The Stories 
Sometimes the stories we find ourselves in are blazing fires of celebration, sometimes we sift through ashes for flashes of value.
Through art, photography, and writing, I search for glimpses of glory leaking through the cracks. I paint and write the stories of God With Us : “fragments of light.”
I graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Fine Arts in 1993. While serving as an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff worker (1998-2004) and Hope’s Promise Director of Orphan Care (2006-2012 and 2019-current), I’ve traveled the world and witnessed firsthand the worst of human suffering in places like an internal refugee camp in Kenya, established after 2008 post-election violence, and the greatest of human courage in places like the mountains of Vietnam, where pastors provided educational sponsorship for people groups oppressed by their government.
My husband of 26 years, David, and I adopted two of our four children from a Kenyan orphanage. The children we left behind haunt us, especially after an unexpected 7.5 month sojourn in Nairobi in 2005 during which I extracted our daughter through three court cases and changing interpretations of adoption laws, After I returned home with her, our family welcomed the opportunity to partner with dear Kenyan friends, Pastor and Mama Karau, to pioneer two orphan homes in Kenya through Hope’s Promise.
Despite great heartache in the world, I find hope in God’s relentless presence with each one of us and His ability to redeem suffering. Through painting and writing, I hope to share my experiences: glimpses of glory leaking through cracks of tragedy and triumph.
PS I usually post once or twice a week with original writing, photography, and art on topics including spiritual journey, international travel, family and adoption, and artistic process.
I am deeply honored by those who choose to read and view this blog!
Photo by Susan Dukat
Hi…I have a question. I am writing a post for Friday on Communicating in Beauty….okay if I mention you in it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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/
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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. 🙂
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
I really adore your artwork, Colleen! Thank you! I hope to see more soon!
LikeLike
Thank you Julian! Your photography is stunning!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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! 🙂
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
I love your site here and the wonderful work you are doing for the LORD!
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
I just nominated you for the One lovely Blog Award. If you like it, please do accept. 🙂
http://ripplesnreflectiontimes.wordpress.com/2014/10/19/one-lovely-blog/
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I am totally honored and it’s been a joy getting to know you through your blog!
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
beautiful works of art… you’re truly gifted
LikeLike
your work has blessed me this morning – your rhythm and imagery is beautiful.
LikeLike
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:
http://jodythomae.com/2015/05/20/wordpress-family-award/
Blessings my friend, Jody
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful family! Looks like Garden of the Gods. Or maybe Roxborough?
LikeLike
Thank you! It is, indeed, Garden of the Gods!
LikeLike