"Real faith never disappoints because it is in God, grounded on His character, promises, covenant, and oath." ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer...

Meaning of oath a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath. 

There are approximately 35 Bible Verses about Oaths. 

What is an oath?  Is it a vow?  Is it a promise? Maybe a commitment?  

Do we even take oaths any more?  I have witnessed politicians and many US Presidents take oaths as they lay their hand on top of the Bible and repeat these words  “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Do you ever wonder why or how this tradition came to be ?? Why the Bible? 

Well, it is interesting that swearing on the Bible, seems to have started back in President Washington’s day, it was seen as basically promising God you would do what you swear to do, with fear of God punishing you keeping you from breaking your oath.

When we place our hand on the leather-bound pages of God's word... Do we go through the motions to show others that image? In hopes, they see something that may be a superficial ritual. But it may convince others that they have God's blessing. 

I wish we had the ability to see their heart? Do they truly know what even happened between the pages from Genesis to Revelations? Have they studied our Heavenly Father's word??? 

Many think that being President is the most powerful most important position in our world... 

But I met someone that reigns with the utmost power. The utmost grace. The utmost Love... There is no one anywhere that can even come close. He wows me. 

Why is it that we only witness political or highly connected figures taking an oath .. ( now I am sure there are oaths that are taken daily but they are not given such worldwide media coverage. )

But I would like to simplify and personalize our oath process .. God has given us many oaths but my favorites are His unconditional love. His forgiveness is like nothing I have ever witnessed. A gentleness soft, kind, and a commitment to never leave us for eternity.

As children of our Heavenly Father we pray, we worship, we claim to love Him! But are we willing to take an oath, a vow, a promise? Are we truly committed 💯 percent? 

Here are my thoughts on an oath.

I will make this oath with an open heart, and soul! And I will try with all my might to listen to His whispers and follow His direction. 

Oath ❤❤❤

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute to the best of my ability the words in this amazing book we know as the Bible. I will commit my heart to follow my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven and will vow to listen to the Holy Spirit and learn more about them each day. I will work towards living a life that will reflect His teachings and light. I will share His love with others... I will commit to not just lay my hands on top of the leather-bound book we know as the Bible. But I will commit to open the pages from Genesis to Revelations ... and discover what He wants to reveal to my heart. I will continue as long as I have a breath, to love, honor, and discover more of HIM. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him 

I challenge you to write down your oath.. Make that commitment. 

“And I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you. So stay here in the city until the mighty power of heaven falls upon you and wraps around you.””Luke 24:49 TPT

”I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back,That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. Isaiah 45:23

Photography and Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

You Promised (Lyric Video) - Corey Voss [ Official ]

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. Psalms 1:2

The meaning of disappearing ceases to be visible. 

The word Disappear is in the Bible approximately (61 instances) Disappeared (28 instances) Melt (41 instances) Vanish (30 instances)

This word tried very hard to disappear from my mind... But it continued to haunt me until I said ok, ok I am here...

Have you ever felt so vulnerable,  so overwhelmed, so confused.. maybe even frightened that you wished you could just disappear?? I know this thought has crossed my mind a few times... It has even happened as I traveled into this unfamiliar territory with God.

But what are we truly running from ?? I feel sometimes things look scarier than they truly are ?? When we are confused they can become bigger than life. We have a tendency to look at the mountain before us instead of stepping out in faith and trusting God... 

Sometimes we just need to hold our breath and just jump... Risking is part of life... Risking is part of growing... Why do we worry about other people's opinions? What makes us want that expectance? Why do we look to people instead of God for our validation? 

It's ironic to me that it seems that the risk-takers are the visible ones... They risk living life without boundaries... They risk looking silly in other people's eyes as they chase their dreams... They risk loving with all of their heart, even when people don't understand!!

Are you a risk-taker? Do you live life to it’s fullest? Will you leave your mark on this world or will the day come when you disappear like a vapor in the wind? 

Or have you already disappeared? Or are you dormant, just standing on the sidelines?

Do you know that in-complacency can slowly make you fade from view??  I hope you get excited when I tell you that I know without a doubt we can never fade from our Father's grace. 

I have found myself trying to understand why people run and hide and disappear from love ???  That one hit close to home ?? And it is a subject I will never understand...  It is an action that has left scars... 

Disappearing can be lonely...

It can act as a band-aid for a much deeper problem ... The problem will never get resolved... It will continue to show its ugly head time and time again... Have you ever heard you can run but you can not hide??  I finally realize what that truly means... God, It means God... He is always with us... He knows our every thought... Our every action! Our every prayer!

 Now I don't know about you but I find that amazing! 

I will also share a secret that I have discovered about Him... 

Shh...don't tell anyone... I am only going to share this with you... 

If you don't know this by now?  I love running and hiding with Him... Disappearing with Him is the most beautiful feeling in our world... Just think He knows our every thought. He knows how we feel... He knows everything about us!!!  He loves us unconditionally... I must say it does not get any better than that!! 

Oh my,  please excuse me...while I disappear...mediating with Him is the best medicine for the soul.  .... He WOWS me. 🥰

It's Him, it's always Him 

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”

Psalms 17:8 NIV

Image created by and Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Christina Li-Disappear [With Lyrics]

Meaning of God in certain other religions a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity:

In the King James Version of the Bible, God is found in the Old Testament 2862 times, and in the New Testament 1202 times, for a total of 4064 times. 

I can't believe we have studied over 365 words and have danced around this word but never truly had the courage to tackle such a massive beautiful heartfelt word... This word made me stop dead in my tracks, This word made me go deeper within myself than I have ever dreamed possible. This word breathed life into my soul ... 

When we stand before this word we are humbled, We are in awe. We are vulnerable. We feel a love that will baffle the mind but we can feel His gentleness in our hearts.  

He is so many things to so many people. There truly are not enough words to describe Him.

I ask you, how would you describe Him? What does He mean to you?  Do you ever write your prayers? 

I am going to ask you to take out a piece of paper and a pen...

Play music that gently speaks to your soul.. 

Write the words, Dear God. Speak to Him from your heart !!  

I will start...

Here is a peek at mine,

Dear God, 

Hi again, I have a difficult time calling you God... That name is so formal. Many months ago we decided that I could call you Love because that is what I think of ..when I think of you!!! Love, there are so many hurting hearts in my world that need you! Please help them find their way to you!  So many people ask you for so many things? Are you overwhelmed!  I want nothing, I have the best gift one could ever receive! I have you !!  

What can I do for you ??  Is there something you need? 

Help me fill in the blanks. I will wait to hear your voice. 

Thank you for blessing me with such an amazing journey... It still boggles my mind! 

Please keep the souls you have placed in my heart safe. Let them feel this amazing love!! 

You still wow me!! 

It’s you, it’s always you! 

I am forever your child.

It’s me, it’s always me thank you for your love.. and thank you for never getting tired of hearing my voice!

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Dear God by Cory Asbury (Thank you Cory for this amazing song ) 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

The word new is mentioned 150 times * The word newly is mentioned 2 times * The word newness is mentioned 2 times. 

We are all standing at the brink of something new... a new day, a new month, a new year.

It’s time to reflect on our past and look to our future with wonder and hope for a brighter tomorrow.  I know you are asking. How can we do this our world is in such turmoil. There is hate. There is discord. There is a relentless virus... There is sadness in my heart when I think of what we have lost... And I could stay in that mindset... I could bathe myself in this depression and despair daily  ... I could allow myself to wallow in this darkness. 

But you see I can’t... Because I found a beauty that lives in my soul. And I will admit it I can't contain it!! I just have to share it. This has changed my direction. It has changed what and who I value. This LOVE shines from heaven above. It has filled my soul with the wonderment of a child. It has filled my heart with a NEW song... It has given me NEW hope. He has given me a New outlook on life... He singularly can work miracles. He can turn our grey skies blue. His Love is like nothing you will ever experience on this earth ... 

When you have felt Him in your heart ... You are driven by an unknown force that brings you peace no matter the circumstance. You began to focus on His promise of a heavenly existence for eternity. And as this transition happens ... The things of this life become less difficult because you will realize that our very existence is only a temporary condition all life must experience. 

So, as I share this amazing new gift with you ... Let’s work together to focus on Him... Together let’s see that light shine from Heaven.. and let’s hold on to the hope of a brighter tomorrow. 

It’s Him, it’s always him 

Can I hear an Amen !!! Happy NEW Year !!!

Play the song below and sing it with me !! 

Hallelujah, let's sing it's a NEW day!! 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6)

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Sing a New Song (Live)

 ”Love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing.” – Dolly Parton

Meaning of butterfly: a nectar-feeding insect with two pairs of large, typically brightly colored wings that are covered with microscopic scales.

Butterflies in the Bible are not expressly found in Scripture but they seem to parallel to the Christian walk... 

As I laid back with my eyes closed this morning and prayed.  I had a very random thought jump into my head “The butterfly and the soul”... I found this strange because I was not thinking of butterflies or souls. So why? hmm is there more to this thought? Is there a lesson? Did God plant that thought into my mind to feel my fluttering heart ?? Or perhaps to let His love give me the feeling of butterflies in my soul?

Have you ever studied a fragile butterfly and truly wonder how did this beauty start out as such a squirmy insect? Let's start at the beginning and try to find a deeper understanding of this big word metamorphosis.

The butterfly life cycle includes four stages: stage one: egg; stage two: caterpillar stage three: pupa; and stage four: adult butterfly. Butterflies transform through these stages. This transformation is called metamorphosis.

Now when we look at our souls, and we take steps closer and closer towards Christ we can see parallels. Our Personal Cycles of Transformation, Rebirth, and Renewal become quite evident... 

As we study Christ and move towards His lifestyle and His way of thinking a metamorphosis of our mind, body, and soul can be felt stirring deep within.

I can only speak of my experience and my observation of others that are on the same journey of chasing Christ. Many of us are in different stages of our walk with Him as well as in our lives.  

I do think once you accept Christ into your heart. Your once dormant soul will begin its journey. I feel all believers are much like the Monarch butterfly we start our soul’s migration towards home... 

There seem to be many changes that happen to each Christian depending on their life trials. We are all a work in progress just traveling towards our final destination at different rates of speed. 

As our soul hears the call of our Creator and we began to follow Him. Many of us will experience rejection. Many of us will experience loneliness. Many will withdraw, many will go to their safe cocoon to regroup, and to learn about this great love they have found. 

This love will teach us about life and love and it will give us the promise that we are never alone.  Each one of us will go through a personal experience with Christ. One that only the one chasing Him will deeply understand.

He will bring us through the most amazing transformation of our lives. He tenderly teaches His precious little souls the importance of each day. The importance of each life. The importance of loving. And the beauty of life itself. 

As we grow stronger in His loving hands. A beautiful soul will emerge. And you will find He has filled you with His love and He has given you wings to fly. He will release your once dormant soul to taste the freedom to love without boundaries. It’s a love that you never knew even existed. 

 Your LOVE for Him and your metamorphosis makes this new birth your story and your life’s purpose. If we would just take the time to study nature we would see the many clues He has laid before us… His knowledge, His Love, His beauty, His caring heart…

 He .... 

There truly are not enough words in all the languages in the world to describe Him… 

It's Him, It's always Him.

WOWd by Him ... 😍

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Sia - Courage To Change (Lyrics) From The Motion Picture Music

Meaning of inspire: fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative:

There are 9 Bible verses about the inspiration of Scripture. 

What is it that inspires us? Where does that vision and that drive come from? Who are these creatives that can see a blank canvas and know how to mix the colors and paints to create a masterpiece? Or take a few words and weave them with a melody and create music? Who is it that can take an idea and bring this thought to life?

Does it take a mastermind? Does it come from the heart? Or perhaps the soul? 

Rumor has it the Bible was inspired by God. I do believe all inspiration originates from God. Whether we want to admit it or not. The creative mind is a gift from God... The talent is a beautiful part of who we are. There are no 2 humans exactly alike...  

I like to think of myself as a creative person. I dabbled in a few different avenues that many would consider artsy. But many things finally came to light when the Holy Spirit threw a LOVE bomb my way.  

I found a new inspiration I found a LOVE that fueled a desire to chase .. and chase hard. Writing began to become more important than ever before. I stepped out of the shadows.. and into His light. 

Yes, He inspired me to LOVE life... He inspired me to see things with my spiritual eyes... He inspired me to feel emotions from the deepest chambers of my heart... 

When you are inspired by God many things become possible... He knows your heart, He knows the gifts He has given you! He inspires His children to become better with each passing day. 

He also knows our insecurities, our doubts, and our vulnerabilities. But His beauty will slowly reverse those negative emotions and fill you with confidence, and strength.  Thus allowing you to grow into the person only He truly knows you can be.  

He is an amazing inspiration! He supports our journey with beautiful understanding and a loving heart...  

However, my question becomes where does He find His inspiration? He is the master of creation. His artistry defies all human imagination... What kind of mind is this ?? What kind of mastery is this? What kind of wonder is this?

I personally believe He is self-motivated... His inspiration is motivated by LOVE, and He is LOVE... I can only bow my head in admiration. He leaves me speechless... I am inspired by His majestic splendor ... He Wows me!! 

It’s Him, It’s Only Him !! 

“Every Scripture has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

The Lion and the Lamb - Big Daddy Weave - Lyric Video

Written by Joann Turnbull 

How many can look back to your years in Middle School and remember a lesson you had?  This happened to me this week.  I never thought I would use it years later.   This is a story of four words.   They are what we call “Helping Verbs”.   They are: SHALL, WILL, SHOULD, WOULD

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “You shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, and mind”.  The word SHALL LOVE the Lord is used.

Any of these four words could have been used in this verse.  Let’s look at each word and what it could mean. 

WOULD. I would love Him, but I was too busy making money or pursuing a hobby so I did not make this my priority. 

SHOULD.  I should love Him, but I just kept putting it off. Other things kept getting in my way. I thought I will do that tomorrow. 

WILL.  Will is that good word of intention.  Will is that future tense.  I will love Him.  I really want to.  But sometimes it is never accomplished until it might be too late. 

SHALL.  I shall love Him.  What is different about this word?  Shall is the strongest helping verb of the four. Shall is helping the word LOVE.  And LOVE is the most beautiful verb in the English language.  Shall means something that is done with great determination and desire. It opens the door to the verb it is helping. 

I suddenly became aware of this verse in Matthew 22:37.  I began to see it everywhere.  Even on cocktail napkins in a store.   So I asked a friend how do you say this verse in Hebrew.  She said it is called the Shema and we say it twice a day.  Surprise!!  

Then I found it is the FIRST great commandment and Jesus repeats it in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  I was astounded! Why did I not see this before now?   

I found in the past that sometimes I “would” love Him but.....  other times I “should” love Him but......   and sometimes it was I “will” love Him but.......    You can fill in the excuses. 

To say I SHALL LOVE HIM with all my heart, soul and mind sent me on a quest. I started to listen to some songs with lyrics like, “The More I Seek Him, the more I find Him, the more I find Him the more I love Him”.  The music spoke to my heart. 

To say “I shall love Him with all my heart, soul, and mind.” is a game-changer.  It means you love Him more than anything else or anyone else or yourself.  You love Him with a great desire, passion, and determination.  You just whisper His name and your heart fills with His love. 

Let’s get rid of should, would, and will.   Let’s now say, I SHALL LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART, SOUL, AND Mind.  Once you do there is no turning back.  You don’t want to.  This commitment just gets stronger every day. You feel His love overflowing in you.  Which is for now and forever!!

So I hope you look at this verse and decide which of the four words best describes your response to Him. 

“And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’”Matthew 22:37 NASB:

And you shall search seek me, and find me when you shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Photography Lori Garner

Written by Joann Turnbull 

Bible Verses from KJV, NASB / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Kari Jobe, The More I seek you

Meaning of visible to be seen; 

The word visible is in the Bible approximately 55 times. 

Will I be able to see where this word will take me?? Will I wonder or have a doubt? When someone says I LOVE YOU ... can you see it? Is it visible? 

Have you ever wondered where the saying seeing is believing came from ??? It must have come from that guy Thomas ... hmm the doubter ?? 

Have you ever felt that you were not visible? Have you ever felt you had no voice? Have you ever kept your feelings guarded so deep that no one truly knew your thoughts?  

I know full well what it feels like .. you feel invisible... I felt I was? I was loved and blessed but I hid my true self because of what people might think or say. Soon it became who I was.  

But someone with a LOVE greater than I have ever known has helped me be visible. He has given me a voice. He has helped me find me...He did this when I did not even realize I was lost... He gave me a LOVE story to share. 

I would love to introduce Him to you !! He is bigger than life !!  But many think He is invisible, they think He does not exist... Some will say I think she has gone mad... Who is this that has captured her heart? 

For Thomas and the others that need to see with the naked eye ... I will ask you to close your eyes ... Now think of the Love of your life...  

Picture their face, their eyes, their smile and if you are really good you will hear their voice in your mind and maybe you can even remember their scent ...  Hold that thought for a few minutes. 

Now slowly open your eyes. I will ask you are they standing before you? Are they visible? 

Or did you just feel them deep within your soul?  

If you want to meet Him I can introduce Him ... But you will need to be ready to feel ... 

To feel His love is the greatest human experience you will ever encounter... However I will warn you,  your life will never be the same ... Your heart will begin to sing a new song, you will begin to feel things in your heart like never before.  Your soul will be set free, and you will be who you are truly meant to be ... 

And yes He still WOWs me 

It’s Him, It’s always Him 

“That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he is not far from every one of us:” Acts 17:27 KJV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Phil Wickham - Face Of God (Official Audio)