spiritual journey

Language of the Soul – Chihera’s Music

As a visual artist, I don't know a lot about the technicalities of music; but I do recognize the language of emotion and soul. And, if joy can shape-shift into musical notes, the nimble fingers of Chihera band members know how to conjure it. I first discovered Chihera on a golden late summer evening last…Read more Language of the Soul – Chihera’s Music

Dreams in Her Eyes

Funny  how she is always thanking me for spending time with her. I've out-lived her by some three decades, and my greatest hope as I mentor her is to impart courage to keep seeking, to keep pressing into the unique gifts she holds in her heart. In some ways, I am motivated by a debt. Once,…Read more Dreams in Her Eyes

Strange how hope swells…

  Strange how a lantern can appear out of nowhere. Walking barren tracks, and suddenly there's a light in your hand. Sincerely Danielle Shunk (SDS) plunked into my grasp like that. A friend knew a friend, who told her about SDS, who told me. I stepped foot in that magic space and before I knew…Read more Strange how hope swells…

The Power of a Single Flame (Part 2)

When she picked up that first dying man from the gutter, there was no possible way she could foresee the masses across the globe whose lives would be saved. She only knew the fire in her bones could be alleviated no other way. And so she started rescuing, one-by-one, the last and least of the…Read more The Power of a Single Flame (Part 2)

The Power of a Single Flame

What began as a tiny subversive flame in a single heart now rages across the world. First, though, there was a choice: remain in the comfort and familiarity of a religious life, or cast her lot into the teeming chaos of impoverished streets beyond. The flame burned too hot to keep. She quietly shut the…Read more The Power of a Single Flame

Choice of the Muse (Studio Update)

FOUR CHAIRS SERIES: After much curiosity as to which painting Danielle would choose, the muse for the series selected Chair #2. PRINTS & ORIGINALS AVAILABLE: Limited edition giclee prints of all four chairs as well as two of the original paintings are now available in my Etsy shop: Fragments of Light. SHINE LIKE STARS: Without a doubt, the Shine Like Stars exhibit…Read more Choice of the Muse (Studio Update)

Four Chairs, Part 2 (Magic)

I've always believed in magic. I suppose it isn't surprising when I think about my Irish grandmother, Margaret (O'Laughlin) Ferguson, known to many as “Mickey.” Whenever I visited her home, brightly colored kitsch-art gnomes peered out from shelves scattered around her living room. Who knows but that they came to life at night and followed her…Read more Four Chairs, Part 2 (Magic)

Shine Like Stars Interview

I don't mean this irreverently, but I really think God is laughing at me. In January 2015, I wrote down a prayer request as I continued my art journey. I asked the Lord to “open doors to speak to more people.” Now, I most definitely did not mean “speak” literally. I've come a long way…Read more Shine Like Stars Interview

Joy to You!

"Weeping endures for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5b As I reflect on 2015, I give great thanks for all of you who gift joy to me with your presence on the journey. From dear, life-long friends and family members who continually walk beside me, to people I've never met who faithfully comment on…Read more Joy to You!

Peace

This cracking, bleeding orb hurtles through space, and I am only a tiny, imperceptible pinprick of yearning somewhere on its spinning surface. I've never craved peace so urgently. My own pulse of longing seems to merge with a collective sigh of all colors and creeds, like black exhaust fumes spurting from an ancient, lumbering, rusty vehicle. From…Read more Peace