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Children Of The WorldAs the Good Shepherd, Christ proclaimed, ""...other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd"" (John 10:16). As the Savior of the world, Christ will gather all nations, and He will dwell in the midst of them. (Joel 3:2; Zechariah 2:11; John 11:52). At the dawn of a new millennium, we look forward to that wonderful day. The invitation to come unto Him is still extended to all the world. The scriptural admonition to become as a little child and to ""walk as children of light"" is meant to help us to prepare for that joyful time. (Matthew 18:3; Ephesians 5:8). Christ Himself came into this world as an innocent child, and children are especially beloved by our Lord. In Children of the World, we see the purity, innocence, and love that will prevail in a new era of peace and happiness, when the Good Shepherd returns to gather us together and dwell in our midst. (See options...) |
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Christ And Children From Around The World(See options...) |
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Christ Gathers His Apostles(See options...) |
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FaithSometimes I look at my grandchildren and remember being a young mother with five little people. I remember waking up to tiny voices after another sleepless night. I remember sitting down in a mountain of laundry and crying because I felt so overwhelmed and so alone. At those moments our prayers take on a new intensity. Receiving answers matters. And when we pray in faith He sends the Comforter to remind us that the work we do is His work and our children deserve every sacrifice we can make. This painting reminds me that among the tears and trials of motherhood are moments of wonderful laughter, and that every mother is first a daughter with a Father who still catches her when she leaps. (See options...) |
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Forever And EverSurrounded by His enduring love, we are warm, safe, and secure. That reassuring calm comes not by a spoken word or by gazing with our eyes upon His strong arms. It comes from the embrace which our heart feels and through the tender senses of our spirit. All around us we have the physical wonders and beauties of nature that bear the signature of their Creator and remind us of His enduring love. Although His presence is unseen by our eyes, His unending love is felt in our hearts. (See options...) |
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FriendsWhen the people brought their little children to the Savior His disciples rebuked them, but Jesus replied, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14). The Savior must have loved being surrounded by those perfect little souls who loved Him so dearly. I can imagine Him smiling as He watched them play and laughing as they told Him stories, the kind of simple and innocent stories all little children tell. I know they felt His love and longed to stay by His side. This picture reminds me that no matter how old we get, we are still little children of a loving Father in Heaven. (See options...) |
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Hand In HandLike a child in the woods I lost my way, Alone and afraid I stopped to pray. "Father in Heaven" I cried in my need, "Please guide me home, I'll go where you lead." Like a light in the forest he sent down his son, My heart became warm, and new hope had begun. "Take my hand and I'll lead you", I heard him say, "Stay by my side for I know the way". Now a child in the woods all filled with delight, The journey is joyous as I walk in his light. No longer alone in a shadow filled land, He leads me home as we walk hand in hand . (See options...) |
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Hold On TightSaying "Hold on tight!" is what anyone might do when carrying a child piggyback. Jesus loved and enjoyed children, and probably played with them from time to time. It is not hard to imagine a group of children trying to get His attention and one feeling very special riding high on His back. The direction to "Hold on tight!" may also be taken metaphorically – do we follow His teachings with all of our might? His teachings and commandments were given to help us avoid problems and ultimately be happy. The message is as simple as the painting; Christ wants us to be happy simply because he loves us. (See options...) |
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HopeWhen Mary came to the tomb, she found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. She ran to the disciples crying, "They have taken away the Lord…and we know not where they have laid him" (John 20:2). Peter and John immediately ran to the tomb. What did they think as they ran? Were they simply curious to see for themselves? Did they fear, like Mary, that their enemies had stolen the body? Or did they remember His promise, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up"? The decision that faced Peter and John that Sunday morning is the same decision that faces each one of us today. Will we doubt? Will we hope? Or will we know that He lives? I know that He lives. (See options...) |
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In His LightLittle children seem to have an inborn goodness; a simple faith and natural desire to be taught and to walk in His light. The light of Christ is given to each, and it shines in their faces. It is a light that shines in a helpful conscience that teaches of right and wrong. It is a light that illuminates their path when the way grows dark. And it is a light that warms their hearts and lets them know that they are loved and always in His light. (See options...) |
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In Thy Tender Care(See options...) |
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Let The Children ComeToo often we look on the Savior as distant and removed from us. We remember Him as the God of the Universe possessing all power and might, yet forget that He is our personal Savior. I painted this piece because I wanted to try and change the way my children and grandchildren thought of Jesus Christ. I wanted them to think of Him as a friend and the first One they turn to for peace and comfort. I wanted Him to be for them a light shining in the darkness. In trying to change my children’s perception I changed my own. Each time I look at this painting I find myself smiling. I think He would like that. (See options...) |
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Suffer The Children To Come Unto Me(See options...) |
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