“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” (1 John 4:10)

The meaning of personal - of or concerning one's private life, relationships, and emotions rather than matters connected with one's public or professional career:

The word personal is referred to 121 times in the Bible.  

But what does it mean? Many of us have been taught that each man, woman, and child has their own space. And unless you are invited in, you must stay out or be ready to defend your position. 

(It could prove to be a painful experience) 

Like me, many of you have heard over the years we must have a “personal relationship with Jesus” to reap the benefits of His gift of life and love.  So, my question becomes ... How? Why? Where? And when? 

1. How - Just how deep do you want to feel His LOVE? 

2. Why - Because we will never be complete without Him.

3. Where - We think of a physical location! But it is a spiritual walk of the heart and soul. 

4. When - I feel the sooner, the better. Like many, I have had a late start but now feel I am in the race. 

I believe there are degrees of a “personal relationship” with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  

I can only speak of my experience. And how my walk went from head knowledge to feeling Him stirring in my heart to a love I carry deep within my soul. I will simplify them into Personal Phases. 

Phase 1

Over my many non-religious years, I knew the story of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; it was a clinical understanding derived from Hollywood Movies and the very occasional visit to some church for reasons other than learning about the Trinity. 

I knew of Him on a superficial level. 

Phase II 

I had a Holy Spirit encounter that planted a desire in my heart to know more about Him, and the chase began. He became an important player in my daily activities. I began including Him more and more each day. I spoke to Him like a friend I have had all my life, and a trusting relationship began to grow as I discovered deeper details about Him. 

My heart and mind began to open to the possibilities of a greater love.  It's a love greater than I have ever known. I began to appreciate His beauty, grace, and unconditional love. As I study Him daily, I find He is teaching me more about who I truly am. He has freed my bound heart and given me wings to fly.  I say I am a work in progress. And He is not finished with me yet. Isn't it a beautiful thought that our growing knowledge of Him will never end? 

Phase III 

Like any relationship, the more you invest in yourself, the more vulnerable you become and the deeper you let them penetrate your heart.  At that very moment, you realize you are free to surrender your heart and fall in love. It's no different with God, but His love is not of this world. It's a love greater than you have ever known. It's HIM! 

It’s a spiritual love greater than we have ever experienced. It’s a deep love from our soul. It’s when God becomes as important as the air we breathe.  We will find that place of intimacy in our soul.  We may be moved to tears of joy. We will feel this indescribable love, consume your soul. And life will burst into a beautiful rainbow of brilliant colors. 

You will find that this intimate place is reserved for a party of two you and your Creator. He knew that one day we would find Him waiting there to love you on such an amazing spiritual level. He has instilled a hunger within us from birth. To crave an intimate communion with Him that only He can satisfy. 

A friend asked me today who in the Bible had an intimate relationship with God and how we know that they did. 

I will turn to a favorite quote by Nicholas Sparks. 

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever. 

I believe that the ones we have grown to know in the Bible and in our lives have had or are in an intimate relationship with God. Are the ones that show it in their daily lives. With His strength, they forge the way for others. They openly speak of His greater love. They realize they are not perfect but walk in His mercy and grace. Even with doubts, they listen and act on His direction. They are a witness to Him by their actions, and they, above all, share His amazing love with anyone who will listen. 

I found this quote spoke to my soul many months ago. 

To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him is the greatest human achievement. St. Augustine of Hippo

It’s Him; it’s always Him. 

The question becomes just how deep you want your 

"Personal Relationship" with Him to be???

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photo by nappy from Pexels

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: Beckah Shae - Overflow - Lyrics

The meaning of behind at or to the far side of (something), typically to be hidden by it.

We located 102 verses in the Bible that refer to the word behind...

Who are we really?? I do believe we all hide behind a mask at some time in this crazy thing we call life. We seem to have a tendency to hide the rawness of what is truly happening in our lives. We have all been guilty of only showing the world what we would like them to see ... Many of our social media accounts reflect our dreams, our hopes, and a life that we have fabricated for others to LIKE and or possibly envy.

We hide our vulnerability and show that beautiful hardcover we have painted of ourselves. I find that many are overly concerned with what others may think... 

What are we afraid of? Why is it so important to fit in? I sometimes feel like a round peg trying to fit in a square hole... 

But the questions that spoke to my heart brought me here.. Are we willing to risk being different? Are we willing to walk alone? Are we willing to be set apart? Are we willing to bring the walls down that we hide behind... Are we willing to show the world our true colors? 

But then I asked,” What is the price??”  It's a heartfelt moment in time... And many times our insecurities will get the best of us and the loneliness will creep in and it may even wound our hearts. 

But what does the Bible reveal? I found myself asking ”What have I learned throughout my journey that I can share? Can I step out from behind the walls I have built ?” Can I be raw? Can I stand alone? Can I risk being different?

I have been taught that we must share the rawness of life it frees our souls. I have come to grips with being vulnerable and found it shows we are all human and wrestle with the same fears, dreams, and hopes. 

I have grown to love God beyond my own understanding. I have been taught that I am never alone... My savior is always with me. He is my mentor, my love, and my forever friend.

I have been enlightened and I have readjusted my value system. 

Life is a gift. Relationships are precious... Memories will be our legacy... Don't hide behind a mask, be the most authentic soul you can be... Make a difference in this world. Love our sovereign God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 

Because one day He may ask you  ”Do you want ordinary or do you want me?? ” and our answer should always be YOU!!! 

It's Him, It's always Him!  

Step out and let your light shine for Christ so others can find their way... 

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 5:17 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Official Music Video)

“The Divine is revealing itself to us every day. All we have to do is pay attention.” - Andrew Pacholyk...

Motivated by a whisper that echoed in my mind, I embarked on a new sculpting journey. My experience with clay has been limited to playdough with the kids… Lol. So, this could be a challenging afternoon. 

I found myself with a childlike curiosity in Hobby Lobby, standing in the clay aisle, shifting through the choices. Suddenly, a young woman appeared before me, and we exchanged words. I asked her if she had ever created a sculpture, and she replied that she had, but it had been a while since she last sculpted in college. She shared that she is a photographer. 

That day, we discovered many things in common, including our love for Jesus. Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we stood in the aisle, sharing stories about God and life. 

She hugged me and said that in Hebrew, the word 'coincidence' does not appear and that moments like this are considered God's intervention. She smiled, said we met for a reason and introduced herself as Ruby. I smiled back, told her my name, and gave her the bracelet I wear with the inscription 'One great love, Elohim333'. We hugged and said our goodbyes….

I left with renewed inspiration to sculpt a 10-pound block of clay into a memory, proving that His great love is never a coincidence.

Wishing you a day filled with His Great LOVE!!

When YAHWEH delights in how you live your life, he establishes your every step. Psalms 37:23 TPT

“I am convinced that there is no great distance between heaven and earth, that the distance lies in our finite minds. When the Beloved visits us in the night, He turns our chambers into the vestibules of His palace halls. Earth rises to heaven when heaven comes down to earth.” — Charles H. Spurgeon

Meaning of between in the time, space, or interval that separates

The word between does not seem to be a word that appears as a word that has been counted.

Between day and night. It’s 3:27 am and darkness fills the air ... yet it's morning ... transition to daylight will come soon ... 

When we think of heaven and earth do we question what is the space between? Why are we earth-bound? Our bodies hold us captive. But our souls can move between worlds... do we tap into that resource? It’s a beautiful gift from our Creator ... Sometimes I feel a tug war between my heart and soul.. gravity may hold my body but my soul has been freed to soar to greater heights!!

We have a mission a purpose here on earth but there is a yearning in our soul to return to our Creator our spiritual home our First love. We are in the state of between... How does one reconcile this with our heart? How do we find peace in our souls? How do understand this with our limited mind? 

He gave us you... “Holy Spirit” You are our beautiful “between”. You are our between love. You are our between peace. You share with us a heavenly love, and gently teach us the greatness of Jesus and our Heavenly Father... You teach us what beauty awaits and you show us the way. You share the essence and beauty of a love beyond our human understanding... 

Just who are you? How did you come to dwell within our hearts our soul and our very thoughts?  I have felt you stirring since birth.  But I did not recognize who you were. I was between worlds .... and my heart was bound to things of this world... But for some reason far beyond my own thoughts, you freed my soul to newfound freedom and understanding... 

You are a beautiful gift from our Creator, our Heavenly Father, our greatest LOVE. He gave us the gift of His very breath... 

“The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). 

It’s Him, It’s always been Him. 

Our first love ... 

I live in a state of between.. while my body must remain on earth, my soul has yearning.. a thirst.. to know everything about this beautiful love. My heart will always feel that pull to one day returns home... I love you Holy Spirit. The very thought of your abundant beauty and knowing that You are God’s very breath, 

It is Your essence and Your abundant love. You have taken residence with my heart and soul... You leave me in awe of Your very existence... 

You still wow me... 🤩 

Written by Lori Garner

Photo by Kendall Hoopes from Pexels

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: Youtube 

Father, Son, Spirit (Official Lyric Video) // A Table Full Of Strangers // Jason Upton

“Never judge a book by its cover. At first glance, even Jesus appeared unimpressive.” - Andrena Sawyer…

Meaning of superficial existing or occurring at or on the surface.  

The word superficial is only in the Bible approximately six times. 

Hi, how are you?  We all have answered fine thank you. Even before giving it any thought. 

I do believe we all are guilty to some degree of superficially skimming across life like a rock, jumping and skipping across the surface just before it sinks into the deep abyss.  

How many of us just go through the motions? It's easy to fall into the “grownup trap” of doing life.. work, family, and friends in such a superficial fashion. 

How can we dig a little deeper? How can we truly say, stop the world I want to get off... 

How do we go to church every week ... greet everyone.. saying our good mornings, how are you, and give our hugs, handshakes, and smiles.  And as our time together ends we say God Bless you and depart... But what happens in between? I believe many can say nothing.. nothing, happens in between. 

It makes us question how deep is caring? How deep is the love? During this troubling time how many of us cared enough to call and check in with just one person? Just one person per day? Or even a quick text or email? 

Are we a superficial society? Are we that distracted? Are we that self-absorbed? 

But then I will ask, how deep can we go before we get hit in the face with the word boundaries. There is a delicate dance that we must maintain. 

I do believe life is chalked up with risk? Are you a risk-taker? Do you care deeply or are you that rock skimming through life on the surface? Maybe you have commitment issues.. Or perhaps you are distracted by life? Or maybe you just forgot the beautiful art of loving. Possibly due to what others may say or think? 

Then this word superficial hit a cord deep within my soul. What would we do if Jesus was a superficial soul? His life actually points us to a risk-taker. He went far beyond any man to show love to anyone that thirsted. He had no boundaries. He went as deep as our Heavenly Father allowed. He risked everything for all of mankind. Do you think He was a superficial soul or is He a deeply caring soul? Is He a risk taker? 

Does He love you so deeply, you yourself do not understand it? Do you think He sees the optical illusion of a boundary? Or does He risk loving our troubled souls? From my experience, I believe He never gives up... 

Armed with, His gentleness, and His Love. He has the ability to go deep within our hearts, our mind, and souls. He is a wondrous phenomenon. He invades our soul, to reveal our 

deepest thoughts, and to deposit a love that will change the very essence of who we are. 

I ask you are you a risk-taker? Or are you that superficial soul? Do you want to experience the true gift of life and love?  Ask Him to cross the boundary to your heart and invade your soul... The changes you will feel will take your breath away. Some may be painful. But as you travel through life with Him you will fall in love. And you will experience the greatest human achievement you could ever encounter. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalms 139:23 KJV

And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:2

"God provides the wind; Man must raise the sail." - St. Augustine... 

When I close my eyes and feel the softness of the wind, I find His embrace. It's where I connect with His divine presence. His gentleness caresses my soul as the breeze sweeps across my parched skin. The fragrance of flowers fills the air as I allow myself to be swept away by His wonderous beauty… The wind carries the essence of creation, spreading His magnificence and wonder wherever it travels. May I forever embrace the romanticism of the wind, allowing Him to guide me home

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Wind of Love | Elevation Rhythm (Lyrics)

There are approximately thirty-three verses about legacy in the Bible...

Legacy is a word typically discussed when the inevitable happens. It is mainly thought of when someone we love transitions from one dimension of time and space to another. We like to think that they made it to Heaven. 

The word legacy brought me to these questions. What am I leaving behind? How will I be remembered? Will my life make a mark on this planet? What do my family and friends honestly think of me? Is our legacy a tangible object? Does it come down to our "possessions”? Is that how we value life?

Possessions are fleeting. Our character and loving memories are the most valuable assets we can leave with the souls we leave behind. 

In my lifetime, I have witnessed that some people consider "possessions " essential. Some feel they cannot live without the “things” they have collected. It seems many gain perspective when they are facing their mortality.

Some may not have cared about your well-being while you were here, but they will selfishly look to gain something valuable from what you've left behind. 

Some possess an unselfish heart and love you deeply. Your relationship will leave a lasting imprint on their hearts. They will carry you with them wherever life takes them. They may want a precious item with little to no earthly value to feel close to the one who made them feel wanted and loved. 

Have we thought about this word on a larger scale? Do we understand the spiritual potential that awaits? We have been gifted a legacy of magnificent proportions! It’s a legacy of royalty... It’s a legacy of riches beyond physical “possessions." It’s a legacy of love that runs through our lives like a scarlet thread.  It's woven into our life’s tapestry deeper than we realize.

Jesus is that scarlet thread. He is our legacy. He has promised us eternal life, and His love will travel with us from this world to the next. 

With Him as our precious guide, we should ask ourselves: 

How do I want to be remembered? What am I leaving behind? Will I lovingly leave my imprint on anyone’s heart? 

I pray that when people talk about my legacy, they speak of “God’s Love” and how His love changed my life. He has taught me the importance of all relationships and introduced me to love beyond my earthly understanding! He gave me the boldness to show my vulnerability to the world.

He is my legacy!! 

It’s Him. It’s always Him! 

His legacy is an amazing love story for all of His children!! 

I beg you, don’t miss Him or His legacy of love for this world!

 If children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Legacy by Ben LeBrun