A Psychological and Spiritual Journey of Divine Love.
Dancing in the Shadows with Thee
As I celebrate another year of life, I’m sharing a gift from my heart: a musical journey through the shadows of human emotion, the struggles we sometimes face in silence, and the beautiful love that carries us through.
Today, I celebrate Him and His dance of love with all humankind.
Take His hand… and simply dance.
Available today on streaming platforms.
A Psychological and Spiritual Journey of Divine Love.
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 andbe baptized every one of youin the name of Jesus Christfor the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receivethe gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Ernest Hemingway
Mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement.
There are 91 verses about writing in the Bible.
Writing has never really been something that interested me... I became a photographer so I could capture the beauty of life with just one image... And that seemed to satisfy my need for creative expression...
But one day that all changed! It changed just as fast as the shutter speed on my camera could capture the moment.
I am still not sure why but God decided to give me a story to share that could not be fully shared without the heartfelt expressions of words... So, He freed my once bound heart ... and filled it with a LOVE that I could not contain!!! Tears began to flow, and I found my voice... and a pen.
I started this amazing writing adventure by writing love letters to Him... I found a richness in Him that was not of this world. I am not truly sure how it happened, but I fell in love with Him? I was not accustomed to sharing my spiritual heart on such a deep personal level... Where did these bottled-up feelings for God come from?? How do you express this heavenly relationship? Photography? Writing? Music?? He knew me better than I could ever know myself... He knew how to reach places in my soul that I never even knew existed ...I found that He was teaching me the art of the written word because He used this art to create a masterpiece of wonder!! Many call it the Bible! He has used this tool to communicate with His children for centuries...
Why would He not touch my heart and plant the desire to write within me? Why would He not use writing as communication tool to talk to my heart ?? I am not sure if He meant for me to share this gift with the world or was it a personal gift to help me find my way back to Him. Interesting enough I have found many of His children began the art of writing because of their own journey with Him.
He knew!!! He knew that my heart could not keep these words bound in my now freed heart! I had this burning desire to tell the world how amazingly wonderful He is!!! There is no way I could keep the gift of Him a secret!!!
Sharing Him brings such peace, joy and love to my soul...
Whether it’s in an image of a delicate rose, a smile from a beautiful child... or any subject matter... I always see Him!!! All my writings point to Him!
And well the music? I will admit I am not a musician, but I am a music lover ... And I have found He speaks to me through the lyrics and songs.... And when all 3 collide ... I am done!!
He WOWs me like no other!!
It’s Him! It’s always Him.
I still write love letters to Him everyday ... many call them prayers... I call them Heartfelt.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So, you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man Proverbs 3:3-4
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation21:5
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35.
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
What do you see in this photo ??? Perception can be tricky (answer at the bottom of this page)
The word perception can be found 8 times in the Bible.
Meaning of perception: The ability to see beneath the outward form to the underlying, often hidden, reality. It is a necessary gift in dealing with people, understanding spiritual teaching, and interpreting events. Perception is important for effective service, though it is often lacking, even among God’s people.
Perception is such a personal word. It’s our view of people, places, and things. Based on our ability to see, hear, smell, taste, feel, and witness.
“Perception” does it define who we are? Or are we just a perception of how people see us? Or does it go deeper?
Our persona holds many facets of who we are. Do we hide behind a mask? Are we seeing the best in others.? Or do we see a perception that they have built to hold life’s scars and victories?
Is our perception of others true to their core? Does it shine from their soul? I say we will never truly know if our perceptions are on target. Our perceptions can sometimes be so misguided!
There are times when we let our guard down and let someone in because of our perception. We learn to trust we learn to love.. and suddenly their true colors bleed through and our perception is changed and our heart carries the scar.
And then on the flip side, there are the times we do not see the treasure in the one that may be standing right beside you due to our own misguided thoughts and perceptions.
But in life, we must take the risk to love and be loved. It truly is the essence of life. Without love life would be void. The beauty of this amazing gift would be stripped clean.. and sadness would fill the air.
I have found unless we study, spend time, and learn everything about the person... We will never truly know if our perception is indeed on target.
The mystery becomes how people’s perception of one person or group of people can be so diverse? When in fact the person or people are always the same... I found it’s due to each individual view based on their own personal life’s journey. I feel perceptions are emotional in nature and can set the tone for your entire day.
During this word study, I found myself asking what is my perception of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Such a vast subject 😀. But I am studying, learning, and spending the time to build a relationship that shines from His soul to my heart. My perception lies in the three as one ... and the LOVE I have felt in my heart and the peace they have placed in my soul...
The one common thread I have discovered is that all things always points to Jesus and His amazing unconditional LOVE
I seem to always walk away just saying WOW!
I pray and challenge you to dig deep and ask yourself if your perceptions are on target 🎯? Hmm?
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Act 17:11 “These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Luke 5:22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?
“Father, Son, and Holy Spirit remind us that there is always more of God than we know, always more of God than we can explain, always more of God than we can show. The Trinity says God is not in a box but is bigger, much bigger than we imagine. God is more powerful than we sometimes want to believe or remember, but there is great comfort in remembering.” ― Thomas R. Steagald.
The meaning of 1 - The number 1 represents newness, movement, and the possibilities that await us. In spiritual symbolism, it is the number of creation and the birth of all things -- the divine origin of the universe.
Number one appears significantly, but I was unsuccessful in getting a word count for this word...
One of the most mind-boggling concepts for many who study the Bible is the Trinity Himself.
On this amazing journey, which I have been blessed to travel, I have grown to know Elohim, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in this order. Just who are they? And what is this oneness that they possess?
Initially, it was so confusing to me that I asked who we should pray to. Some say I pray to my Heavenly Father; some say they have an intimate relationship with Jesus; therefore, they pray to Jesus. A few stated they pray to our Heavenly Father in Jesus' name. The Holy Spirit seemed to be mentioned the least—or not at all—when speaking of prayer.
I am not here to disprove any of the above ways to pray... I can only share how my journey unfolded and how I understood my Triune, or LOVEs, as I lovingly call my 3n1.
Each one of them plays a significant role in our lives... Each is just as important as the other... They are all part of one deity, mind, heart, and spiritual being.
I started by asking many questions, and a family member who has studied the Bible almost her entire life said these words... You are Lori, you are a wife, you are a mother, you have many jobs, but you are one... Armed with this simplistic logic, the pieces began to come together...
Let me preface by saying my journey started with a Holy Spirit Encounter (at the time, I did not know It was Him).
As my journey began to take flight, I began communicating with my amazing Heavenly Father. I called Him Elohim... It was that name that spoke to my Heart... It was Elohim who taught me about Jesus. He showed me His compassion, His depth of love for all mankind... and He taught me that Jesus was indeed a beautiful human facet of God the Father, my Elohim... And then, as I traveled deeper into my understanding, He seemed to hold my hand and disclosed things one beautiful piece at a time... I spent hours just loving and communicating with Him... I still look back and have trouble understanding how this happened. But feel so blessed that I have had the privilege of knowing Him.
At the beginning of this amazing walk, I asked. I hear many people say they love God the Father, and many love Jesus, but I never heard anyone say they love the Holy Spirit. Why? And then, like always, I started my search... He pointed me to an article that said many love the Holy Spirit, but I was too new at this to know this fact. However, I was surprised when I read this article at the bottom of the page. It said another word for the Trinity is Triune...
And at that moment, I was so surprised that I was speechless. I had my spiritual encounter on a country road in Triune, TN, which happened to be a pivotal moment in my life. It was a beautiful revelation; the word Triune spoke to my soul. All I could say was wow.
My journey unwrapped each one of the facets of God—the facets we all love and admire.
Elohim showed me that each facet of Him is equally important. They are all God. But each one has a different job. Each one relates to us differently... When we need a Father figure, most relate to God the Father... when we need to be held, or we need to relate to someone who has walked through what we are experiencing, or we need to be loved for who we are, we look to His human side Jesus ... And one of the most amazing spiritual experiences is the very breath of God we know this facet as the “Holy Spirit” it How God communicates with His Children... I envision the Holy Spirit as an eternal hotline directly connected to God our Father... It is the most intimate call you can ever make ...
My journey has been amazing, and I do not take credit for what and how He taught me. I can only thank Him and love Him for who He is.
I stand in awe and see Him as one... But I love and relate to each beautiful facet of Him...
It depends on what I need in that given moment who comes... I call them LOVEs because they are one in my heart and soul. I love each precious facet of Him...and He knows better than me which facet of Him I need to relate to at any given moment...
To add one more mind-blowing thing, the week of my encounter, I started addressing this presence I knew was God as “Elohim.” At this time, I had little to no religious background, and this was a Hebrew word. I am not of Jewish descent. So why this name? How did this happen? Later in my search, I found out this.
Elohim is God in plural? One God that wears many hats ...
It's Him. It’s always been Him...
The one I love, the one who rescued me. The one who taught me to love Him beyond what my mind can comprehend... He is my 3N1.
I am open to Him relating to me with whatever facet of Him speaks to my heart and soul... It does not matter who comes because I love surprises; deep down, I know it’s Him.
I love Him with my heart and Soul, so my mind has no choice but to follow.
"My love for you, Lord, is not an uncertain feeling, but a matter of conscious certainty. With your word, you pierced my heart, and I loved you. But heaven and earth and everything in them on all sides tells me to love you." ~ Saint Augustine.
Meaning of decide - come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration…
The word decide is in the Bible approximately 59 times.
Did you know that some sources suggest that the average person makes approx 35,000 choices per day?
Today I have a decision to make, what word should we study today? So many words so little time? Have you ever in your lifetime stood at the crossroad to indecision?? So many decisions to make? how do we even cope???
Are you the one that cast caution to the wind?? Or do you methodically study all the pieces to the puzzle and then make your move? I wonder hmm do we dare see what the Bible has to say??
Well, I decided to start here 1 Samuel 14:7 ”His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.”
I have found that our Father gives us the choice to believe in Him.. He gives us the choice to follow His Son, Jesus. And He gives us the choice to embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Hmm, decisions, decisions. Some dance around Him but can not decide to love Him with all their heart and soul. Some only give Him a fragment of their heart but keep a stronghold in it, so they can quickly rip it back if the fire gets a little hot. A few jump in with vigor, and fall in love. They fall so hard that it affects change, it affects the very nature of the person. It opens their soul to a beauty and a love beyond our world. And they embark on an amazing journey of discovery.
And as this beautiful love story unfolds you began to find your way and the beauty within will began to show. A softer more caring heart will be merge. But it's you that has to decide. Personally, the decision to follow Him should be a no-brainer.. But He wants us to willingly come... To willingly follow Him. And to be willing to love Him with of your heart and soul!!
Its Him. It's always Him.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
I have long believed that there are fundamentally two forces or emotions that drive our decisions - love and fear. Love has its many manifestations: compassion, gratitude, kindness, and joy. Fear often manifests itself in cynicism, anger, jealousy, and anxiety. I worry that many of us are being driven by fear. - Vivek Murthy
The word "cynicism" does not appear in the Bible. However, the concept of cynicism is reflected in various biblical passages…
In a biblical context, cynicism is an attitude of distrust, skepticism, and negativity, particularly regarding faith, the goodness of others, or the promises of God. It often manifests as a lack of faith, questioning motives, and expecting the worst in situations and people. Cynicism can stem from disappointment, disillusionment, or a hardened heart.
Are you a manifestation of the world around you? Have you been disappointed by life? Is the stench of darkness seeping into your soul? Has your heart been hardened by the movie playing over and over in your mind?
Are you thinking that things look better in other people’s lives? Is it “facade”? Are they creating an unrealistic image of life? Are we disenchanted when we compare it to the real in our own lives?
Where has commitment, loyalty, and love gone? Is the human heart so hardened that we have forgotten why we are here?? Have we forgotten how to love?
I have often heard, ‘Are you a fighter or a lover?’ I believe we can be both... Fight for love, and those who have been in the trenches with you! The ones that have your back!! The ones that have held your hand and comforted your tired soul. The ones that have the strength to stand with you in these confusing and difficult times…
Has society become complacent and forgotten the value of perseverance in matters related to love, family, and friendship? Have relationships become so fragile that we readily relinquish them at the first sign of adversity?
I must admit we all should do a little soul searching?? Will we find that we are so confident in self that we feel we are perfect and need no one? I believe perfection is a virtue that is NOT attainable by anyone but Jesus!! We can only strive to be a better human each God given day…
So, how do we change our hardened hearts? How do we remove the layers of dust from our soul??? How can we breathe once again? How do we break this bondage on our lives, and learn to unleash the supernatural love that Jesus is willing to share with us? His love is far beyond our human understanding...
I know from experience we cannot do it alone… We must place our total trust in God!! Give Him our heart and surrender our life to Him…be vulnerable in front of Him and ask Him to search our hearts and teach us how to love like Jesus!
Mastering the art of humility, speaking with kindness, and leading with compassion can have a lasting impact on all people, places, and things we value most.
Even though some individuals may say they have tried this and faced disappointment, remember that the benefits of fighting for love and showing up for your people far exceed the cost.
Don't let this world and its trappings rob you of what is truly beautiful and important!!
Eternity with the Arthur and Creator of all things!!!
It’s Him!!!
It will always be Him!!!
His message is clear: love one another…. Sharing His love and light can illuminate our path as we journey back home!!!
My prayer is that you will not succumb to cynicism or fall into a downward spiral into darkness. Instead, look up and love as if tomorrow will never come!
Be the light! Keep Loving! It’s our only HOPE!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
