The Big Guy Lowe has been serving on the High Council of our stake for the past few years. This year his assignments have focused on stake events. We knew being involved in The Life of Christ event would require a great deal of time because of what we have observed in years past, but we truly had no idea as to how much! While we were often without our fearless leader while he was in meetings, on the phone, running errands, trouble-shooting, reassuring, setting up, taking down, responding to needs/requests, trying to figure out needs/challenges before they occurred, and recognizing the amazing talent that was involved in this amazing event that focuses on our Savior's life, we were also greatly blessed through his service.
While the preparation for these three days began months in advance, the week prior had great impact on our family...in so many wonderful ways. Our family was blessed with the ability to use greater patience, kindness and love to each other--something that I observed so clearly. My heart swells with this tender mercy imparted to our family during this time.
The Big Guy Lowe needed to be over at the church to help with the very preliminary points of setting up. In order to see this man that we love so much, we often would need to go over to the church. We had fun as a family playing kickball one evening after items had been unloaded onto the stage! The boys began including their dad specifically in their prayers by asking Heavenly Father to "please bless Daddy while he's at the church". This had always been said before, but it had been while Daddy was at work. :) When the actual set up of each of the areas began, the boys and I would go over at the end of the day and see the progress that had been made. There was such a wonderful feeling of love throughout those visits. The gym was beautifully transformed into a flowing depiction of the Savior's life--beginning at his birth, progressing through childhood, entering his mortal ministry including accounts and depictions of many of the miracles He performed, through the trial and crucifixion and ending in the eternal-reaching resurrection--all referenced to The New Testament. We were able to walk around with the boys and talk about the different paintings that stood out to them. We talked about the miracles Jesus performed while He was on the Earth, we talked about the love that He has for each of us and the obedience He showed by following our Heavenly Father's plan which included teaching principles of His gospel, living an example for us, performing miracles as well as suffering in the Garden of Gethsemene which ended in His crucifixion on Golgotha and ultimately overcoming death three days later as He was resurrected. There was such a sweet spirit present as our boys asked questions, shared their thoughts and comments. We were able to strengthen our family's testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ; the Son of God.
I wish I would have taken pictures the evening we walked through as a family. I have them in my heart and I'm grateful for that. The Big Guy Lowe brought the two older boys over the final day of the event before it opened. He took a few pictures that follow:
The area depicting Christ's birth. (The boys wouldn't have been able to be in the display during the day--one of the benefits of The Big Guy Lowe being so involved). :)
I love how the boys are looking at the baby.
Some scenes from different miracles the Savior performed.
(Taken from the blog)
D was especially touched by the picture of Christ with the crown of thorns on His head. Often people ask why we, as a church, don't have crosses in our church. I like to respond by explaining that we don't see the crucifixion as the end, but focus on the fact that our Savior overcame death and was resurrected. We strive to have our lives be examples of how He would want us to act, as imperfect as we are. We definitely need the blessings of repentance and forgiveness.
The boys were so interested in seeing the inside of the Garden Tomb where Christ's body was laid following His death. This was a beautiful depiction of that area with the round stone rolled to the side of the entrance showing that "He has risen".
I was so grateful The Big Guy Lowe thought of taking these pictures. It touches my heart as I think back to this wonderful Easter. Truly, the sacrifice of having The Big Guy Lowe so busy the months and weeks before Easter was worth the blessings our family recieved as our knowledge of who our Savior Jesus Christ is to each of us continued to grow.
He lives.
He truly lives.
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