“Your greatest self has been waiting your whole life; don’t make it wait any longer.” Dr. Steve Maraboli

Meaning of self: The Christian “

self - is real in the sense that he or she exists through God's grace; he or she expresses himself or herself in the created world of common experience in psychological terms and moral behavior. A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive action.

When I researched how many times the word “self” appeared in the Bible. I discovered that the word seemed to attach itself to other words. Like, self-examine, self-love, self-control, self-esteem, self-care, and I am sure there are many more. So for this word we will not share how many times the word self appears. But we are praying that if one of the subsets of the word “self” hits home that you will chase it down and study it for yourself. 

I also made an interesting discovery when I put the word self in the search bar for this blog.. It made me reflect with a smile on my face. 

Here are the words in order. Journey, Genuine, Character, True, Exposed, Righteousness, Commit, Scars, Unquenchable thirst, The Masters's hands… These words have all touched my soul. And they all have a piece of me within each page, I can be found in each word, and each thought…. But they do not point me to self… They all point me to Him.. to His Love.. and to His guidance. So, I must go to Him to understand this word self. 

Hello, it’s me again, You have taught me many things…You have taught me the importance of life and love.  You have taught me that we can not be brave enough to truly see ourselves…We can only see the mirror image of who we think we are?? 

How can I truly see myself? Humans have a tendency to hide behind a façad. Where is that true genuine self? The one that you so tenderly made? I can not do this without your help… It is a scary thing to be stripped bare, and look onto our own hearts? I can only hold my breath when I look into my soul… Can our minds even handle what our eyes must-see? What I must understand ?? Will you help me? Will you hold my hand? Will you carry me when the view is not what I want to see?

“Do not be afraid … It’s the light you reflect from your heart and soul into the world. That is the most genuine most truthful look at self.” 

So then, I ask you to search me, find me, and help me refine the light that shines from within…It’s not what I think of myself that matters most. It’s what you think of me that is the most important factor of living a life that will be remembered by the light that is shared... 

So when I look into the mirror, I pray that others see you within me and not that inward word.. of self. But that outward word of LOVE. 

It's Him. It's always Him.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / 

Sinners Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Reflection of Your Love

“We all make choices, but in the end, our choices make us.” - Ken Levine...

The meaning of consequence in the Bible, a consequence is the result or outcome of an action, decision, or behavior, whether positive or negative. It emphasizes that choices have a ripple effect, impacting ourselves and others. The Bible teaches that obedience and disobedience to God's will have consequences, with obedience leading to blessings and disobedience leading to punishment or correction. 

The word "consequence" appears in the Bible, though not with the modern-day meaning as a noun. It's used in the context of actions having outcomes, both positive and negative. 

Life's challenges present us with choices that shape our journey, leading to consequences that can be transformative. Some consequences are immediate, while others emerge when we reflect on our experiences and choices, impacting not only us but also those we love.

Although it's tempting to take the easy route, those who overcome obstacles and dedicate themselves to preserving are rewarded. 

They will ultimately experience the joys of life; they will witness the lasting impact of their choices. 

Life's journey is a powerful affirmation of the profound impact of our choices. As we look back, we'll discover that when our actions are motivated by love and wisdom, we have the remarkable power to create a brighter, more compassionate world. Did we tap into this power to create a lasting legacy? Or did the easy road hinder us from embracing the opportunities that could lead us to being the best we could be???

One day, we'll face the reality of our choices, and we will be humbled by how our choices have affected not only ourselves but those we love the most.

The day will come when we seek God! Will we have regrets? Will we ask for forgiveness?  Will our soul carry the scars we made by the choices we made?  

How we love is where change and healing can be felt!! Change starts with you!!! Love can open hearts and soothe wounds… 

God has extraordinary blessings in store for your future… But we must give Him our heart … ask Him to guide us!!  Ask Him to teach us how to love like Jesus… ask Him for the strength to make the right choices. 

I've lived long enough to confidently share that choices in life will profoundly impact your life today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life… 

Life is short… Know that you will always be loved in spite of your choices… however, life may become difficult. 

It is so much easier to try to live life with no regrets…

Remember, consequences can be positive!!! 

Don’t let life and relationships slip through your fingers… Shine the loving light that lives within you…

Never forget you are blessed and loved by Him, and others more than words can even express.

Choose a positive consequence!! Choose … 

Him! It’s always Him! 

Now all discipline seems to be painful at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace ...Hebrews 12:11

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Bring Me Back |A Cry for Redemption and Peace/ English-Hebrew Messianic Worship Song

"I exist in two places: Here and where you are." 

Meaning of home: the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household.

The word "home" appears 51 times in the King James Version of the Bible, in 50 verses.

The word home can mean different things to different people. What is home? Is it childhood memories that are held in our hearts? Is it a building that holds our most prized possessions? Are they the loved ones that live in our daily lives?  Why do we long to always go home when we have been away for any length of time?   The human race has always built a “home” where we could feel safe, warm, and protected from the outside world and the scary elements of life. 

Although I am guilty of being one of those humans. The word home placed me in deep thought. I re-evaluated my list above.. and thought every reason above can be taken away. 

Over time, life has proven this to me.  I have found myself having to rebuild a couple of times. So, where do we really place this value of home? 

I  believe our home is within... It’s our heart. It's our soul. It's where our memories are made ...It’s where the Holy Spirit lives. There is a heavenly connection with our Heavenly Father and His amazing Son that is within. It’s there that our prized possession is truly built.  It’s that longing to go home that pulls us towards heaven.  I do believe many loved ones will make it, and we will be welcomed home one day. This world is just a fleeting moment in time. So, as we gather our possessions and fragments of our lives on earth. Never lose focus on where your future home will be. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him ...

            He is Home.

My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 NIV 

Proverbs 24:3-4

By wisdom, a house is built,

And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge, the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

1 John 4:16 KJV

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner   

Bible Verses From KJV  /

Sinners Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube. 

Skylar Grey - I'm coming home (Lyrics)

“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.”― Wayne dyer

Meaning of nobody a person of no importance or authority.

The word nobody is in the Bible approximately 64 times. 

I am sure we have all felt at some time in our lives that we were small, insignificant, or maybe even unloved... 

We have all walked by someone where we were too busy to stop and notice them? They were invisible? Did we consider them a nobody? Less important? Not worthy of our time, our smile, or even our concern?? 

When did we become so distracted? So self-centered? So, preoccupied with the world? 

I do believe this callous behavior carries through to our relationship with God... Are we too busy? Are we so full of self?? Do we treat Him like a nobody? Less important? Too busy to spend the time?

Unless we have an event, an illness, or a spiritual awakening, we unfortunately miss all the signs. We walk right by God without even seeing Him. We treat Him like a nobody, insignificant and small.

Many even question His very existence!  Until that pivotal moment that we selfishly have a need... 

It's then that we suddenly remember Him and find ourselves on our knees, in prayer and looking for His intervention, His possible miracle, or even His forgiving nature. it’s all about self!!! I have witnessed even nonbelievers fall to their knees. 

I wonder, does He feel abandoned by His children? Does He think that we see Him as a nobody?  Less important than worldly things? When nobody listens it must wound His heart? Does He feel that nobody truly loves Him the way He loves us??? 

He has proven that He loves us more than He values His own life... He has always put us first... He is patiently waiting for each of us to notice Him. He loves it when we see Him in everything, we do... He is the biggest somebody in our lives!!  Don’t wait until something happens to stop you in your tracks to see Him, to pray to Him, to smile at Him... Or to just share your life with Him. 

Make Him as important as the air you breathe. He will change the way you see the world...Your value system will shift from self to others. You will begin to see the value and appreciate the nobodies in your life... 

It's at that moment in time you realize that you were the nobody that walked by the somebody so self-absorbed so distracted. That you let the opportunity to be somebody in someone's life slip through your fingers. STOP AND Think with your heart... 

Put that God-given gift to work! Put the value of life back on track!  Share your smile, share your time!  Share the gift of being somebody in this crazy world... 

Be that somebody that cares, that loves, and that carries the light to illuminate the darkness in our world!! 

Be that somebody that opens hearts to the wonder of Him!! 

It’s Him. it’s always Him.  

He is my somebody!!  I awake with a smile because of Him. He has opened my sleepy eyes to His world of wonder! He has given me hope!!! I so appreciate His beautiful smile, His heartwarming laughter, and His amazing undying love. He has taken residence in my heart and made me feel like His somebody!!!

I am His Child. His love... His soulful connection to our world. 

He wows me!!! 

Signed by: 

Somebody In My Father's Eyes 

Job 33:14

"God speaks time and time again but nobody notices

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Michael Bublé - You Are Nobody Till Somebody Loves You (Lyrics)

Meaning of Resurrection is the concept of coming back to life after death.   

The word “resurrection” appears 56 times throughout the books of the Bible. 

Whenever I have heard or hear the word  “resurrection” I have always thought of Jesus... Even before I truly knew Him... But I knew enough of the story from movies that this word seemed to always point to Him... 

But as I travel on this spiritual journey ... Words that point me to God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit have taken on a deeper meaning.  So how do we understand this phenomenon we call resurrection? 

The Bible is always a great source for our soul to understand the spiritual essence of where we come from and where our final destination resides. It's our road map to life and beyond.

Resurrection is such a beautiful and yet powerful word... 

One must die in the flesh before this activity can begin. This concept is truly mind-blowing. 

But wait. If we truly believe in the Trinity and the promise of eternity, we are taught that we serve an amazing God and that all things are possible.

As we are resurrected, we will all travel into this amazing spiritual dimension, like everything we experience in life. 

Jesus did the same. He came to experience the humanistic side of life on earth. His mission here was to lead us by example and teach us many lessons about life, love, and our Creator. 

His resurrection taught us of His heavenly power. It taught us about His undying love for mankind...He taught us to not fear the things we can not understand. He taught us to trust our Father with our life. 

As He inhaled His last breath, He uttered these painful words...  “It is finished. Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit." 

I can only imagine at that very moment in time there was a love outpouring from our Heavenly Father that is so powerful it breathes new life into His beautiful soul. It's a LOVE that gives us newfound freedom and understanding. We will experience peace and joy that is beyond man's limited understanding.  Our soul will be resurrected and transition to a new spiritual existence with our loving Creator. What a beautiful travel destination. Jesus spoke of this paradise. 

Jesus’s gentleness, His Love, and His resurrection have always been the light force guiding us home. 

I thank my Heavenly Father for loving me so much that  He resurrected my once dormant soul... because I was spiritually lost... He tried many times over the years to get my attention... But I was not tuned into His frequency... It actually took an act of God to get my attention...  and on the day the Holy Spirit touched my life, He awakened my spiritual soul...It's been an amazing journey of discovery.  And due to my experience, I feel that there seem to be many forms of resurrection. 

But as we all know, Jesus is the ultimate example... because He could be physically seen by those who loved Him... His resurrection confirmed to the world that His mission was complete, and now His followers need to pick up His cross and continue to share His Love and legacy for generations to come. His life is such a love story!! It speaks volumes to our thirsty souls. Yes, He is alive, can't you feel Him? Can't you hear His sweet voice whispering your name? His love will tug at your heartstrings until you are willing to surrender your heart.

It’s Him. It’s always Him. 

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:21

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music:

Auli'i Cravalho - Feels Like Home (Lyrics)

“And he departed from our sight, and we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.“ Arthur Schopenhauer...

Have you ever wondered about the profound impact of these three pivotal days? Was His absence a purposeful act? He taught us to forgive, saying they know not what they do. Did the people eventually grasp the far-reaching consequences of their actions? Did some hearts swell with sorrow? Did some souls demonstrate remorse? Did some kneel in humility, seeking forgiveness? Was redemption still within reach?

Jesus raised Lazarus from death's grip almost instantaneously, so why did the events surrounding His death and resurrection take 3 days?  

It is not written. But I believe He needed to heal Himself spiritually.

Did the heartache of abandonment pierce His heart and wound His beautiful soul?

Have you ever contemplated whether the pain diminished on the cross, or did it persist as His spirit underwent a divine transformation, atoning for the sins of humanity is a monumental task. As His glory returned, His Spirit was liberated to restore Him to His divine Holy state.

Who goes through such a horrific event unscathed??  Did the Holy Spirit of God take Him in His loving arms and soothe His pain? 

God made us in His image, and He also grieves. He grieves when we fail to acknowledge Him as our supreme Creator, our heavenly Father, our glorious three-in-one - the Holy Father, His beautiful Son Jesus, and the magnificent Holy Spirit!

I humbly ask you to bow your head with me and recognize Him as your amazing Savior! The Holy One!!! The only one true God!! 

It's Him! It will always be HIM!! 

 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NIV

Significance of the Number Three: The number three is often associated with the concept of completion and divine intervention in the Bible

Prophecy:

Jesus himself predicted that he would be raised on the third day, a prediction found in the Gospels

Design & Written by Lori Garner  

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

SINNER'S PRAYER  

Inspiring Music: YouTube 

WHERE WERE YOU - FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI (LYRICS)

As the Father has loved me, So Have I loved you. - Jesus Christ...

The Greek word for cross, σταυρός, is used twenty-seven times in the New Testament.

Meaning of Cross: an upright post with a transverse bar used in antiquity for crucifixion.

The symbolic cross embodies triumph, liberty, forgiveness, redemption, sacrifice, hope, and the most profound love we will ever encounter. However, the blood shed due to humanity's transgressions represents heartache, tears, and gratitude for an invaluable gift beyond repayment.

The pain, humiliation, and commitment the Son made to God the Father for His children are incredibly heartfelt. 

His life is an amazing, beautiful testimony of passion, life, and love. 

The action of crucifixion is a horrific, barbaric death. It shatters my heart and grieves my soul…

However, it is a profound demonstration of my Savior's love and devotion. He will stop at nothing to save our unworthy souls. 

With humility and compassion, He blazed a path on earth of living a life of unconditional love.  He humbly guides us toward cultivating a similar relationship with our Heavenly Father while teaching us how to love without judgment or prejudice. 

Despite being beaten and tortured, His spirit remains unbroken. Even when those who claimed to love Him abandoned Him, His love never failed. 

I understand the magnitude of this gift in my mind, but I'll never fully understand why He chose to give us so much of Himself. Why would He shower such intense love on such undeserving people? 

How did we NOT have the strength to prevent His brutal crucifixion?

This LOVE story did not die on the bloodstained wood of the cross. It is a monumental love story that has no end! 

He demonstrated supernatural composure and strength during His most terrifying moments.  

He is the most selfless soul I have ever grown to know! He shares a spiritual love that is beyond our understanding.

So when you look to the empty cross, may you feel His loving sacrifice, and remember the Man, the Deity, and the LOVE that remains, for His blood stains are eternally etched on every believer's heart.  

He is an inspiration to behold! He conquered death. No other soul on earth can make this claim!!  He is the greatest example of victory! He is the light of the world!

I owe Him my life, my love, and my deepest gratitude. I love Him beyond my understanding… 

It's Him, forever Him! 

Please take a moment, bow your head, and thank Him for His amazing gift of unconditional love!! 

“Christ died on the cross on my behalf. It is like I died there with him. So, I do not live my own life anymore. Instead, Christ lives in me. The life that I live now in my body, I live because I trust what he has done for me. He has loved me so much that he died on my behalf.”

Galatians 2:20 EASY

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 KJV 

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner  

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

SINNER'S PRAYER

Bible Verses: Easy & KJV: 

Inspiring Music: YouTube 

Agnus Dei (Official cover by Megan Tibbits)

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,“This cup is the new covenantin my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:25

The meaning of betrayal is to give over to an enemy by treachery.: to be unfaithful. betrayed our trust.

We located fifty-four verses in the Bible that speak of this heartfelt word… 

When we turn back the hands of time to an event that changed the world.  So many thoughts flood my mind… Why God, why did you send us such a beautiful soul to only have Him ripped from our lives in such a horrific way. Are we worth even an ounce of His precious blood?? In my mind, I say NO we are not worth it?  But in my bleeding heart, I am so grateful for Him. He has been such a monumental gift for all generations. 

Though tear-filled eyes I try to understand the lesson you have tried to teach us in this ultimate display of sacrificial LOVE… Why the betrayal? Why thirty pieces of silver? Why Judas? Your plan of salvation for mankind has so many clues? Do these details parallel our lives today??? We tend to see the past as history… But can we relate it to the present??? Have we betrayed Him? Many do not even know His name until it’s their back that is against the wall!! I see money, greed, and power rampant in our world… Have we sold our souls for things of this world??  I see many gathering riches just by exploiting His image, His name, and even the very gifts He has given us…

Are we wearing the Judus cloak ??? 

These are difficult questions to ask ourselves … I have not been given the task of judging.

Thank God! 

I can say let our conscience and the Holy Spirit be our guide… It’s a personal resolve between our Creator and us.

I can only pray that He holds my heart in His hands… and that I can live up to His expectations for my life… 

This is a difficult time of reflection… I thank Him for loving me beyond my worth… 

I will admit I have fallen in love with the Man, that walked so humbly on this earth so many years ago… and I am grateful to my Elohim that the story does not stop here… I know in my heart that He lives and He holds the keys to my future. 

It’s Him, it will always be Him…

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born. Matthew 26: 24

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Josh Groban - To Where You Are

"The contemplation of beauty causes the soul to grow wings." ~ Plato 

The word "contemplate" appears 6 times in the Bible. 

In the Bible, “contemplate" generally means to engage in deep, reflective thought or meditation on God's Word, nature, and works. It's a spiritual discipline that encourages focused attention on divine truths and can involve silently pondering, praising, and recognizing God's presence. 

As we remember Holy Week, how many of us genuinely seek a deeper understanding, or do we just follow the celebratory customs without pondering the emotional and mental journey of Jesus?

Was He disappointed that the masses did not heed His teachings? Was He given a deadline? On Sunday, we celebrated Palm Sunday, commemorating the day He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. I can't help thinking, there must have been a group of people who could have stood up for Him.

The days ahead are the most significant seven days in our history!

Did He not speak because He was introspectively preparing for the significant events that were to come? He knows all things; He knew He would be betrayed! 

He must have known that His death was imminent. Did He foresee the suffering that He would have to endure?  

Might it be possible that images of events that lay before Him could have been replaying in His mind repeatedly, a phenomenon known as rumination or intrusive thoughts, but in His heart and soul knew He had a higher purpose!!! Such a heartbreak struggle!  

He did not attempt to explain!!! He had no words!!! 

Now I ask you to reflect on what must have been going through His mind!!! Can we relate? After all, He had humbled Himself to share in the human experience. He felt emotion, He loved beyond understanding! He felt joy! He felt compassion! 

Did He ever have a moment of apprehension? Perhaps He was even frightened? 

For a moment, while He hung on the cross, He felt abandoned by everyone, including God the Father…That must have been the greatest pain His earthbound body had to endure!! 

What fueled His unrelenting strength to fulfill His mission with such impressive dignity and unwavering love? 

Only God, My Elohim! It's Him! Our beloved Savior! How could we not reflect His profound love with the same intensity and commitment?

It’s Him!  It will always be Him! There is no other… 

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer