Merry Christmas

​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?

​Their marriage is sweet and adventurous, like they’re in the midst of an exciting voyage… OK. I am going to trust You and move forward. Humming “Islands in the Stream”, collecting images and making note of Scripture, I began composing. As I sent the link, I was a bit more antsy than normal over the anticipated response. I closed my computer, walked into the living room to tidy up for the weekend and less than ten minutes later my phone indicated a response… “I am speechless. It’s beautiful. I am not a crier. I am crying.” Lord, thank You for always urging me to trust YOU.

​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!

​This was my same thought as I watched the video of a Sister in Christ open her piece for Christmas. I’ve watched the video over and over, and get misty-eyed every time. God is just so good! As she opened the piece and accompanying message, she looked to her sister and asked, “Did you know I have been seeing birds all the time?” I know I was unaware. I did know, however, as I began praying and seeking the Lord’s heart for her piece, imagery of a songbird continued to come to mind. I actually thought I might be way off and messaged my client. “Is there a connection to a songbird?” Three dots to indicate typing… “She currently lives on Song Sparrow drive”. I later learned she is a worship leader! It was even sweeter as she read the accompanying prayer and expressed, “This has literally been my prayer.” Go GOD!

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!