Heaven on Earth

I love the shape and location of this tree.

I love the rocks, the blue sky, the city, and of course the man in this picture.

Tonight, we went out to dinner and then to one of our favorite places-- 

Red Butte Garden. 

Our initial goal was to see if the tulip tree was flowering, but we think it already bloomed. So instead of spending time in the cultivated area, we hiked all the way up to the fence that surrounds the large area of land-- to the wild area of the garden. There are benches along some of the trails. It's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend about what helped me believe in God.

I was taught to believe when I was a child, but when I was a teenager I began to question and to want to know independently from anyone else. 

In the mountains of Utah and in the beauty of nature, I first felt most personally connected to our Father in Heaven. I sensed the expanse of the universe, my own smallness, but also my potential and that I matter to Him.
I felt His love reflected in the beauty and intricacy of creation. 

When I get out of or above the city and into nature, I feel a greater sense of perspective. 

Time expands and sometimes disappears.
My ability to love and forgive grows and stresses diminish. 

Nature testifies that there is a God.

It's no wonder that scriptural prophets went to mountains to pray.
They can be holy places. 

When there is no mountain nearby, no peaceful mountains, or no time for mountains, I feel that same sense of peace and perspective when I visit holy temples. 

I'm thankful Heavenly Father has given us this world and ways to feel closer to Him.