"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

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)

“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 

“A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” Maya Angelou...

Meaning hidden, kept out of sight, concealed.

We located twenty-eight verses that direct us to the word hidden.

I woke up this morning at 4:39 a.m. It's in these early morning hours when our world seems so still, so void of the noises that seem to disturb the peace and beauty that consume our busy lives.

It has become my favorite time of day. It's where I can escape into the hidden world where Jesus awaits. He gently comes and stays a while. He soothes my soul. He brings peace to my very existence. I can share my most intimate thoughts with Him: my dreams, victories, failures, struggles, and fear of the darkness in this turbulent world. 

It is where I can surrender my heart and soul and clear my mind... 

He has become my favorite hiding place... He loves me past all the pain, heartache, and doubts.  And fills my life with His abundant love, His unexplainable peace, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

It is a difficult relationship to explain and a challenge to understand when measured by our worldly standards. 

The hidden secret is, 

He is not of this world... He is timeless. He is a powerful force of energy. He is all things to all people. He wows me!!! He blows my mind!!  He is my three in one, He is a humble, loving Father, King, and Savior who has been desperately searching for our love... 

He stays hidden in the shadows unless we surrender our hearts...  His heart aches for us to return to His loving arms. And yet, so many of us cannot find the time to hide with Him.  They seem only to find the time when they are caught up in self, hurt, doubt, fear...  Why do we wait to find Him when we are desperate? 

I have experienced a secret place where He awaits. There, I can feel His forgiveness, grace, amazing love, and everlasting peace. He is my hidden treasure and a gift from God. He yearns to be a part of ALL our lives. ALL the time. 

He is not a God of convenience. 

He is not my gift alone—He belongs to you, too. When we find Him, we must savor our time with Him, fill our hearts with His unexplainable love, and share Him with our world. 

God only knows how much we need Him. His children are constantly praying for answers... And all this time, He has been right under our noses... But have we been too blind to, see??  

It’s Him!! It’s always been Him. 

He will always be my hidden treasure. No matter how often I share Him, His love is limitless and never-ending... 

He has become as important as the very air I breathe... There is nothing in this world that can replace the valued treasure of knowing Him. Of spending time alone with Him. Of loving Him... 

Just WOW... There is no one like Him ... I am blown away... by His Hidden Charm!! 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” 

(Matthew 6:21 ).

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy, over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

You Are My Hiding Place - Selah (Worship Song with Lyrics)

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)

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)