Contradictions are the impossible chasms that create forever separations. God is the forever bridge that creates impossible reunions.      Craig D. Lounsbrough

Meaning of reconcile: To reestablish a close relationship harmonious, or consistent. To compare (one financial account) so that it is consistent or compatible with another. 

I was given the word reconcile as a word challenge for today’s word study...And if the truth be known after many years of working in finance I could see a balance sheet in my mind... 

But how do we study this word? With who do we balance and reconcile our thoughts, our actions, and our relationships? 

Where has our harmony gone? Where has our freedom gone? Where has our hope gone? Where has our love for our Creator gone? Our world seems to be out of balance? Don’t you agree? But how do we reconcile and bring our world back to a world of LOVE, of Hope, of Harmony? 

I must admit I do not have the answers from a global perspective... But I do know if each one of us takes the necessary steps to make a positive effect on others one day, one person, and one heart at a time. We will be able to bring our world out of the red and back into the black where it should always remain. I also know that we cannot do it alone... The magnitude of this project is too vast, too daunting, and too overwhelming. There is only one Soul that has the credentials, the power, and the heart to successfully bring the world and its people to a status of peace, love, and joy!!! 

 I did further research and found this the formula for change. Change equals Dissatisfaction X Vision X First Steps that is greater than the Resistance. The idea is that if you are seeking some significant, system-wide change there are several core elements that need attention. But when I see this formula there is a key element that is missing...  

To orchestrate this globally it will take a great leader... One with a heart for all humanity.. one that loves deeper than we can even begin to understand... 

It only takes One ... to affect all mankind and bring all its people, and all the nations back .. back to our purpose. Back to our first love!!!

It’s Him It has always been  Him! 

All I can say to Him is I am here count me in!!!  Let's do this together.. start today,  start small, start with one person, and one heart... Let’s make a ripple that can be heard and felt around our world... 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Hebrew's 12:14

“So if while we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to himself through the death of his Son, then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion!”

Romans 5:10 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Heart of God [Audio] - Hillsong Young & Free

Meaning of regret a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done:

Regret is discussed approximately 28 times in the Bible. 

I regret to inform you that this word may tug at your heartstrings. It may cause deep thought and possibly anguish. 

Do we cause our own pain? Do we dismiss our actions because we do not want to pay the price or face possible failure? Or do we justify our behavior by labeling it that we are only human and the temptation was far too great!  

If I ask you to share the biggest regret in your life what would it be? Possibly education, Possibly relationships, Possibly life choices?? I do believe we all have regret in our life to some degree...  I will share my biggest regret... But I want you to do the same... Get out a piece of paper and write these words... I regret... And finish the sentence... Here are my thoughts on the word regret... 

I regret that I did not face them sooner... 

I regret... That I wasted time... I wasted love... I wasted getting to truly know my Creator. I wasted the opportunity of growing my knowledge of Him... 

Now that I recognized and faced my regret. The question becomes what can be done to reverse or to change the outcome of my regretful heart??

I could say I don't need to do much because the Holy Spirit touched my soul and that is enough. But something changed and my regret changed to desire... Desire to know more about my Creator... But in order to do this, I need to invest time. I need to invest in love.  And as I study Him my knowledge will grow... 

So I can say if we can clear our hearts of regret we can be feel accomplished even if it is only slightly each day. Our life can be richer.. My only regret is that I did not recognize this regret sooner... But I am grateful to Him for capturing my heart and for allowing me the time to love Him and change this regret from regret to a love that I admittedly do not fully l understand.  But I do know that my life will never be the same. 

Because I am on a quest. And each day is an opportunity to grow from regret to a beautiful relationship... not only with my Creator. But a relationship with myself.  Getting to know yourself a little better can be a daunting but amazing experience. You may find that you are indeed a beautiful soul... Because God made you that way... ... So I say look at your regret as an opportunity to grow into everything He knows you can be... For me, I feel blessed to grow in Him, His Word, and His beautiful LOVE. 

It's Him, It's Always Him. 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Act 20:24

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Model: Robyn Z

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Tenth Avenue North - Greater Than All My Regrets (Lyrics)

 “Outer beauty pleases the EYE. Inner beauty captivates the HEART.” – Mandy Hale,

Meaning of garment: an item of clothing.

There are 29 verses in the bible that mention the word garment. 

The clothing of the people in Biblical times seems to have been made from wool, linen, animal skins, and perhaps silk. The fabrics are not very much different from the ones we use today… 

When studying the word garment. I could not help remembering a quote. "The clothes make the man" is from the Shakespearean play called Hamlet. The line that has been translated from is "apparel oft proclaims the man" It based on the thought that in our world, people form judgments about others based upon the clothes that they wear.

What is it that sets us apart just by the way we dress? I do believe most of us enjoy the finer things in life.  Or at least, we as a society have grown comfortable with “things”. It is apparent that many dress to impress. I do believe Covid has made many of us sit up and take notice, of what we truly should value. 

How many of us have attended zoom meetings? 

To be honest, were you only dressed from the waist up? From the waist down perhaps you wore your PJ’s and slippers? Or perhaps you arrived at your online meeting in your bare feet ready to impress. I do believe when we feel good about how we look. It is not really the clothes, its the confidence and beauty that glows from within because the outer package looks good.  But then again, I have witnessed many beautiful packages that are void of substance. We should not judge the outer garments, but we should train ourselves to seek the beauty of the heart. 

So as we unravel this puzzle. Have you ever wondered why Jesus did not come dressed to impress? He had the credentials to dress like a King. But His garments were plain, they were simple and modest. He addressed many important scholars in simple sandals. But He had the

X- factor as they call it… I like to call it the God-Factor… He blows so many holes in the quote "The clothes make the man"… And I must agree. It was not the garment. It was the Man that filled the garment. The Man that changed the world because of LOVE. The Man of simple humble beginnings… The Man with the beautiful heart. The Man that is now My King, My Savoir My Lord. 

It's Him, It's Always Him

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

No Other God - (Lyric Video) - Steph Macleod [OFFICIAL]

Does our soul thirst for more? Do you ever feel there's something missing from your life?  But we are not quite sure what that might be? Do we long for a love that seems to be just beyond our reach?

Join me as I travel back in time. And I share a word from our Bible word study and meditation. I have fused them together to create a self-narrated story called "Unquenchable thirst" 

Deuteronomy 32:2 “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”

Meaning of travel: to go from one place to another, typically over a distance of some length.

There are approximately 42 verses about the word travel in the Bible. 

As we travel on this word adventure together let’s unpack this word “travel” and see where it might take us... 

Have you ever wished time travel was possible?  Have you ever wished you could relive a special moment in time? Have you ever wished you could be whisked away into the future to go see that special someone? Perhaps they hold the answers to many mysterious questions that we are on a quest to discover? 

If I only had one wish, would I choose to go forward? Or would I choose to go back in time? Such a difficult question? We have all been pretty confined… Travel has been difficult.. so many restrictions.. so many guidelines. 

So let's do it … come on run away with me... 

Closes your eyes, and let’s escape. There is a freedom that comes when we can tap into our imaginations. There is an excitement that can be felt… We are not restricted, we are free spirits, our hearts began to feel the rush.

Buckle up… If you are riding shotgun with me… You must know where I am headed… I have been chasing the greatest love I have ever known,  but gravity has kept me earthbound…. and NOW I am free to catch HIM. 

I know it will be the most amazing ride of our lives… We will travel to a destination that is beyond our wildest dreams... I have personally met the Creator of this magnificent paradise. And if it is even a fraction of what He represents… My heart will not be able to be contained... 

I have it from an amazing source it will be heavenly...

Heaven has Mansions where we wIll dwell with Jesus - John 14:2-3

Heaven will be a city built for worship - Hebrews 12:22-23

All nations and people will worship Jesus - Revelation 7:9-10

Heaven will be filled with Peace, Joy, and Praise - Revelation 7:15-17A 

Precious gemstones will adorn Heaven - Revelation 21:9-11

Heaven will have Pearl Gates & Streets of Gold - Revelation 21:21

The Tree of Life in Heaven - Revelation 22:2

The Light of God in Heaven - Revelation 22:4-5

But even with all its beauty, all its glory, and all its treasures... 

It can not compare to the beauty, the glory, and the …..

I am speechless… Be still my heart…. 

It's Him. It's always Him!

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Heaven bound (Original song by Rev. Ruel Buyacao)

 
Click on the link below to listen to our chat.  

The meaning of language: a system of communication used by a particular country or community:

The Bible had been translated into 3,324 languages. And the word language is in 53 verses. 

It is amazing to me that this book we call the Bible is cherished by only a few and not the masses. The story within its pages holds such beauty, such grace, such passion, such love, such kindness, such forgiveness! So much so that through the ages that many have felt the needed to share it with others in their own native tongue.  

But are they just sharing the words? Is this native language only spoken? Are these words void of action? I find the spoken words can be shallow and void of substance! If the deliverer does not feel them deeply with the heart. It’s always the actions of the heart that makes the most impact !!

Our role model came. He spoke the native language... But beyond that, He lives the story! His loving heart can be seen... It can be felt ... It could be witnessed by the ones who loved Him... But He also left His mark of love on ones that have tried to destroy His legacy of love... He fulfilled His mission to love with a love that has transcended all time and space !! His love is the language of Love ...

No matter what your native tongue may be... If you look for Him you will begin to feel it. It’s a language that many have written about, but until you feel it you will not truly understand it ... It can be difficult to describe... 

I wonder, what language should I translate this love story?  It is a monumental task... The day will come when every nation, tribe, people, and language, will stand in front of our Savior our King, and the only language that will be felt is His language of LOVE... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him! 

After this, I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. Revelations 7:9 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

The Love of Jesus | Live | Elevation Worship

The meaning of prosper: To favor; to render successful. All things concur to prosper our design.

The word prosper is in the KJV approximately 104 times.

How do you measure success? Is it that job at the top? Is it that big house? Or that shiny new car? 

This word can go deeper if you study it with your soul.... You will never see the word prosper superficially again... It can point you to what is important in your life... 

I listened to a gentleman yesterday.  He is a covid survivor. He shared that he considered himself a success. He had all the trappings of a successful life.. beautiful house, car, job... and as He laid there gasping for air thinking about his past and his future. He realized none of those things truly mattered... It became evident that it was his life, his relationships, and where he would transition if he became a covid statistic? 

So as we study this word I ask how do we see this word? Are we a success? Do we prosper spiritually? Do we chase the things that truly matter? Or do we collect “things” for someone to sell in an estate sale when we leave this earth ??? How do we live a rich life?? Do we pour out love to the ones who live in our hearts? Do we care enough for the lost? Do we put ourselves in God's hands?  We are only here for a short time to make your mark! Leave loving memories in the hearts of others... 

We have been given directions for life many times. How do we not see it? How do we not live it... Are we lost or are we too busy, to truly prosper and live a rich life.  We must find Him. We value Him above all else. We must love with all our heart and soul. Our Creator has given us the tools... I challenge you to pick them up and follow Him!! 

It’s Him, it’s always him 

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:2-3 NASB

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Treasures In Heaven / BURLAP TO CASHMERE

Join me as I travel back in time. Ane I share a word from our Bible word study and meditation. I have fused them together to create a self-narrated story called The Master Hands. 

We are all a work in progress. However, if you surrender your life to the master’s hands (Jesus) he will lovingly mold you into a beautiful gift for our Heavenly Father.  🤟🏼❤( and it won't hurt a bit 😍)

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." ... In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord."

1 Thessalonians 1:6, NIV: 

Sound credits / SoundBible
Church Bells Ringing  
Footsteps
Wheelspin 
Pouring Hot Tea

#jesus #god #holyspirit #podcast #buzzsprout #itunes #spotify #iheartradio #pandora #google #amazonmusic #allmajorplatforms

All things come to him who waits – provided he knows what he is waiting for. –Woodrow T. Wilson

Meaning of wait: To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of some person or event.

The word "wait" is in the King James Version of the Bible 106 times. It is in 101 verses.

How many of us can gracefully wait ??  Our patience is tested every day? Wait a minute I will be right back. hmm 

Everything these days seems to be moving at such a fast pace!! Most of us want immediate results for our request. Or we go elsewhere to find it faster ...  I witness this as we compare the US post office, UPS, and Amazon. We are such a spoiled society? I am just as guilty as the next person. 

Wait, why am I having difficulty in expressing awaiting, a yearning, a love that seems to have consumed my thoughts my heart, and has made my soul come alive... 

If there is a line forming for this gift I think I could wait a lifetime just to see it. I know when I wait for this gift I have the excitement of a child on Christmas morning... Waiting for this gift gives us a return beyond our own understanding. 

I will admit I have tasted this amazing gift and I wait on my portion every day...  It never disappoints me !! The ingredients are rich!  It is the most amazing, beautiful gift that you can taste, smell, and touch... It fills your senses with Hope, Love, and a renewed view of Life.  It points you to a brighter tomorrow. And it satisfies that deep craving we have within. 

And the good news it’s has zero calories... 😀

Ok, I will not make you wait any longer...I will share my heart, my thoughts, and the greatest love I have ever known. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

Please excuse me... I am going to wait on Him because He fills my heart and breathes life into my soul... and there is no better way to start each day!!  I am so blessed to have found Him. But wait, He actually found me!  

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 NLT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Shane & Shane: I Will Wait For You (Psalm 130)