"If you don't know, ask. You will be a fool for the moment, but a wise man for the rest of your life." - Seneca

Meaning of ask: say something in order to obtain an answer or some information.

The word ask is mentioned 119 times. 

The first thing that came to my mind is the proverb  “Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies If you want the truth, better not ask directly.” It’s listed in the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, this saying recurs throughout 150 years of English literature. 

Have you ever spent a day with a child when they are in the WHY stage?  Do we ever ask the hard questions? Do we ever ask God? Why me?  I have. Do we ever ask a stupid question? Wait a stupid question ??? Never? I come from the school of not asking, is a stupid question. Because not knowing the answer can leave you void of knowledge.  

During my discovery of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  I asked a question on Social Media? Who do you pray to? God? Jesus or the Holy Spirit? And that brought a mixture of responses. Even  “that's a stupid question?” I did not take it personally I genuinely wanted to know? And I asked openly so others that may be too timid to ask could also grow. 

I will ask you who do you pray to? Some say I pray to God. Some say I pray to Jesus. Few say I pray to the Holy Spirit. Some say I pray to the Father in Jesus' name? Some say, Lord. Let’s not cloud the issue with the multitude of names they are known by all over the world. Now I will ask do you believe in the Trinity? Do you believe that they are one? Do you believe that they are all the Father? 

Hmm, so now I ask you who do you pray to? 

I can only share my answer...During my journey with the Three, each of them playing a significant role in my life. It was a struggle to know who direct my thoughts and prayers. But it unfolded like a beautiful flower. One day during prayer to my Heavenly Father I said these words, Father, Father is too formal I have to call You something else. I then said I know I will call You LOVE because that is what I think of when I think of You! ❤. And then roll it forward a few months and I found myself deep in the meaning of Easter. And with conviction in my heart, I felt I was leaving a part of my new Divine friends out of my prayers and out of my life.. and on that very day, I started calling them LOVEs. So when I pray I address My LOVEs and that is for My Heavenly Father, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit.. You see for me They are all one in my heart. 

So now I will ask you who do you pray to? 

Ask Him the important questions. My Father in Heaven knows His Children are full of whys and He loves to hear our thoughts. He may chuckle but He does this in the most loving way. He knows by asking questions is how His children grow. 

Have you ever thought of the vast amount of questions and thoughts that are asked of Him on a daily basis?  When I thought of this statement I had to change my direction and my questions turned into the following: 

Good morning LOVEs. Let me ask You what can I do for You today? How can I lighten Your load? What do You want of me?... 

And now I will ask My LOVEs why me? And His answer is Because I love you! And that is a WOW. Because I have felt His LOVE... and it will blow your mind... 

I will end this with my thoughts. Find the name to call your LOVEs that resonates with your soul. There is no stupid answer. It’s a personal choice that will fit in your heart perfectly. And He will wrap your voice in His loving arms.

It’s Him, It’s always Him

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Austin French - Why God (Lyrics)

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.

Meaning of long-suffering having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.

This word is not a word that I wanted to research or even feel… 

When we look at Galatians chapter 5 verses 22:23, we will find the  “Fruit of the Spirit” listed as follows: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;. 

Life has its beauty but how do we learn to appreciate the beauty? I believe we must have opposite feelings, so we have a base of comparison… 

For instance, how could we recognize Joy without knowing sadness?  Peace without conflict?  Patience’s without impatience? kindness without unkindness ??  And the list goes on??? 

Strangely enough, when I looked up the opposite of long-suffering, I found the word blessed!! 

But how can we find the blessing in Long Suffering?  If I transpose the words they would read Suffering long!!! 

No one in their right mind would want to own these words...  But for this exercise, I will put my mind on hold and look at this word with my heart and soul... 

How could that be a blessing?   

Long-suffering is a heart-crushing feeling that leaves scars... It has no defined timeline.

But what life has taught me is Long-suffering is a great teacher!!! Those scars serve a beautiful purpose.

We live in a beautiful but challenging time. So many things to experience in one’s lifetime.

The pain and suffering are real but always remember you are not alone...  He stands by our side through all our trials. He wipes every tear... And His beautiful peace will engulf your soul and joy will come in the morning... 

It's Him... He is our joy, our love our peace... 

However, do we even think of His suffering on the cross? Do we think of His daily suffering? 

When many souls do not even acknowledge Him. (sad)

Do we not love Him as much as He loves us?? I believe It wounds His soul and breaks His beautiful heart... 

How deep? How long?  Will we let His Long-Suffering go on??

He had to ask Peter 3 times in order to get the true answer “ Do you love me? “ 

If He asks you today!  Do you love me? How would you answer??

Would you hesitate or would your answer roll off your tongue like sweet honey... 

Yes!! I love you. You know I love you.  

I feel it is in each one’s power to lighten His long-suffering one heart at a time... 

It's truly about Him! It's about loving Him with all our heart, soul, and mind... 

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment” 

This is the greatest blessing a person could ever achieve!!

After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). 

Written and Multi Media Art by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Oh How I Love You Lyric Video 

Jackie & Stacy Baker Worship | © 2018 Jackie Baker

Just now, take a few minutes to read what others have said about Him - the most amazing Man in all recorded time. They want to introduce you to the only Man in history who can radically lift you - and change you - for the better. - Vance Ferrell.. 

Meaning of impact - something or someone that has a strong effect on someone or something:

I did not find where or even if the word impact is written in the Bible. But the action of impact is written throughout its pages, its chapters and it’s lived through the characters we have grown to know... 

My journey started with a flame of LOVE that God rekindled within my heart and soul. I still do not understand all the whys, and the hows, but I know I am constantly searching for answers.  

I can only share the impact He has had on my life... from a personal level.  There are times I feel my story may not be as dramatic as some people have experienced... I thought my life was fine... No real problems to speak of... But I can share, that He rocked my world... and my life will never be the same... and for that, I feel I am blessed beyond words. 

However, as I sit in the stillness of my room reflecting and.. contemplating what to share with you my reader ... the darkness begins to engulf the walls of my home as night begins to set in... I close my eyes and I free my mind so I can travel back in time and relive each precious memory ... Each beautiful moment of discovering Him... It's been an amazing adventure. He has taught me so much in such a short time about life, love, and relationships... He has taught me about the many fascinating facets of who He is... But yet I know I have only begun to scratch the surface. His depth, vastness, and beauty are difficult to comprehend. 

But I can share, that I have felt Him stirring in my soul. I have touched His beautiful face ... I have been held close when I felt confused and alone... 

My thoughts are consumed with the beauty of His majestic splendor ... I strive to learn more each given day.

My days and nights .. are filled with the amazing wonders He created in our world. I feel like a child on a beautiful journey of discovering a LOVE that is difficult to put into words...  Only He could have impacted my life in such a heavenly way. I am forever grateful... I am forever His child... I am forever in LOVE with all the beautiful facets of who He is... 

God my Heavenly Father ... His beautiful Son and my savior Yeshua... and my loving guide and communicator the Holy Spirit... 

My three in One have impacted my life. I kiddingly ask, “Why did you wait so long to find me?” And then I realized it was me. He has always been by my side. It was me who did not still my soul enough to listen to His call, and I missed His sweet whispers as I busied myself with life. 

Shh close your eyes and listen He is whispering your name... 

It’s Him, It will always be Him.

I will happily admit...They have left a burning desire within me to pursue Him with every breath I take. With every beat of my heart and eternal soul... until the end of time... Life is a gift from Him... How we use it is a choice... At the end of each given day, we must ask ourselves did our life impact someone today?  Were we kind? Did we love? Did we make a difference in our world? 

#impact #choice #kind #love #difference #its #HIM 

Salt and Light “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 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 5:13-16

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Impact - Hope Song (Official Live Video)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 Forsaken meaning abandoned or deserted.

There are approximately 57 passages about the word forsaken. 

This is such a heartfelt word. It wounds my soul... Have you ever felt abandoned or deserted? There are times in our lives that people in our lives do not even know the harm they cause by being so callous... 

When I researched the pages of the Bible for answers... It did not make me feel any better. This hurtful word cuts into my heart like a knife. I have felt this pain. But when I analyze the cause it truly was for a superficial reason. But it did cause me great anguish and heartache. I could only imagine the magnitude of abandonment Jesus felt. 

So when we witness our beautiful Savior and know He felt forsaken by the people who loved him the most. And then He had to endure the most hurtful abandonment of all. It’s when He suffered and struggled to let go of this human life.. and He cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matt 27:46 KJV 

Let that moment sit in your heart for just a moment. This type of wound had to be worse than the physical pain He endured. I know God had a plan and why Jesus came. But it boggles my mind and I find myself asking why? Why would you do this for such unworthy people?

I do feel as a parent you would give your life for your child. How and why did God the Father allow His child to suffer this pain?  

I do believe the Trinity is so closely knitted together, that God the Father suffered on the cross with the very part of Him that we know as His son. He is the ultimate parent and He did not want His children to suffer. You see He is the God of the bigger picture. The child He saved by sacrificing that beautiful part of Himself that He calls His beloved Son, is you and me… He never abandoned His Son.. and He will never abandon any of His children. He died to give us that golden ticket to Heaven.  We know Him as Yashua! 

But let's take this word one step further. Let's ask ourselves will we abandon Him? Or will be strong enough to endure this life. Will we be strong enough to tell the world of His amazing LOVE? Or do we hide behind His blood-stained cross? I say don’t forsake Him! 

It's Him. It's always Him. 

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee Deuteronomy 31:6 

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me Psalms 38:21

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTubeNever Forsaken - Hillsong Worship

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”William Shakespeare...

The basic meaning behind the name Elohim is one of strength or power of effect. Elohim is the infinite, all-powerful God who shows by His works that He is the world's creator, sustainer, and supreme judge. “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous [Elohim] who probes minds and hearts.” 

The word Elohim occurs more than 2,500 times in the Hebrew Bible and is translated to the name of God in the King James version.

The name Elohim has been a part of my journey almost from the beginning. But today, while speaking with a friend, I was enlightened even further. I can say I love God's mystery. He is like a beautiful puzzle that unravels my heart one beautiful layer at a time.

As many of you already know, I had a significant spiritual encounter a few years ago (May 2018). I have openly shared my heart and how music has significantly impacted my spiritual walk with God. 

I would like to share the moment in time when the name Elohim came alive in my soul. 

It was approximately two weeks after my spiritual encounter with the Holy Spirit that a song appeared on my phone, giving me pause. 

Songs had started appearing, and the lyrics and melodies seemed to move my soul like never before. This started as my spiritual heart opened to a greater love, which I found difficult to understand.  

The song that came that day was by an artist I had never heard of.  But the lyrics and the melodic sounds seem to speak to my soul.  The name of the song was LOVE is Alive by Elohim. This was not music I normally listened to... But at that moment in time, I felt so alive from His gift of love that I could feel it deep within my soul. This love seems so electrically charged that I wanted to share His love with anyone who would listen.  

My curiosity got the best of me about this band and song, so when I got home that day, I found my computer and typed in these words: “The meaning of Elohim.” I became wide-eyed, gasped, moved away from my computer, and said, OMG, the word Elohim means God. 

On that day, I started calling God Elohim. From that day, my journey began to unfold with each new day. It has been a few years, with many people, places, and things rushing by. And my love and understanding for Elohim grew. I had a silver ring carved with His name, “Elohim.” I never remove it from my finger. I wanted to be constantly reminded of His great love. 

One of the many facts I share about my amazing journey is my location during my encounter. I was alone in my car on a lonely Triune, TN road. The location truly had no significance to me at that time ... 

But as my story unfolded, I questioned why no one falls in love with the Holy Spirit. So, I Googled it. To my surprise, the article pointed out that another word for the Trinity is “TRIUNE,” which blew my mind. 

So, if you have ever wondered why I say He WOWs me, you now know why. It’s His mystery, His Love, and how He has taught me about this amazing One we know as the great I AM. 

But these God-wink moments did not end there. When speaking to a friend tonight, Elohim came up in our conversation. Elohim?

I already knew that the beautiful name Elohim meant God... But we went on to discover this... 

“The noun Elohim is plural, but it is always used with a singular verb when it speaks of the true God. This indicates unity and diversity within the nature of God. This unity and diversity are revealed in Scripture as the doctrine of the “TRINITY. “

I can only say OMG, I am speechless. 

Everything I see, touch, and now love points me to Him. It’s always Him ... my beautiful Elo"HIM"... How can I not stay in the state of WOW?? 

He blows my mind.   

So, in my mind, I need to simplify this: I was in Triune, TN (Trinity, TN), when my encounter happened. With no prior religious knowledge, a song pointed me to a “Hebrew” word that resonated with my heart. I began to use the name Elohim to address God, which means Trinity. 

How does this happen? It has been Elohim’s plan for me all along. He called, and my heart listened. 

My life will never be the same!!!

See how very much our Father (My Elohim) loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 1John 3:1 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses From NIV

Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video   

Love is Alive - Louis the Child ft. Elohim | feel good music 2021

“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 TurnbullInspiring Music by (YouTube)

Chris Tomlin - Love People (Lyrics) with Jimmie Allen

And the sunlight clasps the earth, And the moonbeams kiss the sea. What is all this sweet work worth.  If thou kiss not me? Percy Bysshe Shelley

Meaning of Kiss : to touch with the lips especially as a mark of affection or greeting kissed his wife goodbye. to touch gently or lightly wind gently kissing the trees. 1 : To salute or caress one another with the lips. 2 : to come in gentle contact.

The word kiss appears in the Bible approximately fifty times.. 

Close your eyes and think of the word kiss... Do you see a parent tenderly kissing a child goodnight?? Do you see friends greeting from a place mutual love? Or do your thoughts drift to a more romantic gesture? 

I have heard and read in the Bible our goal is to acquire an 'intimate” relationship with our Heavenly Father, His beautiful Son and the amazing Holy Spirit.. So why is the word kiss not discussed or shared? Why does that word go unspoken? 

The first divine kiss apears in Genisus 2:7 ”And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life; and man became a living soul.”

The kiss of life!! 

I can only imagine.. But wait that amazing moment still happens with each new life at birth...

We all feel that first kiss as we come into this world. 

That is when a miracle happens. God’s very lips softly touched ours and the warmth of His sweet breath penetrates and inhabits our tiny lungs... And new life began.. 

The kiss of life... from God to our soul is a bond that seals us to Him from within.. It’s a union that can never be broken or taken away. 

But sadly many of us with time forget this beautiful moment and Our First Kiss from our Creator becomes distant memory.. But there is Hope... 

He waits patiently, He whispers our name.. He romances our hearts.. and He gently stirs that romantic place in our soul..in hopes that we will remember that innocent intimate moment and return to Him... 

In the stillness of our busy lives, we can still feel Him today... Every intimate moment with Him is a kiss from heaven.. We can feel His breath against our skin.. We can feel His lips gently touch our lips and our heart skips a beat.. These moments can give us goosebumps.. make tears flow and leave us breathless .. 

Is this love a new exciting feeling? Or is it our soul reacting to a precious memory that happened so long ago ? Has our soul waited for Him patiently? Has our soul yearned to hear Him whisper our name?? Has our soul craved to be romanced by the one who gave us life?? I say of course!!! Our human mind just did not understand this bond... It was a soul connection that sealed His name upon our hearts for eternity!!  

“The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4

It’s Him, It’s always Him.. 

The Kiss of Life .... He WOWs me...  Breathless...  

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube) 

JASON WADE - You Belong To Me by Luke James Shaffer

“It is not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have.”

The meaning of scattered, about a person, is being distracted or disorganized. 

We located 69 verses that reference the word scattered. 

Are our lives bombarded by worldly things? Technology has wonderful benefits, but its addictive nature makes it difficult for many to focus on what's truly important. 

Are our thoughts becoming scattered? 

Can we give God our full attention amidst the barrage of stimulation? Can we spend quality time with Him? Or do we squeeze Him on Sunday mornings for a quick visits to show others we are His?  Is this a superficial view??? Are we truly devoted to our Lord? Has stillness with Him become difficult? 

As I sit here at 4:44 am, restless… I too, have scattered thoughts. But as I watch the morning light spill in, my thoughts start to settle. My focus becomes clear, my heart rate lowers, and my breathing becomes rhythmic. The music that is softly playing begins to speak to my soul. Soon, His presence is felt, bringing peace, love, and cleansing tears. My mind is finally at rest, giving my soul the freedom to love and worship Him without restraints. 

Closing my eyes and traveling to my spiritual place, it is a soulful place that is so difficult to explain with words… 

It’s Him. He brings all my scattered ways back into focus. He gives me peace, He gives me insight, He gives me inspiration. He gives me LOVE…

He Still WOWs me!!! 

I will forever chase these stolen moments with Him, even if it's at 4:44 am. What a beautiful start to this amazing God-given day!

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus.” – Hebrews 3:1

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Scattered On The Wind (Pt. 1)

 

"The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love." ~ Stephen Kendric.

Enamored means filling or inflaming with love and being affected by strong feelings of love, admiration, or fascination.

The word Enamored only appears in one instance in the Bible. 

How do I love thee? What is this love that has ignited in my soul? How are our hearts drawn to this Heavenly adoration for the Godly man who walked the earth so long ago???

It is a baffling spiritual phenomenon that is so hard to put into words…  and, at best, difficult to understand? 

Do we burn with a love for Him? Does His spiritual existence consume our thoughts? Do we accept His teachings? 

Or do we treat Him like a passing fancy? Is He here to fulfill our wishes?? Do we take Him for granted? 

He is so much more—so loving, so deep, and such a beautiful soul. 

Once smitten by His love, there is no turning back… You will be drawn to the overwhelming love, peace, and joy that He brings. You will yearn to feel His presence. You will crave those personal quiet moments with Him! Your world will seem brighter and filled with Hope… He teaches our hearts the art of forgiveness and completes a void in our souls… 

How does His Holiness love us so deeply that He has never given up?  He has defied a torturous death to save us. He shares a burning love that cannot be contained. It spills out on His children, and they, in turn, share it with others…  It’s a tidal wave that I pray will one day cover the earth. 

He has taken residence in my soul, and I will openly admit I am enamored with Him and His love story!  His love has smitten me, and I know in my heart and soul only He holds the keys to my future.

The Godly man who walked the earth! The God who created me in His loving hands… And the Spirit that dwells within my soul…Are my 3n1. 

It’s Him! It will always be Him.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. From the beginning in Eden, God's love has always pursued us, and He continues to pursue us through the love of Jesus Christ.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music: YouTube Video 

Reckless Love (Official Lyric Video)