Art

Outdoor market – selling art

I paint my heart, so being present with my art and a real-live-someone-else at the same time often feels a little too real and raw, a little too exposed. So, I set up my tent in the morning for last weekend's holiday market at Sincerely Danielle Shunk (SDS) with a great deal of anxiety. Then, amidst strangers, family and…Read more Outdoor market – selling art

Pamba Toto and original artwork at holiday market

Fall in Colorado this year is simply stunning. Trees are usually bare by early November, but this year they are still lifting vibrant arms to the sky. I'm looking forward to celebrating one of the most beautiful falls in my life, as a Colorado native, this coming Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm at an outdoor…Read more Pamba Toto and original artwork at holiday market

Choose Your Side

Like a strange rush of cold air in the night that leaves your skin prickling, evil's shadow falls across the intersection where we stop at a red traffic signal. Except this is broad daylight, a brilliant golden fall morning, October 31. Just across the street, police cars swarm, lights flashing. Like angry ants, more and…Read more Choose Your Side

Battle Cry (Inspired by “A Beautiful Exchange”)

Sometimes the promise of beauty rising from ashes seems impossible. Sometimes it all feels like losing; and finding appears marred beyond recognition. This is my battle cry: even if I don't see it, the promise still stands. And I still believe it.  Someday, there will be a beautiful exchange. Matthew 10:39 "Those who find their life…Read more Battle Cry (Inspired by “A Beautiful Exchange”)

The Stars Were Shining

The stars were shining last Friday night! From artwork twinkling all over the walls by the Sanctuary of Hope (SoH) children, to friends pouring in from near and far, to little ones dancing uninhibited in the joyful music of Zimbabwean band Chihera, the night flooded with magic. (click photos to view larger) Many thanks to everyone who…Read more The Stars Were Shining

Knee Deep in Ashes

I'm standing knee deep in ashes. The shards of shattered dreams now crumble over scorched earth. Years ago, I dreamed, I yearned, I claimed. I clutched my heart's desire. But sometimes challenges twist into diagnoses, early tremors quicken into full-blown quakes. I stand here, not at all sure I remember the heart once beating strong…Read more Knee Deep in Ashes

Orphans Around the World

Orphans Around the World My heart breaks for the orphans of the world. Two former orphans live and love in my own home, and gazing into their eyes, I will never forget the children still out there, struggling and hoping for love. I also fall ever deeper in love with a God who could not…Read more Orphans Around the World

Beauty Rising

Today, I am thinking about the kind of beauty that rises like a phantom from ashes. I see remnants of burned-out dreams and hopes scattered on a hillside, companions to blackened tree skeletons. I see ashes, lying there, still and dormant, yet flickering with invisible yearning. I see ashes that secretly dare to believe: “When…Read more Beauty Rising

A Tree Planted by Water

Jeremiah 17:7-8 7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,     whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water,     sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes,     and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious,     and it…Read more A Tree Planted by Water

Space and Creativity

Together we romp through a stream, climb sunflower hills, and criss-cross wildflower fields. The beauty of the place feeds my soul, even as my "creatures'" happiness and freedom lifts my spirits. Here, ideas incubate far below conscious thought. There must be space for creativity to flourish. Here, these accomplishing-nothing-hours are worth more than a million of production.…Read more Space and Creativity