You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul. George Bernard Shaw - 

Meaning of glass: In all cultures, glass, especially the mirror, has a special symbolism, far exceeding the simple function of reflection. It is a portal to another world and is used in art as an element with a strong mystical significance.

The word glass appears approximately 5 times in the Bible. 

A glass by any other name is still glass or is it? Such a beautiful and yet functional work of art. My journey on the glass trail found “Glass was first made in the ancient world, but little is known about man’s first efforts to make glass. Amulets and solid beads were made in Mesopotamia as far back as 2500BC. Later, glass making was further developed in Egypt around 1500BC.” 

It always surprises me when I think of the art and creations man developed with such rudimentary tools. 

The most expensive piece of glass in the world is Darby, Banjo, Scott Deppe, + Clinton Roman’s The Throne – worth $1,000,000. This glass piece falls under drug Paraphernalia and due to the Controlled Substances Act, it’s illegal in most if not all states in the United States. In most states, the possession of paraphernalia is illegal as well.  Even in states where cannabis has been legalized, paraphernalia remains punishable. It’s not a piece I would purchase even at a garage sale. It’s dark and does not resonate with my soul or my journey with God's light.

On my fact-finding mission, I found  Glassblowing an interesting stop as well. I do remember standing for hours at a local theme park and being mesmerized by a glassblowers artistry.  The ability to start with basic sand heating it to the perfect temperature then inflating molten glass into a bubble (or parison) with the aid of a blowpipe. Twist, inflate, heat, pull.. to create a beautiful harden art of glass when cooled. 

I found that I also questioned the difference between glass and crystals. I landed on the most popular and beautiful crystal manufacturing company by the name of Swarovski. Swarovski crystals do not occur naturally. They are man-made gems manufactured in Austria and consist of 32 percent lead, which is a requirement when making the crystals. The use of lead allows for a material that can withstand cutting and engraving.  The lead is the magic element that is added to the glass. It appears that it’s what gives it its brilliance and the hardness to cut it with such precision. 

Now that I have a little better understanding of glass where is He leading me? Where and how does glass make its mark in the Bible? 

There is little written about this precious man-made art. But is it truly manmade? Or is man-altered ...It is created by using a hydrogen/oxygen flame and also an arc welder to turn sand into glass.  Again even this art points back to God's original Art sand. So as we look at scripture it is documented in Revelations “And before the throne, there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne”

I find it interesting how man claims to invent things in our world.. when indeed we are just discovering His art, His power, His genius... it’s in everything we see, touch, smell, taste, and hear everything points to Him. He is our miracle-maker, our inventor.. our love. To discover Him in the smallest grain of sand is a significant find of the soul... and like the beautiful crystal, His name is brilliantly engraved in our hearts.

It's Him, It's always Him! 

Priceless!!

James 1:23 | 

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”

Revelation 4:6 KJV

“Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?”

Job 37:18 KJV

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photo by Maël BALLAND from Pexels

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Love Language - Song of Courage

“Within you lies the opportunity to grow in spirit. Keep your feet on the earth, but lift your face towards the heavens. Surrender to the light with a tranquil mind, and a heart full of the love of God.” – White Eagle - 

Meaning of enlightened to give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation. Give (someone) spiritual knowledge or insight.

There are approximately 31 verses that reference enlightened in the Bible.

To be enlightened, what does this truly mean? When we look into the spiritual realm, things are clear for many but is the clarity pointed in the correct direction?? Or do many have their spiritual heads in the clouds? Many of us are searching for our true purpose? Are our souls are searching for answers or for that missing piece of our heavenly heritage?? Or does our soul awaken on the exact timeline God set with intention? Were we ready earlier? Did we miss His whisper? 

Why are there so many different enlightened trails to travel? I see so many different philosophies regarding the words that are entangled with the word enlightened. Some speak of God. Some speak of spiritual guides. Some are unclear why, but they find their soul is ready to embark on a new journey.  

I see many have found a way to cultivate their gift of enlightenment into a productive income stream. That gives me pause.  And then I look to Jesus and ask you, do you think He came to earth to cultivate an income stream? Or was His purpose so dynamic it is beyond our realm of fully understanding? I do know His life has gone beyond the grave and has stood the test of time… And that my friend is Priceless !!

 I do not have all the answers, but I do have my own personal experience of what some have labeled as enlightenment. If we were to put these different enlightenment strategies in a flow chart many could say they follow similar patterns, lines, and practices.  There is worship, meditation, stillness, darkness, heart, soul, and mind. Many speak of love. I believe this is why we have this scripture to ground us. 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

If we are enlightened, we must put our beliefs through that narrow gate and ask ourselves, who are we worshiping. Did they create the very essence of who we are? Did they give us life? 

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

Yet for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1Corinthians 8:6

Do you meditate? Here is another verse to ground us. 

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV

Stillness He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Psalm 46:10

Darkness “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Heart, Soul, and Mind; Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

Love; For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Put these scriptures on your flow chart of life… And see how your enlightened trail faired… Are you on the narrow trail? If you answered yes… The last test or question would be, does the gate to your enlightened destination offer you eternal life? 

So again, Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:7-10

If you follow me on my blog or podcast, you must know by now my flow chart will always point me to Him!! 

It’s Him. It’s always HIM.  He is the lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

ENLIGHTENED by HIM ……I pray that the narrow path includes you. 

He was the true Light, which doth enlighten every man, coming to the world; John 1:9

May the LORD's face enlighten you and bestow favor on you. Num 2:26

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Model - RobynZ

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Amy Grant - Thy Word (Lyric Video)

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. SOS 8:6

A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee the security or indicate ownership. Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor. 

The word seal appears in approximately 49 verses in the Bible.

In our world of technology, seals seem to be a lost art. Letters may be obsolete soon.  I have a faint memory of learning about sealing a letter with a wax seal in middle school.  I thought it was cool and enjoyed sealing my letters to my short-lived pen pal... But I do not remember if we were taught the real reason seals were utilized? 

So, we did some digging, and we found some literature on the subject. 

It stated that the history of seals can be traced back to some of the earliest known civilizations. Actual examples have been found from the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia civilizations, which were active from 3300BCE and 150BCE respectively. The first seals were made from clay. 

Researchers in the UK found medieval wax seals to look for possible cases of forgery and other crimes by examining fingerprints and handprints left behind in the wax. Analysts are studying seals on documents dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, such as business contracts, land sales, and other financial exchanges. These transactions were as important and binding as our modern-day signatures, contracts, and credit advances. 

The wax or clay was melted, or made pliable and applied to the opening, and nearly in all cases, they pressed the wax or clay with either a handheld seal or a specially-made signet ring. This would become a symbol of commitment and final approval. Wax rings, which were used as far back as ancient Egypt, were also used as a symbol of status and power. 

Seals brought power, they brought romance, they brought a comfort level that your secret was indeed safe and made only for the eyes of the intended. Or it finalized and bound the parties to the contracts or covenants that were made. 

There are many documented times seals were used in the Bible.  One of the ones that I discovered made me pause. It was the seal that sealed the tomb where Jesus laid. I will share my first thought the tomb was sealed meaning closed permanently. But now I have a different understanding.. Pontus Pilate placed his seal on the tomb of Jesus to prevent any tricks by his disciples.  He had no clue nor did His disciples ever anticipate no one would be breaking in ... But Jesus would be resurrected and break out on His own with His full power and glory.

Many have heard of the 7 seals in Revelations. Each one marking a time and event that all point to the greatest King’s return. Each one can only be opened by Him within His perfect timing. 

All seals have played a significant role.. each one has power.. each one held a secret, each one had a significant mystery and romance and finalized the covenant or agreement. 

So how does this ancient ritual affect us today? I can now say I know in my heart this is not a dying art.. This seal I speak of can not be seen with the naked eye... But it can be felt in the deepest chambers of our hearts.

You ask how do we get this seal? Can we buy it? Can Amazon deliver it? Is it available on prime?  

It can not be bought. Because Jesus already paid the price by the shedding of His blood. The delivery of this beautiful romantic seal is automatically delivered an amazing love and gentleness. His delivery does not need prime because His timing is impeccable..  it fits all types and sizes...  When it’s delivered an amazing transformation begins to take place... If you are wondering who is this that delivers such a seal ??? I call Him my heart. I call Him my soul. I call Him my Holy Spirit. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him! 

 “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” 

Matthew 27:66

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. 

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

Bible Verses From NIV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube As a seal upon my heart

The meaning of the name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua/Y'shua., which is based on the Semitic root y-š-ʕ (Hebrew: ישע‎), meaning "to deliver; to rescue."

A Simple search in the KJV shows the name Jesus is used approximately 983 times in the New Testament.

We started a Bible word study 351days ago. We have successfully completed one word a day since December 14, 2019. We have danced through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelations. We have listened, read, and studied many scriptures and verses. They all try to gently teach us of the beautiful man with a Heavenly connection. This connection goes deeper than anyone on earth can even begin to fully understand. Many 

of us have difficulty in understanding the Trinity and how they so beautifully tie and work together.

 I do believe God tried to teach the many tribes of ancient times. Very few listened. Very few learned the lessons, very few obeyed. So, He felt it necessary to come to earth and live among us. I think this was for 3 major reasons. 1. To see for Himself if what He was asking of us was indeed attainable 2. To teach us how to live and how to love. 3. And the most important reason of all is because of His love for each one of His children. 

Just think we are loved so passionately by the one that created all the heavens and earth. His love is beyond words. I have discovered that the greatest lesson in this masterpiece written to guide us called the Bible is His LOVE. He has proven He will go to any lengths to take care of the ones He loves. He will go from birth to death to prove His undying love for each of us.

Something happened to me 26 months ago that opened my heart and placed a fire in my soul to discover as much as I can about this amazing Heavenly man that earthly men and women call Jesus. 

As a child, His given Hebrew name was Yahshua. The name became  Jesus came after it was translated from its original language. Jesus was placed gently in His earthly mother's womb with a mission. He came with a hard-fast agenda from His Father.  His mission was to rescue us from ourselves. 

He willingly gave us His entire life. Do you ever wonder why we do not know many facts about Jesus the young boy? Did we even rob Him of His childhood? And then as He traveled through the Master’s plan He found Himself in one of the most horrific acts possible. When I think of this monumental moment on the cross, it wounds my soul and makes my heart bleed.  How could we do this to this beautiful gentle soul? His mission was of peace, He was sent because of love. 

He never said I don’t want to do this find someone else I will just come back to my heavenly home… NO, He knew in His Heart the only chance His children would have for redemption is to follow through with His plan. When we look at His life how are we not humbled? How are we not in awe of the very mention of His name? I do know He has returned to His rightful place with the Trinity. Our amazing Father, His Beautiful Son, and God's very breath we know as the Holy Spirit. 

Together they are our 3 in 1… They speak to our hearts and intercede in our lives daily. They offer us a love that has transcended time and space. It truly is the greatest love story ever told.

He must have shouted out on that faithful day. Earth to Heaven… 

Mission accomplished… put a log on the fire I am coming home! WOW what a celebration there must have been in Heaven!! He must have had the biggest hug from His Father.. as his Father gently whispered in his ear welcome Home my Son, I love you; with you, I am well pleased."

It's Him, It's always Him. 

“You are the most beautiful man that there is. You speak words of grace. God has made you special forever.”

Psalms 45:2 EASY

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2 KJV.   

 “Serve and worship the awe-inspiring God. Recognize his greatness and bow before him, trembling with reverence in his presence. Fall facedown before him and kiss the Son before his anger is roused against you. Remember that his wrath can be quickly kindled! But many blessings are waiting for all who turn aside to hide themselves in him!”
Psalms 2:11-12 TPT

Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Eclipse of the light of heaven, eclipse of God - such indeed is the character of the historic hour through which the world is now passing.      Martin Buber

The word celestial seems to appear in 12 occurrences in 8 translations of the Bible.

Boy did I ever have my head in the clouds when looking at this word. I knew the word had something to do with stars. Even perhaps star gazing… So, I was very surprised at the above meaning of this amazing word. It is so rich with meaning it goes further than the eye can see. 

It refers to all of the Heavenly locations, and to those that dwell in it. But in my search, I found this word does not speak of our Heavenly Father or Jesus His Son. It speaks of angels, spirits, and things that are spiritual in nature. 

To wrap my head around this word is truly is going to take some soul searching and spiritual guidance. I do believe there is a spiritual world that exists in heaven and here on earth. Some celestial beings are good and pure.. Some have fallen from God's grace. We are caught in the middle of a war.. We are in a tug-a-war between them for our hearts. We may not see it with our human eye. Some of us may have already chosen a side… Some of us may dance on that fine line between the worlds.

As I look around, I see many speaking of things to happen in our future. Some say we should be scared? Some say it is written. Some say it is unfolding right before our eyes.  They say be afraid. Some say fear not.

I do see these as challenging times. I see them as unpredictable. I see people speculating. Some are saying they have a message from God. 

So much information. It can be overwhelming. Who do we believe? Where do we go for comfort?

I do not have the answers. I am not a Bible scholar… I am a fairly new believer and I too am trying to find my way. But I do feel I have been on a fast track of learning about His fascinating LOVE and how we play a part in His master plan. I can say without fear or hesitation I have grown to know the love of our Heavenly Father. He has made it clear His Son is our ticket home. He is a loving, forgiving, and always available presence in our lives. I can only urge you to find Him, Love Him, and stay close to Him and His protection. It truly is our only chance to share in His victory no matter when and how it is achieved.

It’s is a physical and spiritual world, and He is the God of all. 

It's Him, It's always Him… 

He will fight for your heart. But when you give Him your heart willingly is when you will find the most amazing response from Him… It’s an unexplainable rush of love that will engulf your soul. 

It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body 1 Corinthians 44

There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial,  but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Beckah Shae - Awake (Official Video)