The meaning of Waning and Waxing: Waxing means “growing” or expanding in illumination, and waning means “shrinking” or decreasing in illumination. 

When we look at these words they seem to point us to the moon phases… 

I truly have no idea why they tugged at my heart today… I can only say that I seem to feel those same types of pulls on my heart and soul. 

Our Creator seems to have placed a force that keeps every little detail of creation in its place…. The total Universe seems to be affected by what we know as gravitational pull… 

He created the moon to be the tidal force that causes Earth—and its water—to bulge out on the side closest to the moon and the side farthest from the moon. These bulges of water are called high tides. These tides interact with our earth's surface... 

I question, 

Do we have a similar pull that interacts with our Creator? Did our Creator put this gravitational pull into our very DNA? Are we all on this spiritual migration home? 

As I travel on the quest to unlock this mystery and grow closer to my Creator … my first love.. I have come to the realization of the similarities between the ebb tide of the ocean and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

I will admit there are times I feel Him so strong that it is difficult to contain the tears as they stream down my face. I can feel this beautiful yet mysterious gravitational pull that He so lovingly placed within the depths of my soul. 

But then there are the times I  feel He has placed some distance between us… and the closeness I once felt is lifted, and it grieves my soul  … My soul longs for His presence… The struggle to find Him is real… 

And then I remember that beautiful day in May when I felt a love so strong that it left me forever changed… He gave me a gift that filled my soul with a love far beyond my own understanding…. So, When we try to rationalize these moments in our mind, it can become a heartfelt perplexing feeling…. 

There is no way I can not deny His existence… I can only trust Him.. and wait… waiting is the most difficult task… longing for His presence is such an emotional quickening of the soul … 

The Waning and Waxing becomes a beautiful dance of the heart. It's a love story between me and a precious soul that has loved me before I was even born…  

He illuminates my life like the beautiful moon on the darkest of nights… 

I so love the moon... 

It’s Him, it will always be Him!! 

Dance with Him like no one is watching - slow, quick, quick. Your life will never be the same. 

Job 26:

He makes the moon wax and wane, putting it through its phases.

Photography & written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Fly Me to The Moon - Diana Panton

Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much,” is a truism. - Helen Keller...

Meaning of gathering an assembly or meeting, especially a social or festive one or one held for a specific purpose.” a family gathering"

We were able to gather 46 verses in the Bible that speak of the word “gathering”

As I started to peel back this word I began by asking myself... “Gathering” What is it that I am gathering?  In our lives, we all seem to have interest and we begin the art of gathering things?  Stuff that has meaning to oneself... We seem to hold them tight... perhaps it is a collection that you have worked hard to obtain... Bobbles and trinkets galore!!! 

But when we are faced with transitioning from our earthly life to our spiritual life... Those things that were so important somehow lose their luster... Have we been sucked up into a false sense of what is important by our own human desires?  If you were told you have 48 hours to live... What would gather??? 

I can not answer that in generic terms... but I can share my heart. I would gather my family, my friends, and all who are willing to listen...

That although my time on earth may be fleeting... I have been given some exciting news that I know there more... 

He has loved me further than I ever thought possible... He has shown me a world far beyond the stars... 

He is gathering His children the most precious gifts that he has created... He has given us the freedom to experience life... But He has also poured love into each of His believer's souls... That love will guide us home...

It is there we will be given the privilege of worshiping our Heavenly Father, His Beautiful Son, and His Holy Presence (Spirit)... Like never before!!! I have tasted this love and my life will never be the same... 

Gather with me today and analyze what is it we are gathering?  Will it last the test of time when you leave this world??  Will you be able to take it with you? How will you be remenbered ?

He has taught me the most important thing to gather is LOVE... LIFE WITHOUT LOVE IS VOID... 

Gather your loved ones and anyone who will listen to His love song... Be ready for His time is drawing near... 

It's Him!! It will always be Him!   

God Is Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Philippa Hanna – Everything is Possible (Official Live Video)

The meaning of release allows or enables to escape from confinement; set free.

We located 30 Bible verses that speak of the word release. 

Do we wear our scars and life trials like clothing on a blustery winter day... One layer at a time.  Do we hide our hearts and souls from the elements of this life... Do we tuck them deep inside? 

Sometimes this happens organically... Without any thought... Some lose themselves and become robotic in their daily humdrum existence... We pour ourselves into the mold of what man has created as acceptable. 

Four years ago... I had a Holy Spirit experience that thrust me into the shedding many life layers... one layer and one day at a time... 

This time was filled with a newfound love, joy, and wonder.  But this time also tapped into emotions that were suppressed within for so long.  

Society sees weeping as a weakness. My Heavenly Father taught me the gift of tears is a cleansing of the soul and a beautiful gift.  They release an emotion that helps us seek His face, His light, and His guidance. 

He lovingly invited me to step out from the oppressed lifestyle society deemed appropriate. A lifestyle that I had become accustomed to. Where I was not comfortable sharing my heart, or my most inner thoughts. The word vulnerability was a word that I owned. 

However, I had a beautiful soul that rescued me. He gave me a beautiful gift of Heavenly Love and He released my soul. 

Many tears fell as I transitioned from the fear of what others would think to one of pleasing my Heaving Father. During this journey, I found a love beyond this world. I found peace in the depths of my soul. I found renewed hope. I found me... 

I owe Him more than I can ever repay... He is truly a daily gift of freedom that this world does not understand or can even contain... Jesus showed the world not even death can stop Him... 

I can only fall to my knees as my heart fills with a love that defies all human understanding...

It's Him... it's always Him. 

Four years and He still WOWs me. It's been an incredible journey. 

Thank you! My Beloved Triune for the gift of you.  

John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner  

In worship, God captures your heart; when he’s got it, then the real work begins. ― Matt Redman.

There are numerous definitions of the word worship. Yet, one, in particular, encapsulates the priority we should give to worship as a spiritual discipline: Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.

The word worship seems to be used approximately 40 times in Leviticus when it describes how to sacrifice and bring offerings to God. 

The word worship can reflect a few different actions that could constitute and be viewed as types of worship.  For example, there is praise, song, dancing, spiritual gifts, sacrifice, daily devotionals... 

I believe it’s a personal choice between you and your Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit... They know our hearts intimately.. I do feel there are degrees of intensity depending on where and when the action of worship takes place... 

In my opinion, there is no wrong or right way.  It's that deep personal relationship that most of us crave and are chasing. If you are truly blessed to feel His amazing love or you have a strong conviction in your soul you are most likely on the right track... 

Emotions from the heart must be fully engaged or you will be just going through the motions... Are your actions sincere? Or are they for the show? Where is your heart? That is a question that only you and our Creator can answer... 

We have been given scriptures that direct us to love God with ALL our hearts, soul, and mind... 

When we worship we should be “fully engaged” and in “total surrender.” The action of LOVING Him should be our only thought... When we can achieve that “extravagant love exchange” with our Heavenly Father it should tantalize all of our senses... We are placed in a state of being fully immersed in His love... The word consumed seems to best describe the relationship our Father desires from His Children... 

However, the operative word is ALL ... He desires every part of who we are. All of our LOVE All of our devotion. All ....?

The question becomes what is your definition of ALL? The full hour on Sunday ?? Or is it more ?? 

How we relate and how we achieve this goal is a personal commitment between you and our Creator... It takes time and discipline and a yearning heart to totally surrender to His All-consuming LOVE...  He is the only one that is truly worthy of a love that is so sovereign, so extravagant...and yet so intimate... 

He has been reaching out, He has been tugging at our hearts... He has been whispering ALL of our names!!! He is gathering and waiting for His children to be ALL in!!   

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

His love is so difficult to contain!!... I worship the Holy ground He walks on!!! He WOWs me! 😍🙃🔥

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bethel Music - 10,000 Reasons (Live) - featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson

The meaning of Why - for what cause, reason, or purpose. 

Ok, I am not quite sure why I could not find the word count for the word why. hmm 

Are you one of those people that are creating a laundry list of whys for the day you see our Heavenly’s Father face?? 

As I stared at this word many whys began to dance in my head. 

Why do you LOVE us so? Why do you want us to return to you?  I am like a child in your presence! So full of questions!  So many whys! Why did you create us in the first place? Why do you allow evil in our world ..? Why do bad things happen to good people? My list could grow so big it could reach you in heaven. 

You are such a beautiful mystery... When I sit with you for even one intimate moment all the whys in the world go away.  When I feel the presence of your love... There is nothing that comes to mind. You become such a heartfelt gift. You and your love engulf the very essence of our mind, body, and soul. I can only imagine when I see your face I will be so mesmerized I will become speechless.

When I think of you and your love all my whys disappear and I begin to learn to trust you.. with all my mind, heart, and soul ...As you fill us with your love a blind faith grows.  A faith that I truly do not understand. Your capacity of LOVE boggles my mind. You are the wow factor in LIFE and LOVE ... The only why that I am left with is why me ?? And you answered why not you!!! Hmm, you are the ultimate answer to all my whys. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him. 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV

Meaning of Renewal: the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run-down, or broken.

There are approximately 28 verses referencing the word renewal.

Life… 

Life can sometimes be difficult. Each day can represent a different problem that needs to be addressed or resolved. Your thoughts and feeling may get injured at the hands of another. Do we dwell on the issue day and night or are we one of those that can identify the action needed and move swiftly to a resolution even if it is our own mind? 

We all have struggles, we all have negativity that enters our thoughts. We all have felt inadequate at times. We may also feel that we have not reached our goal. Perhaps we feel we have not become everything we hoped we could be. 

So how do we cope? How do we find peace? How do we find the power to move on with life? Do we throw in the towel? Or do we stand up and fight? 

There are some that may turn to mood-altering substances. Some are even prescribed. But this seems to only be a band-aid and a temporary solution and can lead to larger issues. 

Again, I can only speak from my experience. I have found a beautiful way to renew my soul, my heart, and my mind. It brings me indescribable peace to my soul and gives me a new song in my heart. I must confess it does alter my mood and brings me unbridled joy. It has been known to bring a large smile to my face even in the face of adversity… What is this wonder? What is this miracle? What is so powerful that it can change my perspective on life’s problems and love itself? 

How do we find this product? How much does it cost? I am sorry to report. It’s not available in any store. and no amazon cannot deliver it!! 

To find this wonder we must be very, very still… and open our hearts and invite Him in… and then the chase will begin… because you will have tasted a LOVE like never before. You will feel peace in your soul… and you will have the confidence to handle what may arise… Because on that very day you will know in your heart that you will never be alone… He will hold you as you walk in this world and He and He alone will renew your very existence each and every day that you breathe… He and He alone will love you like no other…. 

I will admit I have used the word addicting… when I speak His name. 

 Its Him. It’s always HIM. 

Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord. Psalm 104:34

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7

Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart. Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Refuge by Leslie Grant -  Youtube 

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 

Meaning of chapter: the main division of a book, typically with a number or title.

When I started my quest to find out more about the word chapter it immediately brought me to these statistics. Which I found quite interesting and thought I would share.

Number of books in the Bible: 66

Chapters: 1,189

Verses: 31,102
Words: 783,137
Letters: 3,116,480

https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/q10_bible_facts_statistics/

This amazing Book never stops amazing its believers. I will confess I chose this word today because I wanted to chase the chapter that is known as the LOVE chapter. 1 Corinthians 13. After all, February is a month where many celebrate LOVE. 

When did LOVE become so commercialized? When did we have to be reminded to LOVE? We have been given a LIFE manual we lovingly call the Bible. It’s a book that holds a wealth of information and it teaches us how to conduct our lives. This amazing treasure goes back to the beginning of time.

Here is a peek at the Chapter on LOVE.

1 Corinthians 13

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.⁸ Love never fails. 

After reading the scripture above, I remembered I actually read these very words at my cousin's wedding. But as I read these words today my soul leads me to another place. These words speak of the very character of our Heavenly Father! I challenge you to think of Him and now re-read the above scripture. 

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:6

But now that we have embraced these character traits. The question becomes, how do we own them, carry and execute these traits for ourselves? How can we own them for more than just one month a year? 

I say Ask. 

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 

We are all a work in progress, I can only suggest that you make each day better than the last. Wishing that you are blessed by His abundant LOVE.

 It's Him. It's always Him. 

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Hillsong - Deeply in love

“Life is playfulness…We need to play so that we can rediscover the magic all around us.” ~ Flora Colao

Meaning of true: Genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit, adulterated or false; as true balsam; the true bark; true love of country; a true Christian.

There are approximately 24 verses about truth in the Bible. 

This four-letter word possesses such power, such depth, such internal growth that it may lead to a transformation in your near future. 

During my journey of discovering God. There were many things that transpired and many left me with a desire burning in my soul to chase God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 

It gave me an insatiable appetite to learn something new about them every day. They revealed to my heart that they collectively are one. He taught me the importance of sharing life and love... He revealed His true heart and shared many things with me... His whispers spoke so lovingly to my soul. He made me dig deep within myself, and own my strengths and face my weaknesses... He made my emotions rush to the surface for the world to see.   He made my vulnerability peek out time and time again. 

He reached a place so deep within my soul, it was a place that no one has ever been. He held me so tenderly.  He never gave up. Until one day He rescued the child within. 

I did not realize, that this child had become comfortable and laid dormant for so long that it seemed to be lost. But with His loving kindness, He opened the doors to my heart and placed the wonderment back into my soul. That now because of Him I sing a new song. He knew that with Him it would be easier for me to share my true heart openly with the world. He is such a loving forgiving source of light that only He and He alone feeds my soul... 

He made me face that I had been hiding behind a wall that I had built to keep my true genuine self from harm. Because I have witnessed just how harsh our world can be. It can be cruel, it can be unforgiving... It teaches us if we are different if we do not follow the world's standards, that we will be subject to misguided judgment, or ridicule. 

He has freed the child within... He has shared His love with my soul. It’s an amazingly beautiful gift that is at its best when shared. It’s a gift greater than I have ever known ....He possesses the WOW factor. His love is like nothing you have ever seen, felt, or heard. He is different. I love to think how unique He is? It makes me smile. 

He gives us the power to build a firm foundation and to stand tall and say to the world. I am here count me in!!!!! Embrace your uniqueness and shine the gifts He has given you !!. Because when you share your true-genuine self as a child of God.  His smile radiants with a brilliant light that illuminates all the Heavens. And you can stand firmly and look up and proudly say... 

 It’s Him. It’s Him ...He made me do it. And I love him for it !!

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube  

Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick - True Colors (Lyric)

“God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime.” Anonymous

The meaning of mine: My; belonging to me. It was formerly used before nouns beginning with vowels. "I kept myself from mine iniquity."

Mine is in the Bible 825 times. 

Ownership what is this claim ? Mine? Yours? Ours ? Many in our world claim the one with the most toys wins ? 

Do we see and use these words with our Creator in Heaven?  When I look at life there are truly no earthy possessions that we can truly claim as our own. We only have them for a temporary time.  They all will fade like dust in the wind when the time comes to leave this world.. 

However we can emphatically state to our Creator that all things are yours. He does have full ownership of everything in Heaven and on earth. 

I do believe ours can be a beautiful way to view our possessions and even ourselves.  If we look to everything in our lives as ours, (mine and yours). As all things are Gods and we share ownership with Him for a just a moment in time. Perhaps we would truly value, truly cherish and treat all things with a greater respect and love. Just maybe our world could return to the paradise He once envisioned.  

They say we must have a relationship with our Creator. With His power He could treat us in a demanding forceful way..  and make claims You are MINE !!  But with His unselfish LOVE the word mine goes to a new beautiful level.. A level of mutual respect, mutual love, and mutual admiration.  

He gently whispers to our soul you are mine... I am yours ... as He shares openly His heart, His Grace, His beloved Son with us. Thus allowing a beautiful relationship to be born. And as we cultivate this relationship, a love like no other grows into to that amazing word “ours”.. 

It’s during this transition, we return our temporary heart to its rightful owner and the one who created its life...and a beautiful love story is written ...  

He claims us as His own... and We are His ! This life that we think is ours is truly His.. We must truly value it, truly cherish it and treat all of His gifts with a greater love, respect and admiration.  

His unselfish love is beyond words. 

It’s Him. it’s always Him. 

So beyond words and blessed to say He is truly mine...

My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies. Song of Solomon 2:16 ASV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Enya - May It Be (Official Lyric Video)

Meaning of God in certain other religions a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity:

In the King James Version of the Bible, God is found in the Old Testament 2862 times, and in the New Testament 1202 times, for a total of 4064 times. 

I can't believe we have studied over 365 words and have danced around this word but never truly had the courage to tackle such a massive beautiful heartfelt word... This word made me stop dead in my tracks, This word made me go deeper within myself than I have ever dreamed possible. This word breathed life into my soul ... 

When we stand before this word we are humbled, We are in awe. We are vulnerable. We feel a love that will baffle the mind but we can feel His gentleness in our hearts.  

He is so many things to so many people. There truly are not enough words to describe Him.

I ask you, how would you describe Him? What does He mean to you?  Do you ever write your prayers? 

I am going to ask you to take out a piece of paper and a pen...

Play music that gently speaks to your soul.. 

Write the words, Dear God. Speak to Him from your heart !!  

I will start...

Here is a peek at mine,

Dear God, 

Hi again, I have a difficult time calling you God... That name is so formal. Many months ago we decided that I could call you Love because that is what I think of ..when I think of you!!! Love, there are so many hurting hearts in my world that need you! Please help them find their way to you!  So many people ask you for so many things? Are you overwhelmed!  I want nothing, I have the best gift one could ever receive! I have you !!  

What can I do for you ??  Is there something you need? 

Help me fill in the blanks. I will wait to hear your voice. 

Thank you for blessing me with such an amazing journey... It still boggles my mind! 

Please keep the souls you have placed in my heart safe. Let them feel this amazing love!! 

You still wow me!! 

It’s you, it’s always you! 

I am forever your child.

It’s me, it’s always me thank you for your love.. and thank you for never getting tired of hearing my voice!

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Dear God by Cory Asbury (Thank you Cory for this amazing song )