Heaven on Earth

A Photographic Essay

“The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it” (Alma 30:44).

Resting high atop a mountain, walking along a beach, sitting beside a stream, holding a fragile flower, or watching the sun rise—at these moments we seem to feel the earth shout with joy at its creation. We understand how nature can help us feel closer to spiritual things. No wonder the Lord and his prophets have used images found in nature to help us feel the joy and the wonder of heavenly things come to earth. At such times, the scriptures become poetic as well as prophetic.

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness” (D&C 14:9).

“Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

“Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King!” (D&C 128:23).

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isa. 40:8).

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved” (Ps. 62:6).

“I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God” (2 Ne. 4:35).

Photography by Don Riding

Paintings by Carl Heinrich Bloch