Gently Awakened: The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey

• 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Gold Medal Winner - Christian Non Fiction
• 2014 Readers' Favorite International Book Award Gold Medal Winner - Illustration

Do you dare risk unreservedly combining your Christian faith with your creativity? Could you be assured of thriving in the arts, or does that sound outrageously improbable?

Creativity is like an unwrapped gift from God. Its contents are mysterious, begging for action. The benevolent Giver eagerly awaits a response. Yet it is often tossed aside after merely removing the outer wrapping.

Too many Christians abandon their creativity, as if they were the hapless recipients of a toy with incomprehensible instructions. They walk away from their destiny-- perhaps their very reason for being gifted in such a time as this. They remain oblivious of their God-authored potential, empowered by faith, to uniquely express the many nuances of their journey with Jesus.

In this book I testify in paint, clay and verse to God's infinite interest in every aspect of creative enterprise. What I discovered may surprise you. In Gently Awakened, I employ prose, verse, and art to attest to God's faithfulness to the artist.

Far from empty theories, these lessons, forged in the paint-splattered laboratory of my own life, bring clarity to the practical considerations of living out the unique call of a creative Christian.

Such a story could be yours to live, in partnership with your Creator.

This is a autogrpahed paperback copy with 16 pages of full color images in the center of the book of some of my art.

Free Shipping for a single copy. Additional copies shipped by weight. Email me for a quote.

Available only in the United States. 

"Gently Awakened converts the hearts of readers as it covers deep terrain of faith, theology, salvation, beauty, and creativity in an engaging and personal manner.  This is a book that needed to be written and should be widely read."--Marisa Martin, columnist, World Net Daily; visual artist
 

"Sara has captured the struggle and answer for the journey of every creative person. In relating her own struggle, she brings to life what is both unique and similar for every artist. She does not dodge the deep questions of purpose, money, and fear.

She reveals the answers by lavishing us with her own gift of creative writing, especially her poetry. Travel on her journey with tears, laughter, and admiration. It will strengthen your resolve to rely on the Creator of our gifts and to use those gifts for the benefit of all."
 -Dr. Pete Deison, founder, Park Cities Presbyterian Art Festival

"I just finished Sara's book this morning and know I will be visiting it again! I had been aware of Sara's moving artwork but had no knowledge of her book until an artist friend recommended it. I have been on my own artistic journey and have a penchant for reading inspirational books for the creatively inclined--Sara's book is personal and different from those other books. Her book is very much like having discussions with a dear artist friend about how God is working in our lives and through our art, our joys and fears and how we can grow as artists (people). Her poetry and artwork only enhance the experience!

I already have in mind several friends for whom this book would be an excellent gift and highly recommend it! It is filled with the wisdom and grace that God has shown Sara and that she shares with us." —Linda Smith

"Sara’s book is a beautiful testimony to her profound faith. Her personal story of searching, struggle, and trust in God is a delightful read. She weaves humor, well-founded spiritual teaching, guidance, humility, and joy into her story. With each turn of a page, I would smile again at her shared self-discoveries.
Her writing is gifted and wonderfully engaging. Vivid descriptions of her daily observations and life were entertaining examples of lessons learned. I also loved observing the details of her beautiful artwork knowing the deep thought and intent she put into each piece.
For me, this book was a great reminder of how a Christian man or woman of faith should live. First and foremost with time spent in quiet prayer on a daily basis, care for self and family, the importance of community, acknowledging the concept of “growing where God has planted me,” and lots of patience. This book is a generous, loving gift from the author intended for and succeeding in enlightening others.
Sara’s guidance for a God-directed life would apply to anyone in any profession. I am energized and encouraged to continue my life-long artistic pursuits, to renew my spiritual commitment and practices, and to let all of my concerns be handled by the One who knows what is best for me.
I hope that Sara will continue to write and captivate readers with her delightful insights, intelligent teaching, and to share her profound artistic talent with the world, all bundled up with her love of God!"—ZooMom

"Wonderful book! Was a bit sad when it came to an end - I wanted to keep reading. Sara takes us on her own personal journey, and in doing so, gives us clues about the personal qualities that God wants to work in us in order to bring out the best in our artistic callings."—Susan Parker