About Hesed חֶסֶד

The Hebrew word חֶסֶד (hesed) captures a profound and foundational aspect of God's character. Like many Hebrew terms, it doesn’t translate neatly into a single English word. Often translated as steadfast love, lovingkindness, mercy, or faithfulness, no one word fully expresses the depth and richness of this divine attribute. It speaks to a love that is unwavering, loyal, and covenantal—a love that not only describes God’s character but is deeply woven into His very nature.

When God revealed Himself to Moses, He described Himself this way:

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.”
— Exodus 34:6–7

The word hesed was also used over the people of Israel to identify them in relationship to the Lord:

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of steadfast love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
— Deuteronomy 7:9

Hesed is not just something God does; it speaks to who He was, is, and will be. It speaks to His faithful, covenantal relationship with His people—an unshakeable love that invites us into deep intimacy with Him.

Wooden front door with a black sign on a white brick wall that reads "HESED HOUSE ISAIAH 61:1-3" and a potted fern and purple-leaf plant nearby.

When the inspiration for Hesed House Art was conceived, it was clear to me that this kind of love—this covenantal, faithful presence—needed to be at its heart. Hesed House exists as a sacred place for those who are weary, wounded, seeking, or simply in need of rest and renewal. It’s a place where every person is invited, seen, heard, and accepted.

Rooted in the integration of faith, creativity, and sacred presence, Hesed House Art is designed to foster connection—both with God and with others—through art, relationship, and reflective practices. Whether through Christian counseling, spiritual direction, or creative retreat experiences, this is a space where each individual is invited to slow down, listen, create, and engage deeply with the Lord.

Most importantly, my hope is that Hesed House Art becomes a place where people encounter the fullness of God’s heart for them and come to know, in deeper ways, the vastness of Christ’s love. Connecting with the Lord on this level in turn allows us to connect more fully with ourselves—uncovering healing and the freedom to live from a place of love: loving Him and loving our neighbors.

retreat setting, safe haven, a place to rest or retreat
A set of watercolor paints, brushes, and partially painted artwork on paper, with intricate black and white doodle patterns underneath.

I firmly believe that creativity is vital in building this connection. At Hesed House Art, adventurous, curious, and playful art-making becomes a spiritual practice—one that encourages us to slow down, connect with our Creator, and join Him in creating something new, just as He is eternally and steadfastly making us new.

Not all who wander are lost. Tolkien
Isaiah 43:18-19 look I am making a new way in the wilderness.
A butterfly emerging from a chrysalis hanging on a branch, transformation through Christ
inspirational quote about life's journeys and faith.
Kintsugi 'Transformed brokenness becomes our beauty' Hesed House Art.
C.S. Lewis "There are far better things ahead than any we may leave behind."
'No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the truth.' by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Art making workshops
Love one another
A mixed media collage with torn paper, fabric, and embellishments arranged in a circular design on a red background, including handwritten text, a small mortarboard illustration, and decorative elements.

One of the things I value most about creativity is its ability to facilitate deep and meaningful connection:

Creativity connects us to God.

We are made in the image of the Creator, fashioned to co-create alongside Him—called to bring forth what is true, good, and beautiful. Engaging in creative work is a sacred echo of our identity and purpose. It draws us into communion with God and into deeper awareness of the beauty He’s placed in the world around us. Creativity isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s part of who we all are.

Creativity connects us to others.

Art gives shape, color, and voice to the parts of ourselves that words may not easily express. In sharing that creative work—whether through collaboration, conversation, or simple presence—we experience vulnerability, intimacy, and healing. There’s also joy and delight in making something together, and I’ve witnessed how that joy fosters connection and builds authentic community.

Creativity connects us to ourselves.

The act of creating often reflects how we see the world and how we experience our own story. It allows us to tune in to our inner world—to uncover, explore, and express thoughts, emotions, or experiences that may otherwise remain hidden. Regardless of skill level or perceived ability, creativity is a powerful and accessible tool for self-discovery and healing.

At Hesed House Art, creativity is gently woven into spiritual direction, counseling, and retreat experiences. These opportunities for creative engagement are designed to support honest self-exploration, deepen spiritual awareness, and foster meaningful connection—with yourself, with others, and most importantly, with the Lord.

Why Creativity?

Creativity has been a central part of God’s redemptive work in my life. From an early age, I found joy in creative play—experimenting with my mom’s sewing machine, designing clothes, or crafting a classroom yearbook for my stuffed animals. Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of creative mediums including ceramics, jewelry-making, sewing, book-making, art prayer journaling, and printmaking. In every season of life, creative expression has helped me navigate life’s challenges and become a powerful way for me to connect more deeply with God and foster His healing in my life.

This deep relationship with creativity—and the theology that has grown from it—is at the heart of Hesed House Art and foundational to my work as a faith-based counselor and spiritual director.

Decorative notebook or planner with a floral and gold design, labeled 'Make Room' on a patterned surface.
Front porch of a house with a brown wooden door, white brick wall, a patio corner with two wicker chairs, a glass-topped table, colorful cushions, potted plants, and a sign that reads 'Hesed House Isaiah 61:3'.

What is Hesed House Art?

  • The Hebrew word חֶסֶד (hesed) speaks to a deep, unwavering love. While commonly translated as steadfast love, lovingkindness, mercy, or faithfulness, no single English word fully captures its meaning. Hesed reflects the covenantal nature of God's love—loyal, relational, and enduring. Learn more about Hesed.

  • Creativity plays a central role in the work of Hesed House. As creative beings, it is one of the most profound ways we connect—with ourselves, with others, and with the Lord. Learn more about creativity.

  • Here, each person is seen as a unique individual, made in the image of God.

    Whether through:

    ...Hesed House offers a sanctuary for healing, reflection, and connection with God.

Hesed House Art is a sacred space for those who are weary, wounded, or simply in need of rest and renewal. Through faith-based counseling, spiritual direction, or creative expression, Hesed House Art offers an invitation for healing, reflection, and reconnection with God.