“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness.” 

~ Sapna Reddy 

The meaning of Sunrise; the colors and light visible in the sky on an occasion of the sun's first appearance in the morning, is considered as a view or spectacle.

The word sunrise is in the Bible approximately 28 times.

Long before I knew you, I was drawn like a moth to a flame just to watch the majestic beauty of a morning sunrise … I sit in darkness, somber thoughts filling my mind, waiting for the first light to break and remind me of its presence. Without me, there would be no hope for tomorrow, no light to illuminate your path.

There is such a spiritual connection between man and nature… I know in my heart that we are all part of a much bigger picture. We are all part of a Divine Masterful Plan.

But who can Create such magnificent wonder? What kind of Mastermind is this? Every detail so carefully thought of, precisely connected, and executed with such love and care! How can we not stand in awe? How can we not be drawn to Him when we see the awesomeness of creation? Scientists have tried to dispute creation… But I have grown to know this Mastermind… He defies all the rules. He is magnificent splendor and beyond words. Man tries to rationalize and explain something that our human mind has difficulty comprehending. We are limited in our thoughts. He is the Creator of all things and cannot be put into a box, His greatness cannot be contained or fully understood while we still inhabit our earthly existence...  

When I watch how the light dances on the earth’s horizon. I can’t help but feel it’s ushering His message of love to all living things because, without it, our world could not exist… We would slowly succumb to the bleak cold darkness and all life as we know it would perish. 

Have you ever tried to describe a sunrise? Each daybreak is uniquely beautiful?  There is such an array of warm colors, reds, golds, and yellow…. I do believe the sun can feel her importance as she takes her time to make that slow and deliberate grand entrance… Can you even begin to wonder how many new days she has announced? I wish I could have been there to see the first sunrise. I think I would have fallen in love… Because I know I would have been swept up in the moment… And to watch Him work would have taken my breath away.  To witness the love He felt, as He created each amazing wonder …Especially His brightest star… His Son. The one whose majestic beauty can move heaven and earth… He is the reason the sun shares our Creator's message of hope with all mankind… 

I stand in awe as I see His Son's love in each new beautiful day... 

It’s Him. It’s always been Him…

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 

Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 11:7 

When God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was completely formless and empty, with nothing but darkness draped over the deep. God’s Spirit swept over the face of the waters. And then God announced: “Let there be light,” and light burst forth!"

Genesis 1:1-3

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Model Heather Plumberg

Sinners Prayer 

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Wonder (Spontaneous) - Amanda Cook (Legendado) // With Lyrics

There is no changing yesterday... it was a learning experience... Now go and grow where God planted you..

The season between summer and winter, characterized by cooling weather and dormant plants, spanning from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice and encompassing September, October, and November in the Northern Hemisphere.

As fall colors begin to burst forth, our hearts and eyes turn to the breathtaking beauty of change. What creates these eye-popping changes that our hearts have welcomed for centuries?

The gentle swaying of the orange tree leaves in the breeze stirred up many thoughts in my mind. This time of year often evokes fond memories of family, friends, and life's moments shared together.

When we pause and reflect, we realize our world is readying itself for the impending cold and harsh days... In one glorious explosion of color, she made her final statement of life before relinquishing it. She lived!

As the last harvest is gathered, she prepares for a period of renewal and growth. The seasonal changes remind us of the cycle of life and the beauty of transformation.

God's gift of nature provides us with a blueprint for personal growth, reflecting our individual journeys through the changing seasons. As we navigate through the cold of winter, the renewal of spring, the warmth of summer, and the harvest of fall, we become empowered to embrace change and unlock our potential.

Some changes are visible, while others are felt internally, allowing us to heal and prepare for what's next... Can these changes also be seen and felt in our relationship with God? My experience says yes, and observing how everything is connected, it's clear that our timing is not just about yearly occurrences, but about life experiences, which we still call seasons.

When I didn't know Christ, my soul was in a cold, harsh winter place, unaware that I kept it there, sadly waiting in the dark. My soul became dormant and unresponsive, like a tall maple tree on a beautiful winter's day. Did I appear dead? Did the spark of life disappear? Unaware, Christ was still working hard, much like a farmer, to preserve my life, planning, prepping, and watering. He brought His beauty, light, song of love, and slowly led my lost soul out of its dormant state. Then, suddenly, with a burst of color, my soul could finally breathe, and life began to beautifully unfurl. He turned up the heat, much like a hot summer day, and my love for Him ignited, setting my heart ablaze.

Never fear change, for our Savior's light illuminates the path ahead, guiding us through every season of life. He is our refuge in winter's harshness, our haven in times of need, He brings new life to barren souls, and His love is as gentle as a summer breeze. With His love, we can embrace every season with faith and hope.

Through the power of His love, we can trust that every season of our lives will be filled with purpose and promise, as we evolve and flourish into the best versions of ourselves.

He WOWs me!  

It’s Him, It’s always Him

For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

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 Rhys Lewis - Better Than Today (Lyrics)

Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ. In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.

The meaning of dark the absence of light in a place: darkness, blackness, absence of light, gloom, gloominess. 

Dark in the Bible is referred to 225 times.

Dark or Darkness I believe touches everyone at some time in their life... I chose this word today because as I write about this word I am sitting in the darkness of my room... 

Darkness can be an overwhelming scary place. It’s where creepy things go bump in the night... It is the anticipation of things unknown. We can become paralyzed due to fear.  It can rob us of so much life. During my journey, I did experience a time of darkness. It made me feel a loss in my soul, it made me cry, it made me bewildered and sad. Looking back I found out that in my darkest hour I found out a lot about me.  I do believe there are times we are given life trials so we can grow. But I also found out that no matter how sad or difficult things might seem I was never alone. I did find out that God never left my side. His gentleness and love held me when I felt lost. He became my best friend, my confidant, my guiding light...The darkness that tried to consume my soul had no choice but to flee... 

I did learn over time to appreciate the darkness, those “stillness” moments, those quiet times when the house is void of light and family noise! This dark hour is when I find my Heavenly Father, my quiet time with Him, and His word breathes light into my soul. He fills my heart with a love that is difficult to contain. If I love Him? Is no longer a question. It becomes IF I get up a few minutes before everyone ... I will find my golden hour ...my solace, my LOVEs ... 

There is no darkness that can rob me of His eternal light.  You see this darkness is not a place, It not something we can see with our eyes. It's a place deep within our souls. And I have found when we invite God into our lives,  His light begins to shine from within.  He gives us that light that shines even in our darkest hour. Because we can be confident that we are never alone. We do not have to fight life demons by ourselves. He is victorious over all things we may encounter. He stands tall, strong, and ready. So pick up the light sword and be ready for any battle that may rage from within... Being ready is half the battle... 

The power of light that we feel is from within... 

It’s Him!!  It’s always Him.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  Sinners prayer Inspiring Music: YouTube

God's Light Shines in the Darkness 2011

"The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love." ~ Stephen Kendric.

Enamored means filling or inflaming with love and being affected by strong feelings of love, admiration, or fascination.

The word Enamored only appears in one instance in the Bible. 

How do I love thee? What is this love that has ignited in my soul? How are our hearts drawn to this Heavenly adoration for the Godly man who walked the earth so long ago? 

It is a baffling spiritual phenomenon that is so hard to put into words…  and, at best, difficult to understand? 

Do we burn with a love for Him? Does His spiritual existence consume our thoughts? Do we accept His teachings? 

Or do we treat Him like a passing fancy? Is He here to fulfill our wishes?? Do we take Him for granted? 

He is so much more—so loving, so deep, and such a beautiful soul. 

Once smitten by His love, there is no turning back… You will be drawn to the overwhelming love, peace, and joy that He brings. You will yearn to feel His presence. You will crave those personal quiet moments with Him! Your world will seem brighter and filled with Hope… He teaches our hearts the art of forgiveness and completes a void in our souls… 

How does His Holiness love us so deeply that He has never given up?  He has defied a torturous death to save us. He shares a burning love that cannot be contained. It spills out on His children, and they, in turn, share it with others…  It’s a tidal wave that I pray will one day cover the earth. 

He has taken residence in my soul, and I will openly admit I am enamored with Him and His love story!  His love has smitten me, and I know in my heart and soul only He holds the keys to my future.

The Godly man who walked the earth! The God who created me in His loving hands… And the Spirit that dwells within my soul…Are my 3n1. 

It’s Him! It will always be Him.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. From the beginning in Eden, God's love has always pursued us, and He continues to pursue us through the love of Jesus Christ.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Reckless Love (Official Lyric Video)

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 

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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