Daniel of the Lyons Den

On Tuesday evening we received some terrible news. Morgan's only brother, Daniel, had passed away.  We promptly flew to Colorado Springs to be with his family. We helped arrange the funeral and Morgan did a great job editing his life sketch. Daniel was such a funny kid. He was always making everyone laugh. He was so accepting and kind to others and really enjoyed spending time with his family, playing games, laughing and visiting (among many other things). His funeral was one of the best services I have ever attended. His life sketch was absolutely perfect and every talk and musical number fit together so well. I especially appreciated the closing remarks that were given by a member of the stake presidency. He just reaffirmed my knowledge that this life is not the end. We will see the ones we love again. I especially love that he said that no matter what we do in this life we will always have the opportunity to repent and come back into the presence of the Lord. We are all prodigal sons who, if we choose to repent and come back, will be welcomed with open arms. 

Loosing someone in this life is always a tragedy, but I am glad that I have my faith to fall back on when it happens. It makes a life that could be full of such misery and heartache one of hope. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have found peace. The Savior died and was resurrected so that we could all be together again. The sacrifice and resurrection of the Savior is a wonderful blessing and why the angels declared at the Lord's coming that they had glad tidings of great joy! In Mosiah 16:7-8 it says: 

7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

 8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

 I know that my Savior lives! And because he lives we will all live again and be together again! I had the opportunity to sing I Stand All Amazed at the Funeral and the lyrics sum up my testimony perfectly:

 

1. 1. 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.
2. (Chorus)
   Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
   Enough to die for me!
   Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!
3. 2. 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.
4. 3. 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.