“I’d rather love a million times and have my heart broken every time than hold a permanently empty heart forever.“ H.C. Paye... 

Meaning of shattered broken into many pieces. 

The word shattered is in the Bible approximately 91 times.

What makes an object so valued, that we would safeguard it with our own life?  When is something so regarded and precious that we would want to handle it with such gentleness, with such care, with such love? There are times we even build a special place to hide it... Have you ever been in a store and witnessed a sign that says you break it you buy it?? Hmm. 

When I began to press into the word shattered. My mind began to race and my thoughts went here.. What happened so many years ago?? How could we not regard the Son of God with that same gentleness, that same care, and that same love? We seem to give “things” of this world more thought than our Redeemer? 

It boggles my mind when I think how many stood by and allowed our precious Savior to be ridiculed, mocked, and shattered beyond recognition? It truly makes my heart bleed. 

Do we take the time to honor His life? Do we truly understand the magnitude of this monumental moment in time?? Have we made Him our priority? What does it take for us to finally realized His true value!! Can we give Him enough love to mend His once shattered heart? 

How does He still love us so deeply? Why does He still care? I wish I knew the answers?? 

However, I am grateful beyond words for His love and sacrifice. Nothing I own is worthy of His undying LOVE. I can only give Him my heart.. my love and a commitment to follow Him all the days of my life... 

If I had the power I would take His heart in my hands and tenderly put the pieces together one precious piece at a time... He is such a beautiful gift of love! We definitely need to do a better job of showing the world just How beautifully precious He is... 

Our lives would be shattered beyond repair without Him.  

It’s Him! It’s always Him!! 

Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My instruction: do not fear disgrace by men, and do not be shattered by their taunts. Isaiah 51:7

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:3

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 NASB

My days are passed; my plans have been shattered; along with my heart's desires Job 17:11

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Pieces (Official Lyric Video) - Steffany Gretzinger | Have It All

Meaning of Renewal: the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run-down, or broken.

There are approximately 28 verses referencing the word renewal.

Life… 

Life can sometimes be difficult. Each day can represent a different problem that needs to be addressed or resolved. Your thoughts and feeling may get injured at the hands of another. Do we dwell on the issue day and night or are we one of those that can identify the action needed and move swiftly to a resolution even if it is our own mind? 

We all have struggles, we all have negativity that enters our thoughts. We all have felt inadequate at times. We may also feel that we have not reached our goal. Perhaps we feel we have not become everything we hoped we could be. 

So how do we cope? How do we find peace? How do we find the power to move on with life? Do we throw in the towel? Or do we stand up and fight? 

There are some that may turn to mood-altering substances. Some are even prescribed. But this seems to only be a band-aid and a temporary solution and can lead to larger issues. 

Again, I can only speak from my experience. I have found a beautiful way to renew my soul, my heart, and my mind. It brings me indescribable peace to my soul and gives me a new song in my heart. I must confess it does alter my mood and brings me unbridled joy. It has been known to bring a large smile to my face even in the face of adversity… What is this wonder? What is this miracle? What is so powerful that it can change my perspective on life’s problems and love itself? 

How do we find this product? How much does it cost? I am sorry to report. It’s not available in any store. and no amazon cannot deliver it!! 

To find this wonder we must be very, very still… and open our hearts and invite Him in… and then the chase will begin… because you will have tasted a LOVE like never before. You will feel peace in your soul… and you will have the confidence to handle what may arise… Because on that very day you will know in your heart that you will never be alone… He will hold you as you walk in this world and He and He alone will renew your very existence each and every day that you breathe… He and He alone will love you like no other…. 

I will admit I have used the word addicting… when I speak His name. 

 Its Him. It’s always HIM. 

Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord. Psalm 104:34

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7

Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart. Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Refuge by Leslie Grant -  Youtube 

When God heals and restores, He brings you out better than you were before. - Anonymous

Meaning of hurt a cause of injury or damage: blow this tower of granite, weathering the hurts of so many ages: a bodily injury or wound. Mental or emotional distress or anguish: suffering getting past the hurt of a bitter relationship.

There are ten Bible verses about hurting hearts.

There are many types of hurt. There is a physical wound. There is the hurting soul.. or a broken heart. I do believe there are degrees of pain caused by the wound. 

What is it in our human makeup that we seem to hurt others by cruel actions or words?? Are we that cold? Are we that self-centered? Are we that thoughtless?? 

We will experience times in our lives that we will be put to the test. Will we kind, will we be thoughtful?  Or will be so preoccupied, so self-absorbed that we won’t even take the time to understand or even care enough to have that understanding heart and run.

There have been times during this amazing journey that my heart has been wounded. My soul still carries the scars… Although this has been the most amazing spiritual journey I could ever experience.  There have been a few that have not taken the time to understand.  Unfortunately, as this happened, I began to question the authenticity of the relationship. Was it real or did you have ulterior motives? Was our relationship for selfish reasons?? These months have proven to me that when we have an unexpected curve in our lives…. The true hearts will rise to the top.. They will embrace us for who we were and who we are striving to become…

I have to thank those who did not take the time to understand. Your actions although cruel.  Helped me, by letting me focus on a love greater than I have ever known. This LOVE placed me on the most amazing spiritual heartfelt journey of my life. I found where my strength lies. It's Him. He is where life and love take on new meaning. My heart and life will never be the same. 

I thank my heavenly Father that I found Him… But in reality, He found me. And somewhere during these wonderful months of discovery, I found me. 

Thank you to the ones who took the time and opened their hearts. I pray that as you have witnessed the change in my life and through my experience, His love has touched your soul… I pray that one day when you are given the gift of Him. I will be the one who stayed… It will be a beautiful day to remember…It is because of Him, that scars left on our soul can become a beautiful work of art. 

It's Him, It's always Him.

He is the healer of my heart and soul… 

And for those that could not stay... I love you anyway... my life is an open book and I would love to share this amazing love with anyone willing to listen.. 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

Fear Not, for I am with you. Do not 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. Isaiah 41:10

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalms 55:22

Inspiring Music: Kari Jobe - Healer (Lyric Video)

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hope to give you forever”― Nicholas Sparks...

The day His love descended from heaven and touched my soul, He filled my heart with a love like no other... Love flowed freely as He wrapped me in His warm loving arms.. It left me bewildered, confused but FOREVER changed..... 

He has taken my hand and asked me to follow Him ... 

His love is gentle, kind, and beyond words...  He has opened my heart and I now see life with all the beauty He intended. With His Love, life AND LOVE has a new meaning and it is nothing short of amazing ... 

I love Him with all that I am. I am forever His child... I will continue to share His amazing love with others and press my heart in, as close as He will allow. 

There are no earthly possessions that are adequate to offer Him in exchange for this beautiful gift of LOVE. I can only offer Him my heart and soul for eternity. 

However He is worthy of so much more!

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music:  Love Outran Me | WorshipMob Original

Strong's #5545: chrisma (pronounced khris'-mah) from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit: anointing, unction.  

The word “charisma” does not seem to be in the Bible.. but I do believe the characteristics can be felt within its pages.

When I began to think about the word charisma, my initial thought was Jesus of course. But as I began to think of all the people that I felt had this extra pull on people’s souls... I began to see artists, politicians, activists.. kings, queens, even some with dark spirits have this charm ... And I do believe this list could go on and on. But we must remember when we examine the person with that “extra” we must also see the audience they attract and why? Is there a hidden agenda? Is it for a selfish motive? Or is it selfless? What is this special mojo that attracts others to follow, or to hang on to every word that spills from their lips? 

Is it looks? Is it wisdom? Is it power?  

Let’s investigate the characteristics that are tied to this word charisma,  and let’s see where this little journey of discovery might take us? 

Here is what I found: according to Forbes magazine these are seven traits that can be found in charismatic people. https://www.forbes.com/

•          Listen Actively

•          Speak Clearly

•          Smile from Within

•          Stand Up Tall

•          Spread Praise & Phrase

•          Remembers Names  

So my very first thought of Jesus was definitely on the right path! Jesus does possess all these traits... But He offers us so much more... His mojo has a divine connection... He wraps His charisma in the most amazing anointed love.  It flows from heaven above... This love has no price tag.. because it has already been paid from His unselfish heart... His only hidden agenda is to lovingly guide His children home... 

He is the complete package... He is perfection at its finest...He is the King of charisma and my heart. 

How does He do it?? He touches so many souls... His charisma is who He is and by the way, I can without a doubt state it’s timeless. 

It’s Him. It’s always Him. 

He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. John 12:45

I and the Father are one. John 10:30

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

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Lion & The Lamb Image by Jeff Jacobs 

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: King Of My Heart - [Lyric Video] Kutless

A God Moment is that personal encounter one may experience where God's purpose, presence, and love is revealed. -Rev. Lewis Macklin

Meaning of moment: a very brief period of time:

There are approximately 126 times the word moment is used or referred to in the Bible. 

What makes a memorable moment?  Do we live moment to moment? How do we measure a moment in time? Our memories are a fragmented glimpse of images that flash within our Heart, Soul, and Mind... 

We all mark moments in time with significant events that happen to us as we travel this road we call life...  If I asked you what are the significant moments that flood your memories with heartfelt thoughts.. perhaps it's college, it could be the engagement to your significant other, maybe your wedding, or perhaps it's the moment you hear your newborn child’s cry as they lovingly place them in your arms! I am sure we have such a diverse, yet very similar list. 

What if I asked you the same question about your spiritual life? What are your significant moments? Did you feel the hunger in your soul when you were a child? Or were you dutifully going through the moments one Sunday at a time?  Was it your baptism? Or did you have a significant moment that turned your life to discover a greater love? I do believe we all have that pivotal moment in time when God whispers to our heart come my child it’s time to embark on a journey of discovery! He creates moments that will leave you in awe?  He will fill your soul with wonder. We then will begin to want to know more.. about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Some embark on new habits. Some of us study the scriptures, some meditate, some may start a journal. But no matter what tools we use we do begin building a new understanding and relationship. We realize that He and He alone can enrich our lives one moment at a time... 

Do we close our eyes and dream of future moments? Do we have hopes that our dreams come true?? Can you imagine that moment when we can gaze into our Creator's beautiful face! Just imagine!! 

Will we be scared? Will we be filled with a love that can not be contained? Will we fall at His feet in complete surrender? 

I do believe it will be a moment that will take our breath away... It will be a moment that will be the most monumental moment we will ever experience... Because it’s the moment that this love we have been feeling stirring in our soul, will consume our spiritual existence. We will see that void and hunger we have been feeling dissipate one loving moment at a time. For the first time, we will feel a completeness that will be hard to describe. He is such a feel thing... The things we feel for Him on this earth are only a fragment of the overflow we will achieve in His presence... You will be consumed in His gift of love. It’s at that moment in time you will feel a love for Him deeper than you ever dreamed possible. You will fall in love with the one who holds the key to a love greater than our human mind has been able to fully comprehend. 

It’s Him, It’s always been Him.

The Father, His beautiful Son, and His very breath The Holy Spirit... He is the Only One ❤

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John4:16

“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment–how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23 AMPC

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved…Ephesians 2:4-5

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photography Jordon Benton

Inspiring Music

Encounter (feat. Dustin Smith) (Live)

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"  Psalms 107:1                      

So excited to share the news we hit 20k views... The blog was inspired by God, Friendship, and you the reader... Never underestimate what God can do! He has taken someone that had no interest in writing on one of the most amazing journey of discovery Thank you all for your love and support !!

XOXO

special thanks

Joann Turnbull