a growing gift Born and raised in New Jersey, Michele was happiest when she was creating. At a very early age she would see random things around her such as a clothespin, a piece of mulch or even trash and immediately envision what it could become. Although creative throughout her life and a painter for two thirds, in her late 20’s Michele suddenly found her work unfulfilling, as she saw her paintings as mere ‘pretty pictures’. She wanted more. It was a restless season leading her to pray fervently for the Lord to use her talent and fill it with purpose. His answer came through the words of artist Ron DiCianni who asked, "What makes you weep when you are on your knees before God? That is what you are supposed to address in your work!" His words penetrated Michele’s heart as God immediately began to pour vision into her creative spirit, calling her to paint people -- primarily underprivileged children, revealing their hidden beauty and strength. Although inspired beyond anything she ever experienced, Michele was overwhelmed with fear and intimidation as the one subject matter she intentionally avoided was the very one God was calling her to paint. As a realist painter, Michele saw it as near impossible to keep her style while doing portraits in a medium that is so unforgiving -- watercolors. "However," Michele explains, "through an intense journey of obedience and trust, not only has the Lord enabled me to fulfill His call, but He has traded my dread for passion." "God is greatly glorified when we are each enabled to do what we’re unable" - Beth Moore his paintbrush Michele graduated from Messiah College as an art major with a Graphic Design concentration, but the painter inside cried out to hold a brush instead of a mouse. It wasn’t long before Michele returned to her watercolors applying all she learned while studying art. The result was an unorthodox use of the medium leading many to ask why she prefers watercolors. She responds, "They just have a beautiful innate quality that comes from having a mind of their own and I enjoy that challenge, most days." Michele struggled immensely on one painting for more than a year and a half and often found herself crying out, "Lord, I cannot do this on my own; I need You to be the artist and simply use me as Your paintbrush." Through those prayers "His Paintbrush" was born. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 a child warrior Michele was born with a form of Dwarfism that has limited and challenged her life in many ways; yet it is the very vehicle that God has chosen to make Himself known to her. As a result, Michele sees the treasure in the way God created her, fully aware that some things cannot be known about God apart from pain, weakness and need. These circumstances have been the stepping stones in her life towards a passionate relationship with Jesus and a resolved faith. "My faith is often tested when I’m in the heat of the battle; but while this world has no effective weapons to offer the weak, knowing Jesus gives me weapons to sleigh giants." Michele is a giant slayer. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Psalm 71:5-8 Michele at 3 in a halo cast after the first of two spinal fusions