Artist bio

Heather J. Kirk is a writer, speaker, fine art photographer, graphic designer and fashion designer. Ms. Kirk successfully presented a TEDx Fountain Hills talk titled "The Weaver of Light and Life," honoring God’s role in every aspect of our lives to bring about His purpose that is also meaningful for each of us. She is available for speaking engagements for small groups, large groups, studies, education and to do readings from her books: "We ...a spirit seeking harmony for a world that's out of sync" and “I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief.” She frequently speaks and teaches on hope in the midst of trials, intercultural interactions, and living a radical and faith-filled life for Christ. Her gift and purpose is to help others find, and step into, their own purposes. Heather has been a featured artist in Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine. Her art has shown nationally, including at: de Young Museum in San Francisco; The Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico; dana gallery in Missoula, Montana; Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and The Art Institute and Gallery in Salisbury, Maryland. In Arizona, her art has shown at: Off Madison Avenue, Van Gogh’s Ear, Shemer Art Center, Gammage Auditorium, Herberger Theater, @ Central Gallery, and Tempe Community Galleries. Heather’s art is in several private and corporate collections, including: American Sport Art Museum and Archives in Daphne, Alabama; St. Joseph’s Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona; Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer in Natick, Massachusetts; and Eller Graduate School of Management, The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Heather does what she calls “Art and Fashion for a Cause.” Whether it is traditional 2D art or her images printed on fabrics and fashion, she donates a portion of the profits to non-profits related to the image (like wild horses) or the country the photo was taken in. Her favorite type of charity are those that prevent and intervene in sex and human trafficking. Once entering the fashion industry, new awareness made it important that clothes she creates and buys are made by companies paying fair wages to garment workers. As a writer, Heather has contributed writings to various journals, such as Alive Now, The Bible Advocate, and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books – ‘finding my faith’ and ‘Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.’ Ms. Kirk has received a Vermont Studio Center Poetry Residency and an Arizona Commission on the Arts Professional Development Grant. She leads a Bible Study and Writing group called Writing on Purpose / Writing for God, creating a mutual learning and encouraging environment for those who feel their purpose is to write to bring glory to God and to encourage others along their life and spiritual paths. Heather J. Kirk’s art can be seen at https://heather-kirk.pixels.com/ For links to her Books, Graphic Design Services, Fashion for a Cause, go to http://HeatherJKirk.com You can reach her at HJKirk@juno.com In order of Appearance: Irene Smith – “You can fight more with an ARMY than by yourself!” Irene Smith was born in Dallas, Texas...and raised in Los Angeles. California. She is currently a licensed insurance agent in Arizona. A proud mother of two children and five grandchildren. Her passion for writing was birthed out of having a chronic illness that caused her to see things, and the power of her miraculous God, from a totally different prospective. She hopes to inspire others to follow their passion and to believe. __________ James Montgomery – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood / The weapons of our warfare are not carnal” James Montgomery was born in Albuquerque, NM. He currently lives in Arizona where, for the past 4 years, James has worked as a special education math teacher, including a specialization in working with autistic students. James has a unique spiritual background. Starting in a more spiritually inclined (charismatic) congregations, he then shifted to a church that was expository in its teaching. James’ “sinful season” of life consisted of dabbling in recreational drugs and tasting alcoholism. He transparently admits to being hooked on porn from the age of 18 to 24, and sexual relationships from the age of 22 to 23. By the grace of God, James was set me free from those things. He feels called to write and speak about how to become an overcomer in these areas. He has found that the root of most of our issues lies not with the external symptoms that lead to social problems, but by something that is harder to see—like regret. He has found that the key to freedom is service and reading God’s Word with diligence. The Word washes us clean, as Christ does for His church, or as a husband covers his wife (Ephesians 5). In his podcasts, James openly shares about life’s struggles, and the answers he has found to the spiritual battle against the flesh. Listen in to his refreshing openness and honesty about typically taboo, or just challenging, topics. “Not for the Faint of Heart: Christian Biblical understanding and theology. Conviction vs. constraint. Life purpose and meaning for our time here on earth. Jesus and his freedom.” https://anchor.fm/brother.james!/ ______________ Kevin Montgomery – “Standing Firm on the God’s Promises” Kevin Montgomery was born in Albuquerque, NM. He currently lives in Arizona, after spending over a year in Vietnam teaching English as a Second Language. After listening to a relationship series by Pastor Michael Todd, he took to heart understanding and communicating to other young men from a Christian point of view how to meet those needs: Honor, Respect and Sex. Leaving the third for a discussion other than a bio, Kevin considered the different ways he had sought honor and respect. He found that neither sports nor work nor the pursuit of wealth fulfilled either. When a friend introduced Kevin to volunteer opportunities, he felt his heart leading him to one answer: serving and giving back to my community. Through conversations with his father, and seeing the lack of paternal involvement in so many other’s lives, Kevin determined the highest level of honor and respect revolves around raising a family and kids who love God and serve Him. Being a great leader of a household, a father, a husband, a friend, a son. And community member. To Kevin, that means instead of looking around and expecting someone and/or everyone else to teach and model these principals, especially for young men, he intends to do it – though his example and through speaking and writing about it whenever possible.. _____________ Anna Bullington: “Blanketed in Truth” and “The Battle Cry” Anna Bullington is from Durham, Ontario, Canada, and currently lives in Camden, Tennessee. Anna is an artist. She loves to sing, being creative, and especially to laugh! God recently called her to write a book to prepare the Bride of Christ to meet her groom. “I See FIT: Encounters with the King” is currently in pre-production. Anna is the creator and administrator for the Facebook Group “The KINGs House,” which is designed to help you see WHO you are and WHAT you are called to do! To help you receive Understanding regarding things that are very important for you to know in order for you to carry out your personal assignment from the KING! He has called you here for ‘Such a time as this’!” _____________ Heather J. Kirk – “Righteousness That Latches On” After birthing my own book, as a mid-wife of sorts, I decided to help other authors deliver (publish) their labors of love and messages of God and hope. I am poet, artist, and graphic designer. I use my art and writing to bring awareness and raise funds for important causes. Graphic Design: https://hjkirk.wixsite.com/heatherkirkgraphics Books: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B006N6C0JE We…a spirit seeking harmony for a world that’s out of sync; I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief For more extensive information, See Entrant Bio. _________________ Gloria Cerda – “The Walk of Peace” Gloria Cerda is from Chicago. She and her husband Julio live in Phoenix, Arizona. She works for the Industrial Commission of Arizona, which “administers and enforces state laws relating to the protection of life, health, safety and welfare of Arizona's employees”. The mission fits well with Gloria’s natural inclination to protect and care for others, both physically and spiritually. She attends both church ant Bible Study at Dream City Church and rarely arrives without bringing a friend or guest along with her. Gloria daily walks out peace – the part of the armor she chose to write about. She brings a sense of calm and peace to every situation. She loves to hand craft gifts that remind people of how God loves them – a journal or a prayer box with a verse or a personal message on it. It is both a ministry and a kind of meditative process. That doesn’t mean life is easy. But through every trial, she prays and depends on God. If she gets discouraged she says, “I'm going to shake myself out of this , pick up my sword and start using what God has already put in me, in Jesus name.” In the past year Gloria has begun writing her life story to share with others just how to do that – no matter how difficult things seem. __________ Heather J. Kirk – “Mustard Seed Shield” See Entrant Bio. __________ Kaye Guerrero – “Helmet of Salvation” Kaye Guerrero is a Jesus-lover, wife, and mother of two from Scottsdale, AZ. She credits her faith to her 91-year-old grandmother who taught her how to pray and brought her to church at a young age. Kaye attributes much of her Bible knowledge to her family’s former New Jersey pastor, the late Rev. Ric Anciado, who she describes as “someone who taught meaty, dissertation-like sermons every Sunday service,” back when she was in high school. Kaye currently works as a marketing and branding consultant for new entrepreneurs looking to launch and establish a social media presence. She leads a women’s small group for Impact Church Scottsdale, and writes for her blog https://everydayuncluttered.com/. __________ Lora Harvey – “The Prayer or Outstretched Arms” Lora Harvey's lineage is full of creatives, so the love of reading, writing, and art comes naturally. Writing short stories and poems from a young age, she recently began the pathway of drafting her first book. She also paints when words need to become visual and her music playlist hits just right. Lora volunteers regularly at Impact Church in both the Women's Ministry and Operations Department and loves spending time with close friends. Born in Colorado and raised mostly in Wyoming, she currently makes Arizona her home with her two amazing young adult children. Lora's short fiction piece "My Luxurious Hollow" was published in Issue 2 of Lost Pen Magazine and she is currently working with other Christian writers on an anthology of the Armor of God. You can visit her blog, My Lamp and Light, https://mylampandlight.blog/ Her art can be found on H Originals at: https://www.facebook.com/H.Originals.custom/ “All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded:” Exodus 35:10 (NKJV) ___________ Lauryn Andres: “Prayer of the sword of the spirit” Lauryn Andres was born into a Mennonite family in Canada. At age of 11, Lauryn attended a Billy Graham tent revival with her family, where God began to convict her heart. In college, she studied theology, business administration, agriculture and theater arts. She owned and managed women’s clothing stores in Toronto for 20 years, during which she married and had two children. In 1994, Lauryn moved to Arizona and opened a sign company, where she later became a business consultant and managed a furniture store. She now works with low income families, finding funds to help with their severe health care needs. Eventually God brought her to Scottsdale Bible church, where Christ is the abundant center of life. When Lauryn’s son Travis was 7, he was struck by a car and pronounced clinically dead for many minutes before being revived. Through prayers and the miracles of God’s love, his vitals stabilized, though he remained in a coma for a year. At that point Lauryn was told Travis would die within the year. Losing her marriage, stores suffering, emotions spinning out of control, and fighting for her son’s life, she had but two choices: lose all hope and faith in God, or cling to Gods promises. She asked God to help her grow in faith. Mentally, prayerfully, and with purpose, Lauryn put on God’s Full Armor, particularly relying on Faith and Grace. She stood firm, refusing to believe the doctors and their poor prognosis, and clutched the mighty Sword to her heart. Her son remains alive today, nearly 4 decades later! Though severely brain damaged, and his health lately remains a challenge, Travis continues to be blessing in her life – only by God's grace. He brings joy to all whose lives he touches. Lauryn visits her daughter Tammy and husband, and her two wonderful grandchildren whenever possible. An avid hiker, Lauryn often brings a journal to write in while view the pristine wonders of God’s creation. This has led to many devotion style poems and prayers that compare and contrast the inner spirit to the outer world. Lauryn says, “I wish to proudly declare before others, in my journey of faith through trials, loss and redemption, God IS faithful. Though we stumble, and often lose faith for a season, and are tempted in a very fallen world, He does bring us home!”

Title

MULTIPLICITY – From Soldier to Army

Medium/Genre

Concept

Artist Statement

As an author myself, and a graphic designer who specializes in helping people self-publish. I know that people often need support and encouragement to write life stories they feel driven to share and use to help others through similar circumstances. But it often takes 5 years or more to even get started, if at all. God had been working on me for over a year to lead a group titled “Writing on Purpose / Writing for God” so I could help people, leaders in fact, do what He had called them to do! It seemed every group, and every Bible Study, I had ever lead came down to one thing - people seeking their life’s purpose and how to fulfill God given mission on earth.

I FINALLY figured out that my purpose was to help people identify and STEP INTO theirs! I wanted to help them to change lives and change culture, using God’s love and standards and gifts!

As both a former social worker and a long time Bible Study facilitator I had even created my own curriculum for both of those…which I knew I’d have to do for this group. But I held off. As someone with decades of autoimmune illnesses, that kind of LONG TERM commitment felt overwhelming. There would be no back up on days I was too exhausted to get out of bed, or had a migraine. So for a while I pretended I was doing what God asked. I facilitated a table at church, with someone else organizing and choosing a set curriculum that had nothing to do with writing or purpose. I knew I was fudging!

In September of 2018 I was involved in a head on collision with two wrong way drivers. I was home bound for a month, except when I begged rides to a multitude of tests and treatments. I couldn’t feel my legs and feet to even look for a new car to drive. I finally told God, “I realize how fragile life is. You saved my life for a purpose.” (Over and over actually, the year before I’d been bitten by a bat with rabies!) “So I will do anything you say, Father. I will climb up mountains if you ask (somehow), and I will be dragged through the mud for you, if that is called for. I will stop stalling, stop pretending, and step into my purpose NOW, fully and as you direct.” He told me ask specific people – out of the blue – “Is God calling you to write?” All, astonished that I knew, said “Yes.” Some added the caveat, “Someday.”

So mid-November of 2018, within two months of the car accident, we began to meet in my home twice a month – Bible Study on first Mondays, writing class and sharing what we were writing on third Mondays. Of course we have now switched to ZOOM, but not once have I had to cancel for pain or illness!

I think you will find the Group Description and Call I wrote interesting. It leads directly, albeit eventually, to this contest!

Dated November 19, 2018. “Are you:
(1) called by God to Write, Speak, Act, Sing or use your gifts and talents in the Arts to bring glory to God and deepen people's relationship with Christ. I will always mean ALL of these, but for simplicity’s sake may just refer to it as "Writing.”
(2) Wanting to build a Tribe of friendship, support, encouragement, mutual feedback and education in writing and the arts.
(3) Seeking Training/Education: (a) Dedicated to improving our writing skills, and to (b) Learning about the publishing business – both traditional and non-traditional forms. (c) Willing to implement simple marketing and social media skills to share and promote each other's writings, projects, and events that glorify God.
(4) Wanting to be part of the potential future anthology on the Full Armor of God and other books/topics.”

I let everyone choose a piece of armor they felt led to write about, trusting God to spread it out evenly. He did! But our progress was slow. I provided new writing prompts each month based on our Bible Studies and discussions, but always told people, “You can write about this, your armor, or whatever God is calling you to write.” At the end of December 2019, God directed me to separate out those who were still ‘dabbling,” and those who were committed and wanted accountability and support from the “Tribe.” Five of my core group members started blogs or podcasts they had been thinking about for years! I started creating assignments to help group members brainstorm parts of their chapters and ultimately created “Calls for Submission” just for the group to lead ultimately to create a full chapter. The first Assignment included what I called a “Mini.” It read: “What do I mean by a 'mini'? About 50 - 75 words. Spoken it would be 20 - 30 seconds long (And that is SO short, what a challenge!) Create a poem or mini-devotional, a profound insight, summary, intro, etc., related to your armor piece that could act as an introduction, or a conclusion, to your chapter."

On March 4th of 2020, I found your Engage Art contest and shared it with the group. “Let’s do this. It’s like it was created just for us!” I meant that not only by the topic, but I have used it to teach about following submission guidelines, meeting deadlines (phew – I am SO close!), the editing process, providing Author Bios, and what a FAIR contract looks like (and used it to show where other less scrupulous publishers might try to be ‘tricky’ with authors’ rights.)

That first week of March we brainstormed a video idea that would include everyone, either on camera or learning about filming, lighting, sound! One week later we were on lock down. At that point I had only scripted, filmed and edited a single 1-minute video. I am an artist, a still photographer! It was very hard to create what my mind envisioned through video software I had never worked with before. The longer COVID19 physical distancing went on, the more I realized I would have to do most of the physical production alone – though I have had incredible encouragement and support from my team.

My plan kept changing. I learned that the ticks and spasms that are a part of Fibromyalgia, but I had thought were not noticeable in person, were super-exaggerated when I filmed myself. So I nixed the ‘spoken word on film’ idea! Memory is not the fort of someone with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue anyway, so I was kind of relieved. (Can anyone say ‘self-sabotage’? Lol!) Next, I filmed clever modern stand-ins for the pieces of armor. And found that those same muscle spasms made for incredibly shaky (and BAD) video footage. Luckily I had photographed the pieces with my still camera at the same time. Now THAT is my forte. I am an artist as well as a writer...and a graphic designer.

I decided my “film’ would be a very complex slide show of my art, along with the combined “Mini’s” of my Writing on Purpose / Writing for God group members. But they turned out to be not so ‘mini’ after all. I had to PAINFULLY cut the 1.5 minute written pieces submitted to me into 30 second parts to fit the Full Armor into FIVE MINUTES! I have never prayed so much over a project in my life. Learning editing software as I went was slow going. But this is my area, my gift. Art, writing, editing, design – all for God’s GLORY! And I loved every (exhausting) minute of it!

Still, after a week enmeshed in learning and testing the limits and joys of the editing software, with images, words and sound, I began to doubt myself. “This isn’t a film! What am I doing?” I tried to add in just snippets of my videos that weren’t (too) shaky. But they just broke up the flow, and distracted from the words and message of my writers. So I checked out the Engage Art Contest Track on the App to see if there was anything new. I was so relieved to hear Juror Natalie Pohorski say to create something “Informed by the Scripture, focusing on what you’re good at, and having creativity within their limitations. But also not being tied down by the very literal.” SHE JUST DESCRIBED WHAT WE WROTE AND I CREATED VISUALLY!

“Maybe you can’t find good actors for it.” I thought, or ANY actors at all. Beyond regular social distancing, since I work as an Administrative Assistant 6 hours a week at a 91 year old’s home office, in a senior living center, I have been quite isolated! I do not want to be the one they write “a memo” about having brought ANYTHING into the residence.

And then to hear Juror Justin Taylor say, “Be intentional, be transparent, and let God do the rest.” I am amazed at the progress of my writers, some over 1.5 years, and some in a much shorter timeframe. This submission consists of NINE writers who were all transparent and genuine, and who TRUSTED ME (with God’s divine and creative guidance) to cut their pieces to 1/3 of the original lengths and put them together into a cohesive manner, and to BE THEIR VOICE. I am humbled to be representing them and to be used by the Creator of all things in such a way.

Justin Taylor also use the word “abstract.” Interestingly, it is our WORDS that at times are abstract, while the images remain concrete… yet conceptually still not exactly representational. A hockey helmet stands in for the ‘helmet of salvation;’ a keyboard for our ‘words’ - in order to fulfill our roles as Ambassadors for Christ; a boat’s life vest represents the ‘breastplate of righteousness.’ (Don’t worry, I blurred the logo!)
What a relief to hear Ms. Pohorski and Mr. Taylor mention everything I was concerned about. I am grateful God led me to listen again so I could push through my doubts – to ward off the fiery darts of Satan’s lies that my submission wouldn’t qualify for a certain category, or wasn’t good enough. Pure lies. (Another juror, Jolin McElroy, spoke to me about a 2D art piece I hope to have time to submit.)

I have definitely had to lean on God’s assistance, creative guidance and His sustaining strength for the long nights. When I cried out, “I am so tired Jesus!” He answered, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” And immediately a childhood song came to mind and lifted my spirits and energy! “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. WHERE?! Down in my heart… “.

See! It just uplifted you too! Enjoy our submission!

How it fits into contest

The writing group I lead, Writing on Purpose / Writing for God, has had an anthology as a dream since its inception about a year and a half ago. We talked about and around it for a while, as group members mostly worked on their personal writing projects, successfully getting blogs and podcasts started that they had talked about for years! Until I decided it was time to bring focus to our group project as well. I asked members to choose ‘chapters” (armor pieces) through prayer about six months ago. It’s no surprise that God had each member choose a different piece! But when the Corona issues hit, people became understandably unfocused and distracted, shifting work and school home, and navigating all of the changes and fears. So I set up writing assignments that would create small pieces that could later be placed into a larger chapter.

For the Engage Art process, I asked each to person to give me permission to use their “Minis” – short poems, prayers, or devotions meant to be either an introduction or a conclusion to their chapters. I then had the joy to read them all, and then the PAIN to have to edit and CUT them down, to get 11 pieces combined to fit into 5 minutes or less! But you will see and hear the final and miraculous outcome.

Dr. David Ingrassia mentions wrestling with the text, as well as that coming through in the art. I hope the end result shows Victory in that wrestling process! To coordinate and combine the work of nine authors and then to create a video or motion product, when my graphic design work has been only static, was definitely a STRUGGLE – but one I felt sustained in, by the beauty not just of the images I chose, but the messages from each member of my team. I had to ask them several times in the last month to pray me through the creative learning process and combining, and I have felt their uplifting in prayer.

That exemplifies beautifully the message of our submission: “Multiplicity – From Soldier to Army.” I noticed in the early writings of my group members that they often felt all alone in their battles. And very beat up with no one to encourage or comfort them through the hardest times. That may be part of a writer’s personality, but it certainly represents the last 4 months of life anywhere in the world. I encouraged my group to look at the Armor from differing viewpoints, all of which I feel became well represented in the final product.

1) We were never meant to be single solders, but a concerted and connected army. Too often people leave verses 18 – 20 off of the Full Armor Ephesians 6:10-20, when they read about the text. But it is exactly in the praying for one another (where 2 or more are gathered in my name) and speaking to others about Christ, that we become part of the BODY of Christ, as His Bride and His Army. (Ref: Matthew 18:20 and I Corinthians 12:12-27)
2) To see every piece of armor in the spiritual realm, and not get stuck on the representational piece – that may seem in real/physical armor to be only defensive or only offensive. I pushed them to write about every piece as potentially BOTH defensive and offensive weapons.
3) From that stance, to stop seeing the Spiritual Battle as a defensive one and only HOLDING ground. The one, in a war and certainly in sports, who is trying to just hold ground and defend usually gets worn down and loses in the end. Instead I wanted them to see all weapons also, and strategically, as offensive. That the goal is, yes, to destroy Satan’s lies and strongholds, but not to destroy and kill people in the process. Instead the greater goal is to TAKE TERRITORY and to ADVANCE (and enlarge) the Kingdom – to bring people TO Christ and INTO a deeper and more personal and powerful relationship with Him. After all, God’s armor intends to go in with PEACE. How creative is God in that?!

The Writing on Purpose / Writing for God Group members did all that and more. I am so excited and honored to represent this group of AMAZING writers, and to show off what ONLY GOD could do in bringing it all together – even in the most difficult of circumstances!

Credits

Concept, Photography/Digital Art, Film Design/Layout, Voice Over, Text Editor - ©Heather J. Kirk

Text / Author Credits:
1. ©Irene Smith – There is Multiplicity in Our God! – Ephesians 6:11
2. ©James Montgomery – How We Wrestle / Cleanse Us, Father! – Ephesians 6:12
3. ©Kevin - Standing Firm on the God’s Promises – Ephesians 6:13
4. ©Anna Bullington: Blanketed in Truth – Ephesians 6:14a
5. ©Heather J. Kirk – Righteousness That Latches On – Ephesians 6:14b
6. ©Gloria Cerda – The Walk of Peace – Ephesians 6:15
7. ©Heather J. Kirk – Mustard Seed Shield – Ephesians 6:16
8. ©Kaye Guerrero - Helmet of Salvation – Ephesians 6:17a
9. ©Lora Harvey – The Prayer of Outstretched Arms – Ephesians 6:17b
10. ©Lauryn Andres: Prayer of the Sword of the spirit – Ephesians 6:18-20
11. ©Anna Bullington – The Battle Cry – Ephesians 6:19b-20

How to Purchase this Artwork

Please contact Heather J. Kirk for licensing a digital copy of all or portions of the film at HJKirk@juno.com.

Many of the images can be purchased at https://heather-kirk.pixels.com as wall art, home décor and novelty pieces If you can’t find one in the extensive gallery, contact Heather for the direct link at HJKirk@juno.com

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

Heather J. Kirk, HJKirk@juno.com
I have many different outlets for my works, but links to ALL can be found on http://HeatherJKirk.com
And here are the separate links:
Services:
Graphic Design Portfolio for Small Businesses, Artists and Self-Publishing Authors; Editing Services: https://hjkirk.wixsite.com/heatherkirkgraphics
Speaking Engagements by Heather J. Kirk or other members of Writing on Purpose / Writing for God. HJKirk@juno.com with “Speaker Request” in the Subject Line.
Authored Books: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B006N6C0JE
We…a spirit seeking harmony for a world that’s out of sync
I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief

Photography and Art for a Cause – a percentage of profits goes to prevent sex and human trafficking in the country where the photo was taken: https://heather-kirk.pixels.com/

Fashion for a Cause: Cause – a percentage of profits goes to prevent sex and human trafficking in the country where the photo was taken:
VIDA Fashion: https://shopvida.com/collections/heather-j-kirk
Art of Where Fashion: https://artofwhere.com/artists/heatherjkirk
Blog:
Because WE Care: https://becausewecare.blog

Transcript / Lyrics

Multiplicity – From Soldier to Army
Based on Ephesians 6:11-20 and related Scriptures
Editor: Heather J. Kirk

Group Leader and Designated “Primary Entrant” for
Writing on Purpose / Writing for God Group
submitting to the
Engage Arts Competition 2019-2020
VIDEO Category

Heather J. Kirk
HJKirk@juno.com / 480-544-3609
www.HeatherJKirk.com
7950 E. Starlight Way #108
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Multiplicity – From Soldiers to an Army
Based on Ephesians 6:11-20
Editor: Heather J. Kirk

1. ©Irene Smith - There is Multiplicity in Our God!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: : : “One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you.” Joshua 23:10 (NASB)

Video Narrative: The Word declares, “Put On the Whole Armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We MUST be equipped for the battle and the journey. One can chase 1,000 and two can put 10,000 to flight. There is Multiplicity in Our God.

2. ©James Montgomery – How We Wrestle / Cleanse Us, Father!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: : : “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14

Video Narrative: Without the truth of God’s Word, we are in constant duress between our spirit and the flesh. And so is the spirit of man, when our passion for the flesh and its desires distances us from God and victory. Principalities set up lies in the high place of our minds that consume us. It is time we take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Like David we cry, “Search our hearts, O Lord!” Cleanse us, Father, of filthiness with the sweet water of your Word. Spring up in us the victory of everlasting life and quench our spiritual thirst!

3. ©Kevin Montgomery – Standing Firm on the God’s Promises

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: : : “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 (NIV)

Video Narrative: God asks, “What are you afraid of? The rain and rivers? The evil winds that blow and beat against your mind? Do not worry about your lives. Are we not more valuable than the birds of the air? Stand firm, place your feet upon the foundation of the Rock.”

He promised us eternal life if we confess and believe. Ask, “Do I glorify Him in all I do?” Do anything and everything as a loving service that is pleasing to Father God, then stand firm!

4. ©Anna Bullington - Blanketed in Truth

“ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, “ Ephesians 6:14a (NIV)

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Video Narrative: The belt on which everything else hinges, is like a very special blanket! Covering dishonesties and hidden agendas with the blanket of truth causes them to become visible. “Today,” the KING declares, “I blanket you and your generation with TRUTH! And I declare the eyes of your understanding are opening! Truth brings my presence, it brings reformation. Truth brings revival! It starts movements! It’s time, My Love, My Bride! For such a time as this, my Army!

5. ©Heather Kirk – Righteousness That Latches On

“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place” Ephesians 6:14b
Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:3

Video Narrative:
Righteousness that latches on for life – my Christ!
With a covering beyond my own, more than survive – I thrive!
A sky full of space between His yoke and my collarbones.
Burdens and penalties lifted, before Him I drifted.
Ah, but now I float in His sea of forgetfulness!
so that when lies arise – planted in my mind
that I am less or not yet whole…
this breastplate I wear is the hope of my soul.

6. ©Gloria Cerda – The Walk of Peace

“...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ..” Ephesians 6:15

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “Be sober-minded; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walked about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7

Video Narrative: As we lace up our shoes, the Prince of Peace is the message of salvation we share. By His grace, we receive encouragement and the strength to fight the cares of this world with God’s son Jesus at our side.

Preparation lets us walk with a sense of calmness, an assurance and a knowledge of how this battle ends. While Satan walks around seeking to devour, God’s army walks in victory and claims the final hour!

7. ©Heather J. Kirk – Mustard Seed Shield

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30:5

Video Narrative:
You promised a mustard seed of faith was enough.
But what if a tiny seed in the storm gets crushed?
Our shields become shells to ward off Satan’s blows,
Humbly we crawl to you, steady though turtle slow.
We will seek you ‘til we find you in both the highs and lows.
We will seek you ‘til we realize that this is how faith grows.

8. ©Kaye Guerrero - The Helmet of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation …” Ephesians 6:17a

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Video Narrative:
The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.
But Christ came to give, live, and build on.

Through His victory on the cross we are saved and made whole,
Cleansed by His blood, yes we are redeemed by His love and sacrifice.

His salvation is our helmet, our eternal protection.
Through His Word we are continually renewed.

9. ©Lauryn Andres - Prayer of the Sword of the Spirit

“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17b

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)

Video Narrative:
Oh, Lord our King!
We pray fervently that you grant us the mind of Christ,
And the wisdom and faith to wield carefully
the potential within the Sword we clutch:
the privilege to defend, the authority to pull down,
the power save a life.
Oh, Father, teach us to be accomplished swordswomen and men,
sharply cutting to the quick as Your truth redirects a life.

10. ©Lora Harvey - The Prayer of Outstretched Arms

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: “But He Himself withdrew [in retirement] to the wilderness (desert) and prayed.” Luke 5:16

Video Narrative:
Umbilical cord, if severed assures our death,
and so we stay connected.
Pouring out our hearts, life in upheaval,
Whispering please and praise.
Overwhelmed by grace. His love and mercy.
His blessings amidst the strife…
Amazed by His plans for our lives!
This weapon of prayer we hold and wield
fights off the enemy’s onslaught.
Even if we’re caught off-guard, He never is.
Limitless, bottomless, incomprehensible love for us.
Falling more in love each day, we learn, listen, and give to Him
more of ourselves each time we pray.

11. ©Anna Bullington - Battle Cry

“that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Ephesians 6:19b-20

Additional Biblical Reference for Narrated Text: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32

“Rise up and sit on your throne, O Jerusalem. Remove the chains from your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.” Isaiah 52:3

Video Narrative:
The King says, “Together we can change the course of history!”
Rise up in Truth my Beloved. MULTIPLY, my Army, and take TERRITORY for my Kingdom and my GLORY!”

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