“The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.” Francis A. Schaeffer, Art & the Bible

Am I a risk-taker? 

I have painted a few images trying to capture what my heart sees… It has been an ongoing learning experience!!! I say most of my paintings look like cartoons ..Lol 

However, as I experiment with colors, paint, and digital art This image appeared … I must admit I have held on to this image… for a few weeks. 

The question became am I a risk taker? I became guarded about the image I created… Do I share this image and take the risk of someone taking it and making it their own? Or perhaps they may try to copy the image? And then I heard in my soul … it’s not mine to keep He was given to me to share…

I was torn do I follow my mind? Or Do I follow my heart and listen to that voice that whispers to my soul? 

Knowing Him is risky … I have put relationships at risk as I tried to find my balance and discover more about this amazing love He offers. 

Sharing my heart has always been way out of my comfort zone! Until He touched my soul. 

I am sad to say some people did not even try to understand and quietly pulled away, some ran the other direction, and I felt a tear deep within my heart. But the good news is many came to share their story and their heart with me. I am so grateful to those who stayed. 

I must admit I find it perplexing that some are so bound in their own thoughts they are not open enough to see, feel, and share His love. They truly have no idea what they are missing. I found many take His love for granted and do not nurture it daily. I do not understand why they leave His love sitting idle instead of growing that spark into a flame?

I have felt the pain of loss when I openly risk sharing the incredible gift I have ever known. This journey with God, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit has taught me many things. I found out that taking the “GOD” risk has many rewards. 

You will risk falling in love with our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. You will risk falling in love with mankind. You will see the world with eyes of wonder. You will risk gaining peace that surpasses all human understanding. You will risk a joy that overflows within your soul… You will risk building a relationship with the Triune, they will hold your heart and never turn away…

As my understanding of them became clearer I opened my heart and invited them in to stay. Through their teachings and many tears, I found my confidence and knowledge of them grew. I now openly take risks by sharing Him and His love with no hesitation. 

Because if I can touch your heart today, and Risk sharing the greatest love I have ever known with you!! I will know in my soul YOU were worth the risk. 

And I know to risk life without Him is the biggest mistake we can ever make… 

acrylic 11x14 

Digitally finished 

Inspired by a greater LOVE 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Phil Wickham - Falling In Love (Official Music Video)

Gravity 

Gravity is very important to us. We could not live on Earth without it. The sun's gravity keeps Earth in orbit around it, keeping us at a comfortable distance to enjoy the sun's light and warmth. It holds down our atmosphere and the air we need to breathe.

We located 33 verses that reference the word Gravity in the Bible. 

I came across the word 'gravity' through a song by Sara Bareilles. It's a beautiful rendition that speaks to my soul and brings me thoughts of Him...

So full of awe and wonder are the many miracles our Father has created in our lives, including gravity, all so detailed, inspiring, and beautiful!

Gravity,

It cannot be seen yet holds us without touch. We tend to take it for granted, but desperately need it to survive. Without gravity, we would spin off into the dark abyss, lost and alone.

Does gravity remind you of someone we know? 

Someone who is so in love with us that He has placed that same gravitational pull on our hearts. He wants us back. He is such a romantic soul. How do we not see Him? Why do we take Him for granted? How do we not LOVE Him with the same unwavering intensity that He loves us???

Oh, gravity…. Hold me close and never let me go...!! 

It’s Him! It will always be Him!! 

Forever till the end of time.

“For in him was created the universe of things, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it all exists through him and for his purpose! He existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in him.”

Colossians 1:16-17 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

When we journey away from home, our routines change, as do the distractions surrounding us. In these moments of shift, we are invited to explore new thoughts and make time to be still in His presence. These precious moments of stillness refresh our spirits and fill our hearts with peace and hope. His love is the greatest gift of all, and no matter where life takes us, we are forever blessed to have Him by our side. 

I had to get creative without my art supplies, but I created something using my iPhone. I started with one of my old pieces and created a new digital piece… 

Proof that rebuilding on His firm foundation makes it better than the original... My heart goes out to the many souls rebuilding their lives... I pray each one starts with His firm foundation, for He will bring them through any situation. His love will always be our victory march!

It's Him! It will always be Him!! 

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Love.

I have found my first love in the sanctuary of my spiritual mind, body, and soul. He is my escape from the outside world and my forever hiding place. With Him, I am embarking on a wondrous journey of self-discovery as He patiently guides me through the intricate labyrinth of my soul. He is the missing piece to the earthly void that chases me.  He is the one who completes me and makes me whole. With Him, I am never alone.

He patiently awaits… with open arms, yearning to listen to my deepest thoughts, secrets, and desires … He accepts me as I am, even with all my frailties and flaws… He guides the vulnerable child within me as I stumble through each God-given day… He fills my heart with an intoxicating love that breathes life into the mundane existence of human life. He is a spiritual experience that radiates a peaceful state of soulful surrender, satisfying every fiber of my restless soul…  He is the Master of hearts, holding mine gently as I forge a path.

I will always wonder why it took me so long to find Him!!! I was not blessed to know Him as a child… I only knew of Him. I will admit, I found His beauty in the latter years of life… However, I cannot take the credit because He found me. Silly me, I didn’t even know I was lost.

I have missed so much by knowing Him only for such a short time. So, the hunger you see to know more about the Soul that has impacted my life wondrously is fueled by the knowledge that my life is ticking by, and I do not want to waste another moment without growing my knowledge and love for Him. 

With every tear that falls upon my face, I am reminded of His unwavering love and awe-inspiring presence.

I humbly hear Him gently whisper to my soul … 

“My child, there is so much more to discover. The sweetest gift lies beyond your world." "It lies within me… Close your eyes, take my hand… and let’s embark on the journey written for you alone!”

And my heart whispers … 

It’s Him! It will always be Him!! 

And I am undone… 

He is... 

My sanctuary! My spiritual love from another world.  He is my spiritual guide home…There is so much I have yet to comprehend fully!! 

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to love Him!! My Elohim! 

Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD; let us worship at the footstool of his throne. Psalms 132:7

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Tori Kelly - Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7...

The meaning of torn is that things have been pulled apart or ripped. 

As I reflect on our world, ravaged by wars, hate, natural disasters, and political instability, my heart goes out to the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. The loss of life and the pain endured by so many is a tragedy for all humanity. 

Certainly, the challenges some individuals face are unknown to us as we watch the events unfold from the comforts of our homes. 

It begs whether our hearts can truly feel the pain of those affected by the conflicts in our world.

When I try to pray for nations engaged in conflict, I find myself facing a predicament. Who should I intercede for? How can we choose sides when we do not know all the political underlying facts? 

As a believer, I know that it is written... how much the region means to God and that He holds the ultimate “Dispensation.”

So. my tears fall for the innocent lives that have been affected by human tragedy, man-made and/or natural disasters. 

I plead not for the triumph of nations but for the wisdom and discernment of our leaders. 

My prayers will always be for the innocent lives ensnared in the events that have fallen upon our fragile world. 

Yes, my heart is torn.… 

Heart syndrome (also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy) can happen after sudden emotional or physical stressors affect you. The good news is that it's a temporary condition that usually doesn't cause any permanent heart damage.

This Life’s temporary nature reminds us to cherish Him and His gifts.

May His love, compassion, and peace find their way into your heart and soul!!! Never forget you are loved with a love that is beyond the restraints of this world!! 

“Dispensation” appears four times in the King James Version (1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25.)

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Natalie Taylor - Love Is The Answer (Official Video)

“Heaven’s kingdom realm is also like a jewel merchant in search of rare pearls. When he discovered one very precious and exquisite pearl, he immediately gave up all he had in exchange for it.” Matthew 13:44 TPT.

Meaning of closet: tall recess or wardrobe with a door, used for storage:  used to refer to a state of secrecy or concealment,l
shut (someone) away, especially in private conference 

The word closet is in the Bible approximately 6 times. 

Closet is such an obscure word to study in the Bible. It is not a word that is considered a normal word for a Bible word study... But what is normal?? 

I have found that when God is involved nothing is normal each one of us has a unique experience with Him... 

But as I studied this word,  I immediately thought of my own newly cleaned-out closet... All the things that did not matter are no longer hidden in the darkness they have found new homes... But my closet still seemed dark. I could barely see what treasures I had kept? So we installed lights that turn on automatically ... I stood at the door like a wide-eyed child... And opened the door slowly ... and with great anticipation, I peeked in and watched the light spill in, and with extreme delight, I could see... Colors, treasures, everything I had collected was no longer in the dark. I was filled with excitement when I realized the solution was so simple.

But what does this illustration have to do with this Bible word study... 

How many of us hide in our closets ??? Many of these closets are physical some are only in our minds... How many of us feel we have been consumed in this darkness? How many of us are so scared that we don’t know how to live??? Do we hide in this darkness we have created? Is life passing us by... So many beautiful moments were lost. Are you frozen due to fear... This darkness can cripple the heart and choke out the soul...

When I look back at my life, I now see I was in the closet of my mind... I learned to hide the hidden treasures God had planned in my soul... I am not sure what happened... Did I value what others would think way too much? Society had outlined what is acceptable? But who has the right to say what's normal?  

One day I heard God call my name... It’s a voice that I had been hearing but I did not recognize it, so I did not respond. I lacked understanding... I did not know that He was trying to save me from my darkness. This darkness in my mind had become my safe zone... 

But thank God one day I decided to listen to His voice and crack open the door... I grabbed the door handle and inhaled with a deep deliberate breath... And pulled ... And there I saw it. I felt it.. it ran through every fiber of my being... And at that moment I fell in love with this beautiful light.  I was mesmerized there was no turning back ... This light began to spill in brighter and brighter each God-given day... And with its help, I started cleaning out the closet of my mind... I felt lighter, I felt a freedom that I had not felt since I was a child... I could finally breathe.  As I cleaned out this closet I made room to fill it with the love this amazing light brought to my life. This light opened my soul, my heart, and my life... The darkness had lost its home... This light contains an unexplainable love and it fills me with an excitement that I find so difficult to contain... This light seemed to spill out from me where ever I travel. 

What is this light? How did it speak to my soul? How did it save me from the darkness of my mind?? It is a beautiful and sometimes painful process but I have grown to love this light with every beat of my newfound heart !!! It warms my very existence... It has freed my mind and makes my unbound soul feel the beauty of life... 

Let me introduce Him... 

He is the most amazing soul I have ever grown to know... He is the brightest star to ever shine... He offers love, not of this world ... He is the handsome bridegroom that is waiting for His bride... Some call Him Jesus, Some call Him Yeshua, Some call Him Savior. 

I stand in His light raise my hands to the sky and call Him mine... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him...  He calls me His beloved ... can you guess who I have become ??? 

“Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber and the bride out of her closet” Joel 2:16 

So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7

So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Matthew 24:33

And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut Matthew 25:10

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube

Out of the Darkness

)

The meaning of judge - to form an opinion or conclusion about something or someone.

The word “judge ” seems to have been used 45 times in the “authorized” KJV of the Bible. 

Who can honestly say without reproach that they have never been guilty of judging others?? 

This is such an ugly human trait. Do we become the judge and jury and throw that discerning eye and walk away too fast?? 

I don’t understand how we can not be more accepting of others. We are only here on this planet for such a short time... We should attempt to look past the outward appearance and see the rawness of a soul and maybe what you think you saw, is nothing like envisioned in your mind. 

Does our judgment come from fear of the unknown? Or is it due to our own inadequacies? Are we so full of ourselves that there is no room in our hearts for anyone that does not meet our standards ??? 

This is such a sad thought! 

This type of behavior can wound hearts! It can make them bleed.. and leave scars for a lifetime... I believe the one judging is truly missing out on the fullness of this life. 

There are times in our lives that we feel like we do not belong and we can feel lonely... Those heartfelt feelings can raise many of our insecurities... Looking to others to validate our worth is such a critical mistake... 

I do believe our deepest desire is to belong to something bigger than ourselves. But are we limiting ourselves to be earthly bound? Or are we reaching for something beyond this life?

There are times I have been on the side of the one being Judged. I feel many may judge my outward appearance of an inward love that is so beautiful and yet so hard to contain.  

And when I have been made to feel different is when I may withdraw and look like I am detached from this life. “Distant” 

But do not fooled by my silence. I have found solace in the loving arms of my Savior. He offers no judgment. He accepts me where I am at that beautiful moment in time. I look to Him for my validation. 

I have witnessed and felt His love.  His love is the most important love our soul should ever crave... It fills every void. It heals every scar. It is timeless and yet so difficult to describe. 

It's been my experience that our Savior speaks of love and acceptance. I ask Him often to teach me of His great love!! I want to learn to love with this type of love!! How, just how does He do it !! 

It’s His type of love that we should be desiring. It’s a love that is unconditional. It does not judge. It’s kind and forgiving. It has no boundaries...  

So the next time you feel the urge to judge ... look in the mirror and ask yourself am I full of myself? Or is there room in my heart to love... 

If you do not know the answer turn to the greatest teacher of life and love. It’s Him! 

Don’t judge something you do not understand.. embrace the differences.  You might surprise yourself and learn the most beautiful lesson of life!! 

To love like!!  HIM!!

It’s always been Him! 

He has only one request. That you love God with all your heart and soul and mind.

1 John 4:8 - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:16 - We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.  

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 -42 

A safe place to land lyrics Sara Bareilles ft John Legend

When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love. —Mother Teresa

The concept of Crazy Love highlights God's incomprehensible love for humanity, and our love for Him should be equally as incomprehensible and radical in its sacrifice for Christ.

Wow, how do we explain this kind of love???

As we delve into the boundless ocean of His Crazy Love, we find ourselves on a journey of ultimate self-discovery and sweet intimacy with our first love. 

His love defies the boundaries of human comprehension, touching the depths of our souls and inspiring us to soar to greater heights.  Only when we abandon our humanness and give ourselves entirely to Him can we truly love Him with the intensity and commitment He craves! 

Feeling His divine love is just the start of an incredible adventure that will transform you in ways you never dreamed of. A taste of His Holy presence makes you long for Him with all your heart and soul. It’s such an enlightening spiritual dance. It brings wonderment, excitement, and renewal, culminating in a complete surrender and deep spiritual connection with His Divine majestic beauty.

His love ignites our hearts and frees our souls to explore the vastness and wonder of who He truly is!  As we continually look to discover more, He will reveal the hidden clues that He so graciously left behind… His words will take residence in your heart and speak love to your soul.  He will never give up. His ultimate desire is to guide us home, back into His loving arms…

Seeking and immersing ourselves in the Oneness of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is testimony of His sacrificial love and truly a gift from Heaven! To know Him on such an intimate level becomes as essential as the air we breathe.

The knowledge gained during this experience produces trust and love for Him and Him alone …

Sometimes, I pause and reflect on my journey and the mystery of how I fell in love with Him, and many times, I am still baffled… 

Just how did it happen? To cherish Him so much defies what my mind can comprehend. Yet, loving Him with such heartfelt intensity feels so soulfully natural... 

I will admit it is a life-altering experience. Embarking on this transformative journey of discovery and building an unshakeable trust and love for Him will forever alter your life. 

Sometimes, you may feel earthbound by our human existence, but our soul has been given the keys to a new spiritual future with HIM... So, if you see me gazing towards the heavens, you will know my soul is communicating with the One who LOVEs me beyond my human understanding.  

Call it crazy?

I find it crazy that so many people turn away! Who doesn't need or crave the kind of love that He offers? It's unwavering, nonjudgmental, and compassionate, and that is only the beginning. 

Crazy love??? 

I often wonder, “To be loved intimately by man, was and is this His sole reason for creating human life???” 

Our journey to intimately know Him becomes a brilliant light and inspiring testimony for others who have yet to experience HIS kind of Crazy love!!! 

It’s Him! It’s always been and will always be Him! 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Falling In Love - Phil Wickham - Lyric Video

The choices we make day after day determine if we are pursuing God.   A.W. Tozer...

Did you ever wonder about why you were born?  How do you live on this fragile place called Earth?  How many years will you live on this earth?  And when you breathe your last breath, where will you go? 

Life is not an empty dream.  There is One who loves you deeply. When I say His name, you might say He is not the one who lived and died for me.  But He is the one Who created the Earth, the Sun, and the Stars for man to dwell here. 

The One who did this longed to share His love. So, He created a man in His image and kissed him with the breath of life. All of humankind came from this man and woman, including you and me.

If you are reading this, I don’t know who you are, but you live on this earth just like me. 

So, what do we do about this life we have been given? Many years ago, I had this same thought, and not by chance, someone told me about Jesus. 

They did not tell me much, but enough to make me want to know more about Him. So began my pursuit.  

I began to read about this one called Jesus.  I discovered that I did not have to do good things to have life forever.  He came to give me eternal life. 

I will not say more now.  

The One who created all of life is in pursuit of you.  He will not stop His pursuit until you receive Him. 

Who is this One who loves you?  This One who walked this earth 2000 years ago.  Seek Him!  

“To as many as receive Jesus, to them gave He, power to become the son or daughter of God….”  John 1:12.

Photography & Written by Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer

Carrie Underwood - I Surrender All (Official Audio Video)

Spirit of God, You are my primary teacher of God’s Word; I yield my heart and mind, my soul and spirit, my will and imagination to You as I immerse myself in the Word during these dedicated moments. Teach me in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The meaning of immersing oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.

How and what drives us to immerse ourselves in any particular person, place, or thing??? 

There are many things in our world that people could immerse themselves in! work, entertainment, sports—the list could be so long that we would never be able to discuss them all…  

So, Let me close my eyes, immerse myself in thought, and see where this word leads me. 

Will I be whisked away for just a moment, or will my heart yearn never to return? Or will my thoughts take me to where my soul wants to travel?  

Of course, I traveled to my safe place… it's Him… Immersed in the heavenly realms, we can escape the mundane and travel to a place of complete peace, love, and total surrender… 

I will be bold and ask you… have you ever immersed yourself in Him, His words, His grace, His forgiveness, His compassion, His undying love?

When we take the time to worship and immerse ourselves in His presence for any length of time, the outside world will become dim… and we will feel a warm, loving light that will fill our hearts and refresh our souls….. it’s like nothing else in our world… 

Being Immersed in Him is more than just a temporary escape - it's a path to lasting change and spiritual oneness with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

Immersed ….. 💦

It’s Him! It’s always Him!!

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Looking Through His Eyes