Does your story blaze with celebration? Or are you sifting through ashes for flashes of value? Either way…
Look deeper.
Go beyond what you can see. One thing I’m certain of…
We are not alone.
Anywhere, everywhere in the world (and strangely, especially among the most downtrodden), God reveals His relentless presence with us.
Come along…
…in the search for glimpses of His glory through images and writing.
Artist’s & writer’s statement: Creative writing and painting surge within me in response to a vast, mysterious world. Through creating, I fight my way through surface impressions; press beyond darkness and affirm that it can never overcome light; and explore emotions and energy beyond where words can reach. I unearth a place of goodness and hope. I find the mystery of God’s relentless presence with us.
For many years, working in international relief, I questioned whether creative expression could urgently or adequately address the evils I witnessed in the world. It felt too slow and clumsy to reverse urgent emergencies such as poverty or abandonment. But it was a language that refused to be silenced; and I now believe, communicates the heart in ways words cannot express.
When creating images, I mix media freely, although watercolor or printmaking techniques often form the first layer. In writing, I build fiction worlds informed by my experiences around the world. In everything I create, I most long to capture glimpses of God’s Presence with us.
Through painting and writing, I see.
Visit my online art portfolio.
A little about me...
In my travels around the world, starting with living in Australia in junior high, as an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship campus staff member (1998-2003), and orphan advocate, I’ve witnessed the depths of suffering in places like an internal refugee camp in Kenya and the heights of courage in people like a Vietnamese pastor serving an oppressed mountain village. Through it all, I’ve discovered God’s undeniable Presence.
My husband and I adopted two of our four children from a Kenyan orphanage, and we’ve never forgotten the kids we left behind. In 2006, we partnered with Hope’s Promise to pioneer orphan homes in Nairobi. I currently serve as Hope’s Promise’s Director of Orphan Care, working to provide families for orphans in Nepal, Kenya, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
My beloved family and quirky greyhounds form my Colorado launching pad into life’s adventures.
I am represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Agency.
Colleen Briggs Images & Writing 
Hi…I have a question. I am writing a post for Friday on Communicating in Beauty….okay if I mention you in it?
Wow, I feel totally honored that you would even think of me with that title, much less mention me in a post. Thank you and please feel free! I am really enjoying reading your posts and learning more about your beautiful heart.
Hi there.
I have nominated you for the Liebster award.
All you have to do is follow the rules on the link. Feel free to copy and paste if it helps. Here is the link: http://richardankerswrites.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/liebster-award/
Thank you so much for thinking of me! I am honored by your nomination and by all of your encouraging comments! I enjoy dropping in on your blog.
Colleen,
Thank you for visiting my photography blog and liked several posts! So glad that blog-sphere bring us closer.
Thank you for sharing your life story! “Being present” is a big lesson that many of us need to learn and some never realized it the whole life, isn’t it?
Have a great day and a cool Halloween night!
Jean
Thank you Jean! Your blog was such a gift to me today! I resonate with your decision to throw yourself into life now, and not wait for some day off in the future (that may never come). Thank you for your beautiful images and reflections that have brought joy to my spirit today.
Colleen, so glad that I made a difference to your day! 🙂 When you let go of the control in the direction of your life, interesting things happen to you. 🙂
Hi Colleen, I don’t know if you participate in awards or not but I have nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award! It’s just a way of showing my appreciation.Participation is optional, and if you want further information visit me!
I really adore your artwork, Colleen! Thank you! I hope to see more soon!
Thank you Julian! Your photography is stunning!
You sound like an amazing person. Its great to have the kind of faith you seem to have. Its a strength like no other. Stay blessed.
I’m so glad to “meet” you – your blog has been a gift to me this afternoon. I look forward to following you! Thank you for finding me.
Your blog has inspired and reawakened the power of having faith . Here’s a small acknowledgement from me – http://ripplesnreflectiontimes.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/premio-dardos/ Cheers! 🙂
Thank you so much Aruna (I think I have your name right?) ! I am truly honored. It’s been a privilege to read your blog and learn about your deep and thoughtful soul.
I love your site here and the wonderful work you are doing for the LORD!
Thank you Tony! The deepest desire of my heart is that the Lord would be honored through all I do. Blessings to you on your journey of honoring Him!
I just nominated you for the One lovely Blog Award. If you like it, please do accept. 🙂
Thank you so much! I am totally honored and it’s been a joy getting to know you through your blog!
Hi Colleen! I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the “One Lovely Blogger Award” 🙂
Here’s the post to the link: http://jodythomae.com/2014/11/16/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you for inspiring me and so many others!!
Blessings of ARTistry, CREATivity & BEaUty,
Jody
beautiful works of art… you’re truly gifted
your work has blessed me this morning – your rhythm and imagery is beautiful.
Hi Colleen! I’ve now nominated you for the WordPress Family Award!! You’ve been such a blessing to me on my blog journey and your artwork speaks deeply to me!!
Here’s the link:
Blessings my friend, Jody
Thank you so much Jody! I’m honored by this encouraging nomination! Forgive my delay in responding – sick computer for a few weeks that is finally in the shop. I will check this out in more detail when I’m up and going again. You are a constant song of encouragement in my life!
Beautiful family! Looks like Garden of the Gods. Or maybe Roxborough?
Thank you! It is, indeed, Garden of the Gods!
Dear Colleen,
Hello! It seems that no one has been here to submit a comment for more than six years. Here I am introducing myself to you.
I have subscribed to your blog, perused many of your posts and enjoyed discovering your “fragments of light” as well as your artistic oeuvres, which I look forward to seeing more.
Happy late autumn and Happy early November to you and your family!
Yours sincerely,
SoundEagle
Thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to comment! It’s wonderful to “meet” you. I will pop on over to your blog.