Feelings of Love and Peace

Have you ever been in a park, forest or mountain area that is peaceful?

Usually, there are beautiful trees with different shades of green. If you are lucky, there is a stream or river close by to create a sound of enchantment.

Isn't it amazing what God has created for us? For us!! The years of man's existence on this earth has shown us to be more worldly than spiritual. We can be mean and violent towards each other. Yet, we can be so kind and helpful at other times. The lesson we need to learn is to be more like our Heavenly Father. He is so kind and so loving. There are many who debate His love when tragedy strikes or death occurs. But to me, He is still loving.

And as I wrote a few lines ago, in spite of us, He created this lovely world for us. I love the quiet surroundings of the mountain. I enjoy sitting on the side of a stream or small river listening to the water go over rocks, limbs in the water and other obstacles. I enjoy the peace I feel when I am in those settings. In my early years, I experienced many of those settings. For the last 25 years or so, the visits to the forest or shaded wooded areas with streams has been few and far between.

I remember sitting in a quiet green area in Brazil towards the end of my mission. I was by myself. We were attending a leadership meeting and the missionaries in attendance, all went solo for about 30 minutes. We were still close enough to have thrown a rock and hit each other. Our mission president was nearby as well. As I pondered and reflected on the events of my mission, it became crystal clear in my mind that before any great rewards came to me, there were many trials and tribulations. In other words, I had to experience challenges and tribulations before the blessings came. So, now 37 years later, does this still apply in my life? I firmly believe the answer is "Yes". Does it apply to others? I don't know. This is purely a personal thing for me. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't the case of all of those on this earth before, now and after.

So, what happened in our lives (LaRee and I) this week?

Tuesday evening--a ward member's house caught on fire. The fire originated in the garage and spread to other parts of the house. Lots of water and smoke damage. The family is unable to live in it. She works two jobs. Her husband told her two or three days before the fire that he was leaving her. LaRee is now involved in arranging for ward members to donate clothing to help the two children and mother.

Friday night, I received a text message from the Elders Quorum President that a niece of a family in our ward was in a near drowning incident. Sadly on Saturday, the three year old girl passed away.

Sunday morning, a dear friend, had a spell at home and fainted. She came to and was coherent but shaking quite a bit. She was transported to the hospital by the paramedics. Fluid will be drained from her body during this coming week. She was transported later today to Hospice. A week ago, I gave her flowers to provide support. Now, the support is in the form of prayers for peace and comfort.

A co-worker and her brother (a former ward member) lost their father following a massive stroke.

On Tuesday night, the Bishop informed me that a woman in her 80's is being baptized on the 24th. Her family is flying in from different places. Her daughter and son-in-law are on their way to serve a mission. (This story is a blessing)

As I think about all of the different challenges and tribulations, I still come back to having great and profound gratitude that we have a Father who loves us. Even in our darkest or most challenging moments, He is there and loves us.

My favorite Primary song is "My Heavenly Father Loves Me". The words are as follows:

When ever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
When ever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
When ever I tough a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree,
I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently
For all his creations, of which I'm a part,
Yes, I know Heav'n-ly Father loves me.

Thanks to Clara W. McMaster for this song.

After the trying things I have seen this week, I want a nice, soft green experience with peaceful water flowing by as I ponder and meditate.