“It’s not the will to win that matters. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant..

Meaning of fan an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator. 2: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit) science-fiction fan.

The word fan is in the bible approximately 8 times. However, it seems to be utilized differently than where this word seems to be taking me today.

When I think of a fan I see an image of an over-zealous person that can behave over the top when they get excited about, an entertainer, sporting event or a popular person or for that matter a subject that they have a passion and love for. I find this display of excitement amazing. I love seeing the passion the love for something that can bring joy to our lives. 

However, it is very perplexing to me how this excitement and passion does not seem to spill over when we speak of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit??  Is it because as Christians we call ourselves followers instead of fans?  I would like to explore the differences. I do believe a fan can buy in on the surface. They can even study facts, and truly understand the subject matter and they even began to think they know this person. But it truly is on a superficial level. This person can even become an “idol” some may even seem to worship this person… I have witnessed this at concerts full of young teens that clamor to get close to the entertainer. Some scream. Some cry. Some jump up and down… and shout accolades. 

What is the attraction? At the end of the day. This person knows nothing about you. They don’t know your name. They have not been there for you to see your victories and they have not held you in your darkest hour? I wholeheartedly believe they would not give up their life for you?? Sadly, I believe many would follow their “idol” if they were given the chance. There is a place in our lives for our entertainment... But possibly we have lost our real purpose. 

Where is our value system, has it eroded? This erosion has always been man’s downfall. “Idols” and their fans are not a new thing. They have been around since the beginning of time. But history has proven that they come and go like the days on a calendar. 

So, what makes a follower different. I am not sure about you. But for me to follow I must trust. I must get to know them. I must spend many hours getting to know their values. They must know me by name. An admiration, mutual love, and respect will be shared. And relationships will be built. 

To summarize a fan seems to be superficial and one-sided. A follower has more depth and definitely has more stake and heart in the game. 

So when we speak of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, why do we not show this over-the-top LOVE and excitement. Many are comfortable showing these emotions at an event. But sit on the sidelines on the most important game of their lives. Why are we afraid of what others may think? I do believe it's time… Time to wake up… the coin is being flipped. Pick a side…. A shallow existence in a fleeting moment of time of an “idol … Or a life for eternity that is much richer than we even deserve?? Who are you a fan or a follower??  Jesus is calling us by name and sharing His heart. He is asking us to follow Him. Trust Him. And be introduced to a love that is beyond this world. 

It’s Him. It’s always HIM!! 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.  Deuteronomy 12:32-13:18 ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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“Selfish people tend to only be good to themselves… then are surprised when they are alone.”

Meaning of Selfish..  (of a person, action, or motive) lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure:

There are approximately 50 verses the speak to the subject of Selfishness.

In my opinion, being selfish is a very ugly trait... It is a human trait that raises its ugly head when we least expect it. It is self-satisfying for just a short time. But it will eventually implode leaving long-term scars... 

I do believe if you wear the suit of being human you can relate to this word... We have either executed this word or we have been on the receiving end of a selfish act... 

As we go through life we began to recognize these actions and separate ourselves from people that show these types of traits. Some people separate themselves because they feel you no longer serve their purpose. And that can leave heartfelt wounds. Some are so self-serving they do not even see the wake they have left in the heart of another.

We live in such an opportunistic world... It saddens me. How did we find ourselves here? Where is that golden thread where people put other people's needs before their own selfish wants? 

As always I turned to the Bible for answers. And then I came to this word from a totally different perspective. 

Sorry to say this, But it was not all about you!! 

My heart went to the most unselfish human we could ever grow to know. He has put all of mankind before His own needs. His own wants and His own desires. 

Who has this type of love, compassion, and heart?  Who thinks of us first always??? No matter what? He does this time and time again with no regard for His own needs??? 

Have you ever given it any thought? What does God need? What are His wants? What are His desires? Many will say He is God He has everything He does not need anything! If you have never thought of this, read this scripture below.

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.

Genesis 1:26. 

If we are made in their image. Why do we not believe He has similar desires just on a much bigger scale? 

And as I grow to know Him better each day. I have found myself asking. Do we love you enough to give you our best? Do we say to our Heavenly Father,  “ I want nothing from you today? I just want to thank you for the very gift of you!  

Father, you have so many people clamoring for your attention... Every moment of every day.  Please escape with me today .... Can I hide you in my heart for just a little while... Many see you as a genie and fill your request jar with many shallow wishes. 

Do you ever get any peace ??? Do you ever rest?? Or are (we) your children so selfish!  So self-centered. So preoccupied with self that we do not consider your feelings! your needs! your desires!  We seem to always come to you with open hands, with our wants, our needs, our requests?? 

Please come, hide in my heart for a little while... I want to give you peace... I want to take care of you...I want to love you as much as you love me.. I want to put you first... 

I feel I can never love you as much as you love me ... teach me!!! 

His amazing unselfish love is such a beautiful gift. 

I challenge you today to ask Him, to hide in your heart for just a while.  Put Him first. Ask Him what does He desire from you today? Cherish these unselfish moments with Him. 

Time with Him is priceless.  

It’s Him, It’s always Him. 

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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“When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it. Revelation 3:7  

Meaning of reveal -  to make known through divine inspiration. Reveal may apply to the supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason.

There are approximately 100 Bible Verses about Reveal. 

Do our human eyes have blinders on ... Do we skip through life hiding our little secrets ..  Do we only share things with people that we trust deeply?? You know I do believe we all have those preverbal skeletons in our closets...  is there a darker side within our souls? 

I do believe we all have been victims of something that we may not fully understand. There a tug-a-war for our very souls. 

I can share before my Holy Spirit encounter. I like many of us may have danced on the edge of darkness. The darkness I speak of is not what you may think. It’s a lack of knowledge. Not knowing that we all have been given the right of passage to the Beautiful Kingdom... and if we know this? And do nothing to prepare ourselves for this journey then the knowledge we think we have is void of substance, action and becomes buried deep, within. It has chosen to lay there dormant void of life with a bleak look into eternity. 

If you will still your mind and listen with soulful ears you will hear our Savior knocking on the door to your heart. Just open your heart to Him, He will reveal He beauty, He grace, and His amazing love... You will learn so many things about love and life... He will gently guide your life and reveal things to you about you...Things you never even thought of, many were hidden deep in your heart... He will cleanse your soul. And you will experience a beautiful light feeling in your heart. He will free the child within... and you will be loved beyond what you ever dreamed possible. And you will have newfound hope for your future. 

He will wow you... Have you ever been wowed by a King ???  I have !!! It is so difficult to put Him into words ??? I have tried and tried ... I can say my life has never been the same... He is the beautiful light at the end of the darkest tunnel...... You will find that He will rescue you from any situation no matter how large or insignificant you may think it may be. 

Shh, Listen?? Can you hear Him? He is knocking ??? 

It’s Him. Trust Him. Love Him.

I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) 

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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We are to seek the Lord Almighty Himself. Not for what he can do for us, but for who He IS.

The Hebrew word for “face” in the Old Testament is often translated as “presence.” When we seek the face of God, we are seeking His presence.

Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!" (Psalm 105:4, ESV)

What is this love that drives me to seek you? What have you done with my heart? You have given me a thirst in my soul that only you can satisfy. You come to me with the freshness of the morning dew. You come to me in the stillness of the night? You whisper words of love to my heart that reaches places I did not know even existed. 

I ask, what is it that you desire of me? Why do pursue me with such relentless vigor? What can I possibly have that you desire so? I have nothing that is worthy of you. 

I can only give you my heart ... my love? 

Don’t keep me waiting to hear your answer? The anticipation is all-consuming.. all distracting ...  It fills me every waking moment. 

This all-consuming magnetic pull on my vulnerable soul.. is beyond my understanding. 

I wonder when I am in your presence will I have the courage to speak? Or will your majestic splendor render me speechless?

My soul's desire is to stand in the shadow of your grace. I crave to feel your beautiful presence in the deepest chambers of my heart.

I close my eyes take a deep breath and whisper your name, Elohim again, and again. I am so desperate to just see your beautiful face... 

I find I must go deep within my soul to find you. My mind must surrender allowing my heart to lead me to you... My soul begins to open like a beautiful flower awakening on the first day of spring.  My breathing becomes shallow with anticipation. My spiritual eyes find the freedom to open slowly...

And in that beautiful moment in time you invite me in ... It’s there I see you like never before!  Your beautiful face and all your radiant glory... 

It’s you!  It’s you. Your beauty. Your grace. Your love... there are no words. 

My heart is overwhelmed with an unexplainable love that is so difficult to contain.

I am mesmerized... I am consumed as your love engulfs every part of my mind, my body, and my soul.. . I can only babble utterances that I myself do not fully understand... You render me speechless... 

My heart desires to stay here in this moment forever?  There is nothing in our world that can even compare... 

I know my request is not possible while my feet are still bound to my earthly existence. But know that there are times my soul feels torn between two worlds ... yours..and mine.

I will never stop seeking your face, I will forever yearn to hear your voice and I am committed to learning the rhythmic beating of your heart. 

You have left me with a growing desire to understand this amazing gift of you !!! You have become as important as the very air I breathe. 

Your name will remain forever on my lips as I feel your name is etched within my heart. 

Teach me your thoughts. Teach me this beautiful language of love that you share... Teach me ... 

It's you............. It has always been you... #Breathless

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”Psalm 27:8 KJV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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God made us to crave—to desire eagerly, want greatly, and long for Him. -Lysa TerKeurst

Meaning of - Crave definition, to long for; want greatly; desire eagerly: to crave sweets; to crave affection.

The word crave is referred to in the Bible in 24 instances. 

What is this burning in my soul?  What is this void that only our Creator can satisfy?  Was this yearning to search for the beauty He possesses placed in my heart at birth?  

Did He plan the perfect date and time? He knows how to entice us by whispering our names? Was this His plan! Has His plan for us been unfolding since the beginning of time?? How is He so sure we would come! There was no doubt in His heart that we would answer His call... 

He knows how to touch each one of us in the deepest chambers of our hearts... He gives us a sweet taste of heaven and places a craving within our soul that only He can satisfy.

It is not of this world! 

It’s a spiritual journey of LOVE that only He can share with us... We must never stop seeking His presence. His Love is beyond our human understanding ... 

I am helpless in His presence. He knows how to capture the essence of who we are and who we ever hope to be. 

I have to ask, I must know, How do I penetrate His Heart !! 

He knows I will be relentless in my pursuit... 

Will this craving in my soul ever be satisfied in this world? Or will I be whisked away to places that I can only dream of ...  as I meditate on His majestic power, beauty, and grace!

For now, I can only close my eyes and see Him, with my spiritual eyes, 

feel Him in my beating heart and find Him in the deepest most intimate places of my soul. 

It’s Him!!! It has always been Him !!  He wows me.

Seek and deeply long for the Lord and His strength [His power, His might]; Seek and deeply long for His face and His presence continually. Psalm 105:4

And My people, who are called by My Name, humble themselves, and pray and seek (crave, require as a necessity) My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear [them] from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land 2 Chronicles 7:14

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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I want you, I need you. Elvis 

"It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are." - Roy Disney (1893 - 1971), 

The meaning of core - the central or most important part of something. 

When we began to peel back the pages of the Bible to discover just how many times is the word core utilized? Hmm, It's not too surprising that they use the heart as a central part of things.. and not the word core.

I have always heard “Good to the Core”  But what does that mean ?? The apple is such a good example of a visual. Most of us have enjoyed that juicy ripened apple all the way to the core. 

But as we further study the goodness in man can anyone truly be “Good to the core”?  Biblical speaking if our heritage is to be free from sin then to be “Good to the Core” is almost an impossible mission! As we are told it’s in our nature to sin. As born-again Christians, this “goodness” should be our ultimate goal... But to all of us who strive to reach that almost impossible victory ring we see it as heaven. It is a slow and difficult but rewarding climb. 

I do believe we live in chaotic times. Many people have lost touch with the values that guide us to a greater understanding of who we truly are becoming ... Are we becoming everything God intended us to be?  Or is there that tiny worm 🐛 that has penetrated our soul to upset the goodness of life before us? 

We all have our struggles against the flesh. Our actions, our words, our kindness, our compassion, our forgiveness towards others, that tiny snide remark, or envious thought, or above all else our daily devotion and love for God our Heavenly Father. 

He gave us Jesus as a gift with a beautiful resolution .. Believing in Him is the only way. You are redeemed by His blood and His amazing grace.

But this gift is not a free ticket to heaven. We must put one foot in front of the other each day and give it 110 of ourselves.  We can not give our heart to Jesus and keep our feet in the path to destruction. Your innermost man will go to an internal war..  Doing the “right thing” can be a struggle but do not abandon HOPE.. because it’s is Jesus and the Holy Spirit that will give you the endurance and strength to be victorious over the worm 🐛with the mission to seek and destroy. Which in essence, will break down the goodness of the apple and it will become “ rotten to the core” 

I do not have the answers to tell you how to measure or deal with your earthly struggle. Because we all have them they are so similar yet uniquely our own. 

I can say I have witnessed and found out personally when we surrender to Jesus the easier life obstacles become. The stronger we become in our ability to ward off temptation. And His grace becomes a beautiful armor of love ❤. 

It is through the power of our Savior's precious blood that we find victory over things of this world... He is our light in our darkest hour. He is our strength when we can not withstand the heat!  He is our comforter when the world does not understand. He is our promise of HOPE. He is our role model. He is the biggest LOVE story ever told !! 

It’s Him. It’s always Him. 

Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. proverbs 20:11 ESV

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESV

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 1 Peter 1:18-20

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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Christ the Rock - Lyric Video

"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." ~ Ferdinand Foch...

Meaning of Pentecost the Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his Ascension held on the seventh Sunday after Easter.

There are 15 verses that refer to the word Pentecost in the Bible. The word Pentecost is from the Greek word 'Pentekostos', which means 'fifty'

What a powerful gift !! One that in my opinion does not get its rightful praise. 

Many many years ago on this very day which many call Pentecost sits an amazing event that changed history, and the church was born. 

One hundred and twenty believers in Christ, men, and women were instructed to go and wait for a comforter in the upper room. I can only imagine the anticipation, the whispers the nail-biting, and the prayers that filled the very walls of this location in Jerusalem..  Close your eyes and just try to envision this moment.  

This day marked the calendar as the 50th day from the Sabbath of Passover celebration. The celebration of the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:16).

Many celebrated wearing white because it is written that 3,000 people were baptized due to the outpour of this LOVE, on that monumental day. 

There were two promises fulfilled that day. One promise is in the Old Testament – Joel 2:28, which says "I will pour out my Spirit on all people", and one in the New, where Jesus says He will send another Counsellor, the Spirit of truth (John 16: 5-15).

If we could close our eyes and travel back in time. This moment would have to be an indescribable moment in time. It’s a moment that could have left the 120 people that obeyed Jesus speechless. However, it’s written that they spoke in a heavenly language that became known as tongues.  I have found that many today dismiss this as a possibility because of a lack of knowledge or fear of the unknown. But it had to be a beautiful moment that even the ones that uttered these words did not even understand. 

To be overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit can send a rush of emotion, that is very difficult to describe and contain. To be overwhelmed by God's own spiritual breath. OMG... if only they had cell phones, who and what would they be texting .. imagine the selfies that would have flooded all social media networks ... The outpour of His Love was such a dramatic event that it could have even set the non-believer's heads afire. 

This miraculous moment gave all who yearn for something greater than this life "Hope" by sharing these seven gifts wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

As I finished writing the words that outline these amazing gifts.  I found they lacked something?  They lacked the life and the excitement the Holy Spirit brings into our hearts and soul. It is not enough to know the facts that are written in this marvelous book we have grown to love... We must experience that fire that ignites our souls... The Holy Spirit is a precious part of the Trinity. He is our Heavenly connection to our Heavenly Father. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all caring, all-loving. He lives within ... and He is truly is indescribable. He WOWs me. 

These seven gifts are associated with the giving of the Holy Spirit, an idea well-rooted in the Scriptures. These gifts were delivered to a group of believers who gathered as instructed. He brought a message of love, hope, and the gift of redemption through our relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior. This message was a message to be shared with all of mankind and to be spread to all corners of our world.. Resulting in what we now call church. But if the Holy Spirit does not breathe His fire into the hearts of its members it will be void of the beautiful essence of the greatest LOVE we can ever experience. 

During my journey, He invaded my heart and soul in such a unique and powerful way. But that story is for another day!! It’s His celebration day today!! 

However, I will share this moment, during my spiritual walk I questioned, Why is it I hear that people fall in love with God, they fall in love with Jesus. But I never hear anyone say I fell in love with the Holy Spirit ??? I found out that many do fall in LOVE with the Holy Spirit. I was just a spiritual child with so much yet to learn. 

However I am beyond grateful for the Holy Spirit He is my conduit to Jesus and to my Heavenly Father, He is my teacher, my confidant.. He is the very breath that has set this all-consuming fire in my soul.. He is forever a beautiful part of my 3n1. 

It's Him, It’s always Him!!! 

(Triune) = (Trinity) Loves Me) 

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.   Acts 2:1 -47 



But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John  14:26

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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CeCe Winans "Holy Spirit Come and Fill this Place"

So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose. Romans 8:28 TPT

Loneliness is, therefore, a state of mind, an emotion brought on by feelings of separation from other human beings. The sense of isolation is very deeply felt by those who are lonely. 

There are approximately 108 verses that speak to the isolation feeling of loneliness. 

As I sit here alone with my thoughts many questions come to my mind.  I don’t know about you, but I have so many God why questions.??  

Do you ever question why God made man? He has a perfect home in Heaven. Why does He want to take time with us? Why does He love us so deeply? Many of us are familiar with the scripture. 1 John 4:7-8 God is Love. Love is an amazing gift! I believe the more love you give away the more you receive. 

I also believe He made man for the most important heartfelt reason “To love and to be loved.” 

It has been scientifically proven with plants .. the ones that receive care (love) flourishes..while the ones that were ignored withered away and were at risk of dying.  

God needs our love. He chases it. He craves it. 

In order for Him to grow His LOVE, it needs to be shared. He is the very essence of LOVE. It would be a tragedy if He had no one to share His gift of love with. He shares it in such a beautifully intimate way!! He inhabits that special place within our hearts and souls. 

Some will say He has Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He does not need man. Yes, that is a true fact. However, we have our mind, body, and spirit, (Man's Trinity).  Does this mean we are in our own company and should never feel lonely? 

Have you ever wondered if God is lonely? I have! And I would like to share this scripture with you. "And God said, "Let us make man in our image." Genesis 1:26-28

This points me to the conclusion that God experiences all the same emotions that man does. He knows the crushing pain of loneliness, and disappointment when His children turn away. 

I do think at some time in our life we have been touched by some form of loneliness. So we can relate to the sadness this word brings to our lives.

I will admit, there have times in my journey that I have felt deserted by some.  Because they did not understand the magnitude of this LOVE and pulled away... I have felt lost and I have felt lonely, and even betrayed. 

However, it was in my darkest hour and my loneliness day’s I found His LOVE. 

It’s a love that understands the heartbreak and the uncertainties that may accompany loneliness and this type of heartfelt pain.

But I found comfort hidden in pages of His word. I found my validation. In Deuteronomy 31:6, it says “Be strong and courageous; “He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

I have found He that embraces you!   Day or night! He will hold your heart in His hands. And He will fill your soul with a love that will heal your mind, body, and soul... Find Him, Love Him. Spend time with Him.

Your life will never be the same.. and it’s all because of a love greater than we could even imagine! 

With Him, we are never alone. He is with us always, until the end of time.

It's Him, It’s always Him. 

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us. Romans 8:31-38

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinner's Prayer

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And I Love You So - Elvis Presley - Annie Moses Band