“The destiny of man is in his own soul.” – Herodotus...

Meaning of Destiny: Destiny is the events that necessarily happen to a specific person or thing in the future. Fate and destiny are not biblical ideas because the Bible's description of future events is much more complicated than either of these.

There are at least 20 verses about the word Destiny in the Bible. 

Did we meet for a reason? Was it written in the stars long before we were even born??? Did I know you in our spiritual state? Or is our life full of chance meetings?  Destiny? Can we change the outcome? Are we truly in control? Or does God have a plan ??  What is it and how does this “free will” really work? God knows the beginning and the end? So is “free will” truly free? 

Wow, such a deep subject ... I can only share my heart and my thoughts... I thought I had my life on track... I thought I was following my dreams.  I could see my life unfolding before my eyes...Many people came into my life... Some are still here playing their very important role... Some stayed for just a short time... Some maybe only for moments... And some could not find it in their hearts to stay. 

But it was Destiny that my life touched yours! I do believe it is all part of our Heavenly Father's plan... Because I now know there is a bigger picture... Each one we meet has a part in teaching us something about life and love... Destiny! 

It’s God's plan !! Many of you are probably quite tired of my story ... But it was the biggest date with Destiny I have ever felt, seen, and lived...I met Him! I met Him for a bigger reason! It was not for me alone... I was just a fragment of the much bigger picture... He came to teach me about life and love... So I could touch your life ... So perhaps my story could open your heart to see the most amazing love I have ever been blessed to chase !!! So you see no matter how long we have known each other... Destiny brought us together... 

Destiny was God's plan for our lives. I believe it has been in motion since the beginning of time... So I can only thank you for touching my life and being part of my journey ... I love God's plan, I love the One He sent to teach me. I love the One that guides me daily... Thank you if you have shared in the moments that continue to shape my destiny... I love watching it unfold... He has been my destiny.. even before I knew Him... But knowing Him is definitely the WOW factor !!! It's a love that is hard to put into words!!  So when I think of...

My purpose or my destiny?  

It’s Him, It’s always been Him!  

Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands. Psalm 31:15

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

The Bible says that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. I believe that. Because I've seen it all work. Tyler Perry... 

The meaning of "all"  without any limitation. 

The word "all" is in the King James Version of The Bible 5621 times. It is in 4664 verses.

In our lifetime how many of us heard “I want it all!” “The one with the most toys wins!” I know I have heard these words more than a time or two.  

But when we start to look at this three-letter word that wields so much power !!! All, why do we as humans have the drive since birth to want it all?  As parents, we try to teach our children to share!! After all, sharing is caring. But let’s flip this word from self to selfless and what do you see???  

I see my beloved Christ, I see amazing unselfishness! I see someone who gave us His all! He gave us every drop of blood that fell, He gave us His very last breath, the one He struggled to take... He gave us all of Himself...Yes, He was broken for All of His Children. But when I think of this horrible action.  I take this act as a personal love story. He suffered just for me!  Because He wanted All my love, all my heart, and all of my soul... 

Yes, I must admit I want it all .... all of His Love, all of His abundant grace! And all of His beauty!!! But there is a price! Are we willing to give Him our ALL? Or do we hold on to that portion of ourselves and put on that mask so others see us as all in ??  He knows our heart! He knows our soul !!! He has proven He is All in!  The question becomes, are we ??? Each of us has a choice to make! I don’t know about you!! But I want All of Him! 

It’s Him. It’s always Him !!  

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Take All of Me - Recorded Live in Houston 2016 - Hillsong UNITED

Meaning of captivated: To overpower and gain with excellence or beauty; to charm; to engage the affections; to bind in love.

The word captivated is referenced only 4 times in the Bible. 

When you are captivated by a mystery, by an unexplainable LOVE, and by a force that can reach deep into your soul. This mysterious force can push you to see, feel and hear things you never knew existed in your heart and soul ??? Many people will not understand your desire to know more!! 

What is His mystery?  How do we see past the vail? How do we crack this code of love? There are so many hidden clues!!  Are they truly hidden or are they in plain sight?  Do we fly with open arms or are we frightened to discover the things He will teach us about ourselves? A relationship with our Creator It’s such a spiritual adventure! 

What took Him so long to find me? Was I lost? Or was I too busy to hear His gentle voice calling my name?  When I analyze my life I now know I missed many attempts by Him to bring me near... How could I have been so blind?  How could I miss these opportunities? He had to bring out an army to captivate my heart!  Was it an army? Or was it His Holy breath that spoke love into my soul? It still baffles me! How or why did He reveal His mystery and love to my heart?  It’s the late nights, in the dark and stillness that brings out so many questions? Some I will never understand nor will I even began to know the answers !!! I can only make a commitment to grow and share Him and His beautiful love with anyone who will listen !!! 

His beauty defies our imagination. His power, His grace, His loving heart can captivate our souls with just the touch of His hand or with His sweet whisper of our name... He wows me 

It’s Him, It’s always Him

“For you reach into my heart. With one flash of your eyes, I am undone by your love, my beloved, my equal, my bride. You leave me breathless— I am overcome by merely a glance from your worshiping eyes, for you have stolen my heart. I am held hostage by your love and by the graces of righteousness shining upon you. How satisfying to me, my equal, my bride. Your love is my finest wine—intoxicating and thrilling. And your sweet, perfumed praises—so exotic, so pleasing.” Song of Songs 4:9-10 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

The Bible | Love Captured Me

The meaning of away: to or at a distance from a particular place, person, or thing.

Away is mentioned in the Bible 3264 times...  

As many of you may have noticed I have been away... I have not posted many words as many days in February kept rolling by...  I became quietly aloof and went internal for a couple of weeks... The words pandemic, covid, and darkness became a significant part of my daily routine... I received results from a test that in bold red letters said the ugly word...

“Positive”. All I wanted to do is sleep... I wanted to find my solace, my peace!! And my LOVEs. 

But was I truly away? Or was it just a dream? Or was I searching for intimate time with my LOVEs... It was a time of reflection, it was a time of getting in touch with my innermost feelings, I felt a strong desire to find Him...  There were prayers and meditations, but I would soon drift off to a deep rhythmic sleep. I found it difficult to stay awake or even concentrate. Sleep became my main activity for the day's ahead. I felt peace, I felt a love and I felt an assurance that I was being carefully watched and gently cared for. 

I had family caregivers that monitored my vitals and made sure I had the necessary bodily nutrition to get me back to physical wellness... And I am blessed by their loving care. This included an infusion treatment in Nashville. 

But spiritually my life was in my Father's hands... He even provided a snowstorm where I could just sit quietly and get lost in the moments. I was given the gift of witnessing His artistry, His beauty, His wonder !!!... 

During this time I was swept away with the beauty of white snowflakes as they danced gently through the air. I stayed mesmerized watching from the comfort of my family's warm home. The fireplace was rich in color and warmed my face and hands. ... You see sometimes life trials seem to take us away from what’s we think is important. But it can turn out to be the very thing our soul needs the most... 

When the breaks, are put on our normal routine. And we find ourselves in a time when things are no longer in our control ...We find that we must blindly trust that God has a plan... Even when we can not see or hear Him, He never goes away !! He stands vigilantly by our side, He is ready for that fireside chat... And if your body must sleep to recover that is when you are held in the most amazing loving arms... 

During my recovery my heart and my soul witnessed this ... It was not fever-induced it was Him, His Love ... He is always with us... We must put our trust in Him ... He will never leave us! Even in our darkest hour. It's His light that will burn brightly in our hearts. It will shine for eternity.  Being held by Him is an amazingly safe place to curl up... I can only say with a heart of genuine gratitude, Thank You for loving me through the days of darkness... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him

And I am back❤✝

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8 

“Yet look at you now! Everything is new! Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ!”Ephesians 2:13 TPT

Escape with me, let’s run away if only for a moment in time.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Thank You, Jesus (Honor Hunter) Fellowship Songs YouTube 720p

Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ. In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.

The meaning of dark the absence of light in a place: darkness, blackness, absence of light, gloom, gloominess. 

Dark in the Bible is referred to 225 times.

Dark or Darkness I believe touches everyone at some time in their life... I chose this word today because as I write about this word I am sitting in the darkness of my room... 

Darkness can be an overwhelming scary place. It’s where creepy things go bump in the night... It is the anticipation of things unknown. We can become paralyzed due to fear.  It can rob us of so much life. During my journey, I did experience a time of darkness. It made me feel a loss in my soul, it made me cry, it made me bewildered and sad. Looking back I found out that in my darkest hour I found out a lot about me.  I do believe there are times we are given life trials so we can grow. But I also found out that no matter how sad or difficult things might seem I was never alone. I did find out that God never left my side. His gentleness and love held me when I felt lost. He became my best friend, my confidant, my guiding light...The darkness that tried to consume my soul had no choice but to flee... 

I did learn over time to appreciate the darkness, those “stillness” moments, those quiet times when the house is void of light and family noise! This dark hour is when I find my Heavenly Father, my quiet time with Him, and His word breathes light into my soul. He fills my heart with a love that is difficult to contain. If I love Him? Is no longer a question. It becomes IF I get up a few minutes before everyone ... I will find my golden hour ...my solace, my LOVEs ... 

There is no darkness that can rob me of His eternal light.  You see this darkness is not a place, It not something we can see with our eyes. It's a place deep within our souls. And I have found when we invite God into our lives,  His light begins to shine from within.  He gives us that light that shines even in our darkest hour. Because we can be confident that we are never alone. We do not have to fight life demons by ourselves. He is victorious over all things we may encounter. He stands tall, strong, and ready. So pick up the light sword and be ready for any battle that may rage from within... Being ready is half the battle... 

The power of light that we feel is from within... 

It’s Him!!  It’s always Him.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

God's Light Shines in the Darkness 2011

"Faith is trusting God even when you don’t understand his plan.” Anonymous

Meaning of if Condition, stipulation: the question … depends on too many ifs to allow an answer. 

IF? appears, between the opening of the Old Testament Book of Genesis to the last word of the Bible in the New Testament Book of Revelation, precisely 1,595 times in 1,420 different verses of the King James Version of the Bible.

Such a small word that can hold many questions and uncertainties. It is also known as the biggest word in the Bible. Is it? Or maybe it’s a bargaining tactic. Do you ever make deals with God? Do you ever give Him ultimatums? Do you use that small word IF?

It makes me wonder How or what He thinks? I know as a parent when my child has said I will only do it “IF”.  Hold on did I hear that dreaded two-letter word “if” ...? And my immediate response is this, it is not let’s make a deal!!! Go and do what I have to ask you to do!! 

What are your thoughts? Does God react the same way? Do we treat Him like Monte Hall? For those who don’t remember Monte Hall, he is the show host for the game show Let’s Make a Deal.  I am sure without a doubt before my Holy Spirit experience I bargained with God on such a superficial level. Many treat God like Monte Hall or as a magical genie. We close our eyes and fill the air with wishes instead of genuine prayers. We throw in the IF word in an attempt to make bargains... 

I can only share from my own experience. As I have grown to know my Heavenly Father, I have learned to trust Him with my heart, my soul, my mind. I no longer find the need to bargain with Him. I know He knows best...its then the word IF started on a new journey in my life. .. Just think, If “I” can love Him with all my heart, my soul, and mind how rich would my life become... If “I” could learn to listen to His gentle whispers just think how less complicated things in my life might be? If I could be more like Jesus and less of this world think how much better of a person I might grow up to be? It is not a dream it is an attainable little word.  But it must be used to grow and not to shed doubt or for making bargains with God. Because I am of the belief that He is in control of everything. He has superpowers and a loving soul. Only “If” I knew Him on such an intimate level long before now? But I am grateful for the time He has given me to find Him, to love Him, and to share Him with anyone that is willing to listen. 

“ If “ you know what is good for your soul... I would listen for His whispers. If you could just start building that relationship today. Time is not on our side. It’s ticking slowly by.  “If” is a very big word. But if used correctly it can be used to make the biggest changes in your life.  I say “if” you take the time to find His intimate love. Your life will never be the same. It will be enriched in so many ways. Some are even hard to describe. He is such a feeling of the heart. He leaves me speechless. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,  - Psalms 95:7 – 

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” - Mark 4:23 – and Revelations 13:9

As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” – Hebrews 3:15, 3:7, 4:7   

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Owen Mac If Jesus Comes Tomorrow

“I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually, they make the difference between winning and losing.” —Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -

Meaning of win a successful result in a contest, conflict, bet, or another endeavor; a victory

The word win is in the Bible approximately 43 times in ten translations of the Bible. 

The word win was on the lips of many last night.. As the coin flipped and the whistle blew… and we said let the game began. Many fans shouted victory while many cried in their beer. It was a Superbowl that would make history. So many fans across the nation placing wagers.. taking sides… choosing teams. Finding our decisions pit many friends against friends and families against families. 

So how does this game of mind, body, and soul stack up against life? How does this word win show its victorious head in the Bible ??  Are we in a game? I would venture to say it could resemble a game… We are all on this amazing race we know as life. 

When I look around many are choosing sides… There seem to be only two teams, The team of light and the team of darkness. There are some that are having difficultly deciding and are dance the dance of chance… We must search our own hearts and see what team we are on? The game seems to be getting intense. Time is a crucial factor! Some may stay in the game until the last whistle sounds. But what if you are injured and carried off the field?  Where will you go?  Light or dark it is a choice. 

I can only answer this question on a personal level… I have been touched by this amazing light, I know the franchise owner on a personal level… I am forever drawn to His light… I am like a moth to a flame… With an insane drive to chase Him to the finish line. He has promised me I will share in His victory dance for eternity.  I have it by a reputable source that He is the winner of the game of life. He is the winner of many hearts ... He is the ultimate winner of the game of thrones!!!!

It’s Him, It’s always Him!! 

Go TEAM JESUS ❤🕊

Many have unsuccessfully tried to disprove my source ❤click on the link below and give it a try.  You may be surprised what you might find!! ✝🕊https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5 ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube 

The Champion- Carman

I am His by Election. I am His by Donation. I am His by Creation. I am His by Redemption.I am His by Presentation.

The meaning of mine: used to indicate the one or ones belonging to me: 

The word mine appears in 825 instances in the Bible.

When I see the word mine my mind drifts to the thoughts of children as they fight for what they think is rightfully theirs. Resulting in its mine syndrome. 

I do believe many people still operate under those guidelines. And selfishness raises its ugly head. 

Come with me as we explore what we can discover about this word in this amazing Book we have taken ownership of. This copy is mine. Rightfully so it has my name on the cover to prove it...It's my copy of my Bible. However, the story that is tucked so lovingly between its pages is for all mankind... So again is it truly mine? 

Are our earthly possessions truly ours? Or are they just on loan for a short time while we are here on earth? Why are we so possessive of our personal treasures?  When I think of the word mine with my spiritual eyes. My mine becomes, me! the true essence of who I am. The memories that I have made with others .. and the relationships we have cultivated and lovingly shared. But even these things are not things we can keep and say they are mine. Because when we leave this earth the memories and relationships that were shared become ours .. Yours and the ones we have left behind.

When we boil it down all things are a gift from our Heavenly Father. The only possession we truly can say it’s Mine is our relationship with Him... The Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the true and only constant in our lives.. and they have given us this promise for eternity...

But I have discovered that sharing Him with others enriches my life. 

Because He is Omni-mine. He is the great I-am... I am everything to everyone... I truly do not understand how He does it. But I just know He is mine and I am His...and if you stand in my presence I plan on sharing Him with anyone who is willing to listen... I hope that my sharing Him plants a seed in your soul that makes Him yours. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him 

Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine. 

Leviticus 20:26

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

The Dead South - This Little Light of Mine [Live

ref: https://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-8-i-am-his-and-he-is-mine/