The meaning of Christ comes from the Greek word χριστός (chrīstós), meaning "anointed one".

The word Christ appears 555 times in the KJV of the Bible.

After studying 530 words... and dancing through the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation I have never tried to tackle the word, Christ... What a massive undertaking!!! I can only ask my Heavenly Father to guide my heart because I can not do this alone... 

His beautiful life is a living testimony and gift from God to every man, woman, and child... Did you know that the name Christ means ”the anointed one”? When I think of the name Christ I immediately think of Him as the infant. I am sure it is due to the famous song called “O Holy Night’...  I do believe when we think of Christ the infant many of us have no problem showing this Infant's LOVE and adoration... 

But as we look to Christ the man ... many are stuck... many find it awkward to love Him openly, in fear with what others may think... Why are we so hung up ?? Why are our hearts so earthly bound that we can not free our souls enough to love Him in the way He loves us?? 

As I traveled on this amazing journey my curious heart had so many questions, about the one that stole my spiritual heart ...  Who is He? How did He? And why did He reach down and fill my heart with a love that left me breathless and forever changed? 

He left me with a burning desire to know more about Him and the mystery that surrounds His life... Many speak of the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit as separate individual souls... I have grown to know their separate titles and roles... But the three have become one in my heart... When I speak to Him it’s to all of Him ... He is my Heavenly Father My protector, Christ the Son is my friend, my confidant, and the lover of my soul... And the Holy Spirit guides me as I walk through this gift we call life...  Together they offer us love not of this world... You can call Him many names... But in the end, it’s the one that resonates with your heart and your personal experience with Him... 

In my quest to know more, I asked a very wise-believing young man... As a woman, I understand this romance of the soul and how someone could fall in love with our Creator... However, many relate to Him in our mind as a male figure... Does that make loving Him awkward?  

And He said... Not at all 

LOVE is LOVE... such a profound statement...from such a wise soul. 

God is LOVE. And Christ was God in the flesh born to love and to be loved. He then sent the Holy Spirit, He came to dwell within each believer. To live through our lives... He came to guide and teach us. He came to tap into our emotions so we could feel His raw unencumbered love. So, His love could become an intricate part of who we could become... I say, open your heart and allow the three in one in... Each is patiently waiting to play that significant role in delivering this amazing Heavenly LOVE to your life... 

It truly boggles the mind... so while our mind is trying to make sense of it all... Our heart and soul will be been swept away into the arms of our first love... 

It's Him... It's all of Him... And yes He wows me!!! And if you have read this to this point... 

I pray that you feel Him stirring within the depths of your heart and soul... And that He WOWs you too!!! 

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 ESV 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

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Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Somewhere in Time: John Barry

“From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her Son, and the Son of God…Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s Word to you will be fulfilled and that nothing is impossible with God.”- St. John Paul II

Meaning of Mary mother of Jesus. 

The name Mary is in 46 verses... 

As we approach one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays, known as "Christmas". 

I would like to ask you to indulge me for a moment as we stop and give thanks to a woman who gave the world such a monumental gift...I say woman but she was only a child, maybe in her early teens...Who was she? Why did God favor her so? He trusted her to fulfill a prophecy that had already been put into motion since the beginning of time... 

I struggle with trying to understand her unwavering commitment, her faith, and her love.. at such an early age. 

Would we have the strength to say yes Father your will not mine... I will carry the shame when others do not understand, I will be your living vessel. I will deliver forgiveness and a love that goes deeper than most people can even comprehend. I will do my part to save all of mankind. 

Was she even aware of the magnitude of this moment when she became God’s own chosen mother on earth...

Let’s travel back in time... Let me set the scene. God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee. To deliver a message of the highest importance... This message can be found in Luke 1:26-38. 

The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor  with God. You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

How many of us would have been so unafraid? How many of us would have only asked one question? Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. 

Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.”

UNWAVERING FAITH...  such responsibility... such Love and commitment at such a young age. 

How could she share this news with her parents? Imagine a young unmarried girl telling her parents, family, and her fiancé I am pregnant... With God's child... ??? 

How many of us would believe such an unbelievable story?? 

While trying to understand this moment my mind traveled to Him... This beautiful innocent baby had been placed in her womb for the most incredible mission that man could even begin to understand. What did she feel? Did her emotions run away with her? 

I have been blessed with children and I know the feeling of a tiny life growing within... What an amazing God-given miracle... What excitement and joy when you feel the baby move for the first time... But what do you feel when you know you are carrying the Son of God??? Are these feelings magnified? Or are they what every new mother has felt. Excitement, Love, Apprehension maybe fear? 

Will the delivery be painful, Will my baby be healthy? Will I be a good mother?? Every child born is a miracle from God but to be singled out to carry God's own Son... What a larger-than-life, heaven-sent responsibility!!!! 

Have you ever witnessed childbirth? I have had the amazing privilege of photographing such a miracle... The love that filled the room that day could only be from God... 

I wish I could have captured this beautiful moment that happened so long ago... I can only close my eyes and envision this moment in time... Childbirth is a painful bodily experience...But soon,  birthing pains are all forgotten, all the questions disappear and you are caught up in the beautiful moment of seeing the angelic face before you... all activity around you seems to fade into the distance ... You hear, see and touch nothing but this precious new life... and time seems to stand still for just a few moments... 

I can only wonder, As she gently kissed His beautiful face... Did she think I am kissing the face of God... or at that tender moment was the newborn baby her precious beautiful baby boy and her gift from God?  

All believers are given the miracle of God's own Son... to dwell within...  He is our gift from God ... Do we cherish Him? Or do we feel shame and apprehension when we share His message with friends and family? Do we feel excited and overjoyed when we feel Him within our very soul?  Are we set apart for a purpose? Do we have faith enough to be His willing vessel! Will we care for Him as He grows in our hearts and becomes a part of our very existence?

There is a miracle of new life that happens within each believer. As you feel His presence in your daily life things of this world will fade into the distance ...You see His  Face and He will become as precious to you as a newborn babe... 

And your heart will whisper ... 

It’s Him, It has always been Him. My precious one...My gift from God... 

He WOWs me!

So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you. Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love him in return and will reveal myself to him.” 

John 14:20-22 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Model Megan Mahoney

Sinners Prayer 

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Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Amy Grant - Mary's Song (Breath Of Heaven) [HD] (lyrics in comments)

Great leaders instill a sense of meaning and belonging in their followers by putting the personal imprint of who they are and what they stand for on their people.” Kevin Leman... 

Meaning of Shepherd, A person who tends sheep. Someone who watches over, and looks after, or guides somebody.

There are approximately 40 verses in the King James Bible that refer to the word Shepherd. 

The most famous Shepherd in history did not lead animals but lead souls... His earthly occupation was a carpenter?? Say what? Wait. A carpenter, not a Shepherd? A carpenter is someone that has a keen eye for detail and can create something from nothing...

Doesn’t it seem odd? That we think of Christ as a Shepherd instead of a carpenter? 

Why did He choose the Shepherd as the image for us to grasp the hidden meaning behind His teachings...? He is such an amazing mastermind!!! There is no one greater!!! I love how He has intricately tied all the details of this amazing LOVE story together. His mystery has kept His Children interested since the beginning of time!!!  He has yearned for our love and has been guiding our hearts home since Adam’s creation on earth. 

The human mind is so weak in comparison to His vast and beautiful mind. We seem much like sheep, limited in our thinking and we need more... We need His Guidance...

We need a role model!!! One that we could relate to on a human level... We need someone that has felt the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat... 

So, in His usual way we needed and He came... He offered His own life to teach man how to live and love from birth to death...

I wonder would we have followed God without question?? Would God’s presence be too powerful for the human mind to comprehend? Or would our human weaknesses lead us astray like Eve? 

I am sure Elohim gave this master plan a great deal of thought and consideration!! 

But why a Shepherd?? Let’s start by looking at a Job description of a Shepherd. 

Job description: 

1.        Day-to-Day Care of the Flock. 

2.        Dealings with the Outside World on Behalf of the Flock 

3.        Foresees Danger

4.        Leads and Guides the Flock 

5.        He learns the strengths, weaknesses, and personality of each one.

6.        The Shepherd trains the sheep to hear only his voice.

It does seem the Shepherd 

makes perfect sense.

The Shepherd had such an important role since the Old Testament.  They cared for, protected, and guided the spotless lamb for the altar sacrifice to God... 

Hmm God knew "the shepherd's" capacity of love, care, and guidance. And He also knew He would become "the shepherd’s" prize, Lamb. The ultimate sacrifice to God... 

As He stepped into His earthly skin to save mankind... He came with the inherited skills of the creator. (i.e., carpenter) But His mission was to intricately lay out all the pieces of His life, to save all His children. He gave us that tangible role model ... a visual... a love offering that goes beyond anything of this world.  We lovingly call Him Jesus. 

This Heaven-sent Shepherd has been whispering words of love to His soul-filled sheep, since the beginning of time. He has been guiding their hearts home ever since Eve fell from grace.  

His masterful plan has been playing out since these words were spoken: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The question becomes ... Do we know our Master's voice? Do we appreciate the artistic merit of our Creator? Do we love Him for sacrificing His royal life in Heaven to become a Shepherd of souls? Do we love Him enough to follow Him??? 

I will share with you... 

He has captured my heart...

I have heard His alluring voice whispering a love song to my soul .. He has shared with me that this Love Story has no end!! 

It’s Him, It’s always Him 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake. Psalms 23

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Good Shepherd | Mercy Hill Worship

❝Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.❞ - A.W. Tozer...

Meaning of complacency, A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.

We located thirty-eight verses about the word complacency in the KJV of the Bible...

Are we stagnating in our own self-worth??? Are we driven by the race to possess more things than our friends and neighbors? Are we building a facade of life so others can be envious of just how grandiose our life seems? Are we filling our lives with possessions while our soul silently cries to be filled by a love they once knew??? 

There seems to be an emptiness in an unsatisfied soul... Do we try to rationalize these empty feelings??? Or do we just fill our days with activities to distract us from life... Are we going through the motions?? 

Or is there more??? I will confess I was in that state of complacency... But one day God stepped in and jump-started my stagnant heart... And from that day I have been on the most amazing spiritual journey of discovery.  My value system seemed to shift, and I found joy in the simplest things, I began to breathe fresh cool air ... My heartfelt freedom to love, unencumbered and my soul began to appreciate life and love like never before...  

The chasing of things of this world began to slow down... And I began to chase God... because I found He was my lifeline and what my soul craved most. He was the hidden answer I unknowingly kept hidden in my heart... 

But with one spark He captured my full attention. 

And then He seemed to fill my very existence with a love like I had never felt. He became oxygen to my soul... He is as important as waking up each glorious day... 

I will admit there are times even in this blissful state of walking with God... Life happens, challenges happen, and complacency can get the best of us...

But we must be diligent in our commitment to spending time with Him. Let's not become robotic in our worshiping and loving God. 

Many have shared with me they read His word daily. They do their daily devotionals. They go to church every Sunday... They join small groups.  These are all wonderful learning and sharing tools ... 

But... are they enough? 

There is nothing in this world that replaces spending dedicated time with Him... Talking to Him... Get up close and personal!  Ask Him... what can I do for You today? 

There is a love exchange that happens in our hearts as we respond to His amazing love...  

The love rush can be difficult to contain let alone explain. 

However, I find that He brings a freshness, a rejuvenation of the heart and soul as He anoints us with a love that is not of this world.  

He wows me!!! 

There is no room for complacency when you are filled with His LOVE... With just a whisper of my name, I am done... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

Lord help me. I never want to become robotic, unfeeling, and numb... Give me all of you ... today... tomorrow and forevermore ... I am yours 

Like an idiot, you’ve turned away from me and chosen destruction instead. Your self-satisfied smugness will kill you. But the one who always listens to me will live undisturbed in heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, that one will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.” Proverbs 1:32-33 TPT 

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry. Luke 12:19!

Now your souls will be strengthened and healed if you hold steadfast to your faith. Haven’t you already experienced Jesus Christ himself living in you? If not, you are deficient. I hope you understand that we cannot be devalued. But we pray to God that you will be flawless, not to validate our ministry among you but so that you may continue on the path of righteousness even if we are denigrated. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

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Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

 Beautiful Ambience 😌 Relaxing Harp Music for Peace 😌 Heavenly Harp

Has your heart been touched by Jesus? 

Then the Holy Spirit will touch your heart and soul. This past week I kept seeing the verse in Acts 4:13.  Especially one part of the verse. 

”And they recognized that they HAD BEEN WITH JESUS”. 

 Another translation says......

“Then they began to understand the effect that Jesus had on them simply by spending time with Him”.

Peter and John spoke with BOLDNESS about Jesus to anyone.  This day they had been talking with the religious leaders.  Leaders who did not like the name of Jesus.  They told Peter and John not to speak about Jesus.  Peter and John said, “we cannot keep from talking about Him”.   After warning them two more times Peter and John went to the other believers and rejoiced together and prayed.  

Did they pray for protection?  NO.  They prayed for more BOLDNESS. 

Two things hit my heart this week. 

       1.    Believers are known by the time they spend with Jesus.  Is He always on our mind?  Do we dig deep into that well of His love and compassion?  Do we feel that response from Him as we tell Him we love Him?  Are our steps ordered by Him? 

       2.    Peter and John said to the leaders in verse 19, “is it better to listen to you or to God”?   Are we so hampered by worrying what others will think?  I will say that I have been many times.  It hurts to think about it.  He is the Holy One Who humbled Himself and came to earth to save me so I might walk with Him here and spend eternity with Him.  

As I shared the word BEEN it led me to these two thoughts.  There is really no option.  Is it my heart's desire to spend more time with Him and to be bold?

Time with Him is purest joy.  So love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. 

If you want the whole story read Acts chapter 3 and 4.

Photography by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

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Give Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega + Lyrics

“A clean heart is a free heart. A free heart can love Christ with an undivided love in chastity, convinced that nothing and nobody will separate it from his love.” - Mother Teresa

In biblical usage, the term "purification" refers to a certain rite in the external worship of God. Purification seeks to remove legal uncleanness so that the purified individual may resume normal activity in society

There are 28 verses in the Bible that point us to the word purity. 

Are our thoughts and actions pure? Are they clean from judgment, hate, and discord? Are they from a beautiful place within our hearts or are they tainted from the darkness that can overshadow our very existence?  Do they weigh us down or do they give us the passage of amazing freedom!! 

I do believe it’s a daily struggle!!! Our human DNA makes us work really hard to achieve even the slightest improvement towards purification... It’s a moment-to-moment decision... Do we have the strength to withstand the temptations and harshness of our troubled world ?? Or do we join in the chorus of discord and lash out with our thought or remorse??

What is a pure heart? How do we attain one? And if get close to having one is it sustainable ?? 

I can only share my thoughts and my flight to freedom experience...

As we try with all our strength to obtain this status we will find that it is not achievable without God... We must surrender our ties to things of this world... We must give Him our heart and ask Him to help us become better humans each and every day... 

He knows our heart better than we can ever imagine. He sees every thought, every action, every word that is spoken... 

I can say as we travel closer to His heart we will begin to understand Him.. and our desire will be to please Him ... We will learn to listen to that so small voice from within ... And They will guide your thoughts, actions, and our hearts. This process is getting you ready for the most amazing journey we could ever aspire to travel... 

Into our Savior's arms... where the purest heart can be felt within our yearning souls...

It’s Him, It’s always Him!!! 

He holds all the answers!!! He has traveled this road before us !!  

And He knows we are forever a work in progress!!  And yet He loves us anyway!!! 

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

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A PURE HEART WORSHIP SONG BY HILLSONG WORSHIP (LYRIC VIDEO)