Join artist, Shanon Roberts, on her journey to creating Scarlet She Rose. This work of art is currently being exhibited with Artlink, a contemporary art gallery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Shanon, a residnet of Columbia City Indiana, shares the inspiration behind the piece showcasing women who have chosen, choose daily and will continue to choose to RISE - all over the world.

This work is composed of royalty free imagery and a photograph Shanon took herself while on a medical mission trip to Guatemala. Each photograph has been creatively altered to reflect the message of redemption and the promise of being made white as snow through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. To learn more about the passion behind the piece, please select any link below to listen to the podcast episode. Feel free to skip to 12:55 to get straight to the inspiration. Blessings!

​​It is Thursday, kind of feels like Friday and it has been somewhat of an amazing whirlwind since Monday. Getting back into a groove is going well. This past week I had the joy of interviewing with my art mentor, marveled at God in the ministry, completed a commission and accepted another, and look forward to my first opening reception in an actual art gallery THIS evening.

​Last Friday I had the joy of doing a LIVE interview with my mentor, Matt Tommey (you can listen to our time together HERE). ​ It was our first time interacting “face to face”, although the information​ he

​Why wouldn’t my heart be happy?! Connecting others to the heart, Word and Spirit of God is what excites me every morning! Connection and unity was the theme Monday at noon as I met with our Mayor, CEO of one of our regional hospitals, and advocate for leading by faith, to connect with leaders in our community to unite around prayer and community development. From there I prepared to meet with our Monday night Bible study group and minister with gals from past Rise Up Commitments, and saw God move uniquely in each of their lives. Rolling into Tuesday, I was grateful to minister with my daughters, separately, and then meet with a gal who recently embarked on her commitment journey. Wednesday, the Rise Up 2020 class met and trusted God to bring healing. Go Jesus GO!

​​While in the flow of the ministry of Holy Spirit, a uniquely fashioned work of art made its final formulation in my mind and I was able to capture. An Instagram friend reached out to me regarding a dream she had. A dream she wanted to capture & frame.  ​Like each piece uniquely created ​for each 

art gallery exhibition. As I thought more about it, the thought began to creep in, “It’s really not THAT big of a deal. You always make a big deal about small things.” Do you ever have thoughts like that? As the morning moved on, I turned that thought on its head, with the Word of God… Rejoice in the Lord always! Be thankful in all circumstances! If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. I am rejoicing over the opportunity to connect with others interested in art. I am thankful the Lord has orchestrated a way to creatively communicate His redemptive message to folks who may otherwise be closed off. I look to Him to help me be faithful with this opportunity He is setting before me.

Thank you for catching up, today. I pray blessing over your life and look forward to connecting with you again!

​​I need to learn new verbiage to communicate how I continue to be “blown away” by God on this creative journey. Speechless? No accurate way to express my surprise? At the risk of sounding redundant, all is true. I know I didn’t post last week, which was intentional, but there continues to be movement. The past couple of weeks I dropped off works of art for the upcoming exhibition, was led to create a piece for the beginning of the year, and accepted the invite to be interviewed live with my mentor. Insert mind blown emoji.

​through creative works. My Hubby and daughter accompanied me during the delivery. My heart was happy. The opening reception for the exhibit is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. If you are in the Fort Wayne area and your schedule is open the evening of Thursday, January 16th, I would love to catch up with you at Artlink! The reception is FREE and open from 5-8pm; the exhibition will be on view through February 16, 2020.

​Flowing from delivery of those works of art into 2019, I woke several times in the early morning hours from dreams to thoughts of being made new, God doing a new thing, and wrestling with this discontentment of the earthly body and desiring the “new” body. Thoughts turned to imagery. Imagery turned to a promise I sensed being communicated: Physical bodies being transformed in 2020. Individual bodies and collective bodies (ministries, churches, etc.) will become stronger, healthier, leaner and more whole. ​This piece is also a reminder, mess and colorful chaos may ensue 

​The exhibition I am honored to be a part of and the limited edition prints created, along with the fourteen works of art that have been created and shared with others in the past three and a half months, are all results of taking the step to respond to Matt Tommey’s Artists Rise Up series and then committing to join his Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring program. 

As always, THANK YOU for connecting with me on this journey. As an encourager in the Body of Christ, I cannot help but do so here as well. If you have ever had a passion or gift you knew was a talent from God, consider stowing away with the Lord over the course of the next several days and ask if there is something more He would like to do with those passions and gifts. You might be surprised at His response and where He leads you from that space. If anything else, simply allowing time to rest and connect with Him will no doubt leave you energetic, revitalized and ready to press in to where the Lord has you, today.
 
Blessings!

​Merry Christmas! I pray you and your families thoroughly enjoyed the day yesterday celebrating the life of our Savior! This past week continued to be a blessing on the art journey. I created a piece for a loved one’s birthday coming up in February, received notification two pieces from the Scarlet She Rose series were selected, and received a video of a client’s sister opening her piece for Christmas.

As I listened to my potential new client describe her husband, an image of a sailboat popped into my mind. “Does a sailboat resonate at all?” When she shared there was no significance I simply made note and continued to listen. As the week went on I had a song come to mind every time I intentionally contemplated her husband’s piece. “Is there any relevance to the song “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers?” Her response, “Not that I can think of”, shook my confidence to hear from God a bit – and I wondered if it had hers as well. Lord, what is the heart of this imagery and song coming to mind?

​I was the one doing the crying this past Saturday. Remember when I shared I believed I needed to move forward with creating the She Rose series for the Artlink 2020 Regional Exhibition? I also shared along the way the pieces had been created and submitted. Artlink, a contemporary art gallery, selected two of the pieces! I was elated and overwhelmed with emotion. First, by the faithfulness of God – AGAIN – to lead and guide and then bring to pass His vision. Second, by the fact jurors holding Masters of Fine Arts degrees deemed the works acceptable for the exhibition. Third, by God’s perfect timing – and His positioning to engage with souls in the “art world” who may be ready to meet, or grow deeper with, Jesus. God, You are GOOD!

What a gift from God to be able to operate in our spiritual gifts – trusting the leading and counsel of Holy Spirit – to give to others in a deep, personal and meaningful way. I would be honored to connect with you as well. If you are interested in a Uniquely Fashioned work of art for you or a loved one please send an email by CLICKING HERE. Or, if you would like to join the online community where I will share more “behind the scenes”, feel free to connect to the Shanon Roberts – Art group, HERE. Blessings!

​​This week marked THREE MONTHS of being on this adventure in art with the Lord! The last three months have been fulfilling and challenging at the same time, both yielded clarity of vision on where God intends to go with this budding vocation. In the past week, I also personally delivered a commissioned piece of art, accepted a new client, and created an official space for others to engage in this new endeavor.
 
All the pieces were in hand and ready to go. I text my client and let him know I was ready to deliver his wife’s uniquely fashioned work of art; he was planning to give it to her for Christmas. Then the message came on Friday, “Do you want to give it to her in person? She’ll be home for lunch soon.” Initially, my thought was not to take anything away from his moment. After all, this was a gift from him. He truly wanted to do something very special for the woman he loves so much. As I thought and he shared more, we determined I would stop by on both her and I’s lunch hour. Now I was beginning to grow giddy and antsy. This gal is not just my client’s wife, she is also a sweet and dear friend. We have been through challenges together. We have wept and prayed together. I love her very much. I also wanted the piece to be perfectly delivered from the heart of God.

hugged and were back to work. I left praising and thanking God for the opportunity to allow His love to be poured out upon not only my friend and Sister in Christ, but her husband, children and home as well.

Upon returning home, another opportunity from the Lord arose and I was blessed to set up an appointment to chat with a potential new client. A wife looking to bless her husband on his 50th birthday messaged me after viewing my recent video testimonial for a previously created piece of art. I went to prayer that afternoon, trusting God to share His heart before our conversation. As we chatted this past Monday, I could sense her love and passion for her husband. I whispered, “Lord, please guide me in creating this very special piece for not only her husband, but for the both of them and their home”. Imagery and a song even, have been coming to mind when seeking God’s heart for this piece. As with all the pieces, I am excited to sit down and bring an initial concept to life. I am also excited because what God shared with me regarding this new endeavor is in fact shaping up.
 
On September 26th, after asking God how this surprise vocation fit with what He had been doing for years, I sensed He spoke three very specific elements. One, the art created would encourage the body of Christ, sisters and brothers, through the very unique art and accompanying message. Two, the creations would make their way into the lives of those in the business world – senior leadership seemingly too busy to allow time to connect with the Lord; this art would be their connection and touch point, which would draw them to Jesus more and more with each glance. Three, He will create through me pieces of art that will make their way into hospitals and hotels, where imagery will stir hope, health, healing, conviction and a desire to turn from hindrances stifling intimacy with God, and draw in the lost.​

Since those moments where I sensed Him sharing His will and heart with me, this vision has been forming – with no assistance from me – it has all been God! Brothers and sisters in Christ have in fact been encouraged through the works I have been led to create and share. One commissioned piece will be going to a former President of a global company; another will be going to the Vice President of another business. Two weeks after the Lord shared this vision with me, I was connected with the CEO of a regional hospital in my area – he is passionate for Jesus and prayer; time will tell how God moves in this new relationship. Six weeks after He cast His vision, the mentor I was connected with in August (and when this adventure with the Lord began!) “randomly” shared insight on steps to take to license one’s art for installation in hotels. TRUE STORIES!!
 
But Shanon, are you going to be creating art instead of ministering through the Rise Up Commitment and writing ministry? Will you eventually cease the former ministry and replace with this new one?
 
In the immediate or long term future, I do not sense the art ministry will replace the Rise Up ministry. In fact, I believe the Lord is setting up the freedom to become an artist full-time, as He gently leads and guides me out of my current career. What is established through this direction will actually support the Rise Up ministry more effectively, and allow me to be more available to the women He continues to connect me with. If you’re like my husband, you may be curious on the timing. When will all this take place? In the Lord’s timing!! I trust Him, His will, His ways, His vision and His reasoning. I also trust Him to continue to provide and multiply the resources of time, energy, strength and endurance to thrive through this season of shifting and transitioning while I continue in my career full-time. He is an AHMAZING GOD who loves and looks after His beloveds in AHMAZING ways!
 
Thank you for joining me on this leg of the journey for the past three months. Thank you also for your prayers, they are and will continue to be coveted and appreciated! As He continues to move forward, I am excited for what 2020 has in store. If you are intrigued or perhaps even interested in your own uniquely fashioned piece, please send me an email by clicking HERE. Also, I have created the FB group where more in-depth stories will be shared for the pieces created, upcoming events, and non-commissioned pieces will be revealed (and group members will have the first opportunity to inquire for purchase). To join the Shanon Roberts Artist group, please click all these lovely words :)
 
Blessings!

​​Who is excited?! We are only two weeks away from Christmas and the beginning of a New Year! I know I am. I am also thrilled about how the Lord continues to move. This past week I had the pleasure of attending an opening reception at Artlink, hearing from a gal who had received her gifted piece of art, and received works soon to be in the hands of those who requested them.

As I consider the She Rose series, my prayer is the works will provoke the conversation regarding women who choose to RISE through redemption across all cultures, generations and nationalities. Not to conform to a cookie cutter religion, but to live freely in the purity of God’s love for them for the sake of those around them. This piece reminds me of generations, who fervently rose up every day and pressed in for their children, their children’s children and beyond, with joy, honor and confidence their God would answer their ceaseless prayers. I also pray it will compel others to consider their loved ones gone before them, or their role today, and be encouraged to continue on, or even minister some degree of healing where hearts are tender and in need of comfort.

Speaking of ministering, my goodness I love how the Lord ministers to others through the works He has led me to create! Last week I received a text message from a gal who had just received her work of art as a birthday gift. I actually shared the flow of this piece on my personal social media page. You are invited to watch the video below. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know if you would like to be a part of the soon to be established group. I would love to have you!

You know how I have expressed I get a little antsy when waiting for recipients to receive their uniquely fashioned work of art? Yeah. I am there right now – but oh so eager! Three pieces created as gifts for Christmas and birthdays have been delivered to my door step. But, I have to wait a couple weeks to hear their stories. Please pray my heart doesn’t jump right out of my chest due to the anticipation of how God is about to bless these lovely souls. And hey, if you are interested in a piece for your home or office, or as a gift for a loved one, please connect with me. I am now accepting commissions for 2020 and already have a couple other works in queue.

​As always, thank you for stopping by. If led, feel free to share this post with others you believe may be interested or folks who simply love art and/or creativity. Momentum is building and I would love for others to have the opportunity to be a part of the canvas that is being “painted” before us.
 
Blessings!

​​With the Thanksgiving weekend, I was extremely intentional about resting well with my family. At some points I dabbled with creating, but not for hours on end. I primarily allowed ideas to marinade in my mind until I was able to sit down and compose while the family was off doing their own thing. This past week I had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman who messaged me last week, I created another commissioned piece for a loved one, and I’ve had it on my heart to share the stories behind each woman in the She Rose series.

​ministering to others through his book Shepherd Coach. For those who have been following along for the past several years, remember how the message to Rise Up began? Shepherdess Rise Up was the original thought the Lord shared years ago. How fitting! If you would like to learn more about Shepherd Coaching and possibly share biblical principles with coaches in your life, feel free to visit Tom’s site HERE.

“Yes! She currently lives on Song Sparrow Dr.!” Ok, ok, I’m with you Lord. I could make this stuff up, but where would be the honor and glory for God in that?! Holy Spirit is moving creatively and I’m so blessed to be a part of it. Again, I am eager to hear how the loved one responds to her gift.
​
As He moves creatively He has been weaving together a story I believe He would have me share through each piece of the She Rose series. In 2010, just over a year and a half after rededicating my life to the Lord, I went on my very first mission trip to the beautiful island of Jamaica. The mission consisted of street ministry or evangelizing, visiting homes for children with special needs, and an infirmary or the place where many will spend their last days. These souls were the marginalized and forsaken of their society because of their limited physical and mental capacities.

common. Many wept as someone prayed over them words where there was no way a white woman from the States could have possibly known such Words needed spoken. But God.

​Little did I know six years later I would be traveling to the Dominican Republic on mission to serve the both Dominicans and Haitians - three times!. Again, the women there possessed a resolve and hope deep within to nurture and love their families, well. Working hard all day to tend the needs of their family, others given to some dire circumstances simply to feed and clothe their children. This piece speaks to my heart so much the vulnerability of a mother for her child – even when it may not be seen in an expression – especially in the lives of the Jamaican, Dominican and Haitian women I was honored to minister with. Perhaps it will speak to you as well.
 
Thank you for stopping by. Please let me know if any part of today’s post spoke to you by leaving a comment here or on Facebook. I love hearing how the Lord ministers to others through our testimonies. Please also send me a message if you would like to have a uniquely fashioned for you piece created for you or a loved one.
 
Blessings!

P.S. The video below shares what the Lord did in Jamaica nine years ago. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving! Well, it may be the day after, but you get the point. I pray you had an amazing day with family, friends, or your family of friends. I am also praying the Lord bless you as we continue to move into the Christmas season. Bless you with His presence and all the fruits of His Spirit. This past week, the She Rose series for a regional exhibition opportunity was created and submitted, I was honored to create two more commissioned pieces, and I was blessed by the response of a Brother in Christ who received his uniquely fashioned piece of art for his birthday.

Not only was I moved to create the series, I was received two additional commissions. I now know when the Lord's grace is covering a work of art and His Spirit is providing the vision to create. I jump right in and the images are there, the ideas and stroke flow together, the Scripture and prayer saturate my mind and work space. I want to text the person I am creating a work for and simply say, "I love you!" But I can't. Because sometimes they don't know me, or they don't know me well. And that would be awkward. Below is an abstract "for fun" piece created. This piece was inspired by the piece created for another's loved one. It is available if you are interested. 

That picture is a forever keepsake that will stay in eyesight for my time on the planet". I grew misty-eyed and read it to my husband. Then I began crying.

You see, this is what this new season of life is about. It is not about me or my name or making myself a famous artist. It is about seeing God's vision for those He loves, capturing and creating, and then sharing. It is about encouraging and reviving and healing through the creative power of His Spirit. It is about simply being a creative conduit for the glory of God to enter the lives of those He loves and intricately drawing to Himself.

​Blessings!

​​This past week’s pace has been a bit slower on the artistic front. With finalizing Rise Up Commitment participants (the class is FULL, yay!), a family emergency and a pesky bug coming on to the scene, priorities had to shift. However, pieces for two of the commissions were received, ideas were downloaded for the Artlink submission, and another inquiry for commission came through.

I kid you not, in one day within thirty minutes of one another the UPS gal drove down the lane, followed by the FedEx gent and then our local mail carrier. I was a bit nervous wondering what each would think should they run into one another. ​​And the dogs… 

​I am also excited to get started on the Artlink project. Last Friday the kiddos were at a basketball game, and hubby was in the garage working on our oldest’s vehicle. I had some time. Perusing photos, synthesizing what I sensed the composition needed to be, I wanted to continue creating and stitching and piecing together the arrangement. He has been reminding me of something He shared with me in January of this year, “She Rose”. He then brought back to mind a concept from years ago, “Scarlet Thread”. When I opened the Word on Sunday morning to the Scripture, “see the scarlet…” in Nahum two verse three, I couldn’t help but believe this was confirmation to move forward with the work. Who “randomly” opens to Nahum? Too soon to share much more, but I sense this is an important piece to bring to fruition. Possibly even an almighty masterpiece.

Reading, it may seem like there is so much going on and you may be wondering, “How do you do it? Aren’t you overwhelmed with teenagers and work and ministry and LIFE?!” Friend, I’m not. I trust the Lord in this season and process. Resting in Him allows me to balance every single aspect of life in a way He knows will continue to GIVE life rather than sap it out of me – or others. I wake up giddy every day, ready to see what He has in store. He never disappoints and He is always reviving and ensuring we remain upright for His good work to be birthed into the earth where His glory may fill the space (see Numbers 14:21). The only thing overwhelming about that is He chooses to move through you and I to accomplish this in the earth. THAT is truly awe-inspiring. Please let me know how I might be able to create a unique work for you or your loved one, I would LOVE to connect with you. Blessings!

​Deliveries and commissions and exhibit application – OH MY!
 
I had the blessing of personally delivering another “uniquely fashioned for you” work of art yesterday. The entire process of prayer, visualizing, listening, formulating, composing, experimenting, and delivering, really does bless me at the core. The expression of joy on the recipient’s face warms my heart. The element of surprise when I share the gift within the gift and share God’s heart for the receiver is probably my favorite part. ​I get to see and be in the space and exchange the energy of ​love God ushers in with His presence through every component. I get to be a part of God saying, “I love you, here you go”. To be a vessel of such an blessed delivery is an HONOR.

to me, but sons and daughters to Him. I GET to be a part of this?! On this journey, I have been connecting with other artists all over – Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and North Carolina. 

concern for rejection, I’m looking forward to creating works specifically for this submission and seeing what God does. If not accepted? I have other works to share with folks interested. It's a win-win!

​Thank you for stopping by! Please let me know if you are interested in having a work of art created for you or a loved one. I am no longer accepting commissions for this year, but would love to chat with you and get your request in queue for 2020. Blessings!
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