Isaiah 12:2 - “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song

The meaning of gird: Prepare oneself for action. 

I have been given the task of tackling this very odd word… 

“Gird”…

I find this word rolls off my tongue much like a guttural sound or growl. 

I believe this word is not used in today's modern world… So let’s roll the clock back to a time long ago. 

When men were men and women were viewed as inferior souls… But we’re we?  

I know of a man that walked the earth,  humbled Himself but had and still has the power within his soul to fight and win any battles… He is a Kingly warrior in every sense of the word… He has that unique power under the control aura that surrounds Him.. He is a beautiful site to behold!!  

Through His life and teachings, He has taught us that we are all equal and loved dearly by this great and noble warrior… but does this love have a cost? 

Many say it free …. But is it? 

Do we need to gird our path with His pillar of strength? Is this life we are living our daily battle cry? Is it a journey that we all must embark on? Our souls are born with a beautiful soulful mission to discover the path to our Savior's heart. Each of our paths is uniquely our own... There may be stumbling blocks, trials...and challenges... 

Have you ever heard the “ Roomer” that one day soon He will return? It will be an amazing time.  But I wonder how many will be ready?? 

What did he mean in the following verses? 

Jesus is quoted in Mark 8:34-35 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

And then in Philippians 4:6-7, He is quoted 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So when we make that commitment to pick our cross, we must ready ourselves for the battle ahead... He never said it would be easy. But He has promised gifts that are not of this world… 

When we accept the gift to follow Him. He will gird our lives... He is that inner strength that most of His followers do not even know they possess..  until they are tested … Others will witness this peace, this strength, this love …   And this life event is God's messenger’s opening to share his amazing love story !!  

To feel His strength and love well up in your soul… will leave you awestruck and your life will never be the same.., 

it’s Him, It’s always Him!!! 

My Warrior, My King!! 

Hallelujah

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull  

Chloe Reynolds - I Am Brave (Official Music Video)

His mission on earth left a legacy like none other. His life and love were so grand they could not be stopped even through death... 

It is documented that He uttered these words “It is finished” But as He was reborn into the spirit perhaps, He uttered “It’s just the beginning.” His work of loving unworthy souls will never be finished!!  His love is new, fresh, and everlasting not even death could contain it!  

Most paint this moment to show the agony and suffering He endured. My heart is wounded by this moment, but my soul revealed that yes feel His pain… remember His beautiful sacrifice. But paint the peaceful moment when the fragile human body could no longer contain the amazing gift of the soul… 

The soul is Free… Free to return to its first love … There is a sad somber moment for those that are detained on earth within their human existence ...

Are we sad for them because we will miss them? Or does our soul have that unique understanding and yearning to return home hidden deep within. 

Perhaps we should celebrate our soul’s freedom as that marvelous moment when we are no longer bound by our human frailties, limitations, and our body's inability to sustain life.  

It’s that awe-inspired moment when we can finally gaze into His loving eyes, as He smiles, opens His arms, and welcomes us home. And the earthly souls will witness a bodily facial expression of a beautiful peaceful surrender that comes from falling into His arms. 

For those that have felt His great love on earth, I feel it is only a fraction of what we will experience on that destined date with our beloved Savior… 

We can only imagine!!! ❤️❤️❤️ The BEST is yet to come!! And it’s only the beginning!!! 

Now, it is God himself who has anointed us. And he is constantly strengthening both you and us in union with Christ. He knows we are his since he has also stamped his seal of love over our hearts and has given us the Holy Spirit like an engagement ring is given to a bride—a down payment of the blessings to come! 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 TPT

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Meaning of quit leave (a place), usually permanently.

We located twenty-five verses that talk to our hearts about the word quit. 

I QUIT!!!!! 

Things are just too hard... I cannot take another step... People just don’t understand!!!  What am I doing wrong? Where am I failing???  Is it me?  Is there just one person in my world that understands??  

They say we should be happy.... but they do not finish the statement by saying not all are happy...

It’s been a trying time for so many hearts these last couple of years... Many of us struggle just to put one foot in front of the other... medical? financial? jobs?  pandemic?? variants?? LIFE? ... Where and when will it end!!  Problems seem to be magnified this time of year... 

How do we go on.. our world is so fractured... My heart is heavy... The air is thick, am I drowning... How do we heal? How do we mend our own hearts??  What can we do to settle our minds and soothe our souls... 

Have you heard that nagging whisper in your soul...? 

Quit!!! Thrown in the towel... Life is too complicated to continue!

We know these are not the words that God would whisper... Get to know God's voice ... Do not be fooled..  by the imposter. The imposter will rob you of the beauty of life.  

 Let’s open the book that contains God's own words and see where His words lead our hearts... 

I feel I must go to the man I have grown to love and trust... Many have heard the stories of His life trials and what He had to endure. 

Do you ever wonder how many times Jesus felt like saying to our Heavenly Father,

I am tired of trying... they just don't get it !! They just do not understand! 

"I quit!"

There is a saying ... Do not judge until you have walked in their shoes... 

He was a gentle kind soul with a mission to love... He was persecuted, shamed, spit upon, tortured?? I cannot even imagine?? The thought crushes my soul. But I thank God and love Him for having the strength to persevere... 

But what was it that set Him apart???  

His mission looked like an enormous mountain, way too difficult to climb...  He indeed must have felt discouraged, depressed, and perhaps overwhelmed... He even asked His Boss (God) to take this cup from me... 

Why didn’t He just say I quit?? He could have quit so many times... He could have just walked away... He could have taken the easy way out... 

But where would that have left us ??? All of humanity would have been lost and our existence may have become extinct ... 

However, there is good news.

He knew that one day you and I would need Him... There would be a day that we would cry out bewildered and confused. HELP ME Lord, I can not face this alone.

He knew without a doubt that He LOVED us far beyond our own human understanding.  He knew in His heart that He held everything we could ever need in the palm of His scared hands. 

Can you even imagine being loved by this kind of love ?? He loves us more than He loved His own life...  How were we so blessed to receive this beautiful gift from heaven??  How did He find the strength to endure life struggles on earth?? How did He show such strength during His death?? How? Do ever ask “Where did this inner strength come from??” He felt pain and shed blood and He carries the scars of life just like you and me.  

But what made Him different, What set Him apart? 

He carried a secret in His heart ... He knew He was special in the eyes of God... He was chosen ...  His Heavenly Father loved Him with a love that defies all human logic... Before He arrived here on earth, He must have felt His Father’s, great love. He felt how amazing this gift of love can be. He knew that He craved it and would do anything within His power to return to His Father's arms. He never wavered He kept His eye on the prize.

But that was not all He knew... 

He knew all of God’s children are special in God’s eyes. As a child of God, we were also chosen, and He loves us far greater than any love on earth...  

And when we turn our page to  Jeremiah 1:5 we can see that we felt our heavenly Fathers' great love... even before we were born... How amazing is that!   

So when the imposter whispers in your ear “quit”!

Remember God loves you... Keep your eyes on Him ...  He will give you the gift of inner strength.  He is the magnificent prize that awaits...

He is whispering in your ear... 

Follow me!!! Follow me our Father awaits ... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him!!! 

He never will quit loving us far greater than we even deserve... 

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 

A fountain of life was in Him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Light never fails to shine through darkness. Light that darkness could not overcome! John 1:4-5 TPT

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Don't quit - Help is available ... Talk to someone... YOU ARE LOVED!

HELP IS AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE

I was running from my call and destiny. I want to encourage you today to STOP running! Run toward the destiny God has for you. Nicky van der Westhuizen...

The Hebrew word for “refuge,” machaceh, refers to a shelter from storms and danger.

This word is not a word that came to me… It’s a word that fell into the heart of another… 

This word seemed to haunt her thoughts. And as I pondered this word I became more aware of how my day unfolded… 

I stay swamped like most people in this troubled world… We can find ourselves distracted, overwhelmed… disenchanted with life… For some life seems to have lost its beautiful luster… But there is hope… 

Can I share my secret? Can I share my most hidden treasure? Can I share with you the beautiful love that I have discovered !!! 

When I get to that place when life becomes heavy and too difficult to understand …sad.. displaced.. unloved...

I think if only I had a place to hide? A place where no one could find me. Even if it is just for a moment in time… 

I close my eyes.. play the music that speaks to my heart and soul… and it is there where I find Him… My beautiful Savior!! He comes as soft as a summer breeze. His voice whispers a love song that speaks to my wounded soul … I can hear His heart rhythmically beating its peaceful life source into my very existence… 

He is my beautiful refuge. He is my peace! He is my first love… There is no other that can take me to this paradise found within…

Just breathe…  and take in His beauty… and a peaceful love will soothe your soul in this troubled world…

It’s Him... It’s always Him…

Thank you my beloved for clearing my mind and filling my heart and soul with you!!! I run to you...

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

Triune Loves me 

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

inspiring Music by (youtube)

Lady Antebellum - I Run To You (Official Music Video)

“Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount-that is the measure of God’s love for you.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf....

That is a vulnerable act as you give God access to every area of your heart. You hold up the past; you trust Him with today, and you have hope for tomorrow. - Suzanne Eller

Meaning of fragment: a part broken off, detached, or incomplete... 

The word fragment appears approximately seventeen times in the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a curious word, and I am not sure why it fell into my heart... However, I had a few thoughts that kept playing over and over like a broken record in my mind... 

Do we allow ourselves to love fully or do we only give a fragment of our love away??? Do we withhold love in fear of getting hurt, looking silly, or perhaps because of earthly opinions from others??? 

I do believe it’s a human trait to selfishly protect ourselves from injury or heartfelt pain. However, I have been blessed in my life to witness a few people that put their lives on hold for others.  They possess the most unselfish hearts and seem to be rare souls. 

And then my Heavenly Father pointed me to this verse in “Colossians 3:12-14..."

Where it states, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Should we strive to be that selfless caring soul? The words “Perfect Unity” spoke to my soul ... To possess perfect unity, one must not be fragmented... One must love from our whole heart ... 

Do we exercise all the virtues outlined above or do we only exercise fragments of the fullness of God? He has spelled out the keys of loving with your whole heart in this passage. 

But then I became singularly focused on my Heavenly Father’s Face and I began to ask myself a very important question? Have I only given Him a fragment of my heart? Have I committed to love with the richness He has shown me? Or have I been afraid to commit to Him fully?  Why do we hold back from our Creator?  Why are we unwilling to give Him our whole heart? Why is the decision to love Him the way He loves us so difficult??  

I feel it takes the heart time... 

Time to learn how to trust Him... It takes time to know and understand Him. We must spend time with Him each day to feel His beauty, His Holiness, and His undying Love... Once He has drawn our hearts into His sacred kingdom of LOVE.  We will willingly give Him our whole heart... This total commitment frees our heart to fully love Him unencumbered and from the purest of intentions ... We will experience beautiful freedom of the soul ...  A freedom that can only come from Him... And the virtues from above will start to flow from your heart with greater ease... You will begin to share these gifts with other souls in hopes that His circle of LOVE becomes complete... It's at that moment we realize that we are not just a fragment of His chosen people. But we have become a part of His much bigger and more masterful plan of loving for eternity. 

Where we are free to experience His fullness, His grace, and His beautiful everlasting LOVE... 

He is the most important key that can make us whole... Our Creator yearns to bring our fragmented hearts and world back to “perfect unity”   

It’s Him, it’s always been Him.

I can only humbly say here is my heart Lord it’s yours. Make me whole... Teach me how to LOVE like You, unencumbered and pure...

You still WOW me!! And I am forever your work in progress. 

Mark 12:30-31, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment… There is none other commandment greater.” 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull  

I Surrender (feat. Lauren Daigle) - Hillsong UNITED

If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.

Meaning of explain: to make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.

This word came to my mind as I sat in the dark just thinking about my journey … It’s been five years and so many spiritual things have happened… Many seem so hard to explain… But are they hard to explain or just hard for many to understand? 

When this Journey started, I had the excitement of an unbridled child. And wanted to share His wonder with anyone who would listen. Some out of love or politeness listened. Some ran… but very few stayed the course…  Very few wanted to be set apart… 

Are we bolded enough to be set apart?  Do we care too much about what others will think? When we lay our heads down at the end of the day are we pleased with ourselves, or do we have that nagging feeling… of …I could have done more, I know I can do better? 

To put it in plain words. He found me on a lonely road in Tennessee… There I saw His brilliant light and felt His amazing love. This love is a love that is difficult to explain. It is beyond this world. It has the power to take your breath away in seconds and change your life in the blink of an eye… 

I could go on and on and explain the many nuggets I have gathered along my journey. But until you experience Him for yourself. You may never fully understand. 

I pray my sharing and explaining taps into your curious soul. He is the only one that holds the keys to our lives…

Find Him, pour out your heart, and explain your feelings and thoughts to Him. He is the most understanding, nonjudgmental soul you will ever encounter. And if that is not enough. Know that He loves you and values you more than you can ever imagine…

It’s Him, It will always be Him!!

Be Bold. Be loved… Be His!!! 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner  
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From Easy, / Sinner's Prayer 
Inspiring Music; YouTube 

Meaning of offend; cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful…

We located 44 verses that deal with this annoying word “offend”

We have kicked this word around for weeks. And we have the bruises to prove it.  The first thought that came to mind is one that every child has said at one time or another… “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me!” Oh but contrary, words, and actions do create damage … Damage that goes far deeper than any physical pain. 

Our world needs help…I see so many people getting offended for so many things both small and large.. 

Have we become so callous that we no longer care? Or have we become so self-centered that we now wear our feelings on our sleeves??? 

Sometimes we need to take a breath and think before we strike out and leave the damaging winds in the wake of our words and or actions…

So how can we bring about this change?? How can we bring peace and understanding into our lives???  The only answer I have is let's study the man who showed us how to love when offended? How did He demonstrate this unshakable power and strength when challenged by hate and ridicule?  

Again I can only share my thoughts… I do feel He has this humble confidence in knowing who He is… He did not have to flex His muscles to prove a point… He was true to His convictions and He knew that diminishing His opponent's self-worth was more damaging than just loving them… 

That is what I love about Him. He loves without judgment. Even when we are wrong. He wears the armor of His Heavenly Father, And that my friend makes Him unoffendable! 

Let’s study the master and become more like Him.. Be confident in who you are. Sometimes proving a point is not worth your salvation or peace. Wear your Heavenly Father's Amor.. and strike out in LOVE… I hope you agree our world needs more love and fewer people being hurt by undesirable words and or actions.  

Be the child He knows you can be!!! Be more like Him!! 

It’s Him. It’s always Him!!!!

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalms 119:165

Triune Loves me 

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

inspiring Music by (youtube)

I AM THEY - Scars (Official Music Video)