Meaning of Family all the descendants of a common ancestor.

The word "family" is in the King James Version of The Bible 123 times. It is in 76 verses.

Family, what is this strange connection? What is that pull that gives us comfort with others? It’s is in the blood?? Is it in the DNA? Or is it something much deeper?

I have heard your blood bro. Hmmm, when we look at the complete bloodline since the beginning of time… We will find that are all connected at a heavenly level.  So, if this is the case. We are all family. We would all be related. We are all brothers and sisters in the Kingdom of Christ. And He has taught us YES, LIFE is in His blood.

Imagine we all belong to our Heavenly Father. His Love is so vast. He shared a beautiful part of Himself in Jesus.  He then gave us the very essence of Himself to carry with us always to teach us, to guide us, and to open communication with us on a heart level. We call Him the Holy Spirit.

Our immediate family and friends are the team members that He gifts us to support us and cheer us in our earthly victories. They are here to hold our hands as we come to those bumps in the road as travel back to the one who created each one of us.  He created each one of us with our own uniqueness with our own beauty and passions so we can add our personal flavors to the lives around us!!  

He is the owner of this beautiful franchise. He is the owner of the TEAM!  

It’s up to each player, to be a part of the team (family), and to play the game of life with all the gusto and LOVE your heart and soul can unleash!  He is watching. Each player. Each play by play. Each slow-motion replay. So be the best you can be!! Show up ready to win.

It makes me wonder. who will make the final cut?

Only he knows. 

Its Him, Its only Him

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 timothy 5:8.

We love because He loved us first. 1 John 4:19.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. Jimi Hendrix 

.Image by Creations By Lori Photography. 

Meaning of independent free from outside control; not depending on another's authority.

There are 34 Bible Verses about Independence. 

As we fire up our grills and gather our families to celebrate our independence, do we truly understand the significance of this word??  

We strive for independence from the time we are toddlers. How many times did we tell our parents “I do it” ... And as teens, many become rebellious and push to find freedom and independence? And then once we obtain that independence, we wonder what was the struggle truly about??? Yes, we want to control things in our life. 

But there are times we find that we can not do life alone and the need to lean on others is inevitable and the independent status we fought to gain.. slips just a little. And as a result, you find out that your heart softens with the love and the care you have received. 

Our spiritual life cycle is much the same. How many of us have said to our Heavenly Father “I Do It !!”. We have all been guilty. Thinking we can do it ourselves, we do not need anyone!  However, I do believe in difficult times many of us would like nothing better than to pass the baton to someone we trust... Jesus Himself asked His Father for help in times of severe distress.

 "And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" Matthew 26:39 KJV.

With our Heavenly Father, independence is a state of mind.  The key 🔑 to that word is inDEPENDence. Depend on Him, Trust Him. Love Him. He will free your heart and your life will never be the same. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him. 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 


Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 


“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God 1 Peter 2:16.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

     “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. 

Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” 

Hate is listed 85 times in the Bible ...HATE = intense or passionate dislike:

Hate is such a harsh word...I hate diving into this word! But I pray that the exercise of diving in will open the eyes and hearts of others. Our world seems to be so fractured! 

Hate and discord seem to be rampant among countries, cities, religions, politicians, families, and people in general far and near. 

Hatred is a poison that destroys us from within, producing bitterness that eats away at our hearts and minds. Harboring hate can bring Darkness, Pain, Sadness, Anguish, Hostility, Rejection, Disappointment, Fear, Anxiety just to name a few. Hate can attack our mind, body, and soul and spread like a deadly virus...Hate can be like a pebble that is tossed into a  stream. The rippling impact on others can hurt hearts and souls for generations to come. 

Have you ever wondered, does God feel the dark emotion of hate? How can this be if the very essence of His nature is to love? I believe He hates anything that is contrary to LOVE.  

I could not write about hate and not think about how Hate tried to destroy a LOVE (Jesus) that was sent to earth to teach us how to LOVE. Hate nailed His precious hands to a wooded cross. Hate made him bleed. Hate made Him suffer a torturous end for the world to witness. It wounds my heart and pierces my soul that this hate was so destructive.💔 Even this visual was not enough to make man feel the anguish enough to make a significate change. What is it that keeps us from learning that LOVE is why we are here?? 😔

Why did we not love Him enough? 😭 Why do we not LOVE others enough?? Have we not valued LIFE enough? Have we not valued this amazing gift of our heritage given to us by God enough? 

I fear man will not survive if we do not make changes. We must see the beauty of LOVING  Him... We must see the value in LIFE. We must respect and embrace our differences. We must learn to coexist in peace. We must remain focused on LOVEs (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit) if we are to thrive instead of surviving. 

So if you made it to the end of this post... I will ask you to help me bridge hearts. Lets, embrace His gift of LOVE and spread it like wildfire. One day at a time. One heart at a time. One Love at a time. 🔥  

He is our only hope. 

It's Him, It's always Him. 😍

“If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”1 John 4:20. 

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

. A number of promises that are given in the Bible: 1,260. 

Meaning of promise, assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will happen:

Wow, the amount of promises in the Bible is staggering? Have we ever thought of how special God the Father and Jesus the Son think we are? Why would they even feel the need to promise us anything? 

They have taken the time to document the promises in the Bible for the world to see! As I studied many of His promises. I am drawn to the one I love the most! That God, motivated by love, moved unconditionally to save His people from their sin. Does God love everyone? Yes!!

That He loves us unconditionally in itself is such a beautiful gift and that is just the beginning. However, while I was reading the many promises I could not help doing a little soul searching? And I began to ask myself the question. 

"What promises if any have I made to God?" Sure, like many of us.  In my lifetime, I have been guilty of making bargains instead of promises.  God If you answer this prayer? I will do this for you? How many of us can relate? 

However, I can say with the Holy Spirit's guidance. My heart has led me to feel a closeness with the Trinity and to a deeper understanding of spirituality. When we truly LOVE Him, we cannot stand in front of Him with open hands looking for what He has to offer. We must also ask Him what can I promise you in return?  

When we evaluate what we have of value and what He would truly want or need?? It's not money, riches, or things of this world. He is after our love, our hearts, and our time!!  So, if you have made it to the end of this word study. I say don't bargain ... 

Just promise to LOVE Him with All Your Heart, Soul, and Mind. And let his promise of loving you to eternity be the most important promise of your life!  

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Matthew 22:37

“We really know the kind of love that God has for us. We believe that God has put that love in us. God's nature is love. So, if someone continues to love other people, he is united with God. And God is united with Him.” 1 John 4:16 EASY

"We should keep the full assurance of hope until the end and imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise." 

Heb 6:10 -11 

“We really know the kind of love that God has for us. We believe that God has put that love in us. God's nature is love. So, if someone continues to love other people, he is united with God. And God is united with him.” 1 John 4:16 EASY

 “If we really love God, we will not be afraid of him. We cannot love him completely and also be afraid. We would only be afraid of God if we thought that he would punish us. So, if someone is afraid that God will punish them, it shows that they do not completely know God's love.”1 John 4:18 EASY.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

The meaning of life: the existence of an individual human being or animal: 

The word 'life' is mentioned 450 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

Life is the opposite of death. Both are significant times in all breathing living things on earth and in heaven.

Are we are born with a purpose? Or do we merely mark days on a calendar, as we travel towards the inevitable? 

Even before birth, we are alive. The process of new life is indeed a true miracle and a gift from God. However, have you ever given any thought to who you were before you landed in your mother’s womb? This scripture points us to a life with God in heaven. Hmm 

 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

It does make you wonder? God knew us even before birth? And then He allows our parents to adopt us for the duration on earth... as we grow, we feel we are in control of our life??  But are we really?

“I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will. “Isaiah 46:10

He knows us from the beginning to the end... 

The end? 

For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. NIV

So, are we here with a purpose?

I think this commandment sums this up pretty well. 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind;” 

I do believe we are here to experience this gift of life... According to God's plan 😁. Our experience can be amazing. If we truly embrace the words in Luke 10:27 ... 

He sent Jesus to give us a loving, living example and He gave us a manual call the Bible.  

It’s up to us to learn how to love and how to be loved. He will be pleased and that will translate to a peace felt deep within our soul.  

Do you ever wonder why the scripture says God is Love?

“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. “ 1 John 4:8 ESV

If we learn this amazing LOVE and listen as He speaks to our soul of eternity.  We may one day understand the full glory of our creator and our purpose in this amazing love story. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

It’s the true essence of LOVE that never dies. 

It’s Him. It’s always Him.

God + Love = Life for Eternity 

The question becomes who are you?  What does your life reflect? 

As water reflects the face, so, one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19 | NIV

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever Psalm 23:6 | NIV.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;

 behold, all things become new. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

The word 'change' is found 26 times in the King James Version (KJV).

The meaning of change: the act or instance of making or becoming different:

I think I will change my mind about studying this word.

Well maybe not. LOL

I do believe in life we become comfortable with our surroundings, our people, our life.  Some of us welcome change, some cringe at the thought. But in reality, nothing in life stays exactly the same! Our world seems to be changing faster than we can keep up. I find that change is going to happen no matter what we do, every day holds different experiences, different people, different challenges, and different loves. Life without change would become boring and flat..

It is not the change that is the challenge it’s how and what we do with the change that truly matters. I have discovered there is only one thing in our lives has been the same since the beginning of time... So how is it that this constant in our life can make such an impactful change in our heart and our life.  It gently prompts the biggest changes in human behavior than anything and anyone on earth can offer or even witness.

Before I change my mind I will share a secret that I recently discovered. If you feel you are in need of a positive change.. If you want to experience a love like nothing you have ever felt.  If you want to feel peace in your soul.  

I know how you can change your life, your perspective, your LOVE no matter your circumstance. 

All you need to do is connect your heart to the constant ONE...He will guide you, He will LOVE you. He will breathe life into your soul... but you must be willing to LOVE Him in return and get yourself ready for the most amazing impactful changes you will ever experience. Let me introduce this beautiful soul. His name is Abba, His name is Jesus, His Name is Holy Spirit. I lovingly call them LOVEs my 3N'ONE'. 

His depth of love is such a constant and you can count on it for eternity. 

Its Him, It's always Him.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

The word “whisper” appears 16 times in the NIV translation of the Bible. 

Meaning of whisper a soft or confidential tone of voice; a whispered word or phrase:

Have your heard God's whisper? Have you felt him in your soul? Are we to busy to get up close and personal with God? 

I say let’s try. I am sitting in the darkness. It's 5am as I began to pray, There is a soft light trickling through the cracks in the blinds. I am listing to soft music and the words of the song playing say I will trust you..and I begin to pray... 

I always start by opening my heart and inviting him in.. come, come speak to my soul. Let me feel your love. Let me hear the gentle whisper of your voice.  It’s in these moments you can be touched by his presence. It’s in these moments you will feel his love stirring in your soul. It’s in these moments you can hear the soft whisper of His melodic voice. His voice will speak sweetness to your soul. You will be swept away in thoughts of Him. But you will stop and you will whisper thank you for the gift of you.. and you will ask what can I do for you, Lord? Then you must listen with soulful ears and yearn to hear the frequency of His love calling to your heart... 

There is beauty in the stillness of the morning. There is a peacefulness that radiates from within. There is a bond of love that happens between our Father's spirit and our souls.. Keep pressing in and keep listening. Search for Him in the stillness of the moment. keep inviting Him into your heart, Be diligent in waiting on Him, keep listening for His whispers. Because he is calling your name. 

It’s Him, It’s only Him...

“Open your ears, God, to my prayer; don’t pretend you don’t hear me knocking. Come close and whisper your answer. I really need you. 

Psalm 55:1-2MSG.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

The word invisible is mentioned in 22 scriptures in the Bible.

The meaning of invisible unable to see. That cannot be seen; imperceptible by the sight. Millions of stars, invisible to the naked eye, may be seen by the telescope. 

The word invisible was a word that popped up in conversation this week. I actually used the term borderline invisible, as I described how I saw my life before I felt God’s touch. It left me curious and led me to raise this question. Why and what caused me to even think of myself as invisible?? It actually puzzled me and to find out more I had to go deep within my heart for answers.

My life has always been pretty blessed. So why? Let’s start with how others see us? I was sometimes perceived as shy? aloof? flatline? non-emotional? All of these words have been used by others to describe me. 

Are these traits we acquire through life’s trials? Or are we born with them?  I do believe we are born with attributes that come with our DNA. But many of our personality traits come from our victories, successes, pain and failures, and how we and others respond to them. I am not an expert in this field and can only speak from my experience and my heart. 

In my life, I have mostly been attracted to outgoing personalities. Because I could be a part of the group with little interaction. I had become comfortable with my role. That is why I became a photographer because I could hide behind the lens and still witness and capture the beauty around me. I hid my heart and my emotions followed. I only allowed a select trusted few into my personal space. I became a person that felt deeply but I was too guarded to truly share my thoughts.   

When I lost my sister to cancer, I requested to be the photographer at the memorial because I could hide. It was safe there. I did not have to face the loss or show the emotions that went along with my wounded heart. As I made my way around the room, I watched and captured life from a distance.

I had truly become invisible. 

However, it seems God saw something in me and decided to switch things up. I am not sure why exactly? But on that pivotal day in May of 2018, He touched my soul with an incredible LOVE. A love to this day I still find so hard to describe. He introduced me to the Holy Spirit, and Jesus, and together they have gently guided me on an incredible journey of discovery. This amazing journey was not only to discover who they are…. but they have peeled back the layers of life and are teaching me who I truly am. (I am still a work in progress) and it is my understanding that this process is never-ending.

They have opened my heart to life and love. They have given me a voice, they have given me a boldness to stand up and share my vulnerable heart with the world.  I won’t sugar coat it.  There have been times of confusion, there have been times of fear, there have been many tears. There have been times when I have felt abandoned by some. There have been other beautiful souls that have come to share life. But with every experience they placed in front of me, there has been growth, there has been wonderment and above all, there has been an indescribable LOVE. And with that love, they have given me an amazing story to share.  

There are those who believe, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are invisible, unemotional, maybe even flatline. My experience with the 3N1… is that they are attainable, they are not invisible, we may not be able to see them with the human eye… But they are here with us, they are alive. They are exciting, gentle, and kind. They possess a love like no other. 

I know this because my soul feels them in the deepest chambers of my vulnerable heart…. I can only pray that you see them in my eyes, in my smile, and in my touch.  And I ask you, if you do nothing else please hear them in my voice.

It’s Him, It’s always him. 

Don’t be invisible. Live life loved. Live life large. Feel them in your soul. Your life will never be the same. It will be brighter and richer than you can ever imagine.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature? Colossians 1:15

But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live! Exodus 33:20.