Our Savior's Atonement

In my life, I have learned about the Atonement of Jesus Christ through many mediums: Singing primary songs, hearing testimony, discussing the doctrine, reading scriptural accounts, performing music, repenting of sin, sorrow for mistakes, knowledge in the Temple, marriage, childbirth, teaching children, Family Home Evening, death, crisis, hopelessness, post-partum depression, clinical depression, darkness, light, hope, despair, faith, relationships, books, parents, nature, art, writing, stillness.

Each of these mediums has not only taught me more about the Savior and given me a better understanding of the Infinite Atonement, but it has also given me a chance to grow in testimony with the Holy Ghost as a guide. Each time I think of Him, I am reminded of how eternally indebted I am to my King.

Please join me as I pay tribute to my Savior, Jesus Christ, through word, picture, and song (I wish I could put music on here. Sorry, I'm not computer savvy enough! Just pretend you can hear the music, okay? Okay.):
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It shouldn't be hard, to sit very still,
To think about Jesus, His cross on the hill,
And all that He suffered and did for me,
It shouldn't be hard to sit quietly.

I think of the miles He walked in the dust,

And children he helped to love and to trust;

It shouldn't be hard to sit tall in my seat,

To listen politely, to quiet my feet.

It shouldn't be hard even though I am small,
To think about Jesus,
Not hard at all.

[Mabel Jones Gabbott]

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Cheryl: When you think about what Jesus did for us, how does it make you feel?

#1: Sad, and happy.

#2: Happy. Very, very, very happy.

Cheryl: Why does it make you sad?

#1: Because He died on the cross, and suffered for our sins. Because He bled from His pores and the crown of thorns.

Cheryl: Why does it make you happy?

#1: Because He was Resurrected. Because He helped others.

Cheryl: Why does it make you very happy?

#2: Because He died for us and it makes me happy He becomed Resurrected.

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Fragments

Fleeting it seems, this happiness

Which comes not once,

But as shards, piercing through this blanket of sorrow.

Gathering, glimmering, hoping, helping,

Reflecting Another's increasing triumph over covers

Which muffle the voice of truth.

Give me a fragment,

One by one. If carefully,

It will be enough.

[By Cheryl --submitted to Segullah Poetry; Summer 2008]

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"...To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice..."

[St. John 18:37]

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I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.

I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend His great love unto such as I.

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt.

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me

Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

[Charles H. Gabriel]

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That Easter morn, a grave that burst

Proclaimed to man that "Last and First"

Had ris'n again

And conquered pain.

This morn renews for us that day

When Jesus cast the bonds away,

Took living breath

And conquered death.

Thus we in gratitude recall

And give our love and pledge our all,

Shed grateful tear

And conquer fear.

[Marion D. Hanks]

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"And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh...

...And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy!"

[Doctrine and Covenants 133:25, 33, exclamation added]