Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. John 5:24

Immortal is listed six times in the KJV Bible. 

Meaning of Immortal living forever, never dying or decaying: “Immortal souls inhabit our mortal bodies."

Immortal truly does not seem to be a popular word in the Bible. It is only used approximately six times. The word immortal draws us into unfamiliar territory.  

When we speak of immortality, it seems we tend to think of Hollywood’s vision instead of the true essence of the word. To live forever in a spiritual realm can be a scary thought! 

Hollywood seems to depict the darker side of immortality. However, I see it as a beautiful promise. When I think of immortality, my heart and vision drift to the man who defies all logical thinking. He has shown us the deepest, most important vision of immortality. 

He gave us hope; He has shown us the greatest LOVE ever known to mankind! During this amazing moment in time, He offered Himself as a sacrifice, thus giving us a visual of His love and the promise of immortality. This visual points us to and gives us confidence that one day we will walk with Him in paradise.  

This promise unveils our Soul's purpose on earth and in heaven. Our soul inhabits our earthly body to embrace a life of learning.  We are to share its beauty and His love with others. Until that pivotal day that we all must face transitioning to another life. I do believe it is human nature to want to hold on to hope that the very essence of who we are will never perish.  

The biggest questions are: Is there really a spiritual realm? And do we truly know where our journey might take us? Not knowing where you will be for eternity can be a daunting thought. However, there is a beautiful promise of eternity.  

Our Heavenly Father gave us many tools to help us find our way. He gave us Jesus to illuminate our path and show us, by example, a travel guide called the Holy Spirit. He gave us a road map called the Holy Bible. And the beautiful news is, He even holds our hearts through the process...

If we embrace and use all the tools He has given us. It is not a scary journey.  It’s a beautiful gift of sharing eternal life with the most amazing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we will ever have the privilege of knowing!! 

We can only pray that when that pivotal day arrives, our family and friends will know without any doubt that we made it home. 

Love without restraint. Celebrate LIFE. Be everything our Father knows we can be, and look to the beautiful promise of eternity.

“To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:”

Romans 2:7 KJV

“A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” Maya Angelou...

Meaning hidden, kept out of sight, concealed.

We located twenty-eight verses that direct us to the word hidden.

I woke up this morning at 4:39 a.m. It's in these early morning hours when our world seems so still, so void of the noises that seem to disturb the peace and beauty that consume our busy lives.

It has become my favorite time of day. It's where I can escape into the hidden world where Jesus awaits. He gently comes and stays a while. He soothes my soul. He brings peace to my very existence. I can share my most intimate thoughts with Him: my dreams, victories, failures, struggles, and fear of the darkness in this turbulent world. 

It is where I can surrender my heart and soul and clear my mind... 

He has become my favorite hiding place... He loves me past all the pain, heartache, and doubts.  And fills my life with His abundant love, His unexplainable peace, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

It is a difficult relationship to explain and a challenge to understand when measured by our worldly standards. 

The hidden secret is, 

He is not of this world... He is timeless. He is a powerful force of energy. He is all things to all people. He wows me!!! He blows my mind!!  He is my three in one, He is a humble, loving Father, King, and Savior who has been desperately searching for our love... 

He stays hidden in the shadows unless we surrender our hearts...  His heart aches for us to return to His loving arms. And yet, so many of us cannot find the time to hide with Him.  They seem only to find the time when they are caught up in self, hurt, doubt, fear...  Why do we wait to find Him when we are desperate? 

I have experienced a secret place where He awaits. There, I can feel His forgiveness, grace, amazing love, and everlasting peace. He is my hidden treasure and a gift from God. He yearns to be a part of ALL our lives. ALL the time. 

He is not a God of convenience. 

He is not my gift alone—He belongs to you, too. When we find Him, we must savor our time with Him, fill our hearts with His unexplainable love, and share Him with our world. 

God only knows how much we need Him. His children are constantly praying for answers... And all this time, He has been right under our noses... But have we been too blind to, see??  

It’s Him!! It’s always been Him. 

He will always be my hidden treasure. No matter how often I share Him, His love is limitless and never-ending... 

He has become as important as the very air I breathe... There is nothing in this world that can replace the valued treasure of knowing Him. Of spending time alone with Him. Of loving Him... 

Just WOW... There is no one like Him ... I am blown away... by His Hidden Charm!! 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” 

(Matthew 6:21 ).

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy, over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

You Are My Hiding Place - Selah (Worship Song with Lyrics)

"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

Meaning of focus: the state or quality of having or producing a clear visual definition. 

The word focus is in approximately fifty verses in the Bible. 

When I began to focus on this word, a visual image came to mind...As a child, I would watch my mother take such precision, concentration, and care... As she tried to thread a needle to create a beautiful -embroidered piece of delicate art... 

And then my thoughts drifted to this scripture: Mark 10:25: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom. 

What does this mean?? Do we focus on money, cars, and things of this world?  Are these the riches He speaks of?

These items we treasure will be left behind. I can’t help but see this very small pathway to Heaven, and if we try to bring our collection of treasures, we will not fit. And as you scramble to drop the things and lighten your load... You will realize there is a better way... There is freedom!! There is love like nothing you have ever known...It is just waiting for you... “only you,” not your treasures, title, or “things,” just you and your beautiful, loving heart. It is so simplistic. 

So pure... It's Him... It’s Him!  He is our treasure. 

We should focus on Him because He is the greatest teacher of what is truly important in this thing we call life.

As we focus on Him, with such precision, concentration, and care... The eye of the needle will become crystal clear. 

The question becomes, are you ready? What are you focused on??? Don’t be distracted; don’t see Him with blurred vision. Be hyper-focused on the one that will make you rich beyond this life!! 

It’s Him; it’s always been Him!!

You call me Teacher and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. John 13:13

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life 1 Timothy 6:17

Art & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy

Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: (YouTube)

Phil Wickham - Relationship (Official Audio)

Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. – Rick Warren

Meaning of scared fearful; frightened.

The word scared is referred to approximately 32 times in the Bible. But 'Fear not,' is in the Bible 365 times,”

I fear that my opening my heart for the world to see will never be enough... But what do I have of value to repay Him for a love that is too rich to fully understand? I have nothing but my heart... So, I share it willingly in hopes that you see a glimpse of Him...  There is no need to be scared. However, I do remember as a child being afraid.

I was so afraid I lost the ability to speak... I was frozen and could not move...I was alone in my darkroom... I pulled the covers up to my eyes... And watched the creepy shadows dance across the walls. The walls seem to get closer and closer, and the shadows began to take on scary shapes... My heart began to pound and breathing became shallow. I tried to call out to my earthly Father, but I could not make a sound... I began to tremble.  But then I took a deep breath gathered all my courage and screamed his name.

”daddy!!!”

As always, He came to my rescue. He turned on the light... And tried to console me and he lovingly reassured me that he would always be close. He hugged me, and as I settled in his to his arms.. I felt safe and fell into a deep slumber...

As we grow... being scared is a well-guarded emotion. But I do believe everyone that has breath has moments in life they feel like a scared child... It could be a darkroom; it could be the uncertainties of life... It could be health or financial issues... or even death. Everyone can and will experience those dark scary moments ...  

When we become adults, we outgrow the ability to pull the covers over our eyes and scream our parents name and they will take care of the issue for us.

We are taught to be strong. And so, we ask ourselves do I have to face my fears alone???  

Alone can be a scary word... Can we just call out our Heavenly Father’s name?  Will He turn on the light and show us that with Him things in our world are not so scary..

He will hold and comfort us no matter the time, no matter the day... No matter the issue ... And if you feel the need to curl up in His arms and rest... He will hold you while you sleep...

It's Him! It's always Him!!!

He is the light that guides my heart!!! He is the whisper that comforts my soul! He is my rock in the darkest moments!!! 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall, I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Psalm 55:22

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. “Deuteronomy 31:6

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Teresa of Ávila.- 
 The meaning of peacemaker 

a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries.

There are 10 verses in the Bible that reference the word peace. 

To fully understand this word “peace-maker” we must look at the meaning of its root word, which would be “peace.” 

I found such peace in my soul when I discovered that in the translation of the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete, whole'. ... The term-'peace' originates most recently from the Anglo-French pes, and the Old French pais, meaning peace, reconciliation, silence, agreement" (11th century). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace)

Most likely, most of us know quite well when we are at peace and when we are in a state of unrest and discord.  We all strive for that beautiful state of mind. It affects our hearts, our soul, our mind, and how our life in general operates. 

We know what peace is… But what is PEACE-maker? How do they intercede between two parties that have conflict? What are their attributes? 

Here are my thoughts. They must have a gentle spirit. They must be good listeners.  They must be able to maintain a neutral understanding heart. They must look at both sides of the dispute with an open mind. They must maintain a loving disposition to all parties.  But the peace-makers are not without scars. They take in the conflict into their soul.. And they make all attempts to bring peace to all parties. 

However, they stay troubled when their mission of being the peacemaker fails or falls short.. But there is hope for the Peace-maker… Their mission might fail, through no fault of their own. But, they know time is on their side. 

Where do they go to maintain their own peaceful existence when they need to refuel??

I must admit when my thoughts went to the attributes of a peacemaker my mind pictured Jesus. He is all the above and more. And we all know when His peace is shaken, He goes to our Heavenly Father. 

Now if we go back to the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete, whole'. ... 

That must be the answer. When our souls are at odds with others we are fractured. Our hearts are broken. But when we are with the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit we are whole. They give us peace that surpasses all human understanding.

If we would study Jesus and try every day to emulate His attributes we could come peace-makers.  OUR TROUBLED WORLD NEEDS PEACE. BUT PEACE IS NOT EASY, IT TAKES WORK, IT TAKES UNDERSTANDING, IT TAKES LOVE… 

I would like to acknowledge that we have all had our challenges. Our peace has been eroding a little bit at a time. Many relationships have been stressed to the max. Some even broken.  

As we travel in our journey of life. I challenge you to be the Peace-maker. Let’s heal all wounds. Let’s bring LOVE alive in our hearts, and in our lives. And if you do not think you can be the peacemaker.  Let’s help the Peace-Maker complete His mission. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him.  

Shalom! 

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” KJB Luke 2:14 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

So, then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19

As it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Music from Youtube

Peace (Official Lyric Video) - Bethel Music feat. We The Kingdom | Peace

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana.

The meaning of kindness - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Kindness can be found in the Bible 101 times.

Do we practice kindness from a genuine place in our hearts? Or do we show kindness only during a seasonal time of year, just for others to witness, or only when it’s convenient? 

I have witnessed and feel we practice these acts better at certain times of the year. Like Christmas and Easter. Why doesn't the act of kindness follow us every day for life? 

To truly see the ugliness of human behavior, we just need to scroll through our social media feeds or watch the news. It is a heartbreaker. 

We all have our daily battles. We have all been touched by sickness: war, famine, and nature’s fury. 

It's time to understand that we are doing this together. We must reach out with empathy, compassion, kindness, and, most of all, love for our fellow humans .... 

Why wait? Start TODAY! Open your heart, smile, and lend a hand where needed... 

To simplify this, I have always taught my children that they should not say anything at all if they do not have something nice to say. 

I hope our world does not become silent, unless it is to pray to our Creator to open our hearts to a LOVE that is greater than we will ever experience. 

It’s Him; It’s always Him. 

Let's make our Heavenly Father proud of His Children's behavior... one act at a time... 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Galatians 5:22

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God Micah 6:8 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Chris Tomlin - Love People (Lyrics) with Jimmie Allen

As Jesus said, “Go and do likewise. As the route of your life path and your winks from God begin to emerge—like a rainbow out of the mists of your mind—you will be struck by the message of hope that it holds for you.” - Squire Rushnell - 

Are God's winks real, or are they just chance events? Yesterday started as a busy day with some challenges. 

Our air conditioning unit had stopped working, and we were scheduled to get the unit replaced before the Tennessee temperatures started their summer climb.

The work truck pulled up, and three workers stepped out, not knowing that God had a plan… 

One of the men had to come into the house, and we exchanged greetings.  I explained I would need to leave at 2 pm to pick up my granddaughter from school. 

In our conversation, he used the word blessed, which was the beginning of what was about to unfold. 

I said you must be a Christian. He acknowledged my question with a smile and said yes. And he returned to start the work he had been hired to do… 

The day seemed to slip away, and soon, it was time to leave. I advised them I would be going to pick up my granddaughter. 

I realized I was too early as I traveled towards the school, so I bought the workers a lemonade. I returned to deliver the drinks. The one young man was kneeling by the unit alone, and I asked him what church he attended.  He told the name and smiled. With that opening, I began to tell him my testimony… I explained how the Holy Spirit touched me with an indescribable love right here in the city of Triune, TN, which means Trinity. 

I shared with him about my medical miracle, no surgery needed… I advised him that I share my story on a blog and podcast…He looked up, smiled, and said you must write a book. I laughed and said I have two selling on Amazon right now. 

I explained I needed to leave, but I would show him both of my books upon my return. 

I soon returned. And he came in to install the new thermostat. I grabbed both books off the coffee table and showed him the covers. He quickly said I want to buy one. I explained that these are hardcovers and that they run $30.00. I have digital copies available online for only $3.33.

He insisted he wanted one of the hard copies… whipped out 30 dollars, and the deal was completed.  I showed him to my studio, where the wall is adorned with images of Jesus I painted. He reacted very kindly as he looked at the images. Then, He asked if he could take pictures of my paintings to share with his wife. I said sure; he snapped a few images. He thanked me, gathered his tools and the book, and walked out. 

I stepped out to the porch for some last-minute instructions from the project manager. 

As we spoke, the young, smiling man approached me with the book and pen, saying he could only leave with the book if I signed it. 

We exchanged smiles as he handed me the book and a pen. 

How would you like me to dedicate the book??? What is your name? 

He smiled and said Actually, my name is Jesus!!! But they call me Jes… 

I spent the day with Jesus in more than one way...Because my Jesus was present during the God wink moment… 

Sometimes God orchestrates meetings with perfect strangers that will linger as cherished memories…

Never let a moment slip through our fingers to share Him…

Today, I was blessed by Jesus… 

Art, Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Too Good To Not Believe (Lyric Video) - Brandon Lake

 

Triune Loves Me (books)

“Being kind means responding to the needs of others - and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” Fred Rodgers...

My morning seemed to start normal, just like most days. But my quiet mood was soon interrupted by a call from my granddaughter… 

She could not contain her excitement!!!  She informed me that her mini donkey had had her baby. We had a new foal in our midst... She quickly told me we needed a name and wanted my help naming him. She wanted a name from the Bible. The Easter story was still fresh on our minds. So, this task placed me in the thought of that significant day when Jesus was crucified.   Thinking of that day along with this new little foal. I remembered where a lowly donkey played an essential role in Jesus' life. 

A donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Another carried Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s decree to kill all baby boys two years of age and under. And a foal of a donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Amazingly, this humble animal bears the markings of a cross on its back.  

Many names raced through my mind… And then my thoughts stopped on the name Simon… 

He helped Jesus on the horrific crucifixion day. It was not the disciples; they bailed. Even Peter said, “he did not know Jesus."

After the scourging and other torturous beatings that Jesus endured, He was so weak He could not carry the heavy cross.  He was clearly struggling and would not make it without help. The soldiers grabbed Simon and forced him to carry the cross.

They gave Simon no choice!!! 

I can only imagine that the blood covering Jesus stained all of Simon’s clothes, his arms, and his face. It was a life-changing encounter. One that I am sure Simon would never forget. Simon had an up-close experience with the Son of God, and his life would never be the same. 

This statement is supported by a verse in Romans 16:13. It states that both sons and Simon became passionate witnesses for Jesus. 

Simon… a humble little donkey whose ancestors played a significant role in our Savior's life. Our new little Simon carries the mark of the cross upon his back to remind us of the significance of that day….

“And they compelled one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.” Mark 15:21

“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother…” Romans 16:13

Written by Joann Turnbull

Photography by MJ

Edited by Lori Garner 

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Little Donkey.