My Heart is Happy Because He Lives

Though I think about the Savior every day, I particularly think of the crucifixion during this time of year. I don't like to dwell on all that he suffered in Gethsemane--it hurts my heart. I cannot fathom the pain that he endured in the Garden--enough pain that he bled from every pore. And it wasn't just the pain from sins, but every type of suffering imaginable. I have no idea how He did that, only that He did.

And he didn't have to. He had the power to stop it. He had the power to strike down all those who were mocking Him and torturing Him. He didn't have to lay down His life, He chose to. He made a conscious choice to give His life for each of us because He loves us.

And what He asks of us in return is to keep His commandments. If we truly love him, we will. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) After all that He has sacrificed for us, it seems a small thing to try to keep His commandments, especially when the reward for so doing is eternal life.

For me, Easter is much more about the resurrection, that He lives. And because He lives, my parents live. My grandparents live. My family and friends who've passed through the veil all live. We may be separated for a time here in mortality, but because of Christ's atoning sacrifice, we can be together again for all of eternity. That makes my heart happy.

I had very little time to know my parents in mortality and if I thought that was all there is, I'd be distraught. I'm so thankful to know that death does not end relationships and that I will have the opportunity to know my parents some day. If I can overcome my weaknesses and faults and lay my sins at His feet, I can live with the Savior for eternity.

I am eternally grateful for Christ's sacrifice on a very personal level. I know that He lives. I know that He is my Savior and Redeemer. I hope to be more like Him. To forgive as He did. To love as He did. To live as He did.

May we all have a wonderful Easter and remember all that the Savior has done for us.

40 Days with the Savior by Connie Sokol

Back Cover:

Do you desire a more Christ-centered Easter? You’ll experience a more fulfilling Easter season with these positive and inspiring devotionals on the Savior.

For forty days, enjoy a daily scripture and personal insight on a character trait of Jesus Christ, and how it applies to everyday living. Learn more of who He was, what He taught, and how it can bless your life.

“Connie Sokol’s new book, “40 Days with the Savior”, is just the little push I needed to feel the Savior’s presence in my daily life. Using personal stories, scriptural accounts, and meaningful insights, she helps readers draws closer to Jesus Christ and become a more Christ-centered person. I loved her daily nuggets of wisdom that prompt a change in behavior.” --Jodi Marie Robinson Author of “Women of Virtue”

"Connie Sokol, the queen of simple yet effective, has done it again. What a great resource for quick, daily things that we can do to draw closer to the Savior. This easily fits into our busy lives, reminding us of what matters most." --Peggy Urry President-elect, American Night Writers Association

“Connie Sokol has thoughtfully shared fresh insights to well know scriptural phrases. The simple inspirations in 40 Days with the Savior are enlightening and empowering. This is an easy way to draw closer to Jesus Christ throughout the Easter season and during the rest of the year. After reading this book I feel my burdens are lighter.” --Margaret Turley Author of "Save the Child" Administrator Writers Unite to Fight Cancer “

I LOVED this book! Connie brings these scriptures home with real, everyday moments. I can savor these bite-size gems throughout my busy day with little ones. The teachings are powerful, and her added insights brought them home for me in a new way." --Amy Chandler Founder, My Story Matters

My review:

What a wonderful book. I LOVED it! It's is not only uplifting, but so inspirational. Simple but yet so powerful. It helped me to rethink some things in my life and to see some things differently. I love the probing question at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to come to know the Savior better and who wants to make his/her life more in harmony with the teachings of the Savior.

Definitely 5 stars!!!

You can enter the $25 giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway