Original Poem: The Beauty of the Earth, The Grandeur of the Sea

From early in my life, I have been moved by nature. As members of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we know that He "created all to bear record of me". This blog was created as an outlet to celebrate the grand creation of this earth and its many wonders and beauties. It is intended that this blog will be a place where lovers of nature and lovers of the gospel will go on quiet, peaceful Sundays to renew the wonder and awe of this beautiful world, and the grandeur of the sea. I will celebrate the beauties of nature through photography, music, and poetry.

The title of this blog comes from a reference that Elder Maxwell used to make from time to time about, "seeing through the lens of the gospel".

J. Brad Chapman
August 30, 2014

The Beauty of the Earth, the Grandeur of the Sea

By J. Brad Chapman

(November 21, 2013)

I feel god in each grain of sand that’s sifted through my hand.

From lofty peak, His spirit speaks; in wonderment I scan.

From the smallest desert flower, its fragrant scent I smell,

to surging beach or tranquil reach, from each resplendent shell.

I see God in the northern lights; its dancing, swirling show,

I see God in the tropic depths; its phosphorescent glow.

I taste God in the goodness of a clear, high mountain spring,

I’m calmed by God’s beautiful song, as meadowlark, she sings.

I see God in the sunset with its vibrant, vivid hues.

I see God in horizons wide, their vast and splendid views.

I see God in the snow-white flakes that flutter from the sky,

and the thought of temple blessings bring tears to grateful eyes.

I feel God in each drop of rain that trickles down my face.

I think of living water and His matchless, infinite grace.

God’s purity and peace I see in alpine lakes so clear.

God’s strength I sense in craggy peaks; precipitous and shear.

In stormy seas the lighthouse glows, its sweeping beacon bright,

I see God in its steady beam, a constant guiding light.

I see God in the steadfast waves that break upon the sand,

and think of His unceasing care and ever-reaching hand.

I see God in the order of the sun, the stars, and moon,

I see God’s sure, creative hand in forest, marsh, and dune.

I see God’s love in furry chicks or newborn wobbly faun,

and I marvel at that tender love  .  .  .  .  .   which I rely upon.

I love the beauty of the earth, the grandeur of the sea,

and know the Lord created all, “to bear record of me.”

So with the gratitude I feel, my eyes with tears a-flood,

I’ll cherish the supernal gift of His atoning blood.

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When we rejoice in beautiful scenery, great art, and great music,
 it is but the flexing of instincts acquired in another place and another time.
(Elder Maxwell, Ensign, May 1984, p. 21.)

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The photo at the head of this post was taken at Toroweap on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. It is my favorite place on the Canyon and fills me with wonder and awe of the beauty and majesty of the earth.  From the cliff edge where I sit in the photo, it is 3000' down to the river. Lava Falls is visable in the photo; one of the largest rapids on the Colorado River. The photo was taken by my daughter Sierra Chapman.