I have seen a little bit of this wonderful world which God created totally for our benefit and enjoyment. As I think about the beautiful places I have been, the first thing that enters my mind is gratitude, even deep gratitude.
I remember driving through the Canadian Rockies down a valley road with giant tree covered peaks on either side feeling awe and wonder and just being overcome with the glory and majesty of His creative powers. It was what I would call a significant spiritual experience. Gratitude filled my heart.
I had all those same feelings driving from Simi Valley California through the Santa Monica Mountains and coming upon my first view of the vast Pacific Ocean at the beautiful city of Malibu. The words “thank you God for such beauty” just came out of my mouth spontaneously.
I have been to the Alps near Innsbruck Austria, Bavaria Germany where my sir name comes from, Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii, flown over the top of Mt. Rainier Washington. I have seen the calving of the glaciers in Alaska, the Isle of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea, I have sailed the Islands of the Caribbean and been to so many places in Mexico and other places.
All of the memories that come back to me of seeing these many places again fill me with gratitude and confirm the fact that He is the Creator of this earth. When you consider all of this creation and the environmental and atmospheric conditions and the natural resources that make life possible here, how could one ever doubt the existence of God. The evidence is overwhelming that He is real to me. I know this is not a very scientific opinion, but truth can be determined in spiritual ways as well. The Lord said in the Book of Mormon to Moroni the prophet that “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” I challenge any honest reader of this blog to put it to that test, as I have many times and the truth shall be confirmed to you.
“The heavens declare the Glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork; and a moment’s reflection is sufficient to teach every man of common intelligence, that all these are not the mere productions of chance, nor could they be supported by any power less than an Almighty hand.” –Joseph Smith.
Bill Wilhite
I know what you are feeling I have gazed at the vast universe in areas of the world where there is little or no light pollution and one can't help but see the beauty and order of the cosmos. It does stir one's heart and soul and there is a spirituality connected with it. When one takes in any of these landscapes, seascapes, or the stars one feels a connection to the divine.