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The Evergreen Journal # 8 – A Gentle Evergreen Spirit

©Lynda McKinney Lambert. 2022. All rights reserved.

Fine art and literature are my passion. However, in pursuit of my studies for my degrees, the further I went in advanced education, the narrower the path became.

This is as it should be.

As a student advances from the undergraduate program to more intensive and profound studies, the goal is to dig deeper and become more exclusively focused in our field of study. Recently, I began to consider this process and how it transforms a student. In the beginning years, I was what could be jokingly called “a mixed bag” or “Jack of all trades.” I lacked the specific vision to develop expertise.

This discovery was a remarkable revelation. In due time,

I learned to focus on more-narrowed writing and reading non-fiction stories, thoughtful essays, and poetry. I learned to move from a broader range of studies in my work. By the time I completed my higher degrees in literature, my focus was on poetry.  My final project was on the work of three notable poets and their writings.

In fine art, I entered the MFA degree,program with the focus on painting and printmaking exclusively. In every year of my studies from undergraduate to MFA, art history was at the core of all studio work. Regardless of our chosen genre of work,  we need a solid foundation on which to build.

These genres are where I find inspiration and pleasure every day. My thoughts are flowing like a refreshing river from an endless source.

After I experienced a change in my everyday activities due to sudden sight loss in 2007, I eventually learned to do many activities in new ways. Of course, this changed my method of creating art and writing. I often call this a Divine Pivot in my life.

I believe that my formal training and my faith in God brought me through such a major crisis in life. I continue to study and learn new things in my disciplines and in my spiritual life every day.

In Ephesians 6, we read about how to “put on the armor of God” each day.

• The breastplate of righteousness is part of the armor of God that the Bible talks about in Ephesians 6:10-20. Verses 13-14 speak specifically of the breastplate of righteousness: Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Every time I have my own personal prayer time, and I put on the armor of God, I envision what the “Breastplate of Righteousness” will look like.

From reading the detailed descriptions in the Old Testament, I know how the ARK and the temples and priests’ clothing were decorated that God loves splendor and elegance. He loves artists and the exquisite beauty that HE put into all areas of this created world we live in.

With this in mind, I envision my spiritual “Breastplate of Righteousness” as being made with various sparkling gems, crystals, and exotic materials gathered from all over His world. The breastplate of righteousness that must have been a dazzling sight to behold.

The contemplation of such a powerful piece of armor makes me realize that there is tremendous authority and dominion in beauty.

I am learning so much about the importance of magnificence and splendor. I put these principles to work in my art and writing projects. This is a journey on a narrowing path that I am aware of these days. God is teaching me how to think in ever-deepening ways, as He did in the years when I was pursuing my career in art and writing. He is teaching me to focus on his Divine Pivots. Life can be more exciting than you can imagine, once you learn more about walking with God every day in all you do.

If you are interested in knowing more about how to put on the armor of God each day, check it out. Click on the link I provided for more information.

We can encounter the beauty and tenderness of the Evergreen spirit in our creative life.

©2022. Lynda McKinney Lambert. All rights reserved.

https://christianwakeupcall.com/christian-articles/armor-of-god/breastplate-of-righteousness/#:~:text=The%20breastplate%20of%20righteousness%20is%20part%20of%20the,day%2C%20and%20having%20done%20all%2C%20to%20stand%20firm.

We can encounter beauty and tenderness of the Evergreen spirit in our creative life.

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~ My Weekly TTOT ~ Let’s continue the celebration today. You can visit my list of Ten Things of Thankful.

And, let me know what you think!  Here.

You can write your own Ten Things of Thankful, too!

©2022. Lynda McKinney Lambert. All rights reserved.