“A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” Maya Angelou...

Meaning hidden, kept out of sight, concealed.

We located twenty-eight verses that direct us to the word hidden.

I woke up this morning at 4:39 a.m. It's in these early morning hours when our world seems so still, so void of the noises that seem to disturb the peace and beauty that consume our busy lives.

It has become my favorite time of day. It's where I can escape into the hidden world where Jesus awaits. He gently comes and stays a while. He soothes my soul. He brings peace to my very existence. I can share my most intimate thoughts with Him: my dreams, victories, failures, struggles, and fear of the darkness in this turbulent world. 

It is where I can surrender my heart and soul and clear my mind... 

He has become my favorite hiding place... He loves me past all the pain, heartache, and doubts.  And fills my life with His abundant love, His unexplainable peace, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

It is a difficult relationship to explain and a challenge to understand when measured by our worldly standards. 

The hidden secret is, 

He is not of this world... He is timeless. He is a powerful force of energy. He is all things to all people. He wows me!!! He blows my mind!!  He is my three in one, He is a humble, loving Father, King, and Savior who has been desperately searching for our love... 

He stays hidden in the shadows unless we surrender our hearts...  His heart aches for us to return to His loving arms. And yet, so many of us cannot find the time to hide with Him.  They seem only to find the time when they are caught up in self, hurt, doubt, fear...  Why do we wait to find Him when we are desperate? 

I have experienced a secret place where He awaits. There, I can feel His forgiveness, grace, amazing love, and everlasting peace. He is my hidden treasure and a gift from God. He yearns to be a part of ALL our lives. ALL the time. 

He is not a God of convenience. 

He is not my gift alone—He belongs to you, too. When we find Him, we must savor our time with Him, fill our hearts with His unexplainable love, and share Him with our world. 

God only knows how much we need Him. His children are constantly praying for answers... And all this time, He has been right under our noses... But have we been too blind to, see??  

It’s Him!! It’s always been Him. 

He will always be my hidden treasure. No matter how often I share Him, His love is limitless and never-ending... 

He has become as important as the very air I breathe... There is nothing in this world that can replace the valued treasure of knowing Him. Of spending time alone with Him. Of loving Him... 

Just WOW... There is no one like Him ... I am blown away... by His Hidden Charm!! 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” 

(Matthew 6:21 ).

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy, over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

You Are My Hiding Place - Selah (Worship Song with Lyrics)

Meaning of focus: the state or quality of having or producing a clear visual definition. 

The word focus is in approximately fifty verses in the Bible. 

When I began to focus on this word, a visual image came to mind...As a child, I would watch my mother take such precision, concentration, and care... As she tried to thread a needle to create a beautiful -embroidered piece of delicate art... 

And then my thoughts drifted to this scripture: Mark 10:25: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom. 

What does this mean?? Do we focus on money, cars, and things of this world?  Are these the riches He speaks of?

These items we treasure will be left behind. I can’t help but see this very small pathway to Heaven, and if we try to bring our collection of treasures, we will not fit. And as you scramble to drop the things and lighten your load... You will realize there is a better way... There is freedom!! There is love like nothing you have ever known...It is just waiting for you... “only you,” not your treasures, title, or “things,” just you and your beautiful, loving heart. It is so simplistic. 

So pure... It's Him... It’s Him!  He is our treasure. 

We should focus on Him because He is the greatest teacher of what is truly important in this thing we call life.

As we focus on Him, with such precision, concentration, and care... The eye of the needle will become crystal clear. 

The question becomes, are you ready? What are you focused on??? Don’t be distracted; don’t see Him with blurred vision. Be hyper-focused on the one that will make you rich beyond this life!! 

It’s Him; it’s always been Him!!

You call me Teacher and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. John 13:13

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life 1 Timothy 6:17

Art & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy

Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: (YouTube)

Phil Wickham - Relationship (Official Audio)

“Relationships never truly die. Though they may come to an end, their essence lives on, forever etched in the threads of our cherished memories.” -  Mouloud Benzadi 

On this dark, gloomy morning. I left my warm home to witness my grandchildren’s smiling faces before driving them to school… A privilege many grandparents are not blessed to experience… Or they do not realize that our children and grandchildren are our legacy. They will carry our memories into the future.

When I arrived, I woke them up one by one. They stumbled out of bed and prepared to forge into a new day….

The car ride was quiet; we could hear the wipers rhythmically wiping the raindrops from the windshield… As the older two arrived at their school, they gathered their belongings, and we shared a quick goodbye… I leave them with l love you, be safe… “Not too loud” Because they are at the age that peer pressure is a thing… LOL

I then am left with the youngest; as we travel, we listen to music… The song After Me by Matt Brock played softly in the background… I opened the window to feel the cool rain and breathe in the freshness of the new day… I watched the grey clouds dance by in the blistery skies above. I could see the car lights twinkle from oncoming traffic on the wet road ahead… Do we take these moments for granted, or do we thank our Heaven Father for making moments that speak to our souls possible…

We arrived and found our place in the carpool line. I looked at this beautiful angelic face as she smiled… She is facing TCAP testing today. I asked her if she wanted to pray about her test… She smiled and said yes. We bowed our heads, held hands, and said a few motivational, thankful words…Her smile said it all!!

I would not trade these precious moments! And I thank God for the privilege of sharing His love this morning… 

 “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

#kids #precious #gift

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Mack Brock - After Me (Official Lyric Video)

As Jesus said, “Go and do likewise. As the route of your life path and your winks from God begin to emerge—like a rainbow out of the mists of your mind—you will be struck by the message of hope that it holds for you.” - Squire Rushnell - 

Are God's winks real, or are they just chance events? Yesterday started as a busy day with some challenges. 

Our air conditioning unit had stopped working, and we were scheduled to get the unit replaced before the Tennessee temperatures started their summer climb.

The work truck pulled up, and three workers stepped out, not knowing that God had a plan… 

One of the men had to come into the house, and we exchanged greetings.  I explained I would need to leave at 2 pm to pick up my granddaughter from school. 

In our conversation, he used the word blessed, which was the beginning of what was about to unfold. 

I said you must be a Christian. He acknowledged my question with a smile and said yes. And he returned to start the work he had been hired to do… 

The day seemed to slip away, and soon, it was time to leave. I advised them I would be going to pick up my granddaughter. 

I realized I was too early as I traveled towards the school, so I bought the workers a lemonade. I returned to deliver the drinks. The one young man was kneeling by the unit alone, and I asked him what church he attended.  He told the name and smiled. With that opening, I began to tell him my testimony… I explained how the Holy Spirit touched me with an indescribable love right here in the city of Triune, TN, which means Trinity. 

I shared with him about my medical miracle, no surgery needed… I advised him that I share my story on a blog and podcast…He looked up, smiled, and said you must write a book. I laughed and said I have two selling on Amazon right now. 

I explained I needed to leave, but I would show him both of my books upon my return. 

I soon returned. And he came in to install the new thermostat. I grabbed both books off the coffee table and showed him the covers. He quickly said I want to buy one. I explained that these are hardcovers and that they run $30.00. I have digital copies available online for only $3.33.

He insisted he wanted one of the hard copies… whipped out 30 dollars, and the deal was completed.  I showed him to my studio, where the wall is adorned with images of Jesus I painted. He reacted very kindly as he looked at the images. Then, He asked if he could take pictures of my paintings to share with his wife. I said sure; he snapped a few images. He thanked me, gathered his tools and the book, and walked out. 

I stepped out to the porch for some last-minute instructions from the project manager. 

As we spoke, the young, smiling man approached me with the book and pen, saying he could only leave with the book if I signed it. 

We exchanged smiles as he handed me the book and a pen. 

How would you like me to dedicate the book??? What is your name? 

He smiled and said Actually, my name is Jesus!!! But they call me Jes… 

I spent the day with Jesus in more than one way...Because my Jesus was present during the God wink moment… 

Sometimes God orchestrates meetings with perfect strangers that will linger as cherished memories…

Never let a moment slip through our fingers to share Him…

Today, I was blessed by Jesus… 

Art, Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Too Good To Not Believe (Lyric Video) - Brandon Lake

 

Triune Loves Me (books)

“Being kind means responding to the needs of others - and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” Fred Rodgers...

My morning seemed to start normal, just like most days. But my quiet mood was soon interrupted by a call from my granddaughter… 

She could not contain her excitement!!!  She informed me that her mini donkey had had her baby. We had a new foal in our midst... She quickly told me we needed a name and wanted my help naming him. She wanted a name from the Bible. The Easter story was still fresh on our minds. So, this task placed me in the thought of that significant day when Jesus was crucified.   Thinking of that day along with this new little foal. I remembered where a lowly donkey played an essential role in Jesus' life. 

A donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Another carried Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s decree to kill all baby boys two years of age and under. And a foal of a donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Amazingly, this humble animal bears the markings of a cross on its back.  

Many names raced through my mind… And then my thoughts stopped on the name Simon… 

He helped Jesus on the horrific crucifixion day. It was not the disciples; they bailed. Even Peter said, “he did not know Jesus."

After the scourging and other torturous beatings that Jesus endured, He was so weak He could not carry the heavy cross.  He was clearly struggling and would not make it without help. The soldiers grabbed Simon and forced him to carry the cross.

They gave Simon no choice!!! 

I can only imagine that the blood covering Jesus stained all of Simon’s clothes, his arms, and his face. It was a life-changing encounter. One that I am sure Simon would never forget. Simon had an up-close experience with the Son of God, and his life would never be the same. 

This statement is supported by a verse in Romans 16:13. It states that both sons and Simon became passionate witnesses for Jesus. 

Simon… a humble little donkey whose ancestors played a significant role in our Savior's life. Our new little Simon carries the mark of the cross upon his back to remind us of the significance of that day….

“And they compelled one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.” Mark 15:21

“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother…” Romans 16:13

Written by Joann Turnbull

Photography by MJ

Edited by Lori Garner 

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Little Donkey.

There is so much publicity and planning for this event!!! It is predicted to take place on April 8, 2024; in the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m.  Are you ready? Do you have your special glasses? Is your camera protected? 

There will be thousands of people with all eyes fixed on the heavens, just waiting to catch the moment when the dark moon will obscure our view of the beautiful brilliance of the sun … Crowds of people will be mesmerized… Many will stand in awe…Our minds and our eyes will be bedazzled by this moment in time… 

Are these spectacular sightings a warm-up call for something bigger? Something greater? Something that will make us all drop to our knees? Something that will change life as we know it. 

For centuries, many people have speculated about when this moment will occur. It is written in Matthew 24:36. No one knows when our Savior will return, no one, but the Father… 

So, when we gather to watch this celestial phenomenon, let our minds and our eyes be fixed on this wondrous Godly event... but let our hearts and souls drift into thoughts of thanks to the Creator of all the Heavens.  

He is a magnificent artist…, and He deserves all the praise. I am in awe of His splendor and love that He creates and shares such spectacular moments with our world!

I wonder if we will need special soulful glasses to witness His brilliant light upon His Royal return… 

Are you ready? 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42  

Art, Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

God of Wonders by Third Day

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. 

Isaiah 40:26...

Be so busy loving God, others, and your life that you have no time for regret, worry, fear, or drama...

The Meaning of Intermundium: The space between worlds.

Have you ever felt stuck between worlds? Are we so earthly bound that we cannot reach the heavens? Have you ever wished we could travel back in time to another dimension? Another galaxy? Our lives are so fragile. Will we ever find our way?  

Can we escape the mundane?? 

I have... And I must admit it because of Him. 

There is such a beautiful spiritual world just waiting to be explored... Intermundium is that beautiful space between our world and our heavenly Father. It can be that amazing space where we can find ourselves. And where we can tap into our wondrous dreams.

God has such a spiritual calling on our hearts that it gently tugs at our souls. His love awaits us to take that step and open our hearts. His beautiful presence wows me—such beauty, such grace. It truly is difficult to put into words. It's a spiritual bridge that many do not understand. Many may dance close to the fire,  but unless the fire is felt deep in the soul, You will not be caught up in the feelings of love that He brings. 

How can I explain the intensity and vastness of this love? My soul is always searching for words, but… 

He leaves me speechless. 

It's beyond words. It surpasses time and world and reaches far beyond the heavens. His love engulfs my heart and invades my soul. It takes me to places in my mind that I never knew existed.  

Who is this that has the power to capture our hearts? 

You can find me lingering in the intermedium state of my life, always searching for...

Him. It's always Him. 

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6 KJV.

Written by Lori Garner

Photography

Bible Verses From KJV  /

Sinner's Prayer
Inspiring Music - You Tube 

For When It Rains / Juan Sanchez 

Follow a life of purpose...

Meditation Moment... 

The sounds are the ocean waves lapping on the seashore... The view had the sun glistening gently on the ocean surface as waves kissed the shoreline... There is a ship bell ringing at a far distance. My heart always calls upon Jesus in my meditations, and He never disappoints. 

My mind's eye sees Him standing barefoot on the shoreline in an off-white cotton robe.  His eyes are fixed on the vast ocean in front of Him. A gentle breeze is blowing through His brown wavy hair, His skin is tan, and He has a golden glow from the sun shining upon His beautiful face. He turns away and begins to walk on the shoreline, leaving footprints in the white course beach sand.  I slowly stepped into the footprint He left behind; I was like Cinderella trying on her glass slipper... One foot then the other, my feet fit in the middle of His print with room to spare. I could feel the warmth of the sand between my toes.  The ocean breeze blew my hair, and my flowing white dress danced across my legs. I could smell the aroma of salt in the air... 

I kept my eyes focused on Him as He slowly continued to walk, leaving me His foot imprints on the shore to follow... But then, He motioned with His hand to follow Him, and I followed Him for what seemed to be a very long distance. With each step, the water line crept closer, and warm waves began to rush over my feet, filling the prints with sea foam bubbles. 

The tide called the salty water to return to the sea, and our merged footprints were soon swept away... 

He turned and said, “Come by my side and walk with me,” so I joined Him. We walked without words until we found two old-fashioned beach chairs sitting just at the water's edge... He motioned to welcome me to sit. I did, and He joined me in the other chair ... Without speaking. He then reached out His hand; I joined His hand with mine. He gently held my hand as we watched the skies sweep in various ribbons of pink and blue hues... We could almost hear the water sizzle as the sun began to dip its beauty into the dark, glittering water.  We held on to the moment for a while, but then the moment ended ... No words were needed.  

This beach escape engulfed all senses with a peaceful harmony and radiated love to my heart like no other...  

If I still lived in Florida .. I would be finding the closest beach to return to the scene. ⛱❤️😍☮

Art, Photography & written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Trinity Music | Anointed One

Take me with you... 

Passion Week is such a spiritual time of remembering. As we move past this time of year, do we embrace His significance to our world… During this time, many will visit a church or perhaps find a quiet moment to say a few words of thanks. Do we celebrate Him this week and then find ourselves moving on and going on with life as usual?  

Or does His memory linger on our skin like the dew that clings to the vine? Do we take Him with us as we enter the next chapter of our lives? Do we reflect on and understand the magnitude of this monumental gift of love from God? 

Emotions can run from complete sorrow to unexplainable joy!!! The sorrow is heartfelt as we relive His life and what He endured, but is our joy self-serving? The answer to that question, my friend, is personal. 

I feel a humbling gratitude for His undying love! It is such a beautiful, unselfish love.  I feel so in debt to Him for giving me life… His gift of life will hold my soul for eternity… 

His love is bittersweet…

It brings me to tears to think of the cost…it brings me to my knees in complete surrender … it brings my heart to a love that I find hard even to explain… 

It’s Him!!  It’s always Him!!  

Close your eyes and invite Him into your world. Linger here with us for a while! I am undone…

Remember me, O Lord, in Your favor toward Your people;

Visit me with Your salvation, Psalm 106:4

Art, Photography & written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Adoration (Live)