The meaning of judge - to form an opinion or conclusion about something or someone.

The word “judge ” seems to have been used 45 times in the “authorized” KJV of the Bible. 

Who can honestly say without reproach that they have never been guilty of judging others?? 

This is such an ugly human trait. Do we become the judge and jury and throw that discerning eye and walk away too fast?? 

I don’t understand how we can not be more accepting of others. We are only here on this planet for such a short time... We should attempt to look past the outward appearance and see the rawness of a soul and maybe what you think you saw, is nothing like envisioned in your mind. 

Does our judgment come from fear of the unknown? Or is it due to our own inadequacies? Are we so full of ourselves that there is no room in our hearts for anyone that does not meet our standards ??? 

This is such a sad thought! 

This type of behavior can wound hearts! It can make them bleed.. and leave scars for a lifetime... I believe the one judging is truly missing out on the fullness of this life. 

There are times in our lives that we feel like we do not belong and we can feel lonely... Those heartfelt feelings can raise many of our insecurities... Looking to others to validate our worth is such a critical mistake... 

I do believe our deepest desire is to belong to something bigger than ourselves. But are we limiting ourselves to be earthly bound? Or are we reaching for something beyond this life?

There are times I have been on the side of the one being Judged. I feel many may judge my outward appearance of an inward love that is so beautiful and yet so hard to contain.  

And when I have been made to feel different is when I may withdraw and look like I am detached from this life. “Distant” 

But do not fooled by my silence. I have found solace in the loving arms of my Savior. He offers no judgment. He accepts me where I am at that beautiful moment in time. I look to Him for my validation. 

I have witnessed and felt His love.  His love is the most important love our soul should ever crave... It fills every void. It heals every scar. It is timeless and yet so difficult to describe. 

It's been my experience that our Savior speaks of love and acceptance. I ask Him often to teach me of His great love!! I want to learn to love with this type of love!! How, just how does He do it !! 

It’s His type of love that we should be desiring. It’s a love that is unconditional. It does not judge. It’s kind and forgiving. It has no boundaries...  

So the next time you feel the urge to judge ... look in the mirror and ask yourself am I full of myself? Or is there room in my heart to love... 

If you do not know the answer turn to the greatest teacher of life and love. It’s Him! 

Don’t judge something you do not understand.. embrace the differences.  You might surprise yourself and learn the most beautiful lesson of life!! 

To love like!!  HIM!!

It’s always been Him! 

He has only one request. That you love God with all your heart and soul and mind.

1 John 4:8 - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:16 - We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.  

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 -42 

A safe place to land lyrics Sara Bareilles ft John Legend

When you know how much God is in love with you, then you can only live your life radiating that love. —Mother Teresa

The concept of Crazy Love highlights God's incomprehensible love for humanity, and our love for Him should be equally as incomprehensible and radical in its sacrifice for Christ.

Wow, how do we explain this kind of love???

As we delve into the boundless ocean of His Crazy Love, we find ourselves on a journey of ultimate self-discovery and sweet intimacy with our first love. 

His love defies the boundaries of human comprehension, touching the depths of our souls and inspiring us to soar to greater heights.  Only when we abandon our humanness and give ourselves entirely to Him can we truly love Him with the intensity and commitment He craves! 

Feeling His divine love is just the start of an incredible adventure that will transform you in ways you never dreamed of. A taste of His Holy presence makes you long for Him with all your heart and soul. It’s such an enlightening spiritual dance. It brings wonderment, excitement, and renewal, culminating in a complete surrender and deep spiritual connection with His Divine majestic beauty.

His love ignites our hearts and frees our souls to explore the vastness and wonder of who He truly is!  As we continually look to discover more, He will reveal the hidden clues that He so graciously left behind… His words will take residence in your heart and speak love to your soul.  He will never give up. His ultimate desire is to guide us home, back into His loving arms…

Seeking and immersing ourselves in the Oneness of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is testimony of His sacrificial love and truly a gift from Heaven! To know Him on such an intimate level becomes as essential as the air we breathe.

The knowledge gained during this experience produces trust and love for Him and Him alone …

Sometimes, I pause and reflect on my journey and the mystery of how I fell in love with Him, and many times, I am still baffled… 

Just how did it happen? To cherish Him so much defies what my mind can comprehend. Yet, loving Him with such heartfelt intensity feels so soulfully natural... 

I will admit it is a life-altering experience. Embarking on this transformative journey of discovery and building an unshakeable trust and love for Him will forever alter your life. 

Sometimes, you may feel earthbound by our human existence, but our soul has been given the keys to a new spiritual future with HIM... So, if you see me gazing towards the heavens, you will know my soul is communicating with the One who LOVEs me beyond my human understanding.  

Call it crazy?

I find it crazy that so many people turn away! Who doesn't need or crave the kind of love that He offers? It's unwavering, nonjudgmental, and compassionate, and that is only the beginning. 

Crazy love??? 

I often wonder, “To be loved intimately by man, was and is this His sole reason for creating human life???” 

Our journey to intimately know Him becomes a brilliant light and inspiring testimony for others who have yet to experience HIS kind of Crazy love!!! 

It’s Him! It’s always been and will always be Him! 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Falling In Love - Phil Wickham - Lyric Video

The choices we make day after day determine if we are pursuing God.   A.W. Tozer...

Did you ever wonder about why you were born?  How do you live on this fragile place called Earth?  How many years will you live on this earth?  And when you breathe your last breath, where will you go? 

Life is not an empty dream.  There is One who loves you deeply. When I say His name, you might say He is not the one who lived and died for me.  But He is the one Who created the Earth, the Sun, and the Stars for man to dwell here. 

The One who did this longed to share His love. So, He created a man in His image and kissed him with the breath of life. All of humankind came from this man and woman, including you and me.

If you are reading this, I don’t know who you are, but you live on this earth just like me. 

So, what do we do about this life we have been given? Many years ago, I had this same thought, and not by chance, someone told me about Jesus. 

They did not tell me much, but enough to make me want to know more about Him. So began my pursuit.  

I began to read about this one called Jesus.  I discovered that I did not have to do good things to have life forever.  He came to give me eternal life. 

I will not say more now.  

The One who created all of life is in pursuit of you.  He will not stop His pursuit until you receive Him. 

Who is this One who loves you?  This One who walked this earth 2000 years ago.  Seek Him!  

“To as many as receive Jesus, to them gave He, power to become the son or daughter of God….”  John 1:12.

Photography & Written by Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer

Carrie Underwood - I Surrender All (Official Audio Video)

Spirit of God, You are my primary teacher of God’s Word; I yield my heart and mind, my soul and spirit, my will and imagination to You as I immerse myself in the Word during these dedicated moments. Teach me in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

The meaning of immersing oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.

How and what drives us to immerse ourselves in any particular person, place, or thing??? 

There are many things in our world that people could immerse themselves in! work, entertainment, sports—the list could be so long that we would never be able to discuss them all…  

So, Let me close my eyes, immerse myself in thought, and see where this word leads me. 

Will I be whisked away for just a moment, or will my heart yearn never to return? Or will my thoughts take me to where my soul wants to travel?  

Of course, I traveled to my safe place… it's Him… Immersed in the heavenly realms, we can escape the mundane and travel to a place of complete peace, love, and total surrender… 

I will be bold and ask you… have you ever immersed yourself in Him, His words, His grace, His forgiveness, His compassion, His undying love?

When we take the time to worship and immerse ourselves in His presence for any length of time, the outside world will become dim… and we will feel a warm, loving light that will fill our hearts and refresh our souls….. it’s like nothing else in our world… 

Being Immersed in Him is more than just a temporary escape - it's a path to lasting change and spiritual oneness with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

Immersed ….. 💦

It’s Him! It’s always Him!!

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Looking Through His Eyes

The meaning of the word Bride betrothed or newly married woman. 

I am unsure why I landed on this word… other than “It’s Him.” Last week, I felt the pulling in my soul to paint a female face. 

I kept hearing paint a female... 

I wrestled with this thought and could not decide how or who to paint… and then I experienced His presence… 

“This is my bride… do you see her? Paint with your heart and let the colors flow…  feel her with your soul” … as I added color, she began to appear… 

I shared the result when I posted the word challenge… little did I know that was not the end…. 

For what is a Bride without her love… In the Bible, the church is described as the Bride… When we hear this, we think of a typical church building filled with people of all ages and stages of believing. But the Bride goes oh so much deeper… The Bride is dressed in white to signify purity… is our heart pure enough to offer it to Christ? The Bride is in love with her betrothed, and the glow of this love radiates from within.  You can see it on her face, her smile, and the joy she exudes… Do we radiate His light and happiness for others to witness???  

The Bride is committed to fulfilling her destiny of becoming one with her Groom… She vows to love Him until death do they part… With Jesus, there is no death. This union goes further than any human mind can fully understand. It’s a spiritual journey and commitment that will fill our hearts and souls with a love that transcends all space and time. It’s a love bond that has drawn us to Him since the beginning of time… 

To be drawn into the sea of His love and set apart as His Bride is a miracle beyond what we can fully understand… 

It’s Him! It will always be Him! 

The yearning of Christ to be reunited with His Bride is a date with destiny. Only the Father knows the day and the hour. We can only prepare ourselves and wait with great anticipation for our (groom) King to return…

That at that time the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord Philippians 2:10-11

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Audra Lynn - 13 - Adorned

“The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way." - Brother Lawrence.

Meaning of feeler: an animal organ such as an antenna or palp used to test things by touch.

The term I'm referring to here is the gift of discerning spirits described in 1 Corinthians 12:10.

What is this mysterious word? It can not be seen with the naked eye. It cannot be heard by the human ear? It can not be held in the palm of our hand?? Is it just a human emotion?  Feelings that can be felt deep within our souls!! Feelings so strong that the human body reacts to this stimulation? Goosebumps and chills up your spine, sweaty palms, trembling, body temperature may even rise…  

It is a spiritual connection with God, a soulful intimacy, and our chance to see Him with our spiritual eyes… and sense Him deep in our souls. He is that awe-struck moment in time. 

Many grow a loving relationship with our Creator by becoming in tune with this heavenly language of love. 

We feel His subtle but powerful presence, sense His beauty within our hearts, and are moved to tears of adoration… for He alone is the greatest love we will ever know... This rush of emotion can cause our human bodies to manifest many outward changes…as our souls whisk us away to a higher plane of love beyond this world… 

There are no earthly words to describe the spiritual experience.  Being a feeler is definitely an emotional, soulful experience … When the unexplainable finds its way into your heart, there is a soul connection with the One that has created all things… We are but a speck of brilliant dust among many of His stars… 

We are an amazing part of our Heavenly Father's greater plan… To feel Him is a gift of the soul  … But to Love Him is a beautiful gift of the heart… He takes my breath away… 

I thought of buying a tee shirt and staking a claim that says “ I am a feeler” But with reservation, I felt it could get me in trouble with the ones who do not understand…(LOL) so for now it’s written across my heart 

“I am a feeler” and I will chase My King until my last dying breath”

Signed

The Feeler 

Psalms 16:11 TPT

Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side, I experience divine pleasures forevermore!

Close your eyes and listen to this song and wait on HIM! 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube

The meaning of a challenge to confront or defy boldly: dare.

I challenge you to reach further within yourself than you have ever been!! Is there something you would love to do in your life but have held back? 

Our days are filled with challenges. Some large, some small, and some may even be transparent…. 

When we take the first step towards our goal, emotions surface, including fear of failure and what others may think. Is this the fear the Bible speaks of? Is fear holding us back? Are we paralyzed?  

With gratitude, I reflect on my spiritual journey, where I once hesitated, afraid of not being good enough. But now, I stand in awe of my magnificent Elohim, who embraced me with unwavering love and tenderly set free the inner child within me. In His grace, we can experience life unencumbered and free….

He gives us the courage to step out of our comfort zones. He has taken me on an amazing journey of self-discovery. He has placed many new adventures in my path, including writing, podcasting, art, and music, inspiring me to embrace life's endless possibilities.

Two years ago, I began painting, with a primary focus on the face of Jesus. Despite the challenge of transferring what my soulful eye sees to canvas, my artful spiritual journey has been heartfelt. 

Today, this challenge made its way into my mind…

Paint a female ... 

I wrestled with this thought and could not decide how or who to paint… As I stared at the blank canvas… I picked my brush and began the heartfelt struggle because my soul wanted to paint Him… But my hands stayed on the given task… Unhappy with the result, I put my brush down, turned off the light, and went to bed… Only to wake up to this botched attempt on my easel.  I studied this face while I sipped a cup of tea and listened to beautiful music. I spoke to my Elohim within my mind as I do each given morning… 

I picked up my brush and began to add more paint to the dry existing image… and as I painted, He began to speak to my soul softly… 

“This is my bride… do you see her? Paint with your heart and let the colors flow…  feel her with your soul” … as I continued to add color, she began to appear… 

The Bride of Christ…

Our Heavenly Father places challenges in front of us to help us grow into what He knows we can be…

Let's courageously embrace the empowering tools He graciously provides us and never give up until He sees His Bride’s reflection in our eyes. 

He will always be our guiding inspiration. 

It’s Him; it’s always Him. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9. 

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” – Psalm 18:32. 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Click on the link below for Inspiring Music posted on (SoundCloud) 

Day of love in bloom 

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana.

The meaning of kindness - the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Kindness can be found in the Bible 101 times.

Do we practice kindness from a genuine place in our hearts? Or do we show kindness only during a seasonal time of year, just for others to witness, or only when it’s convenient? 

I have witnessed and feel we practice these acts better at certain times of the year. Like Christmas and Easter. Why doesn't the act of kindness follow us every day for life? 

To truly see the ugliness of human behavior, we just need to scroll through our social media feeds or watch the news. It is a heartbreaker. 

We all have our daily battles. We have all been touched by sickness: war, famine, and nature’s fury. 

It's time to understand that we are doing this together. We must reach out with empathy, compassion, kindness, and, most of all, love for our fellow humans .... 

Why wait? Start TODAY! Open your heart, smile, and lend a hand where needed... 

To simplify this, I have always taught my children that they should not say anything at all if they do not have something nice to say. 

I hope our world does not become silent, unless it is to pray to our Creator to open our hearts to a LOVE that is greater than we will ever experience. 

It’s Him; It’s always Him. 

Let's make our Heavenly Father proud of His Children's behavior... one act at a time... 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. Galatians 5:22

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God Micah 6:8 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

Chris Tomlin - Love People (Lyrics) with Jimmie Allen

The meaning of fascinating, extremely interesting, or charming: captivating. 

I am so fascinated with the man who left His home to roam on the soil of this forsaken, turbulent land… Was He, in turn, fascinated with the gift of human life? Does fascination go hand in hand with love? Was His fascination extreme? Or was His capacity to love more profound than any superficial fascination? 

I can only share from my heart my fascination with this amazing love story that took place so long ago… This beautiful story has kept generations in awe for centuries… 

In this case, I believe my fascination goes hand in hand with a love so difficult to put into words…He is charming and kind. And loves me with no pretense or boastfulness. He charmed me with His soft, subtle touch and unwavering love. He ignited a fascination within my soul to discover more about the man who left all His Kingly possessions just for me… 

He came to teach all of us about His life, His home, and how to gain the beauty and richness of life while walking on this turbulent soil…He endured a torturous death as a sacrificial gift to give us everlasting life and love… 

Somewhere in my fascination, I wanted more. It has been told that I fell in love, not with the story of His life… but I fell in love with the man who has been so fascinated with me that He fell in love with my soul even before I was born. 

He is my hope for the future… He is the most fascinating love I have ever had the experience of discovering.  He has captivated my heart.  He has shared with me that I have only begun to find the clues He left for His children to find. I believe He did this so we would never lose interest and find our way home to see His love light forever burning. Like my love, my fascination will carry me closer to Him each God-given day… Where He awaits with bated breath for my return… 

Its Him. It will always be Him…

He fascinates me!!  

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Art & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Allie Crummy - Fascinated by You (Official Lyric Video)

Its Him. It's always Him!!!!

Sitting in the warm summer sun, I feel the gentle breeze gliding effortlessly across my face. I close my eyes and drift into a place of peace and relaxation. My soul is drawn to a sanctuary of epic beauty and love, a place where time knows no boundaries.

“It really matters what you listen to. . . . Select music that will strengthen your spirit.” —Russell M. Nelson... 

O, the sweet blend of old hymns and new songs.  They met two thousand years ago to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. 

The sound of His voice is sweet to us as He sings over us in the quiet times we spend with Him.  

The very rocks cry out, and the trees clap their hands in praise to Him.  And so should we. 

Angel choirs sing to those who cannot remember where or who their family is.  But when you let them listen to hymns from long ago, suddenly, they begin to sing every word!  It is amazing. 

From my youth, I sang many old hymns to music that allowed me to memorize the words.   So often, these hymns and songs come to mind.  A melody can evoke many emotions.  The melody touches the deep places in our souls. 

We could name many in the Bible that sang songs to Him.  Miriam, Moses, David, Paul, and Silas.  Some were in sorrow, the enemy surrounded some, some were in prison, and many were victorious.   

The priests at the temple's dedication that Solomon built fell on their faces, and they could do no work as he overcame them.  Let us cease from our works for a moment and sing praises unto Him, our Creator, our Savior, and our Lover.  Often, I desire to have a thousand tongues to sing His praises. 

So, let the notes of hymns and songs refresh us and prepare us to wield the sword of His word wherever we go. 

“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

Psalm 104:33 KJV

Photography Lori Garner 

Written by Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

How Great Thou Art | Elvis Presley 4K (Live Music Video) | Outtake - Elvis