for the beauty of the earth

I spent an hour out in the garden this morning. It's quite a mess, but I really don't mind. I love to play in the dirt and beautify my surroundings.

We made it back to Cedar City Monday at 2:00 AM. I have to say Monday was a scorcher at 95 degrees, but not at my house. We live in an older part of town, where the homes were built about the time my husband was born. They are REALLY old-ha ha. Anyway, our garden is a cool oasis.

One of my favorite things about summers here is sitting out on the deck for an al fresco lunch. I watch the birds, feel the breeze, enjoy the flowers, and ponder upon God's love in providing such a magnificent variety for my pleasure. “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:31) “... the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).

Being in nature is a religious experience for me. It reminds me that God, is all powerful and loves me very much. By observing His handiwork, I am reminded that He exists. “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44).

So if God carred enough about me to give me this great gift, I feel I must care for it and use it wisely. Therefore I feel it my duty to care for my little patch of ground, pick up litter elsewhere, and show my gratitude.

"And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:20–21).

Until we move on from this place, I need to do all in my power to love and beautify the lovely garden I've been given. I'm planting a Pioneer Day garden to honor the first saints in the Salt Lake Valley and get some nice organic veggies for my table. I'm digging out the overgrown flowerbed across the garden fence to put in a asparagus bed bordered with strawberries and chamomille. This fall I hope to cut down the ugly overgrown trees in front and put in a Mary Francis garden complete with sun dial. These are big plans for one just recovering from AF but I'm certainly going to give it my best try. We might be here another 6 months or 6 years depending on God's plan for our lives.