needed to apologize and forgive and forget, so I could get that burden lifted. I can promise that forgiveness is strength and a God given commandment because it makes a difference.
"Brothers and sisters, there is enough sorrow and heartache in this life without adding to it through our stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment. We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life, it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn to let go of such things. That is the Lord's way." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Forgiving others shows strength, but even harder is forgiving ourselves. I have experienced this as well. It is hard to forgive yourself and let go of what happened to start over.
The song Let it Go from Frozen reminds me to let go of who I used to be and be the person I am now. It is so crucially important to be able to forgive yourself because you deserve peace. Christ forgives and forgets so why can't we?