Spring Flowers

Photo shoot in my backyard today....

Moses 3:5: "And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth."

I read a book a few months after Wyatt died called "The Message." It's about a man that was able to experience the spirit world while his body was in a coma on earth. I gained comfort from this book. There was an especially interesting part that has influenced the way I look and enjoy nature...flowers. I feel that this experience goes along with the above scripture. This is what he said:

"We began to walk down a pathway lined with various flowers and foliage. I
stopped to look closer to these beautiful plants. I knelt and gently touched the
petals and greenery. I felt a surge within me, as if these creations were
seeking to say to my soul, "We, too, are creations of God. We have sought with
diligence to create beauty and splendor of celestial magnitude. Have we done so?
Have we filled your heart with joy in seeing us? Have we not fulfilled the
measure of our creation?" And I wanted to say back to them, "Oh, yes. Be at
peace. You have given me great joy. Truly you have sought and fulfilled your
purpose. " Love was being radiated by them. "How is it possible?" I thought.
Then immediately the understanding came into my mind saying, "These are all my
creations, as are you. They each have a spirit, as do you, yet theirs are
different from those of mankind. They are completely content as plant life, as
are my animals. The purpose of their creation is different from your creation.
And as they fulfill that measure of their creation, they receive a fullness of
joy. There is order in all things of my kingdom. " The words were truth, and
love filled me. All plants and animals are God's creations and He loves them. I
gained a much greater respect and love for them at that moment."

Since reading that book I have looked at flowers differently. I guess I had never thought of flowers being created spiritually first. I have gained more respect for these beautiful creations. I knew that they brought beauty to my life and I have experienced joy from them but I guess now it seems to be more meaningful to me. I want to fulfill their purpose in their creation. I liked the question that was presented to this man..."Have we filled your heart with joy in seeing us?" I have to say today while enjoying the flowers in our backyard I could definitely say yes to that question. They are quite amazing if you look at them close enough. I'm finding that the simple things of life can bring us great amounts of joy. Each time I take time to notice a flower or some creation on this earth(butterflies etc.) I know without a shadow of a doubt that Heavenly Father loves me and has given me these things to enjoy. I want the flowers to fulfill their measure of their creation by bringing joy to me. Which in a way is a challenging thing, with the grief always lingering there.

On a side note, I have read many other books about people that have been able to experience the spirit world and almost all of them talk about how beautiful it is there. Brother Jedediah M. Grant who was a counselor to Brigham Young had such an experience. This is what he said about the flowers in the spirit world.

"In regards to gardens, says Grant, "I have seen good gardens on this earth, but
I never saw any to compare with those that were there. I saw flowers of
numerous kinds, and some with from fifty to a hundred different colored flowers
growing upon one stalk."

Oh, I can only imagine how beautiful that must be. I guess in a way it comforts me to know that Wyatt gets to enjoy that right now. So, today I decided to go and take some pictures of the tulips in our garden and then some of the other flowers in our backyard. I've also added some of the pictures I took of the flowers my friend Jen sent me. I'm finding out more and more how much I enjoy taking pictures. These flowers brought me a measure of joy today.