At One with Nature, God, and Charles

About a week ago, my dad gave me a blessing. As he laid his hands on my head, he gave me a Father's blessing of comfort and council. As he spoke the words that God would have me hear, I was filled with warmth and peace. I have had more Priesthood blessings in the last few weeks, than I have had in many past years combined.

Do I believe in the power of Priesthood blessings to heal and comfort?

Yes. I. Do.

In this most recent blessing, I was given some beautiful words of council. I was told that in order to draw close to Charles -- and my Heavenly Father -- I will need to spend time out in the beauty of nature. In an effort to be obedient to that council, I have been for walks, runs, played in the backyard, mowed the lawn, and gone to parks with Daniel to workout using park equipment. (That weird lady doing squats and lunges at the park, yeah, that's me.) 

When I am outside, I do feel closer to Charles. When I am outside, my mind is lifted to new heights of hope and joy. I feel free, like anything is possible. Sure, sometimes I will have tears streaming down my face as I am jogging, but that is what sunglasses are for.

Charles loved being in nature, and he loved everything outdoors. In order to feel close to him, it is important for me to be in his element, enjoying things that he loved so much. Sometimes -- when the wind blows just right -- it is as if he is gently kissing me on the cheek, telling me it is all going to be OK. Sometimes -- when the wind blows -- I can hear his voice declaring his eternal love for me. Those are just a few of the perks from venturing outdoors.

I am so grateful for Priesthood blessings. I always loved it when Charles would give me blessings, he has such a soft, soothing voice, and gentle hands. And now, though he is not the one giving me the blessings directly, I feel him very close as others have laid their hands on my head to offer comfort and healing. It is as if Charles' hands are also laid upon my head -- perhaps taking a break from his Heavenly work -- to add a touch of comfort in my life.

I will obey the council directly to me, from God, to be outside, and enjoy the beauty of nature. There is so much to be grateful for when you go outside, and inhale deeply the glories of the Earth. Just breathing fresh air, and seeing fresh images -- is rejuvenating to both body, and soul.

When I am near nature, I am near Charles, and my Heavenly Father.

If you need me, I will be outside.

Here are a few images I captured from a recent walk…