Whenever I have to begin a new illustration, I’m always afraid to start. I hem and I haw and I haw and I hem. Why? Because there is no earthly reason that I’m capable of bringing forth that kind of beauty. In my mind, the images are always vague. I want them to be in perfect focus before I get going. But it doesn’t work that way. Until I learned the meaning of the phrase Sunrise Faith, I could stay paralyzed for weeks. It never occurred to me that the same power that calls the sun to rise, lives in me too. The magic begins when I put my pencil to paper. That act of trust opens the floodgate for Spirit to flow through and express itself. As it turns out, I don’t need to know exactly what the end result of my painting will look like. God will fill in the details.
Sunrise Faith is a concept for anyone who has something they want to accomplish. Divinity plants the seeds of our aspirations in our hearts and grace brings them to fruition. From creating a masterpiece, to finding the perfect job or house, it’s a benevolent, loving wave we ride. If you’re trying to figure out exactly where the current is taking you, you’re resisting the flow. And that is exactly when we begin to sink. All we need to get started is to simply begin. We will be given the next step to take as the process unfolds.
Twenty years ago a dream was planted in my heart. I wanted to create a picture book. Over time, it was put on the back burner as “real life” took over. Finally, finally my longing is being realized. My story Glory in the Morning is finished and is now in the hands of app company extraordinare, Auryn. They are in the process of transforming my work into a picture book app for tablets and e-readers. But my dream won’t be in full bloom until there also is a traditional picture book in children’s hands. I’m not sure how that is going to come about, but I wait in joyful anticipation for it to be revealed.
Being confident that God, who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion. -Philippians 1:6
What dreams are you and Source bringing to fruition?
Spread the word! Be one of the first 5 people to leave a reply and I will send you a signed print of Sunrise Faith. Follow my blog. Each new post will include the chance to win a free print.
In photoshop I made a book cover for Glory in the Morning and placed it on a picture book. I believe visualization is the beginning of realizing a dream.
Text and images © Sue Shanahan. All rights reserved.
Commonplace Grace 
Shannon thank you for sharing your faith. Your posts are such a blessing to read. Keep the faith. Your beautiful book will be published one day. I look forward to purchasing it one day.
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Thank you for being so faithful to my art. Please go to the contact page on http://www.sue@sueshanahan.com and send me the address you would like the signed print sent to.
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Dear Sue, This morning, I am going to start to paint an illustration for the first book a friend and I are creating together. What an inspiration – to read your post on “Sunrise Faith.” Your words and illustrations always touch my heart. Thank you! Blessings,
Lois
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I am so happy that my post has inspired you! Our talents are gifts to be shared (when we can get out of our own way.) Please go to the contact page on http://www.sue@sueshanahan.com and send me the address you would like the signed print sent to.
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The Book looks beautiful!
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Thank you, Cori. Please go to the contact page on http://www.sue@sueshanahan.com and send me the address you would like the signed print sent to. 🙂
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I love reading your blogs Sue! They are all so inspiring! Hugs!
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So happy you like them. It makes my day! Please go to the contact page on http://www.sue@sueshanahan.com and send me the address you would like the signed print sent to.
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You are such an inspiration, Sue! I love reading these!
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Thanks, doll. Glad to be a little sunshine in your cup. Please go to the contact page on http://www.sue@sueshanahan.com and send me the address you would like the signed print sent to.
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Thanks, Amy. You’re encouragement is part of the reason I am writing them.
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I love the phrase, “sunrise faith”, Sue. What a beautiful way to express the trust we must have to follow God’s path for us. The journey can be exciting if we keep that “sunrise faith”.
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Your work is amazing..I’m so glad my cousin (Pam Costa) introduced me to it! You are so talented!
Kate
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Thanks for the compliments. I am glad Pam introduced you too! She is a gift in my world on so many levels.
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Beautifully written! Im inspired to let it all go, keep my focus on the truly important & have faith! I need that reminder for sure. Trust in myself and go with my gut. 🙂
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Thanks for reading it Jessica. You are a gifted artist in your own right.
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U love your blog posts! They always speak to me and help me put life in perspective. I am confident you will realize your dream Sue. You are such a special person filled with talent!
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Thanks, Jeri. Putting my heart out there is scary but has been met with such open arms.
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I’m not a baseball Fan but I really enjoyed the movie “Field of Dreams”. I think that is what you are saying here.
However, sharing your gifts take courage and “excuses” that stop us from starting are safe. Thank you for being courageous because now we can bask in the beauty of your illustrations.
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You are so nice. “Field of Dreams” is a perfect analogy to what I was trying to say in my post. Since seeing that movie the words “if you build it they will come” often play in my head. I am going to use them the next time I get stuck when beginning an illustration.
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Beautiful as usual…love it
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Thank you, Jo.
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Would you happen to have any falimy photo’s that were taken in Sterling that you would be willing to share? I live in Sterling and am interested in the history. Any photo’s that also include buildings are of interest.I remember your Aunt Francis and Uncle Dugan and Butch, they lived down the road from me when I was growing up.
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I have no recollection of any of the people you mentioned or the town of Sterling. Are you sure you have the right person?
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