"Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives." ~ Socrates

Meaning of expectations a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

I truly didn’t expect the word expectations to be in the Bible.  

So I have no set expectation on what we might discover. 

Color me surprised there are 33 verses about expectations. 

I do believe we set expectations in our own mind of things to come! Resulting in a form of future desires. Some may have beautiful results. Some may carry difficult heartfelt outcomes.  I am sure there are varying degrees of this word. 

Let me share a couple examples. A new bride plans and with great anticipation this once in a lifetime event. She sets certain expectations in her mind of how this day should unfold. 

There may be times in our lives when we must face a medical condition.  And the Dr. puts us through a battery of tests. And with anxious anticipation we are full of expectations, we then hold our breath to hear the final results? 

Not everyone that sets these type of life expectations finds that they go as planned. Our expectations may have been set too high or they may have not been set at all? 

But how do we try to understand this anxious feeling when our mind tries to set expectations. Where do we turn for answers? Let's invite King James (Bible) into the discovery of this word. 

 Psalm 39:7. King James Version ... And now, Lord, what wait for I for? My hope is in thee. 

I personally believe these feelings seem to creep into our soul as our mind tries to set our expectations for our future desires.

There are times we place our expectations on others. Some will exceed our expectations Some will not be able to accomplish the set goal because we may have placed the target too high. And this can lead to disappointment. 

The question becomes do we set expectations on God? Do we let our human expectations of God limit our reality, our growth, and the wondrous possibilities of our spiritual growth and future? 

Do we look at others as they travel towards this heavenly destination? And then place unrealistic expectations on our own spiritual walk?  I am a firm believer God has made each one uniquely His own and we all have different gifts.  Each one of us has different expectations in God's heart for our physical and spiritual growth.  

When we pray do we place expectations on God or do we pray and have faith that He is in control. We may find our expectations may not be God’s plan for our life. We may experience disappointment but we can find solace in knowing God has a bigger plan.

I do believe we are all guilty of wanting and waiting for God at some time in our life.. When we place our expectations at His feet... Are we on target? Or are we disappointed at the results?  Because we do not take the time to understand His plan for our life? 

I would like us to take a moment and let’s flip the direction of this word. 

When is the last time you asked God, what do you expect of me? What do you want my life on earth to mean? How can I grow my faith and my love for you, so I can meet or exceed your expectations for my life ??  

Only He knows our heart's desires. He knows them better than we know them ourselves.

Our expectations should be focused on Him. Our faith should be strong enough to trust Him. We should cultivate the art of waiting on Him.  Our soul should guide us to the greatest anticipation of love. Our expectations should be centered on Him and His LOVE. He will never disappoint, it's a spiritual experience... that will blow your mind... It has nothing to do with our humanistic wants. It's an expectation of the soul, It's an excitement of newfound love. It's a relationship that has no true earthly explanation. 

It’s him it’s always him. 

My soul, wait for thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalms 62:5 

“And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You. Psalms 39:7

Written by Lori Garner, Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer                                                                                        Inspiring Music by Carly Simon - Anticipation

Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes. And those having it in one test never know for sure if they will have it when the next test comes.

The meaning of valor: great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. 

The word valor is referenced 53 times in the Bible... 

When I think of the word valor I see these words. Leadership,loyalty, devotion, and risk. 

When I hear the word valor in a speech or the written word many times it is attached to someone that showed great bravery... But at what cost? Perhaps life itself! 

I have an uncle who was honored with a Purple Heart 💜. But he sacrificed everything so you and I could have the freedoms we sometimes take for granted... Sadly He was a statistic of the Korean War.  His life ended prematurely over the battle of Pork Chop Hill... I was born after his life ended but his valor and beautiful memory still remain within his family's heart... I did not get to grow up knowing him... But my father who also served his country in the same war still speaks and remembers the bravery of his younger brother...

Now that I am grown I would like to salute two brave soldiers (my dad and uncle) who sacrificed their time and part of their life for me...! 

Like my uncle, we have lost many brave men and women. To that ugly word war... 

We must do a better job of embracing our differences and cherishing life... Because there is a price that has been and will be continued to be paid by our loved ones, for that beautiful gift we know as freedom.  

I understand the big picture of war.. but I find it such a heartfelt pain that many innocent lives have had to endure.

Life is a precious gift... All life !!! Everywhere !!! 

I do believe valor sometimes goes unnoticed.  I have witnessed what I call silent valor... I have witnessed people that have struggled with an illness, but they show such deeply centered bravery...  I have witnessed single moms or dads step up to the plate to face life and raise amazing children.  I have witnessed many unsung heroes that show amazing strength and determination... It makes me wonder why and how do they have such courage, such strength, such loyalty? and such determination??? 

Some will know and tell you where their valor comes from! Some will surprise themselves and embark on a journey to discover how it happened. There may be those that have bravely lost their battle ... But they will not go unnoticed there valor will be witnessed in the hearts they have touched...  However, after my investigation of this word.  I can without a  doubt say ... there seems to be a common denominator... 

It’s no surprise to me where their strength, their loyalty, and their valor comes from ...

It’s Him, it’s always Him.  

Because with God all things are possible... 

But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Model Image: Dad 

Inspiring Music: 

Faith Hill - There you'll be (lyrics)

In Living Color

Are we among the Walking Dead…. Are we living in the grey?  Are we drowning in stagnant waters? 

I have lived long enough to have seen and felt life with an unclear purpose… just tumbling from one day to the next, a life with little meaning, no luster. 

Being stagnant without purpose can leave you with an empty, unfulfilled feeling—sad, perhaps depressed… possibly floundering…  in your limited space. 

Nothing in the world can light a flame in your heart and give you purpose like Him!!  He is the miracle worker who can breathe life into the lifeless. He can find that faint pulse and make your heart beat like a professional rhythmist… He can take your soul places your mind has difficulty understanding!!  He is alive in full and living color!!! 

It’s Him! It will always be Him!  

Color would not be possible without light; 

He is our LIGHT …. Our purpose!  Our love! Our newfound Hope!   

It’s Him!!!!!!!! 

Living with Him in our hearts brings unexplainable joy and peace that others will not understand. It may be difficult to explain His wondrous love!

I say, “Don’t contain it. Let His color of LOVE flow to every corner of our world!!!” 

Burst forth in color, my Friends... He is what gives life the WOW factor!!

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 

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46

In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

After painting the above image, I stumbled across this explanation of colors. He does work in mysterious ways... He blows my mind... 

Spiritual metaphors: Holy Spirit, FATHER GOD's Love for the followers of YESHUA, Unity, Threefold Anointing of Blue, Green, and Aqua. https://www.hisgloryreigns.com/the-colors-of-god.html

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Wonder Lyric Video - Hillsong UNITED

If we seem crazy, it is to glorify God. If we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ's love controls us. 2 Corinthians 5:13-21

The meaning of crazy is extreme foolishness or irrationality. It’s crazy that words you would think are not in the Bible are pressed within its wisdom!! It was no different with the word insane; we found 23 verses! 

Many of us are judgmental when we view others.  If their behavior is not what we consider “normal,” we tend to think they are a little crazy or insane…

But I ask who placed the boundaries on what is “normal”?  Or what is “acceptable” in our circles of life? 

During my journey, I have seen and felt this judgmental spirit… To the point of questioning my sanity and behavior.  

On the first day of my spiritual encounter, things began to change… The mundane everyday existence that I had grown comfortable with began to unravel. Things became exciting, and God's love taught me that there is MORE…  

And my thoughts shifted, and my “normal” behavior began its spiritually enlightened journey, and my once-bound life took flight… Many thought that I had lost my mind… perhaps I would need medical advice? Mid-life crisis? But none of these was the correct diagnosis… 

I had been touched by God… And for that, there is NO cure… because there is no illness. 

Loving Him is our soul’s purpose.  I will admit He gave my life new meaning…. I grew closer to Him as others watched ... Some judgmental souls became distant. But their curious hearts continued to watch me unfold from a distance. 

I gained so much more depth, love, and understanding… He made my life richer, and my quest to know more about Him continues… He placed a hunger in my soul that cannot be contained. 

This word came to me today as I watch what many people will view as crazy behavior as it unfolds… on all social media platforms. Many have caught the spiritually enlightened bug of love from God.

People watching, like me, have this desire to go there and connect with the souls that have felt His stirring in their parched souls... Some will raise their hands and praise Elohim where they stand in unity.  Some will think these souls have lost their minds… “Insanity” is rampant in many places around the world. 

No social status that is immune… I had my own experience six years ago, and I know first-hand that God shows no favoritism in color, race, age, or gender; we are all His children. And He is calling all His beautiful souls…  But the ones who listen to His voice seem to be chosen… 
Are you listening?

We live in a world of judgment, especially when we do not understand. I have lived in His love and have difficulty putting this spiritual love into words… 

But if I am labeled insane because of people’s lack of knowledge. So be it. I would not change His gift of love for all the riches on earth. 

So, as we watch others raise their hands and utter prayers with new and beautiful excitement, don’t judge. Fall on your knees, listen…and find your purpose!! 

We were created to love God and others no matter what others think...Yes, I admit I am crazy… crazy about Him! It will always be Him. 

He gave me the courage not to be bothered by what others think. It's taken me a while to get there. LOL. BUT,

He gets me more than anyone. He knows me better than I know myself… and yet He accepted me with all my flaws and promised to love me to the end of time. 

I am excited to witness His love touching so many souls. They are our future … They will carry His name and love for future generations.  We are all His legacy. 

Let’s raise our hands in unity; one day, we will be one people under the one and only living God. 

Elohim… 

What’s the definition of insanity again? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Albert Einstein 

Who would not want to feel loved over and over again? Is that insane??  I say not. I pray you agree… 

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God . . . 2 Corinthians 5:13

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner  
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From Easy, / Sinner's Prayer 
Inspiring Music; YouTube 
Casting Crowns - Crazy People (Official Audio)

'It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.' - J.K. Rowling...

The means of stand… "stand" is translated from the Greek histemi; in this context, it means "to continue, endure, or persist."

Do we have the strength to withstand our corrupted culture? Has our world become so twisted that we have forgotten our morals, beliefs, and beauty of life??

Why have we removed our Creator’s name from His Creations?  

This is plagiarism on steroids!!!  

Are our churches buying into the rhetoric of counting the heads in each pew? Are we measuring success by the size of the building… Has our worship become so structured that they have squelched the free movement of the Holy Spirit?  

How can we shake off the chains and free ourselves to take His clean air into our lungs?? 

Can we stand up and be counted as a lover of Christ? Can we boldly raise our hands and say, Lord, I am here! Count me in!!! 

I will admit it takes courage to set ourselves apart. It takes His gift of love to teach us how to live and save ourselves from the darkness that is just waiting to consume our world…

It takes the Holy Spirit to gift us the boldness to step out and share our Savior with the world!

SOS.…… Please save our souls. 

We ALL need Him! Why can't the masses see Him? Why can't they love Him? He is our only saving grace! 

I say wake up, people!!! We must stand Shoulder to Shoulder, Brother to Brother, Sister to Sister, and Share Him with the masses! Share His love with anyone who will listen… 

It's Him!! It is always Him!!  

Stand with me, raise your hand, and boldly say, “Elohim.” Count me in!!! 

Father, I love you. I am your child today, tomorrow, and until the end of time!! 

*Elohim is plural…. The Father, His beautiful Son, and His wonderous Holy Spirit… my 3N1 

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Ephesians 6:11 NIV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Jimmy Levy - Take The Lead (Official Lyric Video)

“Thinking of you keeps me awake. Dreaming of you keeps me asleep. Being with you keeps me alive.” – Unknown

OK.  We must love Him with all our heart, soul, and might. 

Might is an interesting word.  We might do something, or it might mean strength or power.  To love Him with all your might is a tall order.  Most of us might do it now, or for many of us, we might not do it. 

Loving Him with all my heart, soul, and might is a verse that resonates deeply within me.  It is not just a commandment but a call to love Him with a passion that engulfs every part of our being, surpassing any feeling we have ever experienced. 

In John 21, Jesus asked the apostle Peter, “Do you burn with love for Me?”   Peter answered, “You know I have great affection for You.” That was not the answer Jesus was looking for. 

When we burn with love for Him, we don’t want to do anything to displease Him or hurt Him.  How do we know what would displease Him?  What would grieve Him?   We can even know the word by taking heed of His word and not obeying it.  To burn with love for Him is to feel that love grip your heart and soul with such might, power, and ongoing strength that you never want to let go for any reason.  

You can’t explain that love for Him you feel deep within.  His power can make it difficult to utter a word or leave you stuck to a chair where you can’t move.  Loving Him with all your might is the greatest emotion our hearts can achieve.  

Trusting Him is one thing, but loving Him with all your might is a deep and gripping feeling of love that grows stronger daily. It is a commitment, a dedication to keep the flame of love burning within us.  

My thoughts have been rambling.  Please excuse me, but feeling that burning love that starts with a spark and becomes a flame never dies down.  

Embark on a journey to seek Him with all your might, for He will become the lover of your heart and soul in this pursuit! This is not a mere task but a transformative process that will touch you deeply. 

Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: and thou shalt love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Photography  Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Written by - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Hide yourself in God, so when a man wants to find you he will have to go there first. - Shannon L. Alder

Meaning of self-absorbed preoccupied with one's own feelings, interests, or situation:

 “So God created man in His own image; 

So where and when did this train get derailed? Where are the life and love teachings of Jesus? Are our core values on vacation??? Have they eroded with time?  

Have we become so self-absorbed that we have taken our eye off the ball?  

How do we get back to that simple, that wholesome way of life??? Where relationship mattered? Where life mattered? Where love mattered? 

It saddens me when I see our world... It wounds my heart to think that we lost our grip... Have we have become callous in our hearts... 

Do we chase success so hard that we leave others in our wake?? Do we turn away before we take the time to understand? Or 

Are you one of the hearts that truly cares? 

Are we a selfish or selfless society ??? Do we truly deeply care ... or do we hit the like button and run... to the next victim or 

Do we stop and truly try to make a difference in our world??? 

God created man in His image... He created our heart as well... Does our heart reflect His LOVE ??? Or have we dimmed His light?  I do not claim to have all the answers! But I do think we can make a difference... We can be less aggressive... we can be more understanding, more loving, more caring, or just plain... kind... 

We can be that heart that can make the difference in someone’s day with just a smile and a kind word... or just STOP... 

And say simply say I LOVE You... God loves you ... and mean it! Let’s not be a hollow image of God... Let’s learn how to shine to His light once again... let’s learn to live this life from the best teacher I have grown to LOVE... Jesus... 

It’s Him. It’s always Him.  

And I am a work in progress!  Never forget GOD LOVES YOU!

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness, I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3). 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube) 

Dear God by Cory Asbury