ost #245

October 17, 2020

 

Lynda McKinney Lambert

Presents

Gifts of the Spirit

Hope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporters and Friends

Your  encouraging messages give me the GIFT of HOPE.

I’ve become familiar with the way God whispers gently to us to give us His divine guidance and ideas for the direction he wants us to go?

I feel this tender nudge from God that at times. It is usually about

something that is common sense. I often think, “Why didn’t I think of this?

Yes, it makes sense, and it’s an

excellent idea.”

 

Gifts of the Spirit is the new full-length book I started writing this year.

I plan to complete the manuscript draft by the end of December 2021.

 

About this blog –

Gifts of the Spirit.

I’ll share some new poems, reflections, thoughtful, personal essays, and non-fiction stories on this blog for the next fourteen months. You might be reading the drafts of those writings that will finally become a collection in the book, Gifts of the Spirit: Poems & Stories.

I received a personal note from my friend Lynda J.

It arrived in a moment when  I was thinking about writing this post. She references the Dallas Holm song, “I Have Hope.”  God sends us such gentle reminders from unexpected sources at the precise time we need them. God is always right on time.

 

During 2020, a year of pandemic fears and anxieties, I can truly say, “I have hope.”

Here is what my colleague and friend sent to me today:

 

Lynda,

what a powerful testimony the Lord has led you to share.

I couldn’t agree with you more if I’d written a statement myself!!

 

One of your sentences reminded me of the chorus of one of my favorite Dallas Holm songs:

 

I have joy in the time of sorrow,

I have peace in the raging storm.

I have faith that Jesus holds tomorrow,

I have hope, I’m resting in His arms.

*

At the beginning of 2020, I chose One Word for my entire year – GIFTS.

I started choosing One Word for my year in 2015.

I wanted to think more seriously about giving GIFTS and receiving GIFTS. Because I am a Christian, I decided to do everything this year as a Gift for my King, Jesus! In my writing, artmaking, and everyday life at home, I kept this in mind.

This entire year is a journey of surprises for all of us, isn’t it?

 

Of course, I had no idea how that Word would reveal new meaning as the months come and go.

 

None of us could have anticipated the arrival of a pandemic and how we would experience life this year. We still have no idea what to expect, but we live in the eternal hope – our lives are in God’s hands, and he will take care of us no matter what the circumstances may be at any time.

 

Looking at history, we know that events such as this pandemic are not exceptional. People of all ages have faced tremendous changes and fears that come with those unexpected events. I know that for Christians, we are never alone in any circumstances that we face. Our faith is built on the solid foundation of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I placed my life in His capable hands, and I find peace in times of storms or painful circumstances, and I find joy in times of sunshine and prosperity.

We have the gifts that the Father gives us in all seasons and in all cases. In fact, here is just one example of what God’s intentions are for His beloved children.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

During the first week of October, I received some beautiful gifts, and I am sharing the news with you in this message.

 

I am delighted that Marcia Meara, author of the blog _The Write Stuff_ published a Special Feature about my writing and award-winning fiber art.

Read it here.

https://marciamearawrites.com/2020/10/07/lynda-lambert/comment-page-1/#comment-42259

 

I enjoy seeing the visitors who read the article and leave comments.

Hint: I’d love to see your thoughts, and I will reply to any comments you leave. Go ahead, make my day! Visit the link and leave a comment.

 

Second, I won a First Place Award for my talisman, “My Eyes are Only  for You,” at the InSights20 exhibition in Louisville, KY. The show opened on October 7, and you are invited to attend the virtual opening, which is available now.

Note: This year, first place is a shared award – which is lovely for the other artist and me.

 

The video is live now. You can see a photo of the artwork, the artist who made it, and a description. Rob Guillen is the coordinator of this annual exhibition. He will lead you through the winning pieces via the video. This juried art exhibition is presented by the American Printing House for the Blind. All artists in the show have a visual impairment. I am deeply honored to be a part of this project – my fifth time to have my work accepted in the Crafts Division by the jury – and my fifth award.

 

Here is the link to see the winners of the Craft Division – See it here!

https://insights-art.org/the-exhibit/craft/

 

 

Third, my poem, “The Talisman,” inspired by the process of making the talisman in the APH InSights 20 show, is in the October Issue of Newsreel.

If you subscribe to this audio magazine, you will hear me reading the poem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by American Printing House for the Blind – InSights20 exhibition.  This is a talisman, “My Eyes are Only for You.”  by Lynda McKinney Lambert.  This piece won first place in the crafts division – it shared first place with another art work.

*

“A Talisman”

by Lynda McKinney Lambert

Visualize a talisman-

precious stones and crystals

woven in bold patterns

plenty of Japanese glass seed beads

tiny drops of perfect symmetry.

I select flawless beads

stab them onto steel needles

hundreds of stitches.

thrust them one at a time

upwards into the heavens

endlessly.

I plunge my thin needle

deep through layers of stiff cloth

make my stitches sure

hold tight.

I’m a warrior woman

thumping my spirit-drum

made of dappled starlight.

I measure timeless days

counting beads in

a mystical circle

held together

with a bronze toggle clasp.

A Talisman brings

protection from evil

healing for weary spirits

nourishment for aching bodies

courage for new directions

on a pilgrimage

over treacherous pathways

guides my dimmed eyes

and nervous steps.

Black onyx ovals

are like a vintage fan

unfurled with a flourish

or a sacred victory flag

prepared to cast an invocation.

My fingers stroke cold stones

glossy-smooth, polished, faceted.

Gifts for a King.

______

Copyright, August2 2020

Lynda McKinney Lambert,

All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

HOPE