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!
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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!
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ArtistSix years after laying down the dream of being a full-time artist, God is handing it back. Spirit shined and polished, the artistic gift will be a conduit to creating a variety of works intended to usher in God's glory-presence in any atmosphere, encourage through personalized works, and provide peace in the market place. Archives
January 2021
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