“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

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Mother Teresa 

The meaning of forge: create (a relationship or new conditions).

The word 'forged' crossed my mind during Sunday's service, accompanied by the thought 'We must continue to forge ahead one day at a time.' However, this word did not captivate me like many others before it, so it sat dormant in my heart.

Sitting in my dark room, wrapped in a warm blanket and listening to music this morning, thoughts of my lovely Elohim danced in my head as the word 'forge' again whispered to my soul.

My loving Holy Spirit is a gentle yet unwavering teacher, and in obedience, I embarked on the journey to learn more about the word 'forge'. Again, He gave me a wow moment. 

I started my quest by searching the word 'forged' and these words jumped off the page and into my heart...

Forging in life’s meaning: is consciously choosing to do good, to create beauty and abundance for the ones you care about, and to become a better person every day. 

Forging a life is a beautiful statement. If only everyone in our troubled world could see it as a mission statement, we could forge a path to a brighter tomorrow. It only takes one person to touch a life. I pray it begins with me and continues with you.

He has remarkably forged a path for us to a love greater than we can imagine! 

It's Him! It will always be Him!! And yes, He still wows me, and I love Him more every day.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:19

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Katherine Jenkins - Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

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 

Inspiring Music by (youtube

Out of the Darkness

)

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

The meaning of the word Bride betrothed or newly married woman. 

I am unsure why I landed on this word… other than “It’s Him.” Last week, I felt the pulling in my soul to paint a female face. 

I kept hearing paint a female... 

I wrestled with this thought and could not decide how or who to paint… and then I experienced His presence… 

“This is my bride… do you see her? Paint with your heart and let the colors flow…  feel her with your soul” … as I added color, she began to appear… 

I shared the result when I posted the word challenge… little did I know that was not the end…. 

For what is a Bride without her love… In the Bible, the church is described as the Bride… When we hear this, we think of a typical church building filled with people of all ages and stages of believing. But the Bride goes oh so much deeper… The Bride is dressed in white to signify purity… is our heart pure enough to offer it to Christ? The Bride is in love with her betrothed, and the glow of this love radiates from within.  You can see it on her face, her smile, and the joy she exudes… Do we radiate His light and happiness for others to witness???  

The Bride is committed to fulfilling her destiny of becoming one with her Groom… She vows to love Him until death do they part… With Jesus, there is no death. This union goes further than any human mind can fully understand. It’s a spiritual journey and commitment that will fill our hearts and souls with a love that transcends all space and time. It’s a love bond that has drawn us to Him since the beginning of time… 

To be drawn into the sea of His love and set apart as His Bride is a miracle beyond what we can fully understand… 

It’s Him! It will always be Him! 

The yearning of Christ to be reunited with His Bride is a date with destiny. Only the Father knows the day and the hour. We can only prepare ourselves and wait with great anticipation for our (groom) King to return…

That at that time the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Philippians 2:10-11

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Audra Lynn - 13 - Adorned

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way." - Brother Lawrence.

Meaning of feeler: an animal organ such as an antenna or palp used to test things by touch.

The term I'm referring to here is the gift of discerning spirits described in 1 Corinthians 12:10.

What is this mysterious word? It can not be seen with the naked eye. It cannot be heard by the human ear? It can not be held in the palm of our hand?? Is it just a human emotion?  Feelings that can be felt deep within our souls!! Feelings so strong that the human body reacts to this stimulation? Goosebumps and chills up your spine, sweaty palms, trembling, body temperature may even rise…  

It is a spiritual connection with God, a soulful intimacy, and our chance to see Him with our spiritual eyes… and sense Him deep in our souls. He is that awe-struck moment in time. 

Many grow a loving relationship with our Creator by becoming in tune with this heavenly language of love. 

We feel His subtle but powerful presence, sense His beauty within our hearts, and are moved to tears of adoration… for He alone is the greatest love we will ever know... This rush of emotion can cause our human bodies to manifest many outward changes…as our souls whisk us away to a higher plane of love beyond this world… 

There are no earthly words to describe the spiritual experience.  Being a feeler is definitely an emotional, soulful experience … When the unexplainable finds its way into your heart, there is a soul connection with the One that has created all things… We are but a speck of brilliant dust among many of His stars… 

We are an amazing part of our Heavenly Father's greater plan… To feel Him is a gift of the soul  … But to Love Him is a beautiful gift of the heart… He takes my breath away… 

I thought of buying a tee shirt and staking a claim that says “ I am a feeler” But with reservation, I felt it could get me in trouble with the ones who do not understand…(LOL) so for now it’s written across my heart 

“I am a feeler” and I will chase My King until my last dying breath”

Signed

The Feeler 

Psalms 16:11 TPT

Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side, I experience divine pleasures forevermore!

Close your eyes and listen to this song and wait on HIM! 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube