Still, round the corner, there may wait, A new road or a secret gate. j.R.R.TolKien

Meaning of Gate: an opening in a wall or fence. 2: a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures (such as towers) 3a: the frame or door that closes a gate. b: a movable barrier (as at a grade crossing) 4a: a means of entrance or exit.

There are so many gates mentioned in the Bible. In fact, the word gate appears 418 times in the KJV.

As I thought about the word gate. This image crept into my mind. A small child.. a summer day and a farmhouse with a fence and a gate. 

I don’t know about you but if this child is me. I would put my small feet on the base of the gate and push. It squeaks, I giggle and find its quite fun.. lets do it again and again… such a cheap thrill. But this thrill and fun are short-lived because I hear my Father’s voice calling me home. 

You ask what does that have to do with a Bible word study?? 

I say a lot… How many of us ride the fence? How many keep our feet on the Gate? How many cannot see our way clear to focus on the gate. How many of us are still looking for the thrill? How many do not hear our father's voice calling us home? 

The Bible is clear that Christ is the gate. He is the only entry point into the presence of God.  He himself tells us He is the Door/Gate. 

So, the question becomes, do we keep looking for the cheap thrill, the fun moments. Or do we focus on Christ? Do we focus on a greater love for eternity? Do we prepare our hearts to walk through the gate? or do our feet get stuck in the holes of the swinging gate?? 

We all have choices to make? For me, I am determined not to ride the gate but I am determined to focus on Him.

Its Him, It's always Him..,

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Meaning of soft: having a pleasing quality involving a subtle effect or contrast rather than a sharp definition

The word soft is in 40 occurrences in 12 translations 

In the Bible. 

What do you think of when you hear the word soft? I immediately think of a famous Shakespearean quote from one of the most romantic stories of its time. Romeo and Juliet... “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon. “

When reading these words there is a gentleness, there is a subtle feeling, there is a faint whisper of love that speaks to our hearts. 

So what does this have to do with a Bible Word Study?  

It's Him... When we pursue Him you will find a soft gentleness... Far beyond any earthly gift, you will ever encounter. You will find emotions of love from the depths of your soul.  His grace will softly wrap you in His loving arms. He has the power to engulf all your senses. 

It’s Him. 

He wrote the book on Romance. He knows each of us so intimately. His words speak softly to our hearts. He whispers into our souls with a gentleness that will leave a sweet fragrance of love that will linger upon our skin. His Love will continue to call to our hearts until there are no other loves before Him. Only He has the power that will change life as we know it.  He truly is the lover of our soul.

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

It’s Him, It’s always Him. 

“I will make you new inside. I will give you a new spirit. You will no longer turn away from me. I will make you want to do the things that give me pleasure.”Ezekiel 36:26 EASY

Photography & Written by Lori Garner  

“A sensitive soul sees the world through the lens of love.” - 

The meaning of Sensitive (of a person or a person's behavior) having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings

There are approximately 70 Bible Verses about Sensitive. 

Do you consider yourself a sensitive soul? I do believe there are two sides to this coin.... You could have a heart that is sensitive towards others... Or we could be sensitive on how others treat us..  Some are just plain sensitive souls... 

In my lifetime I have heard people say “don’t be so sensitive” ? She/He wears their feelings on their sleeve ? Why do we try to stifle such heartfelt trait??? 

People perceive being sensitive as weak ? Since when did we become so callus ? When did we stop caring about others and how our actions could affect their hearts ?? I do think life scars can build walls, and harden hearts... Or do we just turn away when we think things get a little messy or scary.. I do feel every time you allow life to leave a scar on your heart you become more and more insensitive.. You may not even notice how you have changed but the world around you can see it!! 

Our Creator sees it. 

So, when does the world stop and take notice! When do we begin to realize it? 

No matter how the world treats us .. No matter the life scars we  possess.. No matter what people say .. Be sensitive, Be caring, Be loving... You may say that is impossible! 

I say look to Jesus as a beautiful example of how to treat the world.. You still might say “sure it was easy for Him, He is God”.  Many may agree! 

However, if you allow Him to show you your sensitive heart... He will show you so many beautiful things about people in the unforgiving world around you..

You will see that it is you that will change... You will become sensitive to the beauty of life. You will find being sensitive may bring you gifts you never even knew existed... 

You will become sensitive to love far beyond anything you have ever experienced... Let Him open your heart, Let Him show you the way. Let Him Love you. Let Him be sensitive to your love for Him... 

He is our only answer to an unforgiving world. His sensitivity to all of mankind is beyond words. I love His sensitive loving nature.  He leaves me speechless.. 

It’s Him,  It’s always Him. 

It truly is a love story between you and your Creator... 

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 KJV

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

Meaning of the word one: being a single unit or thing

The word ‘One’ appears 6621 occurrences in 13 translations. 

One... are we alone? Are we set apart? Is there more? Or do we singularly travel life?? 

I do believe our Heavenly Father made us complex creatures. Our mind tries to tell us we are one and our mind is in control ... However,  I do believe there is more to us than the mind would like to reveal... We have our body and our soul... We are 3 parts of the oneness that God created. 

When I peel this concept back. And I look at scripture Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. It makes me question this ... I believe many think it's our physical image He was speaking of? 

But when I examine this with my soul ... I gained a different perspective... The mind is the creator, the thinker, the decision-maker... The body is the human form. And the spirit is the Soul... Thus giving us the concept of Mind, Body, and Soul... 

When we look to the oneness of God the Father we have His amazing Mind, creator of all things. The Body is Jesus the Human Part of God. And the Holy Spirit is His beautiful spirit, where His heart and Love dwells... He is one just as we are one ...  The number One has many amazing facets that make up a beautiful complex miracle of life.   

Now to complicate things just a little ... when we become believers He sends His Spirit to dwell within us. To be our comforter our teacher and 

and to share Himself on an intimate level with His Children...    

So now when we look at our Mind, Body, and Soul just a little further ... we have a unique oneness with God... we call this very part of God the Holy Spirit... It’s here that we feel that oneness with our Heavenly Creator.  He is the most fascinating beautiful 3N1’s we will ever have the privilege to (try) to know... Wow !!! 

It’s Him, it’s always Him!   

There is no other He is the ONE. 

1 Corinthians 6:17-20 New International Version (NIV) 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Design and written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: 

I Am One - Sandra McCracken feat. Citizens (Official Lyric Video)

Meaning of a doubter: 

a person who questions or lacks faith in something; a skeptic:

There are approximately 45 verses in the Bible about doubters.

Are you a doubter ? Are you a believer ? What does that truly mean ? Do you believe in God ? Jesus ? The Holy Spirit ? The Bible? 

I do believe there are many degrees of what we believe .. and it varies by individuals... 

Many things can affect how strong your convictions are and just how much we believe... Many have been on a religious journey since they were a child. Many have dabbled in and out of what they truly believe. Some are too busy to even have an opinion. 

I have come across a full array of different degrees. And I have come away with these thoughts. 

Let’s put religion aside for just a moment... And let’s focus on why we even have religion. It teaches us of His greater love! Its an amazing Love story about all of mankind and our Creator. 

There are those that feel, they need proof.  They need to see it or touch it to believe. 

I can go back to the very word that points to our creator it’s the word LOVE!!! You can not see it feel it or touch it. But when LOVE comes into your heart it brings peace and joy that your soul can not contain.  

The beautiful Triune is the best source for the very LOVE I speaking of .. How can you not believe? If you say I believe then the question becomes.. 

Is are you all in ?? Are you fully committed? Or are you a weekend warrior?  He is all in .. He has proven it time and time again. Why do we doubt it ?  When our soul knows it’s Him. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him. 

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. Matthew 28:17

Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” Exodus 4:1 

Photography & Design, Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: 

 Christian Music "Run the Race" -- Christian Song by Holly Starr

The Bible lists 333 miracles but that is not all of them. 

The word miracle has such a mystery that surrounds the word itself. There were so many Miracles documented in the Bible and even when they were witnessed by many, there were those that remained as non-believers.  Why do we doubt Him? Why do question his motives as to who and when he touches a life? I do think as an adult our quest to want proof is normal? 

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

Meaning of storm, a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. A tumultuous reaction; an uproar or controversy: 
Move angrily or forcefully in a specified direction:

The word storm is in the Bible in 119 

Storms can come when we least expect them.  Many can come with complete knowledge allowing you to prepare for the worst... When I think of storms I think of Florida where in my lifetime I have weathered many violent storms. 

As I think about these storms, I have witnessed the devastation they can cause on life and property. In life, there are storms we face that rage within. 

Let’s look at the storms of life that we feel in our soul… It starts with a distant rumble. We can see grey clouds moving swiftly across the sky… Lighting crashing and bolts of light furiously light the dark sky. The winds pick up speed… And we hear the sounds of the rumbling get closer and closer … Everything in its path is showing signs of being battered and worn…  

The human soul will hide in fear thinking that it will not be able to stand the violence felt. But when our soul retreats and goes deep. Something amazing happens we find God's gift. He instilled a resilience and a hunger for life in each life He has created... as soon we find Him there these storms lose their strength and soon die. And our soul finds a strength we did not even realize existed. It’s at these times we began to understand the beauty of our Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

He is our rock, our anchor, our Savior. Find Rest in Him when you face any storm life may throw your way. Get anchored and Feel Him in your soul….  

Its Him, It's always Him.

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. Matthew 8:24

Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels

Inspiring Music: Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video)

“As delicate as a flower, as tender as rose petals, choosing to be tender and kind in a harsh environment is not weakness, it's courage.” ― Luffina Lourduraj

Lonely being without company: cut off from others: solitary

Loneliness is mentioned 6 times. However, alone is written about in the Bible over 300 instances.  

It is in our nature to crave that feeling of belonging. To feel that we are a part of something bigger than just ourselves. 

Lonely can manifest itself in many ways... Our family our friends or lack thereof can cause this void feeling in our souls. This can happen at any given time in our lives. 

Many life trials or experiences can leave us with our hearts feeling lonely... and searching for answers. It truly is a strange phenomenon to me how we can live a full life and still feel a lonely pull on our soul.  

I do believe if we have had a Divine spiritual experience we can find ourselves set apart.  Very few will truly understand. Many will not want to talk to you about the Divine presence that has caused such a depth of love in your soul. It becomes the norm to be preoccupied with chasing this amazing spiritual presence. 

He leaves you with a burning desire to share your heart with others.  But many will not relate nor will they understand. And as this walk with the Trinity continues.  You are viewed as overzealous.. over-excited or just a plain ole Jesus lover.  So many will avoid you, adding to the feeling of isolation.  

I question why is it ok to be zealous when speaking of sports, bands, movie stars, etc... But it’s not ok to speak with excitement about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?? My question would be what makes you excited? And did they ever have a hand breathing life into your very existence? Is our excitement misdirected?  

I do find that as we move closer and closer to the Trinity the divide between our spiritual heart and society widens. But as this gap widens, we can find solace in resting in Their presence. We will find that Jesus has known this loneliness. Many shunned Him in this same way. So He comes to us fully knowing the heartbreak and the void we feel..  He offers us comfort and a love like no other. It's beyond human understanding. 

So whatever may cause you to feel that void or that loneliness in your soul.. Know you are never truly alone. He is with us always.. and forever!  Who else can make that commitment or promise? 

Only He can! So get excited! Get over zealous! And join souls that feel His love, it's a love that will leave you speechless. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20b, NIV

“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Psalm 17:15

“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” Isaiah Isaiah 49:16

#neveralone

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music:  

Kari Jobe - I Am Not Alone (Live)

Every day is a gift from God. Learn to focus on the Giver and enjoy the gift! Joyce Meyer. 

Meaning of giving: providing love or other emotional support; caring.

There are approximately 23 verses in the Bible about giving. 

It seems once again the holidays are just around the corner…Its seems to come faster and faster each year..  Fall leaves, Pumpkins, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Baby Jesus. 

I have noticed over the years that this time of year brings out the giving spirit in those once dormant hearts. 

When I opened the Bible to see what the Bible says about giving. I found out there are 4 types of giving in the Bible... The list is outlined below.. 

1. Alms. Alms is anything given to relieve the poor. It could be money, food, clothing, shelter, etc. ... 

2. Tithe. Abraham tithed before the Law. Moses penned it in the Law. ... 

3. Offering. An offering is anything given over and above the Tithe. ... 

4. Grace. Grace giving is the goal for the Christian.

When I see this list, to me it only scratches the surface.. Not to make light of the written word. I do agree with what is written. And we should abide with what is written in this masterpiece we call the Bible. God left this amazing book to guide our lives. 

But to me, the question should be… Am I a giver ? Do I give to the one who created me? Do we ask, "Father what do you need?" I feel we are all guilty of coming with wants, needs, desires, and wishes ? 

Do we, ever stop and think what does God need? Do we make time to listen? Do we spend time with Him? Do we give Him our love? Do we give Him our hearts? 

Or are we guilty of only coming to Him when we are in trouble or need something ?

The true act of giving should come from the heart. It should be free.. It should be unselfish.. It should not want anything in return. It should not keep score. 

Its my opinion selfish giving is truly is not giving… It is an act from the calculated mind.. and void of the heart.  

God unselfishly gave all humanity His beloved Son. So all His Children  could have everlasting life… This monumental gift can never be repaid no matter how hard we try.

We can only search our hearts and ask ourselves are we a giver to our Heavenly Father,  His Beloved Son, and to God’s very breath that we know as the Holy Spirit? Do we come with open arms to embrace Him? 

Or do we come with open hands wanting something from Him ? I say be a giver to our Creator, He is looking for those unselfish hearts.. 

I do believe that selfishness will not be a word or act that will be allowed in Heaven… So open your heart and free your mind and give the best of yourself to the true Giver. 

Its Him, Its always Him !!

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music:  

Hello (God it's me) Lyric Video B/W - Myracle Holloway ®2016 Myracle Mile Music

Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness... Mother Teresa..

Meaning of face: the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal.

There are approximately 68 verses in the Bible that mention the word face.

The human face holds such beautiful mastery. What kind of imagination does it take to create us all the same, but yet we all have a multitude of special unique traits in each of us... eyes, nose, lips and the list goes on and on.. 

I want to know how He does it. I yearn to look upon the face that holds such wonder in His hands. I want to look into His eyes. Do you ever wonder what God looks like? We are all familiar with the scripture. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them KJV.

So, indulge me, and let’s let our imagination run away with us for a few minutes. Closes your eyes and imagine God with me. What do you see? 

I would love to describe what I see... 

I see Him strong in stature. I see His hands large tan with skin that shows that He is not afraid of hard work... I see His Hair course white, but it is peppered with black and grey tone streaks. His beauty radiates from within. It casts an aura that will engulf your soul. His face shows wisdom and kindness. He has a few lines near his eyes these lines show that He is a wiser older soul. He has a grey beard neatly trimmed. And He has a beautiful welcoming smile. It’s a smile that will warm any man's heart. I left His eyes for last. Because they are mesmerizingly beautiful, deep blue and they speak to your soul without uttering a word. Just standing anywhere in His proximity you will feel a love that is beyond description.  His beauty is soulfully felt in our hearts. Tears will stream down your face just to be in His powerful love overflow. 

Well, if you closed your eyes with me. Share with me what you saw or felt?? Even if what we saw is totally different in our minds. Know He will always look the same in our hearts… Because it’s His love that will show its amazing beautiful face! 

Its Him, It's always HIM!! 

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;

Save me in Your lovingkindness. Psalm 31:16

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Psalms 24:6

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music:  I See Love (by Third Day with lyrics)

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music:  

The Afters - I Will Fear No More (Official Lyric Video)