Meaning of focus: the state or quality of having or producing a clear visual definition. 

The word focus is in approximately fifty verses in the Bible. 

When I began to focus on this word, a visual image came to mind...As a child, I would watch my mother take such precision, concentration, and care... As she tried to thread a needle to create a beautiful -embroidered piece of delicate art... 

And then my thoughts drifted to this scripture: Mark 10:25: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom. 

What does this mean?? Do we focus on money, cars, and things of this world?  Are these the riches He speaks of?

These items we treasure will be left behind. I can’t help but see this very small pathway to Heaven, and if we try to bring our collection of treasures, we will not fit. And as you scramble to drop the things and lighten your load... You will realize there is a better way... There is freedom!! There is love like nothing you have ever known...It is just waiting for you... “only you,” not your treasures, title, or “things,” just you and your beautiful, loving heart. It is so simplistic. 

So pure... It's Him... It’s Him!  He is our treasure. 

We should focus on Him because He is the greatest teacher of what is truly important in this thing we call life.

As we focus on Him, with such precision, concentration, and care... The eye of the needle will become crystal clear. 

The question becomes, are you ready? What are you focused on??? Don’t be distracted; don’t see Him with blurred vision. Be hyper-focused on the one that will make you rich beyond this life!! 

It’s Him; it’s always been Him!!

You call me Teacher and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. John 13:13

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life 1 Timothy 6:17

Art & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy

Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: (YouTube)

Phil Wickham - Relationship (Official Audio)

“Relationships never truly die. Though they may come to an end, their essence lives on, forever etched in the threads of our cherished memories.” -  Mouloud Benzadi 

On this dark, gloomy morning. I left my warm home to witness my grandchildren’s smiling faces before driving them to school… A privilege many grandparents are not blessed to experience… Or they do not realize that our children and grandchildren are our legacy. They will carry our memories into the future.

When I arrived, I woke them up one by one. They stumbled out of bed and prepared to forge into a new day….

The car ride was quiet; we could hear the wipers rhythmically wiping the raindrops from the windshield… As the older two arrived at their school, they gathered their belongings, and we shared a quick goodbye… I leave them with l love you, be safe… “Not too loud” Because they are at the age that peer pressure is a thing… LOL

I then am left with the youngest; as we travel, we listen to music… The song After Me by Matt Brock played softly in the background… I opened the window to feel the cool rain and breathe in the freshness of the new day… I watched the grey clouds dance by in the blistery skies above. I could see the car lights twinkle from oncoming traffic on the wet road ahead… Do we take these moments for granted, or do we thank our Heaven Father for making moments that speak to our souls possible…

We arrived and found our place in the carpool line. I looked at this beautiful angelic face as she smiled… She is facing TCAP testing today. I asked her if she wanted to pray about her test… She smiled and said yes. We bowed our heads, held hands, and said a few motivational, thankful words…Her smile said it all!!

I would not trade these precious moments! And I thank God for the privilege of sharing His love this morning… 

 “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

#kids #precious #gift

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Mack Brock - After Me (Official Lyric Video)

Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. – Rick Warren

Meaning of scared fearful; frightened.

The word scared is referred to approximately 32 times in the Bible. But 'Fear not,' is in the Bible 365 times,”

I fear that my opening my heart for the world to see will never be enough... But what do I have of value to repay Him for a love that is too rich to fully understand? I have nothing but my heart... So, I share it willingly in hopes that you see a glimpse of Him...  There is no need to be scared. However, I do remember as a child being afraid.

I was so afraid I lost the ability to speak... I was frozen and could not move...I was alone in my darkroom... I pulled the covers up to my eyes... And watched the creepy shadows dance across the walls. The walls seem to get closer and closer, and the shadows began to take on scary shapes... My heart began to pound and breathing became shallow. I tried to call out to my earthly Father, but I could not make a sound... I began to tremble.  But then I took a deep breath gathered all my courage and screamed his name.

”daddy!!!”

As always, He came to my rescue. He turned on the light... And tried to console me and he lovingly reassured me that he would always be close. He hugged me, and as I settled in his to his arms.. I felt safe and fell into a deep slumber...

As we grow... being scared is a well-guarded emotion. But I do believe everyone that has breath has moments in life they feel like a scared child... It could be a darkroom; it could be the uncertainties of life... It could be health or financial issues... or even death. Everyone can and will experience those dark scary moments ...  

When we become adults, we outgrow the ability to pull the covers over our eyes and scream our parents name and they will take care of the issue for us.

We are taught to be strong. And so, we ask ourselves do I have to face my fears alone???  

Alone can be a scary word... Can we just call out our Heavenly Father’s name?  Will He turn on the light and show us that with Him things in our world are not so scary..

He will hold and comfort us no matter the time, no matter the day... No matter the issue ... And if you feel the need to curl up in His arms and rest... He will hold you while you sleep...

It's Him! It's always Him!!!

He is the light that guides my heart!!! He is the whisper that comforts my soul! He is my rock in the darkest moments!!! 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall, I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Psalm 55:22

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. “Deuteronomy 31:6

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Teresa of Ávila.- 
 The meaning of peacemaker 

a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling adversaries.

There are 10 verses in the Bible that reference the word peace. 

To fully understand this word “peace-maker” we must look at the meaning of its root word, which would be “peace.” 

I found such peace in my soul when I discovered that in the translation of the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete, whole'. ... The term-'peace' originates most recently from the Anglo-French pes, and the Old French pais, meaning peace, reconciliation, silence, agreement" (11th century). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace)

Most likely, most of us know quite well when we are at peace and when we are in a state of unrest and discord.  We all strive for that beautiful state of mind. It affects our hearts, our soul, our mind, and how our life in general operates. 

We know what peace is… But what is PEACE-maker? How do they intercede between two parties that have conflict? What are their attributes? 

Here are my thoughts. They must have a gentle spirit. They must be good listeners.  They must be able to maintain a neutral understanding heart. They must look at both sides of the dispute with an open mind. They must maintain a loving disposition to all parties.  But the peace-makers are not without scars. They take in the conflict into their soul.. And they make all attempts to bring peace to all parties. 

However, they stay troubled when their mission of being the peacemaker fails or falls short.. But there is hope for the Peace-maker… Their mission might fail, through no fault of their own. But, they know time is on their side. 

Where do they go to maintain their own peaceful existence when they need to refuel??

I must admit when my thoughts went to the attributes of a peacemaker my mind pictured Jesus. He is all the above and more. And we all know when His peace is shaken, He goes to our Heavenly Father. 

Now if we go back to the Hebrew word shalom, which, according to Jewish theology, comes from a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be complete, whole'. ... 

That must be the answer. When our souls are at odds with others we are fractured. Our hearts are broken. But when we are with the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit we are whole. They give us peace that surpasses all human understanding.

If we would study Jesus and try every day to emulate His attributes we could come peace-makers.  OUR TROUBLED WORLD NEEDS PEACE. BUT PEACE IS NOT EASY, IT TAKES WORK, IT TAKES UNDERSTANDING, IT TAKES LOVE… 

I would like to acknowledge that we have all had our challenges. Our peace has been eroding a little bit at a time. Many relationships have been stressed to the max. Some even broken.  

As we travel in our journey of life. I challenge you to be the Peace-maker. Let’s heal all wounds. Let’s bring LOVE alive in our hearts, and in our lives. And if you do not think you can be the peacemaker.  Let’s help the Peace-Maker complete His mission. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him.  

Shalom! 

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” KJB Luke 2:14 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

So, then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19

As it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Music from Youtube

Peace (Official Lyric Video) - Bethel Music feat. We The Kingdom | Peace

As Jesus said, “Go and do likewise. As the route of your life path and your winks from God begin to emerge—like a rainbow out of the mists of your mind—you will be struck by the message of hope that it holds for you.” - Squire Rushnell - 

Are God's winks real, or are they just chance events? Yesterday started as a busy day with some challenges. 

Our air conditioning unit had stopped working, and we were scheduled to get the unit replaced before the Tennessee temperatures started their summer climb.

The work truck pulled up, and three workers stepped out, not knowing that God had a plan… 

One of the men had to come into the house, and we exchanged greetings.  I explained I would need to leave at 2 pm to pick up my granddaughter from school. 

In our conversation, he used the word blessed, which was the beginning of what was about to unfold. 

I said you must be a Christian. He acknowledged my question with a smile and said yes. And he returned to start the work he had been hired to do… 

The day seemed to slip away, and soon, it was time to leave. I advised them I would be going to pick up my granddaughter. 

I realized I was too early as I traveled towards the school, so I bought the workers a lemonade. I returned to deliver the drinks. The one young man was kneeling by the unit alone, and I asked him what church he attended.  He told the name and smiled. With that opening, I began to tell him my testimony… I explained how the Holy Spirit touched me with an indescribable love right here in the city of Triune, TN, which means Trinity. 

I shared with him about my medical miracle, no surgery needed… I advised him that I share my story on a blog and podcast…He looked up, smiled, and said you must write a book. I laughed and said I have two selling on Amazon right now. 

I explained I needed to leave, but I would show him both of my books upon my return. 

I soon returned. And he came in to install the new thermostat. I grabbed both books off the coffee table and showed him the covers. He quickly said I want to buy one. I explained that these are hardcovers and that they run $30.00. I have digital copies available online for only $3.33.

He insisted he wanted one of the hard copies… whipped out 30 dollars, and the deal was completed.  I showed him to my studio, where the wall is adorned with images of Jesus I painted. He reacted very kindly as he looked at the images. Then, He asked if he could take pictures of my paintings to share with his wife. I said sure; he snapped a few images. He thanked me, gathered his tools and the book, and walked out. 

I stepped out to the porch for some last-minute instructions from the project manager. 

As we spoke, the young, smiling man approached me with the book and pen, saying he could only leave with the book if I signed it. 

We exchanged smiles as he handed me the book and a pen. 

How would you like me to dedicate the book??? What is your name? 

He smiled and said Actually, my name is Jesus!!! But they call me Jes… 

I spent the day with Jesus in more than one way...Because my Jesus was present during the God wink moment… 

Sometimes God orchestrates meetings with perfect strangers that will linger as cherished memories…

Never let a moment slip through our fingers to share Him…

Today, I was blessed by Jesus… 

Art, Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Too Good To Not Believe (Lyric Video) - Brandon Lake

 

Triune Loves Me (books)

“Being kind means responding to the needs of others - and people can be kind, no matter how old or young we are.” Fred Rodgers...

My morning seemed to start normal, just like most days. But my quiet mood was soon interrupted by a call from my granddaughter… 

She could not contain her excitement!!!  She informed me that her mini donkey had had her baby. We had a new foal in our midst... She quickly told me we needed a name and wanted my help naming him. She wanted a name from the Bible. The Easter story was still fresh on our minds. So, this task placed me in the thought of that significant day when Jesus was crucified.   Thinking of that day along with this new little foal. I remembered where a lowly donkey played an essential role in Jesus' life. 

A donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Another carried Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s decree to kill all baby boys two years of age and under. And a foal of a donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Amazingly, this humble animal bears the markings of a cross on its back.  

Many names raced through my mind… And then my thoughts stopped on the name Simon… 

He helped Jesus on the horrific crucifixion day. It was not the disciples; they bailed. Even Peter said, “he did not know Jesus."

After the scourging and other torturous beatings that Jesus endured, He was so weak He could not carry the heavy cross.  He was clearly struggling and would not make it without help. The soldiers grabbed Simon and forced him to carry the cross.

They gave Simon no choice!!! 

I can only imagine that the blood covering Jesus stained all of Simon’s clothes, his arms, and his face. It was a life-changing encounter. One that I am sure Simon would never forget. Simon had an up-close experience with the Son of God, and his life would never be the same. 

This statement is supported by a verse in Romans 16:13. It states that both sons and Simon became passionate witnesses for Jesus. 

Simon… a humble little donkey whose ancestors played a significant role in our Savior's life. Our new little Simon carries the mark of the cross upon his back to remind us of the significance of that day….

“And they compelled one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.” Mark 15:21

“Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother…” Romans 16:13

Written by Joann Turnbull

Photography by MJ

Edited by Lori Garner 

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Little Donkey.

There is so much publicity and planning for this event!!! It is predicted to take place on April 8, 2024; in the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m.  Are you ready? Do you have your special glasses? Is your camera protected? 

There will be thousands of people with all eyes fixed on the heavens, just waiting to catch the moment when the dark moon will obscure our view of the beautiful brilliance of the sun … Crowds of people will be mesmerized… Many will stand in awe…Our minds and our eyes will be bedazzled by this moment in time… 

Are these spectacular sightings a warm-up call for something bigger? Something greater? Something that will make us all drop to our knees? Something that will change life as we know it. 

For centuries, many people have speculated about when this moment will occur. It is written in Matthew 24:36. No one knows when our Savior will return, no one, but the Father… 

So, when we gather to watch this celestial phenomenon, let our minds and our eyes be fixed on this wondrous Godly event... but let our hearts and souls drift into thoughts of thanks to the Creator of all the Heavens.  

He is a magnificent artist…, and He deserves all the praise. I am in awe of His splendor and love that He creates and shares such spectacular moments with our world!

I wonder if we will need special soulful glasses to witness His brilliant light upon His Royal return… 

Are you ready? 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Matthew 24:42  

Art, Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

God of Wonders by Third Day

Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. 

Isaiah 40:26...

Be so busy loving God, others, and your life that you have no time for regret, worry, fear, or drama...

The Meaning of Intermundium: The space between worlds.

Have you ever felt stuck between worlds? Are we so earthly bound that we cannot reach the heavens? Have you ever wished we could travel back in time to another dimension? Another galaxy? Our lives are so fragile. Will we ever find our way?  

Can we escape the mundane?? 

I have... And I must admit it because of Him. 

There is such a beautiful spiritual world just waiting to be explored... Intermundium is that beautiful space between our world and our heavenly Father. It can be that amazing space where we can find ourselves. And where we can tap into our wondrous dreams.

God has such a spiritual calling on our hearts that it gently tugs at our souls. His love awaits us to take that step and open our hearts. His beautiful presence wows me—such beauty, such grace. It truly is difficult to put into words. It's a spiritual bridge that many do not understand. Many may dance close to the fire,  but unless the fire is felt deep in the soul, You will not be caught up in the feelings of love that He brings. 

How can I explain the intensity and vastness of this love? My soul is always searching for words, but… 

He leaves me speechless. 

It's beyond words. It surpasses time and world and reaches far beyond the heavens. His love engulfs my heart and invades my soul. It takes me to places in my mind that I never knew existed.  

Who is this that has the power to capture our hearts? 

You can find me lingering in the intermedium state of my life, always searching for...

Him. It's always Him. 

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” Isaiah 55:6 KJV.

Written by Lori Garner

Photography

Bible Verses From KJV  /

Sinner's Prayer
Inspiring Music - You Tube 

For When It Rains / Juan Sanchez