Heaven on Earth

“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).

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 the joy of creation. We understand how nature can help us feel close to spiritual things. No wonder the prophets have used the images found in nature to help us feel the joy and the wonder of heavenly things come to earth. The scriptures become poetic as well as prophetic when they capture the beauty of true faith.

“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).

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

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

Photography by Don Riding

Paintings by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Painting by Heinrich Hofmann