Presidency Message - June

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Wherever you live,

nature has surprises in store

for those who let go

of their daily distractions and worries

and open themselves to the sights,

sounds,

and smells

of their surroundings.

The surprise may be a sudden rainstorm

that sends you scurrying for shelter.

It may be the thrill of approaching an animal

to watch it feeding

or standing quietly to hear the sound

of a bird's wings.

It may be seeing millions of stars on a clear night.

Somewhere in nature

you will find a surprise,

and it will lift and inspire you

for days to come." -- Young Women Camp Manual, p.1, 2002

 

As I marvel every day at the unfolding beauty of nature all around me this spring in New England, I am in awe of the Master Creator and His loving care that is evident in the bright green of new leaves, the incredible blue of the sky, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle in the air.  They lift and inspire me and I am filled with gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the world in which I live.  And when I think of Girls Camp, I am excited to think of a week in the woods, unplugged from the man-made world of traffic, television, and internet and connected instead to the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors.  For the last couple of years I have emphasized the spiritual blessings available to everyone who comes to Camp, but let us not forget that the beauty of nature creates the perfect environment in which to feel the spirit.  Moroni writes in Mormon 9:16, "Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes?  Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?"  Many people find peace and inspiration in natural surroundings, as witnessed by Joseph Smith, who prayed in a grove of trees, Enos, who also prayed while out in the wilderness, and Moses, who received the Ten Commandments while on a high mountain.  In Moses 6:63 it says, "And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth ... all things bear record of me."

As Young Women leaders, I encourage all of us to appreciate the natural beauty abundant at Zion's Camp, and encourage our girls to do the same.  When I was a young girl, my mother often pointed out to me a beautiful sky or flower that she observed.  She hoped by sharing her observations with me that my eyes might be opened and that I would become more aware of beauty and develop gratitude for my Father in Heaven.  Likewise,   I encourage you to set the example for your girls and enjoy your time in the outdoors while at camp; find a beautiful spot in which to spend some quiet time and contemplate.  As you do so, I know you will be filled with a heart of thanksgiving, and "he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."  (D&C 78:19) 

~ Sister Verlie Grotehuis

Exeter Stake Young Women – Camp Director