nature and God Archives - Women in The Church of Jesus Christ

God’s Creation

Amanda D — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:00:10 +0000

In Relief Society recently, we had a lesson about the creation. For me, there is no doubt that this world (and others) was created with purpose by Jesus Christ, under the direction of a loving God. It’s difficult for me to comprehend the idea that this world is a matter of chance, like some believe.. I feel that things work together to perfectly for that to be the case. I look at flowers, mountains, cactus, stars, and rivers and I am in awe of our God. He has given us so much beauty – in addition to the things we need.

We believe that “He divided the light from darkness to make day and night. He formed the sun, moon and stars. He divided the waters from the dry land to make seas, rivers and lakes. He made the earth beautiful and productive. He made grass, trees, flowers, and other plants of all kinds. These plants contained seeds from which new plants could grow. Then He created the animals-fish, cattle, insects, and birds of all kinds.” Because of this creation, the earth was “ready for the greatest creation of all – mankind.” (Gospel Principles, by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. 1978, 2009; page 24)

Looking at the things that the Lord has created for us is further evidence to me that He loves us. He has given us the ability to see and enjoy the stars and flowers. We are able to hear birds seeing and children laughing. We have animals to comfort us and help us. We have sunlight to keep us warm, water to keep us healthy.

In Doctrine & Covenants 59:18-19 it reads “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.”

Seeing flowers in bloom sends a little flutter through me (which is why I take so many photographs of flowers). I know that they gladden my heart, and add life to my soul. I am so grateful for the knowledge that there is a God that created this world for us.

What are some of God’s creations that you appreciate?

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Review, Reflect, & Return: With God

Women Seeking Christ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:32:13 +0000

Today we share a short poem written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (March 6, 1806 – June 29, 1861), a prominent poet from the Victorian era:

OUT IN THE FIELDS WITH GOD

The little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds at play;
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.

The foolish fears of what may happen
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new-mown hay;
Among the husking of the corn
Where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields with God.

——–

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Portraits of Mormon Women: Courtney

Women Seeking Christ — Wed, 27 May 2009 11:09:34 +0000

My name is Courtney, and I am a sister, sister-in-law, friend, daughter, niece, cousin, and granddaughter. I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”) since my baptism at the age of eight.

The things I enjoy most include: people, history, traveling, hiking, exploring, discovery, science, reading, backpacking, and basically anything outdoorsy. My major in college and my career go along with my interests — I hike through the wilderness conducting environmental surveys. I am a proud archaeologist!

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but my belief in it didn’t just come at one time. It has been gradually building. I notice that the times my testimony takes the biggest step is when I’m outside. At one time, I was digging out on the Arizona Strip (just north of the Grand Canyon) and every day before work I would stand on a ledge and look at the world around me. I would think about the beauty that I am surrounded by and the fact that it is here because of God’s grace. It is here for me, it is here for me to love, enjoy, and protect. He created this gorgeous world for us because he loves us.

Recently, I was recently hiking in Arches National Park (Moab, UT) and I went on a night hike to Delicate Arch. It was a full moon and as I came over the rise, and saw that majestic arch standing still in the moon light, I had the same thought come to me: God loves me. I knew I couldn’t look at something like that and not think that there was a higher power out there.

I love being a Mormon Woman because I know I can still be myself and believe in the restored gospel. I believe that the church has given me stability, hope, and self-worth. When my life is spinning out of control I know that there is one constant that I can hold onto. I believe and know that I am a child of God. How can I not have self worth if I believe that? As long as I know that I am a child of God then there is nothing that can bring me down!

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