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17 Goodly Parents (Richard Lasisi Olagunju)
25.5 x 38 in. Coral beads on board. Shown in 11th IAC, where called "Male and Female Created He Them," so really an Adam & Eve, no? But shown at Writ & Vision's HM show, so . . . .
22 Welcome Home (Kwani Povi Winder)
Heavenly Mother wears the robe, headdress, and jewelry of a Pueblo Indian
41 We Are In Their Image (Kayla Beck Nuss)
Something that I’ve been thinking about lately is the representation of our Heavenly Parents. In my experience in media and art, they have most often been perceived as white.
What if they didn’t have just one color? We were all created in their image and we all represent their image. So what if the color of their skin, their essence, their identity reflected every race, culture and background? What if their image changed according to each person? What if we see their image as we see ourselves? What if the language they speak is different according to each person?
This little theory of mine has brought me comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Parents reflect us all, not just the color of our skin, but our culture and our experiences in this life. Culture and race IS important to our identity and I believe it is just as, if not more important, to them.
Two of my favorite artists inspired this piece: @jkirkrichards and his beautiful depiction of Christ and our LGBTQ friends piece and @caitlin_connolly_ with her Heavenly Parents piece.
What if they didn’t have just one color? We were all created in their image and we all represent their image. So what if the color of their skin, their essence, their identity reflected every race, culture and background? What if their image changed according to each person? What if we see their image as we see ourselves? What if the language they speak is different according to each person?
This little theory of mine has brought me comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Parents reflect us all, not just the color of our skin, but our culture and our experiences in this life. Culture and race IS important to our identity and I believe it is just as, if not more important, to them.
Two of my favorite artists inspired this piece: @jkirkrichards and his beautiful depiction of Christ and our LGBTQ friends piece and @caitlin_connolly_ with her Heavenly Parents piece.
44 Menstruation: Her Gift (Kayla Beck Nuss)
I interpret menstruation as a gift of femininity from the Divine Feminine to all of her daughters.
47 She Sent Her Son (Amber Eldredge)
Painted during Holy Week with the intention to connect & understand our Heavenly Mother as She offered the most priceless gift She gave the world - Her Son, our Savior.
49 From Their Arms To Ours (Amber Eldredge)
This year, I am yearning for my Heavenly Home & searching for my Heavenly Parents. It’s bittersweet; they say goodbye while we wait earth-side to say hello. And, when they pass over that sacred infant, our fingers brush for one moment through the veil.
50 They That Be With Us (Amber Eldredge)
This year, I am yearning for my Heavenly Home & searching for my Heavenly Parents. “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
51 Pressing Against Heaven (Amber Eldredge)
This year, I am yearning for my Heavenly Home & searching for my Heavenly Parents. Those moments when we press against heaven & it presses right back.
52 Protecting Hope (Amber Eldredge)
We are trying, even if imperfectly, to help fight for a world full of endless, rolling, blossoming gardens of hope! A painting can’t heal the heartache the world is feeling, but it’s helping with mine. As insignificant as this may be in the tsunami of words & pain pounding on around us, it has reminded me of HOPE. Reminded me that Heavenly beings & Heavenly Parents aren’t EVER silent in the fights we face. Especially ones like these. They stand behind us, with us, for us, when we are too weak to stand on our own. They protect the hope of our hearts, our children, our futures. No matter the size of our hope — a garden full, a single blossom, or a wilting, withering stem. Our hopes, our lives, our futures matter to Heaven.
53 Heavenly Parents, Heavenly Child (Amber Eldredge)
This painting was created to help bring heaven a little closer to home and remind you of who you are and who you were made to become. Gift this to the sisters, mothers, daughters, and neighbors in your life and remind them how loved they are — and that they are never, ever alone.
54 Mother Of All (Amber Eldredge)
Inspired by Jeffrey R. Holland’s 2015 general conference address, ‘Behold Thy Mother.’
56 In Her Care (Malory Fiso)
In Her Care is an original illustration depicting the love our Heavenly Mother has for each of her daughters.
57 Our Children (Malory Fiso)
Our Children is an original illustration of the sacred love and care our Heavenly Parents have for their children.
58 Before The World Was III (Ben Crowder)
A reference to Abraham 3:22. The two white shapes in the center represent Heavenly Mother and Heavenly Father; the other circles represent us as intelligences before we came to Earth.
59 New And Everlasting III (Ben Crowder)
A reference to D&C 131:1–4. “In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.” The red circles represent a sealed mortal couple; the white circles represent Heavenly Mother and Heavenly Father; the white loop represents our unity with our Heavenly Parents through our covenants; the yellow between the circles represents the strength and light that come from our Heavenly Parents to us through the new and everlasting covenant; and the smaller light circles on the outside represent God's promise to Abraham that his posterity would multiply as the sand of the sea.
61 Mother In Heaven (Ben Crowder)
The small circles throughout the piece represent the children of God. The green circle at bottom represents the Earth.
63 Before The World Was (Ben Crowder)
A reference to Abraham 3:22. The large circles represent Heavenly Mother and Heavenly Father; the other circles represent us as intelligences before we came to Earth.
64 As Sisters In Zion (Ben Crowder)
A reference to the eponymous hymn. Front to back, the figures represent living women, deceased and yet-unborn women, and Heavenly Mother.
65 When Our Heavenly Parents We Meet (Ben Crowder)
A reference to the hymn “Oh, What Songs of the Heart.”
67 Their Work And Glory II (Ben Crowder)
The two triangles represent Heavenly Father (left) and Heavenly Mother (right). The brown circle represents the earth, and the smaller triangles represent us, their children.
68 Of Heavenly Parents (Ben Crowder)
A reference to The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The white triangles represent Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.
69 In Your Royal Courts On High (Ben Crowder)
A reference to Eliza R. Snow’s hymn “O My Father.” The background figures represent our Heavenly Parents; the foreground figure represents each of us as we meet them again after this life.
70 I've A Mother There (Ben Crowder)
A reference to Eliza R. Snow’s hymn “O My Father.” The white circle and triangle represent Heavenly Mother; the blue circle and green triangles represent the Earth.
71 Their Work And Glory (Ben Crowder)
The two triangles represent Heavenly Father (left) and Heavenly Mother (right), unified and together as they watch over their children on Earth.
72 Watching Over The Nativity (Charlotte Scholl Shurtz)
Heavenly Mother and Father holding the world and watching over it.
79 Within Her (Marissa Perez)
This rendition of my Heavenly Mother was done in 4.5 hours using Procreate on the iPad Pro.
83 Outside Gethsemane (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
Heavenly Father and Mother watching over Christ in Gethsemane
86 Pray I Am There (M. Alice Abrams)
The tulips and eucalyptus branches that partially obscure Heavenly Mother in this piece represent that though She may be hidden from our view and physically separated from us, it does not remove her care, attachment to us as Her children, and of course, the perfect love She and our Heavenly Father has for each one of us
91 Mother (Rachel Thompson)
This is a painting of a mother figure, whether that is our beloved Heavenly Mother, Mother Nature, a mother figure or goddess of a religion other than Christianity, or even someone you know personally. I personally see this painting represting my Heavenly Mother who is a divine co-creator. Insta: rachmarie_art
99 Mother Earth (Paige Payne)
"I was inspired to create this painting at the beginning of the pandemnic, when the world felt in turmoil. I imagined our Heavenly Parents cradling the earth, watching over us." via artist website
108 The Mother Creates Eve (Ellison Barry Duclos)
Confirmed Heavenly Mother via artist instagram and Seeking Heavenly Mother accounts
109 We Will Bring The World Their Truth (M. Alice Abrams)
People featured (from top going clockwise): Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, Nephi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, the Dalai Lama, Jesus Christ, Malala Yousafzai, Ghandi, the Pope, Joseph Smith (and dog Old Major), Emma Smith, Joan of Arc, Adam and Eve, Moroni, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln. These important people have halos, not to deify them, but to nod to the great work they did to contribute to truth while they were on earth. Jesus Christ, Heavenly Mother, and Heavenly Father all have detailed halos to distinguish them.
114 Zara's Heavenly Mother (Zara Krishna)
Age 4. Zara said, “This is heavenly mother. The big one. The small one is a girl trying to go save people. Heavenly Mother is going to help her.”
115 The Night Jesus Was Born (Cami Epperson)
I was inspired by a question earlier this week posted by @seekingheavenlymother. They asked “If Heavenly Mother had been physically present at the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem, what gift do you think She would have brought?” My answer was hugs. Hugs for the Heavenly Hosts that were there… and then I really began to wonder what it must have been like for those Hosts, and for the Divine Mother in particular, that night. So, I asked. I don’t claim this, or any other answers I feel I receive, as doctrine by any means. It’s just what I hear in my heart that helps Me feel more connected to Her. Mother, What was it like for You the night Jesus was born? “I was not far off. I was not out in space somewhere, looking down at Mary, watching from afar. I was right there with her. I sat with Mary, behind her, holding her, coaching her along, though she couldn’t see Me. She only felt Me in her heart. The moment He came into this world, My Son, Our Son, Her Son- Your Brother, Your Savior, Your Example and Friend, my heart leapt with joy. I could scarcely contain my exuberance. There were many in the stall that night, many angels that rejoiced with us, crying at the impact that this one single birth would make on the world. They hugged each other. I sat there watching their celebration as I stayed with Mary. She had been through a lot, and was exhausted. Her soul was in need of deep replenishment. She had been brave, so brave. She rested in My arms, holding her newborn babe. They bonded immediately, as I knew they would. He was ready to come, and she was ready to greet Him. This moment, for Me, was bittersweet for I knew the hope, joy and saving grace He would bring into the world, but I also knew the heartache He would have to endure. However, we all knew His plan and His purpose, and rejoiced in the World He would save. So it was when You came into this world, my child. My heart leapt with joy. I could scarcely contain my exuberance. There were many in the presence of Your birth, many angels that rejoiced, crying at the impact that this one single birth, Your birth, would make on the world. Your world. True, Jesus had a big mission- a monumental task to accomplish while on this Earth, for all of mankind. He was to save the world from their sin, teach You all how to treat each other and return to Us. I want You to know, though, I love You just as much as I love Him. I was with Your mother as she gave birth to you. I rejoice in seeing each one of my children enter this world, to go forth and experience all of the joy and heartache that will shape who They become. I know in my heart what each of You learn from your experiences in Your mortal journey, and I look forward to the days You return to have conversations with Me about it. Know that those days don’t have to wait until after this life. I am here, always listening. While Jesus physically performed the act that would provide a way for your sins to be forgiven and for you to feel eternally loved, you all have a part to play in saving each other. Love each other, as Jesus loved while He was there. Study His life. Learn from Him how to love without conditions or exclusions. Love is the best gift you can give any of your fellow men.” On this day of remembrance of the birth of our Savior, Our Brother, Our Friend, and on all of the days throughout the year, may we all find ways to love and save each other in any way we can. Merry Christmas!
122 A Creation Story (Marilyn Matthews)
“Like so many others, Heavenly Mother is a central theme in my thoughts, heart, & longing. One of the main ways I connect with Her is through nature - the cyclical patterns and harmony of light & dark particularly inspire me and help me learn and connect to Her. Here She is, the great Creatress Herseld, creating the earth and nourishing all of its beings with Her milk. The image just fits everything I believe about Her and presence. Always here, nourishing, sustaining, and creating!”
123 The Queen of Heaven with Her Scepter of Power (Sage Gallagher)
This depiction of Heavenly Mother was created for the book, The Boy's Guide To Heavenly Mother.
124 Eve and Her Mother (Emilie Buck Lewis)
This was painted in 2016, after a friend’s husband commissioned it as a gift for her. Though I had had strong spiritual experiences with Heavenly Mother, I had not ever considered painting Her, nor had I done any real searching for Her in the scriptures. Thankfully, this friend and her husband had, and pointed me to some scriptures and research they knew about to form the basis for the painting. They wanted a tree, which would be symbolic of Heavenly Mother. After doing my own research and thinking a lot about it, I decided that the image should be of Heavenly Mother and Eve in front of the Tree of Life. I wanted to paint a scene where we could imagine the tender relationship between Eve and Heavenly Mother, and also contemplate the training and instruction that Eve must have had from Her in the pre-mortal life. That knowledge and instruction that Eve had surely has been passed down to her mortal daughters, but some we must re-discover ourselves through our own relationship with Her. So I hope that here each woman could imagine herself standing there as Eve, next to her Mother in Heaven, receiving knowledge and instruction and love to carry us through mortality.
125 Diligence (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by a photo taken by Mary Neiberg. I loved her expression. It felt confident, but loving.
126 Wisdom (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by a photo taken by Mary Neiberg. I loved her expression. It felt confident, but loving.
127 Benevolence (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by a photo taken by Mary Neiberg. I loved her expression. It felt confident, but loving.
128 Revelation (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by Michelangelo’s Delphic Sybil.
129 Patience (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by a photo of an early benefactor in Northern Colorado, but modified quite a bit by me.
130 Virtue (Emilie Buck Lewis)
After General Conference and the change from “Heavenly Father” to “Heavenly Parents” in the Young Women’s theme, I wanted to paint some portraits of Heavenly Mother. I’m probably not finished exploring this concept...I feel strongly that every woman (and man) on earth has inherited qualities from our Heavenly Mother-spiritual and physical. In these portraits I hope that you can see yourself in one of them. So I’ll likely keep going with these, painting more faces to capture the diversity of humanity. This one was inspired by Boticelli’s “Birth of Venus”
131 Untitled (Emilie Buck Lewis)
The seeds of this project started in 2015, when I was asked to paint a painting of Heavenly Mother for a friend. (Members of my faith cherish the doctrine that we are literal spirit children of God, children of both Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.) The outcome of that request was my painting titled “Eve and her Mother.” (Scroll back through my feed to see that one.) Anyway, through painting that and thinking about how to portray a divine someone without knowing what she looks like, and also thinking about how all of her daughters and sons have inherited some of her characteristics, I thought I should just paint several portraits of several different women as Heavenly Mother. I wanted any woman (or man) to be able to see herself in Heavenly Mother, because there is a little bit of her in all of us. And ultimately it doesn’t really matter what she looks like—it just matters that we know she is our Mother and she loves us. I hope through this series you can feel a tiny bit of her love for you.
132 Deliverer (Emilie Buck Lewis)
The seeds of this project started in 2015, when I was asked to paint a painting of Heavenly Mother for a friend. (Members of my faith cherish the doctrine that we are literal spirit children of God, children of both Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother.) The outcome of that request was my painting titled “Eve and her Mother.” (Scroll back through my feed to see that one.) Anyway, through painting that and thinking about how to portray a divine someone without knowing what she looks like, and also thinking about how all of her daughters and sons have inherited some of her characteristics, I thought I should just paint several portraits of several different women as Heavenly Mother. I wanted any woman (or man) to be able to see herself in Heavenly Mother, because there is a little bit of her in all of us. And ultimately it doesn’t really matter what she looks like—it just matters that we know she is our Mother and she loves us. I hope through this series you can feel a tiny bit of her love for you. This one was inspired by Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and worked as an abolitionist—helping many others escape slavery—and as a suffragette. Her life and conviction is truly inspiring.
135 Untitled (Emilie Buck Lewis)
The person who commissioned it was collecting Heavenly Mother art to make an entire wall-full to surprise his wife for her birthday. Don’t you think that is such a thoughtful gift? She’s a lucky lady!! The portrait was inspired by his wife’s great-grandmother. He told me a sweet story about how she would sit at the open window with her sewing and whistle while the birds would sit outside and listen. She must have been a talented whistler. I could just hear her while I painted, so I put two little birdies on her collar so they could always listen, too
136 Heavenly Mother (Emilie Buck Lewis)
Sweet painting of Heavenly Mother. This painting is part of a series exploring Heavenly Mother in various ethnicities.
139 Untitled (Emilie Buck Lewis)
The Mother waits. patiently. smiling. beckoning Her children find Her; follow Her to what they were wanting all along.
141 He Shall Be Called Nazarene (Natalie Cosby)
Depiction of Mary, Jesus, and Heavenly Mother. Artist explains through instagram posts that the Nazarenes were people that believed in Heavenly Mother. Mary, Christ's mother would have known who Heavenly Mother was. She believes Heavenly Mother would have been right there as Christ was being born. (Short haired women is Heavenly Mother NOT Joseph)
142 By Wisdom The Lord Laid the Earth's Foundations (Emilie Buck Lewis)
First in a small series about Heavenly Parents
144 Happy is the Man Who Findeth Wisdom (Emilie Buck Lewis)
Did you know that in scripture, the word “wisdom” is often synonymous with Heavenly Mother? When you know that, you start finding Her in lots of places. Title taken from Proverbs 3
145 When He Prepared the Heavens, I Was There (Emilie Buck Lewis)
Another amazing chapter on wisdom (Heavenly Mother) found in Proverbs 8.
146 Then I Was By Him as One Brought Up With Him (Emilie Buck Lewis)
A sweet little painting of our Heavenly Parents. This would be a lovely wedding gift. The title comes from Proverbs 8, and I like it because it reminds me that Heavenly Father and Mother are peers, there is no hierarchy in their relationship.
150 Our Mother's Daughter (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
I've spent a lot of time thinking about our relationship with our Heavenly Mother over the past year and a half as I've started to include her in my art. I've had many sweet and tender feelings that she is anxiously engaged in watching over us. She is not some distant being, unconcerned with out mortal existence. She is there, watching over us, anxiously waiting to hear our cries and wipe away out tears.
151 She Is With Us (Whitney Quick)
I've been thinking a lot about Her lately. I think my spirit misses Her. I've felt Her close to me while on my mission, maybe because She knows how much I miss my earthly mama. I'm grateful to know that I can one day see her again. I know that moment will be more glorious than I can imagine.
158 From Whom All Blessings Flow (Heather Ruttan)
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Her, all creatures here below; Praise Her, all creatures here below; Praise Her above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Her above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Mother, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Lately I have been loving taking hymns and motherizing them, just switching genders to see if it helps me understand something new about the idea of feminine divine.
164 Queen Robed in the Sun (Heather Ruttan)
Eternal Mother, Queen of heaven. Rudger Clawson wrote, “We honor woman when we acknowledge Godhood in her eternal Prototype” I try to think what that means, what godhood looks like on a woman... here I wanted to portray her as strong wise and dignified.
165 In Her Image (Heather Ruttan)
I asked a trans person about what the idea of a Heavenly Mother means to them, and part of their answer really touched my heart “If I think about God and Heavenly Mother I often imagine them as being these kind of beings associated with wholeness, happiness, and clarity. I as a Transgender Woman really honestly believe that Heavenly Mother encapsulates what I desire: Wholeness with myself, happiness because of what I am, trueness to who I am”
166 Queen With No Throne (Heather Ruttan)
She is powerful, even when She doesn’t get acknowledged as She deserves. She is constant and regal.
169 Crowned With 12 Stars (Heather Ruttan)
“In the heavens, are parents single? No the thought makes reason stare. Truth is reason; truth eternal tells me I’ve a Mother there”
170 Veiled Mother (Heather Ruttan)
I have conflicted feelings about veils. Didn’t wear one for my wedding, I feel so claustrophobic in them. But the other day while talking about my dislike of veils, a dear friend told me “I found Her (Our Heavenly Mother), in the veil”.
171 Entrusted (Brittany Nguyen)
We always discuss Heavenly Father sending His son— consider for a moment how Heavenly Mother must have felt as she sent Her son to Earth to fulfill His role as the Lamb of God. Mary must have been absolutely remarkable to have been entrusted with bearing and raising the Savior of the world, and I have no doubt that she relied heavily on divine guidance to do so. As you reflect on each element of the Nativity this Christmas— Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the star... give thought to both of His mothers and their roles in the life of Christ.
173 Rising From the Dust (Heather Ruttan)
It feels like more people are talking about Her lately. In revelations 12 we learn that the woman who gave birth to the King fled and hid herself in the desert. I think She has been rising from that desert and casting off the dust that has kept her hidden for so long. Welcome back Mother.
174 Blessed Are the Peacemakers (Heather Ruttan)
“What Cheiko taught me” by Rachel Hunt Steenblik. "The Mother's face is hidden from us, because her arms are around us. (Our heads rest gently on Her shoulder.)
175 Desert Glimpses (Heather Ruttan)
Thinking about Heavenly Mother often feels like wandering through the wilderness after someone. I catch glimpses, unsure if they are mirages. I also see her tracks, if I look for them. Sometimes it’s really frustrating but I think she’s there I just have to look. By putting in that work, maybe the desert of content surrounding this theology will be less of an abandoned wasteland.
176 Her Horizon (Heather Ruttan)
“See how she offsets the Prussian blue of the bayby its opposite on the color wheel,the splendid burnt orange of a just-so sunset…” -“Mother Has a Degree in Exterior Design” by Dayna Patterson
177 She Tiptoes to Earth (Heather Ruttan)
“Sometimes the Mother gets homesick for us, and tiptoes to earth to visit us." Poem from the book "I Gave Her A Name" by Rachel Hunt Steenblik
178 Crescent Presence (Heather Ruttan)
Hidden or shining like a lamp, the moon is ever present. She is unseen except during the quiet dark, shining comfortingly in our wakeful tossing and turning. Her power is undeniable, as even the seas follow where She goes. Though on occasion she is a slim crescent, She never truely leaves us
179 Tuning Heartstring to Her (Heather Ruttan)
“She pulls our heartstrings tunes them to Hers and to Her son who sings with us- Song of Redeeming Love."
180 A Mark on Her (Heather Ruttan)
“Love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves it's own mark. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever.” J.K. Rowling
181 A Great Wonder in Heaven (Heather Ruttan)
Rev12:1 “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars” She is a great wonder to me in two senses of the word. I wonder in awe, but I also wonder so many things about her. When I painted this I wondered does she watch my doings and look out for us? And why don’t we worship her in her glory?
183 Asherah (Heather Ruttan)
Meet Asherah - sometimes called The Tree of Life, which in Nephi we learn is the Love of God. She is His Love, and partner, symbolized by a white almond tree. Lehi would have known of her, and it was around the time he left Jerusalem that the Israelites underwent the “Deuteronomic Reform” When Solomon’s temple was reformed by Josiah and Her image was cast out, dragged from the temple and burned. 25 years later Jerusalem is conquered by the Babylonians, and in Jeremiah we hear refugees talk about Her. Jeremiah 44:18 "Since we have ceased burnign incense ... to the Queen of Heaven we have lacked everything..."
184 Everpresent (Heather Ruttan)
Has she abandoned us or have we abandoned Her? Sometimes I think if we just opened our eyes we would see she never left us at all
185 Wisdom (Heather Ruttan)
“O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go” -lyrics from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel .
187 Drawing Near the Veil (Heather Ruttan)
The veil between us seems to thin when we create. I think she can’t help herself but come near when we wield her own power
190 Gathering Her Chicks (Heather Ruttan)
“…how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” Matthew 23:37
212 Mi Madre de los Cielos II (Michelle Franzoni Thorley)
Piece in A Girl's Guide to Heavenly Mother
214 Mi Madre de los Cielos IV (Michelle Franzoni Thorley)
Piece in A Girl's Guide to Heavenly Mother
218 Heavenly Mother #1 (Eve Tidwell Yeung)
'My daughter is half Chinese and half white. I don’t want her to grow up only seeing pictures of white Heavenly Father, white Heavenly Mother, and white Jesus. I want my daughter to know that she isn’t only 50% like Heavenly Mother because she is only 50% white. She is 100% like Her. She was made in Her image. Creating images of the divine that are only white is another form of bias. Why would we assume that God is white when They are Parents to us all?
I don’t know what God looks like but I do know that my daughter, a half Hongkonger, half American, looks like Her. And so do you."
I don’t know what God looks like but I do know that my daughter, a half Hongkonger, half American, looks like Her. And so do you."
222 NgD Mata o Te Ariki (Haylee NgDroma Solomon)
Maori title- Piece in A Boy's Guide to Heavenly Mother
228 Heavenly Mother Feeding Manna to Her Children (Brooke Bowen)
Piece in A Boy's Guide to Heavenly Mother
230 Heavenly Mother I (Shelley Whiting)
Heavenly Mother series, 2014 about the mysterious figure in Mormonism. I intrepreted her as a wizard. (Instagram)
231 Heavenly Mother II (Shelley Whiting)
Heavenly Mother 2, 48X16, 2014 Acrylic on board About mysterious figure in Mormonism. I interpreted her as a wizard. (Instagram)
232 Heavenly Mother III (Shelley Whiting)
Heavenly Mother 3, 2014 About the mysterious figure in Mormonism. I intrepreted her a wizard. (Instagram)
235 She Is With the Orphans (Emmaline Thibault)
“I have always wondered where Heavenly Mother was and why I never heard about Her. A cousin of mine @lizupstream told me that when she wondered the same thing, these words came in clear. She is with the orphans. She is with those who have been orphaned from family, churches, society, and health. She is with Her single moms, Her heartbroken, Her abused, Her LGBTQ+ and Her lost." insta: emmalinethibault
236 Her Heavenly Touch (Faith Merrill)
Acrylic on glass, confirms it is Heavenly Mother via instagram description
237 A Heavenly Family (M. Alice Abrams)
"This image depicts our Heavenly Father and Mother with their son Jesus Christ watching over a diverse group of their children. The rainbow is meant to represent the Holy Ghost, who reminds us of Their everlasting love." Description via instagram: aliceisms_illustrations--hand carved linoleum block print
240 Goddess of Creation (Arawn Billings)
Non-binary artist. Our Goddess Mother has a perfect understanding of the laws of the universe and has pursued Her own interests to mastery. Her identity does not come solely from Her being our Mother. I believe she uses Her talents and knowledge to take an active role in our lives and the gospel. (Instagram)
Full commentary here: http://stephaniebillingsart.com/2020/10/16/goddess-of-creation/
Full commentary here: http://stephaniebillingsart.com/2020/10/16/goddess-of-creation/
241 A Loving Embrace (Arawn Billings)
Non-binary artist. This painting is about the personal peace we can find when we connect with our Heavenly Parents and the Godhead. I talk about it more in depth in this blog article: https://stephaniebillingsart.com/2020/03/01/a-loving-embrace (Instagram)
244 Queen of the South (Megan Knobloch Geilman)
Email communication with artist who says this is Heavenly Mother. Photograph. 2017.
245 Pieta (Megan Knobloch Geilman)
Email communication with artist who says this is Heavenly Mother. Photograph. 2020.
246 Mother of All (Paige Payne)
"To me, this painting represents Heavenly Mother (Mother Earth/the Divine Feminine). I chose to title this painting ‘Mother of All’ because when I look at this piece, I am reminded that I do have a Heavenly Mother who watches over me and knows me perfectly. I know my divine worth because I know I came from Her."
261 Untitled (Annie Poon)
Articles of Faith 1: We believe in God, the Eternal father, and in His son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Before Christ came to earth, His spirit was created by our Heavenly Mother and Father. Some day I will have my own heavenly children
266 My Kind, Wise, Heavenly Friend (Brooklyn Swenson)
"This is my depiction of Heavenly Mother holding Her Lamb. I think she is really proud of Him, and so happy He is home safe with Her." Via description on instagram
267 Mother Earth (Kayla Beck Nuss)
"I have been struggling with body image issues. I turned to Heavenly Mother’s body for comfort and while creating this painting, I thought, what if Heavenly Mother is ACTUALLY Mother Earth? I decided to roll with this idea and thought, if her body truly is the world, it is powerful, sacred, and MAGNIFICENT! So how can I look at myself in the same way? Well, I am created in her image. I create and provide for my body just as she does for this world. Maybe the way to connect with my body and find its power is by looking at hers, by looking at the beauty in her nature, in the trees, in the flowers, in the sky, in the earth and the life that it gives and breathes. I now try to think of the power and life that is in her body and know that that same power and life is in me.
268 Safe With Mother (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
Part of "A Mother There" collection, "When I think about pre-mortal life, I imagine clinging to Her as we learned and grew. She is our safe space. We felt protected in her embrace as she patiently taught us about kindness and love."
269 Not Ready To Leave You (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
Part of "A Mother There" collection, "...I’m sure more than one of us went back for one more reassuring hug. One more moment with our Mother."
270 I Am Here (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
Part of "A Mother There" collection, "...As a mother cradles her child, I believe our Mother in Heaven does as well, ever looking for opportunities to let us know She is there."
271 Mother Sends Her Blossoms on the Waves and the Winds (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
"Japanese cherry blossoms are said to be a metaphor for the human existence. Every spring, cherry blossom trees bloom beautiful and delicate pink flowers, and then, after just two weeks they are done. Our lives here on earth must seem similarly short to our Heavenly Parents, whose time is infinite and eternal. However, I know they cherish the lives we have as they watch us grow into what we were created to be and honor the moments when we bloom." Via artist website
274 Night and Day (Kelly Ann Ambrose)
“And the Gods called the light Day, and the darkness they called Night. And it came to pass that from the evening until morning they called night; and from the morning until the evening they called day; and this was the first, or the beginning, of that which they called day and night.”
275 Heavenly Mother (Lina Wong)
“God loves ALL Her children! I know She’s proud of us and wants us to be happy. I like to think that She wants us to be proud of ourselves as well!”
276 She Is Our World (Krystal Root Andrew)
"...To me, Our Heavenly Mother is a fierce, perfect love. Always giving without end. The kind that permeates and radiates, and vibrates. The kind that moves mountains. Even though we don’t talk about Her much, she is here with Her children. Just as our Father in Heaven is. They are perfectly in sync, keeping things in order..." Via instagram description
277 In the Tops of the Whispering Trees, I Hear Her (Natalie Cosby)
"This is an illustration that I did for a poem written by Maren Droubay @marendroubay about our Heavenly Parents. We are collaborating to turn her poem and my illustrations into a children’s book."
278 Peeking Through Her Veil (Natalie Cosby)
"One of my favorite symbols that I use when depicting The Mother is the veil... The Mother herself as well as the wise women in the scriptures who are blessed with the spirit of Wisdom, (archetypes of The Mother) are described as the weavers of the veils and the robes. The women are the ones doing the weaving work. Weaving together all creation. The Mother is the heart, or womb of all creation as She lies at the center of the temple, in the holy of holies. Surrounded by the veil, and the temple scene. Surrounded by Her creations. "
279 Phases of the Mother (Natalie Cosby)
Artist likens Heavenly Mother/Divine Feminine to the moon via instagram and etsy item description
280 She Wept (Natalie Cosby)
Artist confirms the art is of Heavenly Mother via instagram and etsy item description
282 Untitled (Annie Poon)
Jesus was made of two women: Heavenly Mother created his spirit and Mary created his body. It is the same for all of us
283 When We Pray (Kayla Beck Nuss)
"Whether we pray to Her//Him/Them or not, I am sure that our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother are both listening. They are both eager to hear our fears, our joys, and our in betweens..." Via instagram caption
284 Mother's Lap (Missy Johnston)
"In these trying times I’ve been craving maternal comfort, even at 33 years old. When I’m being swallowed up in all the womanly pressures and aspects of this life, I want my mom! We weren’t huggers but I remember laying in my mom’s lap many sacrament meetings and feeling safe and grounded. Now I yearn to do the same in my Heavenly Mother’s lap."
285 One Great Whole (Julia Blake)
"This tree represents God the Mother and each leaf, overlapping as Venn Diagrams, are people and the way we connect to each other...The bold stroke around the entire tree represents a safety and protection from the metaphorical storms of life when we are united with God and others." via artist's website. Acrylic, charcoal
288 Untitled (Annie Poon)
Tonight I felt a real need for my Heavenly Mother. I feel so lucky to know the work of @rachelelizahunt . She writes beautiful poems about her and I think without coming into contact with her poems, I would feel a little lost.
294 I've a Mother There (Eve Tidwell Yeung)
Found on Seeking Heavenly Mother website, "I have longed for connection with my Heavenly Mother for many years. I learned in my college years that church authorities have taught that She is involved in the lives of Her children. Learning these things made me feel closer to Her and brought me so much joy." Acrylic
297 A Mother's Love (Lynde Mott)
The figure appears half opaque/half translucent, even half flesh/ half strong stone statue. This represents my continuing journey in trying to come to know and experience the reality of our Mother in heaven. She is solid and real–yet elusive at times as well.
302 Daughter of Heavenly Parents (Michelle Gessell)
Daughter of Heavenly Parents - Young Women Theme for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Conference Doodle. I created this image as a visual for the new Young Women Theme for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while listening to Sister Bonnie Cordon’s General Conference talk given in October 2019. This painting represents an eternal family pattern; Heavenly Mother, Heavenly Father, and a Child, together as one unit. A ripple effect and blue background represent the heavens as well as water. This represents the first ordinance, water by immersion and the ripple effect of conversion, the power of Christ's atonement that cleanses us each time we partake of the Sacrament, preparing a way to live again, not alone, but returning to our Heavenly home. This ripple effect shares our unity in Christ; everyone connected; our actions touch someone past, present, and future, with an emphasis on eternity. This ripple is also an echo of mirrors in a Temple Sealing room; mirrors that create a pattern, a ripple effect there, a constant, continuum, that families can be forever. A keyhole to represent priesthood keys and our access to them. The shape of the keyhole is slightly different on one side; one straight, one curvy, symbolizing many things. One thing is that our paths are all different, some straighter, others with more bends, both ways are a parallel path when focused on Thee. The keyhole also represents our different divine attributes, not one mold is the same, just as my house key does not fit your door. There is one key however that fits the same door, the priesthood key. We all have access to this "skeleton" key as we learn to use them. I also thought of Adam and Eve, each having a key, the power of the priesthood to all. I felt this painting would help our young women reflect on the pattern of an eternal family and the power of priesthood keys.
303 The Link (Michelle Gessell)
It begins with a time before earth, “pre-earth” referencing from the Old Testament Book of Revelations ch12 & then to the creation of earth in Genesis chapters 1-4, linking the first children Cain&Able and all the generations to Noah, & also those who have & will come after. The larger woman with the child, represents all the mothers of the world. This is where my further study will come, so that I can have scripture references. It represents Mothers, like our Heavenly mother represented in “pre-earth”, than our first earthly mother, Eve. Then, many more mothers before Mary, Christ’s mother & many after. ALL mothers who have nurtured the family of God by birth or by heart are represented here. Then the struggle of mankind, in this “Terrestrial” state now. Then victory over death! Jesus Christ as our Savior, our advocate, applying the atonement of Jesus Christ, His mercy & grace. Our spiritual bodies & the heavens; Telestial and Celestial referencing 1st Corinthians chapter 15. And then together with God. The iron rod, which is the word of God, links this all together.
304 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
It starts & ends with Her. It is my interpretation that She is our Heavenly Mother, travailing with child in heaven, brining life to Earth. ~
305 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
It starts & ends with Her. It is my interpretation that She is our Heavenly Mother, travailing with child in heaven, brining life to Earth. ~
306 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
I feel like the oneness Paul is trying to convey is also the unity of our Heavenly Father & Heavenly Mother and the pattern that was set, as WE were created in the image of Them. We are Their seeds. We knew them before & we are trying to return to them now
307 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
...almost forget my #inkober #inktoberfaith for today. It’s so fitting that the prompt for today is #HeavenlyMother.
308 The Unfeigned Faith of Mothers (Michelle Gessell)
A pattern from Heavenly Mother to Eve, to YOU & Yours
309 Bones and Branches (Michelle Gessell)
A bone, a rib, like a rod, like a branch, was extended from Adam to Eve by God. Perhaps this is a pattern of before; a giving. Together Their bones & the branches would make a life everlasting, extending & bearing fruit. I woke up with such delight, I actually made a noise, a joyful sound of happiness as I thought of the growth & purpose and how the Family Tree came to be!!!
310 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
We are ONE people only separating ourselves. We are created in the image of Heavenly mother & father; we are sister & brother. Not the same, but equal.
311 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
In previous posts on Instagram, the artist referred to this painting as Heavenly Mother
315 Father, Could You Send Another Tonight? (Shauna Myler)
'My heart was heavy and as I put brush to paint all I could think was the prayer of this title. I just wanted to be held by Her." Via Seeking HM website
316 Untitled (Debbi Weitzell)
Found via daughter's instagram: cami-epperson where confirmed Heavenly Mother
318 Untitled (Marni Butikofer)
Found via cami_epperson as an illustration for her book Conversations with the Divine Mother
319 Untitled (Dustynn Mullenaux)
Found via cami_epperson as an illustration for her book Conversations with the Divine Mother
320 Gather (Kristi Hyde)
Found via cami_epperson as an illustration for her book Conversations with the Divine Mother
323 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
We know we are beloved children of Heavenly Parents & WE are patterned after Their parental character. We know a plan was created for US to return to Them & that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER, not just until death do we part.
324 She Looks On (Michelle Gessell)
I felt I saw a familiar image, so I immediately sketched this out. It is not to scale by any means, but more of a course of direction & and a remembrance that SHE is present & looks on.
326 Untitled (Michelle Gessell)
I wanted to share that the man & woman at the top of this temple represent YOU. YOU are patterned after God; Heavenly Parents; Heavenly Father & Heavenly Mother. They are ONE.
328 Trust in the Flow (Emily Shay)
When you look at your life and REALLY feel into it, do you sense a guiding principle behind it all? This FLOW, or alignment in truth, is a choice we make - to allow - to trust. To b e l i e v e there is a path for you. This flow can also have an ebb to it. There’s a time for action (doing) and there’s also a time for inaction (being)...some doors open and some doors close. Both phases are equally important and by respecting and honoring them we are able to actually be even more productive when it’s time to ‘do’ something again. Following the flow of your own life’s energy is about loving yourself and respecting and listening to that inner guidance and direction. By accepting this, we can finally breathe again and life unfolds more coherently; transitioning beautifully from one phase to another. And so it goes with my favorite flower, the Peony. It’s blooming period is during the month of May, with the ‘being’ phase for the other 11 months...exactly how it was made to be. And then when it does bloom, it is completely and utterly lovely. This flower lifts me up to be in a beautiful flow-er state myself, accepting that ebb and grateful for the blossoming, moving flow. This last month has been an ebb one for me...hitting so many creativity blocks. It’s hard to be okay with not constantly blooming! And yet that is part of this flow process - trusting a door will open when it should. With Mother’s Day on my mind - it makes me consider Heavenly Mother and the grace, flow, and flexibility she emanates. She is everywhere - particularly in nature. The flowers, the rivers, the trees - All blossoming, moving and bending. Pure flow. And particularly in me - blossoming, moving and bending...I feel her comforting grace to help me trust this process. Mother, co-creator with Father, shows us through their creations the beauty of being a flow-er. It is nature. It is peace. Let’s choose to trust in today. Let’s look for Mother today. Let’s open ourselves up to that flow-er state, whether it be doing or being...believing we will be guided accordingly and that we are where we are supposed to be. Take a breath, smile, grow and flow.
330 Precious Lullaby (Emily Shay)
'Precious Lullaby' Easter is a marvelous time of renewal, rebirth and resurrection. Consider the lamb of God’s birth - Imagine the array of emotion before coming to Earth. Imagine him and Mother in their special place, talking about his future and the weight of it all. Possibly scared? Overwhelmed? See her sitting with him in it - offering her comfort, love and wisdom for this sacrificial path. Imagine how he must have drawn upon visuals of his Mother and Father - clinging to the depth of love and faith in him. Remembering Her comforting embrace, and engulfing trust in him and this plan. Her love taught him how to rise again. His love teaches us how to do the same.
349 Did She? (Carol Rae Byington Johnson)
It is in response to the question: When Christ created the earth did Heavenly Mother help teach him how to decorate it?
356 Endowment (Judy Gustafson)
represents my belief that our Heavenly Mother gives each of her children an abundance of gifts as they enter and throughout this life. The gifts are portrayed symbolically and also unknown, wrapped
359 Hannah's Gift (Rebecca Klundt)
Story of Hannah and Samuel--Hannah made a coat for Samuel each year, a story of sacrifice--artist compared it to HM sacrifice and lending Her son to the Lord
363 The Souls of Her Children Shall Rise Up (Theresa Otteson)
The carnations are symbolic of a mother's love, the butterflies gained nourishment from the flower (love) and are able to begin their lives
379 I Am Weary, When Shall I Rest?
This work explores the relationship between the high regard of a Heavenly Mother and the mortal reality of mimicking her in this realm. With influences from Pre-Raphaelites and late Middle-Ages tapestry work, there is a sense of religiosity combined with the natural world. The vision of this piece began with a fleeting impression of a Heavenly Mother exhausted like myself. I was fascinated by the ephemeral nature of the thought as it became more clear that not all works surrounding Heavenly Mother have to hold a deep meaning. And within moments of deciding upon the theme of this piece I discovered the scripture on which it is now based. Moses 7:48 And it came to pass that Enoch looked upon the earth; and he heard a voice from the bowels thereof, saying: Wo, wo is me, the mother of men; I am pained, I am weary, because of the wickedness of my children. When shall I rest, and be cleansed from the filthiness which is gone forth out of me? When will my Creator sanctify me, that I may rest, and righteousness for a season abide upon my face?
388 Makowa (Kwani Povi Winder)
"Makowa" mean sky or heaven in Tewa, language of Kha'Po Owingeh (Santa clara Pueblo)
411 Heavenly Mother - She is in the Details (Michelle Gessell)
I thought how the act of creating something from nothing is such an amazing experience.
It made me think of the time & energy involved when our Heavenly Parents created and crafted each of US.
Each and every ONE of us is unique.
Each & every ONE of us has layers; experiences that could not and cannot be duplicated.
Our earthly parents, our siblings, and our friends add to our texture,
and to our experience, adding layer after layer.
But our first parents; Our Heavenly Parents gave us our first layers.
What a beautiful process we are.
It is an awesome feeling to know, we were created uniquely
and we aren’t supposed to stay the same.
We were meant to evolve, grow, and change
It made me think of the time & energy involved when our Heavenly Parents created and crafted each of US.
Each and every ONE of us is unique.
Each & every ONE of us has layers; experiences that could not and cannot be duplicated.
Our earthly parents, our siblings, and our friends add to our texture,
and to our experience, adding layer after layer.
But our first parents; Our Heavenly Parents gave us our first layers.
What a beautiful process we are.
It is an awesome feeling to know, we were created uniquely
and we aren’t supposed to stay the same.
We were meant to evolve, grow, and change
412 Heavenly Mother's Spiritual Gift Giving
Heavenly Mother’s Spiritual Gift Giving I’ve been working on this piece in physical form since July, but I’ve been pondering & preparing for a few years. I’ve shared before how I feel we are BORN mothers, not mothers when we give birth. Looking at patterns I see here; the women in my life & the women in the past, including the women in the scriptures, I see the pattern of Her divinity. I have a daughter that was born w/congenital heart defects, other complications arose with this. When she was about 2 weeks old, she had a body scan which shared that she had ovarian cysts. I thought how can this be as a baby? I had painful ovarian cysts, even having one the size of a grapefruit removed before this daughter was conceived. It never occurred to me that women before birth had eggs forming within, as a matter of fact all the eggs a women will have been present when she is born. This thought has never left me. I see this as a glorious pattern of Mother, mothering, and motherhood. Women are given gifts, spiritual gifts, to nurture, to build, to bring, to bond, and to bless community AND the family they create. Woman are given the gift to support life within & without their bodies. Women have been given the gift to bless & protect their eggs, which begins at birth, long before they give birth themselves, and especially if they don’t. I love finding patterns that make myself & all women a reflection of She.
413 Unifying Mother (Michelle Gessell)
We are ALL sons & daughters of Heavenly Parents. I created this as study piece, along with others pieces, pondering Heavenly Mother again & again. Background: I was not searching for Her specifically, when I first realized She was there. She came to me. I was reading & studying the scriptures, and the Plan of Salvation, which I drew out over the course of a year or so, in 2017. I felt Her pattern became clearer to me. I realized she is in me & every woman here. In July of 2019, I drew Her out for the first time on paper. A few weeks later that first painting was requested to be in a book; A Girl’s Guide to Heavenly Mother by MacArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding. In October 2019, the new Young Women theme was introduced and I knew, I was a witness of this divinity. In October 2019, Pres. Nelson encouraged the women to see their spiritual treasures and the power of the priesthood they possess. I could see Her Spiritual gifts as I pondered my own. It was, it is, beautiful to see Her reflection not just hear, “you are a daughter of God.” This also enlightened me to see Her pattern in the women in scriptures, and other women in my life. I feel more connected in the universe, not just my tiny corner of the world. Do you see Heavenly Mother’s spiritual gifts & patterns in you? … What about in the women around you? in the scriptures? in Eve, in Mary, in the women by Jesus side? what about in the temple? In this painting and all the others of Her, I’m trying to share SOME of Her spiritual gifts & the patterns I see. I’ll be making prints of this and a few other Heavenly Mother art pieces soon. Included in each print will be the patterns I see and the symbolism I try to reflect in my drawings. We will each have our own “coming to know Her” journey. I hope my art will help you feel the unifying love of your Mother in Heaven too.
414 Welcome Home (Michelle Gessell)
Pondering Heavenly Mother, made me think about my/your/our homecoming. I can wait, but I also can’t wait to return to my Heavenly Home. I have thought how wonderful would it be to hear the words, “Well done my good & faithful servant” coming from my Heavenly Father. And then I thought what would I like to hear from my Heavenly Mother. The first thing that came to my mind was “Welcome Home, baby girl” the same greeting I give to my daughters. A welcome that would flood in a bunch of pre-mortal memories. Both of these welcoming statements brought tears to my eyes. I also thought about how She is here, every time a baby is born. She is helping to usher them in, welcoming them to a new home here on earth before returning back to our heavenly home. I tried to share the patterns & promises here, many that have come to pass, and many to come. A cycle, a pattern, a leap, traveling, tears, tiers, an earthly & heavenly home, our houses, the Lord’s house, unity, love, light.
415 Heavenly Mother is Here (Michelle Gessell)
My Heavenly Mother is a Mountain which moves with me. The patchwork of her skirt embraces me. She is the rooftop to my house. She is not missing. She is in all the details. These mountains represent different terrains/experiences. ⠀ The houses represent variety, vulnerability, and vitality. Everyone here is different, no two people or families are alike. We are uniquely made on purpose. Differences teach us how to love. The harder/stronger WE love, the closer to Thee WE come. When I drew this picture, I thought of Heavenly Mother resting her head on mine, on yours. The moment I began to paint the skin, I took a deep breathe, because I see me, I see YOU, I see everyone, and couldn’t paint without including all; all the colors, all the ethnicities, all the cultures, all the mixed families, blended families, my family, Her family; Their family. “Let every [wo]man esteem [her] brother/sister as herself and practice virtue and holiness before me.“ D & C 38:24-25 I shed tears and add that to my water. Oneness, unity; a prayerful plea. I see a beautiful pattern & patchwork in YOU and me. Having the faith of a mustard seed WE can move mountains, share love, and build unity. I hope this painting helps YOU ponder the framework... of God, of Heavenly Parents, of global family; a heavenly heritage.
417 Heavenly Parents With Their Son, Jesus Christ (Michelle Gessell)
Conference Doodle created for the LDS General Conference talk, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope,” given by Jeffrey R. Holland April 2020 ⠀ Elder Holland shared: We have every reason to hope for blessings even greater than those we have already received because this is the work of all mighty God!” - I added that exclamation point. ⠀ Over the past 200 years we have had many hopes filled. ⠀ We know we are beloved children of Heavenly Parents & WE are patterned after Their parental character. ⠀ We know a plan was created for US to return to Them & that FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER, not just until death do we part. ⠀ We know this because WE have another testament of Jesus Christ that “confirms the biblical witness that Jesus is the Christ, the literal Son of God, Alpha & Omega & the only Savior of the world” This testament enlarges & enhances our knowledge of the birth of Christ, his ministry, atoning sacrifice, RESURRECTION & eternal life. ⠀ We have received the RESTORATION of the gospel, which include priesthood keys to baptize, confirm the Holy Ghost, heal & seal. ⠀ We have holy temples like those of ancient times to bind families. ⠀ We have continual revelation. ⠀ So why not hope?! ⠀ “Why should we not hope that righteous desires & Christlike yearnings can still be marvelously answered by the God of all hope?” ⠀ Here are some of the desires he shares, are they not OUR DESIRES TOO? ⠀ May we HOPE TO BE EQUALLY COMMITTED to freeing the world from the virus of hunger. ⠀ Freeing neighborhoods & nations from the virus of poverty. ⠀ May we hope for schools where students are taught, not [be] terrified they will be shot. ⠀ AND for the GIFT OF PERSONAL DIGNITY FOR EVERY CHILD OF GOD, unmarred by any form of racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice. ⠀ Undergirding all of this is OUR relentless HOPE for greater devotion to the two greatest of all commandments: to love God by keeping His counsel & to love our neighbors by showing kindness & compassion, patience & forgiveness. These two divine directives are still & forever will be the only real hope we have for giving our children a better world than the one they now know. To listen to the entire talk, go to ChurchofJesusChrist.org Search General Conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland April 2020 A Perfect Brightness of Hope
418 An Especially Noble Calling - A Pattern of Heavenly Mother (Michelle Gessell)
Sis. Jones said, “We have a divine errand from the Lord, OUR faithful, unique contributions are vital.” “Women wear many hats, but it is impossible & unnecessary, to wear them all at once. The SPIRIT helps US determine which work to focus on today.” I believe WE have many unique contributions to give over OUR life time. I am blessed to have 5 children who have unique contributions as well. I have learned much from them & am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow w/them & continue to do so. This is a hat I will never take off. I also feel blessed at this time in my life to have more time to immerse myself in the scriptures & conference talks & that I am able to doodle & draw them out to share w/my family & others while I increase in my own testimony. This is a new hat. ⠀ All things, even temporal things, ARE spiritual things to GOD. So, whatever your task or talent, YOUR unique contribution is a gift to & from God. When YOU ask God to know what to do or consecrate that which YOU are doing, led by the Spirt, YOU are strengthened. ⠀ Sis. Jones said, “The Lord’s loving influence through the Holy Ghost helps US know HIS priority for OUR progression. “ ⠀ Asking HIM for guidance in all OUR endeavors creates an active PARTNERSHIP. ⠀ Sis. Jones said, “Heeding personal revelation leads to PERSONAL PROGRESSION.” ⠀ This takes effort. The prophet reminds US that the LORD LOVES EFFORT.” ⠀ Effort starts w/asking~ ⠀ Sis. Jones said, “The Lord said, “Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that YOU shall receive & YOU shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth ALL things which are expedient.” ⠀ President Nelson said, “I plead w/YOU to increase YOUR spiritual capacity to receive revelation.” ⠀ Sis. Jones said, He pleads with US, which indicates priority. He is teaching US how to survive spiritually in a sin-sick world by receiving & acting on revelation. As WE do so, honoring & living the Lord’s commandments, WE ARE PROMISED, even as Emma Smith was to have “A CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.” I believe this is an example of Eve and our Heavenly Mother too. A crown of righteousness they wear. May all OUR hats become crowns like theirs.
419 Heavenly Parents - United in Accomplishing God's Work (Michelle Gessell)
I have felt the feeling of “flowing” as in everything is flowing together, the scriptures, the conference talks I’m studying, and the illustrations I’m creating for the book I’m working on. I think it’s because everything in the gospel IS connected; ALL of it, and because “the seed” that was planted, is still desiring to know & grow in me. ⠀ I love the beautiful pattern of male & female, man & woman, different & distinct, and the puzzle they complete which creates unity. A unity shared since the beginning of time in an everlasting covenant. ⠀ The pattern of male & female began w/our Heavenly Parents, whom had divinely different roles, these were passed down to, given to, Adam & Eve, you & me. We each have purposes & eternal goals focused on helping our family/children understand and embrace principles that will help them return to Our Heavenly Parents. This is an eternal round. This is how unity flows. ⠀ Here are some quotes from the talk. If you are interested in reading or watching the whole talk, you can find it @churchofjesuschrist.org ⠀ Sister Bingham said, “Satan incites comparison as a tool to create feelings of being superior or inferior, hiding the eternal truth that men’s & women’s innate differences are God given & equally valued. He has attempted to demean women’s contributions both to the family & in civil society, thereby decreasing their uplifting influence for good. His goal has been to foster a power struggle rather than a celebration of the unique contributions of men & women that complement one another & contribute to unity.” ⠀ “Becoming more in tune with the divine pattern of working together in unity is critical in this day of “me first” messages that surround us. Women do possess distinctive, divine gifts and are given unique responsibilities, but those are not more—or less—important than men’s gifts and responsibilities. All are designed and needed to bring about Heavenly Father’s divine plan to give each of His children the best opportunity to fulfill his or her divine potential.” Michelle Gessell 8/2/2020 Original not for sale Prints may be available upon request Contact me at michellegessell@drawingnearertothee.com ⠀
420 Heavenly Mother - That YOU May See (Michelle Gessell)
Sister Cordon shares a story from her childhood, a time when Elder Tom L. Perry & his son accompanied her to feed the chickens. ⠀ Excitedly she ran ahead, happily swinging her flashlight unaware that they may need the light. Elder Perry steps into an irrigation ditch & lovingly shares that HE NEEDS HER LIGHT TO SHINE before them. ⠀ This is a sweet reminder that we need to be aware of others who may need help to see the gospel path & plan. ⠀ Sister Cordon shared the story of Christ’s compassion towards the Woman at the well. She shared... ⠀ HE was aware of her & her needs. HE met the woman where she was. ⠀ I thought this is a glorious! He is aware of US. He gives US grace. ⠀ When we feel this we SHINE! ⠀ I used to think the Lord wouldn’t love me unless I was perfect & then I came to understand His grace was there for me in the middle of my messes. ⠀ I love the story of the Women at the well, I want to name her Michelle. ⠀ He knew she went to the well mid-day in the heat, instead of when all the other women went in the cool morning light. He knew she separated herself because of guilt & the shame she felt. He went out of his way & sat next to her to say... ⠀ I’m here. Lets’ talk. Tell me how you feel. What are you doing that is still causing pain? ⠀ He slowly introduces Himself, tells her of His living water; that there is another way. She feels the Spirit cleanse her; lift her, her heavy burden, guilt & shame suddenly disappear. She leaves her water pot behind like sins, knowing now, she only needs Him - His living waters, clear. She shares her new found light, into the city she goes rejoicing, a drastic change to show. She tells the others the good news of the gospel, there is another way to go. ⠀ HE meets US where WE are. He gives US grace & mercy. Right now! Burdens lifted! WE can feel HIS love & light. ⠀ This IS the message of the gospel. This is glorious. This is a pattern of Eve and of our Heavenly Mother. They too say… ⠀ “Let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works & glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16/ 3Nephi 12:16
421 Heavenly Mother's Pattern (Michelle Gessell)
Inspired by Alma 56:48 "Our Mother's knew it." This painting shares, the unfeigned faith of Mothers, starting with our Heavenly Mother, then to Eve, and You, and Yours.
428 A Star for the Son 3 (Matilyn Mortensen)
"Meticulously, The Mother formed each point of the The New Star by hand"
429 A Star for the Son 4 (Matilyn Mortensen)
"She made the star, in between holding choir practice for the angels"
430 A Star for the Son 5 (Matilyn Mortensen)
"She pulled and prodded and added dust from all corners of the galaxy,"
