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	Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene was created as a result of an invitation to Cassandra Barney to appear in an Artist Guild International show called Art of the Restoration in Salt Lake City. The artists are commissioned to create a piece of art based on their own vision of a gospel theme. “I envisioned the scene at the tomb and wondered about Mary Magdalene, after her conversation with the resurrected Savior. I pictured Mary in thoughtful relief,” says the artist. “The elements represented in this painting all have symbolic meaning. The cross was constructed from the dogwood tree. The white dogwood blossoms fall around the figure to symbolize the suffering that is past. Ivy symbolizes the path where Christ walked. Primula is a flower of compassion and also a symbol of resurrection. The crocus represents of the resurrection and heavenly bliss. A chrysanthemum was present when Christ was laid in the tomb. Easter Lilies symbolize the pure soul’s resurrection and the Oriental poppy symbolizes Christ’s blood. The passionflower that Mary holds represents Christ’s wounds and the begonia symbolizes the heart of Jesus. “The egg hanging in the tree was inspired by a story I read about Mary and the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Mary Magdalene, following the death and resurrection of Jesus, arranged to meet Emperor Tiberius. She held an egg in her hand and exclaimed ‘Christ is risen!’ Tiberius said that was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it, where upon the egg in her hand turned a bright red. Mary went on to talk about the life and teachings of Jesus to the imperial gathering.” (See options...)


	Mary's Heart "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." - Luke 2:15-19 Every mother and child share a bond which remains unbroken. From his birth in the manger, all through his life, death and resurrection, Mary was instrumental in her son's years on earth. This striking image of mother and child captures a moment in the newborn life of Christ, and provides us all with a reminder of where we came from and who made us what we are today. (See options...)


	Mary's Visit To Elizabeth (See options...)


	Massacre Of The Innocents (See options...)


	Men And Angels Man, indeed, describes more than he explains; while the angelic spirit sees and understands. Man judges nature in relation to itself; the angelic spirit judges it in relation to heaven. In short, to the spirits everything speaks. —HONORÉ DE BALZAC Artist James C. Christensen’s portrayals of angels, including Cecelia, Sleeper Lost in Dreams and throughout his Saints and Angels series, inspire us to reflect on the angels among us.The high contrast in Men and Angels reminds the viewer that sometimes our mortal world is dark compared to the world of angels.The image also reveals how a visitor can bring a shining light, leading us out of the darkness. (See options...)


	Messenger Of The Covenant (See options...)


	Mother I remember the first time I was left alone with my newborn son. The overwhelming feeling of love accompanied by the fear of caring for this little soul. As I grow older I see that there is a natural reversal of roles and the child becomes the caregiver for the parent. I think this reversal was part of Mary’s relationship with her Son. She cared for Him as a helpless infant, watching him grow in stature with God and man. She watched as the crowds cheered His entry into Jerusalem, only to see them lift Him upon the cross a few days later. Her heart must have longed to heal His pains, but it was He who looked down with perfect love and said, motioning to John, "Woman, behold thy son!" As our children grow, we draw great comfort in their concern for us. Their kindnesses forged in the furnace of our earlier devotions. I wanted this painting to show the love the Savior had for His mother and the feeling that every mother can find comfort and safety in His arms. (See options...)


	Mother & Child "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger..." (See options...)


	Mother And Child (See options...)


	My Redeemer Lives I wanted to capture that first Easter morning as the Lord sat in the quiet stillness of the garden. He must have known that Mary would come seeking Him, but for a moment He was alone to ponder on all that had happened. He must have felt unspeakable joy in knowing that by doing His Father will He had made it possible for each of us to return to live with God. We are each faced with a similar choice. Will we follow our own will, or the will of our Father? May we live to say as the Lord said, “I came… not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” – John 6:38 (See options...)


	Nativity (See options...)


	No Man Knoweth The Hour We live in a world of rapid advancement that leaves in its wake moral confusion and uncertainty. When I look at the challenges of raising children today I cannot help but wonder, “When will He come?” The Savior’s disciples asked Him this very question as He sat on the Mount of Olives days before His death. He said, “…of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Then tenderly He added, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” – Matt. 24 From that day until now every disciple of the Master has longed for His return. We may be tempted to pray, “We have waited so long, how much longer must we wait?” Then we remember His words and looking through spiritual eyes we take comfort in seeing the leaves and knowing the summer truly is nigh. (See options...)


	No Room In The Inn Touch of Art by Tom duBois ~ Before beginning this painting, Tom cast his characters, realizing that he would need to utilize the same characters in each painting in the series. All were from the Chicago area as that is where Tom was living at the time. He designed and sewed the clothing for The Promise and researched animals at zoos in Chicago and Los Angeles. He studied Genesis for all specific details given on the ark and did his utmost to create the ark in the correct scale relative to the characters and creatures. Unlike most artists' conceptions of the ark which seem to be more on the side of small ark with large animals, Tom's is realistic - yet very, very charming. As is his unique style, he "decorated" it with garlands of flowers and colorful cloth banners. The result is the most unconventional, yet realistic, ark ever! And watching over their voyage is the ever-present angel in the clouds to the left of the rainbow. (See options...)


	Noah We have all grown up with the story of Noah and flood, but a deeper look at the life of Noah reveals many lessons for us today. Although Noah lived during a time of great wickedness, he raised three sons who grew and, “hearkened unto the Lord.” – Moses 8:13. Perhaps one of the reasons Noah was able to raise a righteous family amidst such wickedness was his unwavering obedience. It is remarkable to think of this humble man building a boat on dry land and prophesied of a coming flood, all while the sun was shining and the people laughing. In fact, so great was Noah’s righteousness that after his death he was chosen to return as the Angel Gabriel and announce the birth of the Savior (HC 3:386). May we each be inspired by Noah’s example and live with perfect obedience despite a world that grows ever more wicked, and may it be said of us as it was of Noah, he was, “a just man and perfect … [who] walked with God.” (See options...)


	Not By Bread Alone Though Lloyd Chavez is a Mountain Ute, he poses here with traditional Shoshone Indian accoutrements. Artist James Bama found him to be a particularly striking model and painted him four times over the years, here with a sparrow hawk tied in his hair, a seashell necklace draped across his neck and a deerskin quiver slung across his back. The animal hide stretched behind Chavez is covered in paintings depicting Indian dances, a buffalo hunt and a captured American flag. In the absence of a written language, such paintings recorded events in the life of an individual or family. Sometimes the paintings were done in calendar style, visually recounting the highlights of each passing year. The paintings often decorated a warrior’s tepee, so that all who passed could recognize the great deeds of the warrior within. (See options...)


	O Jerusalem "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings..." (Matt. 23:37). This is a Messianic exclamation of profound concern and unconditional love for all who have lost their way and suffer while wandering in spiritual darkness. As the slanting rays of the sun reflect upon the rooftops of Old Jerusalem, Christ reflects upon His life's mission and upon those He came to serve and bless. His gaze takes in the glistening gold and marble of Herod's Temple and the smoke of burnt offerings upon the altar. He is keenly aware that soon He will offer Himself up as the true Passover Lamb--the Lamb of God. Here, upon the Mount of Olives, Jesus can see the day, like His mortal ministry, coming to a close. However, a new day always dawns, and there is hope and comfort in His words, "lo, I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). Just as He looked down upon the traveling pilgrims entering Jerusalem, He watches still from yet a higher vantage point, ready to extend His protective wing to all who seek Him. (See options...)


	Once Lost I especially relate to this painting. No one is perfect. We do things that we know are wrong, and then feel terrible about it. The way to get over it is to turn to the Savior. Just knowing that He compared Himself to a shepherd, who would willingly leave his other 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, tells us that each individual -- no matter who they are or what they did -- is important to Him. I explored the wilderness area in Israel where our Lord went to pray, and it was barren. If a little lamb such as this one were to get lost there, it would surely die. Similarly, if we lose our spiritual way, we will not reach heaven. Instead however, this once-lost lamb is going home, back to the fold, where it will be safe and loved. I've depicted Christ as a strong individual physically; Someone Who could easily carry the weight of this lamb draped over His shoulders. But instead, I chose to depict Him holding it lovingly. Originally I painted this lamb white, but the idea of a black sheep had more meaning for me. It represents the person who is not perfect and who has made mistakes, but for whom the Savior's love is complete. I also painted the sky with a reddish cast because there is an expression, 'Red sky at night; sailors delight' meaning that a red sky in the evening bodes good weather for the coming day. Similarly, I wanted this sky to be indicative of a bright future. I placed Christ with the hills of Israel behind Him to suggest that He's carrying the lamb uphill ? home to heaven, where there will be much rejoicing. -- Del Parson (See options...)


	One Fold One Shepherd (See options...)


	Our Advocate (See options...)


	Our Refuge And Our Strength (See options...)