Nashville Voyager Story

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

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

The word valor is referenced 53 times in the Bible.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Him, it’s always Him.  

Because with God all things are possible... 

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

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

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Model Image: Dad 

Inspiring Music: 

Faith Hill - There you'll be (lyrics)

❝ Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.❞ - A.W. Tozer...

Meaning of complacency, A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.

We located thirty-eight verses about the word complacency in the KJV of the Bible...

Are we stagnating in our own self-worth??? Are we driven by the race to possess more things than our friends and neighbors? Are we building a facade of life so others can be envious of just how grandiose our life seems? Are we filling our lives with possessions while our soul silently cries to be filled by a love they once knew??? 

There seems to be an emptiness in an unsatisfied soul... Do we try to rationalize these empty feelings??? Or do we just fill our days with activities to distract us from life... Are we going through the motions?? 

Or is there more??? I will confess I was in that state of complacency... But one day God stepped in and jump-started my stagnant heart... And from that day I have been on the most amazing spiritual journey of discovery.  My value system seemed to shift, and I found joy in the simplest things, I began to breathe fresh cool air ... My heartfelt freedom to love, unencumbered and my soul began to appreciate life and love like never before...  

The chasing of things of this world began to slow down... And I began to chase God... because I found He was my lifeline and what my soul craved most. He was the hidden answer I unknowingly kept hidden in my heart... 

But with one spark He captured my full attention. 

And then He seemed to fill my very existence with a love like I had never felt. He became oxygen to my soul... He is as important as waking up each glorious day... 

I will admit there are times even in this blissful state of walking with God... Life happens, challenges happen, and complacency can get the best of us...

But we must be diligent in our commitment to spending time with Him. Let's not become robotic in our worshiping and loving God. 

Many have shared with me they read His word daily. They do their daily devotionals. They go to church every Sunday... They join small groups.  These are all wonderful learning and sharing tools ... 

But... are they enough? 

There is nothing in this world that replaces spending dedicated time with Him... Talking to Him... Get up close and personal!  Ask Him... what can I do for You today? 

There is a love exchange that happens in our hearts as we respond to His amazing love...  

The love rush can be difficult to contain let alone explain. 

However, I find that He brings a freshness, a rejuvenation of the heart and soul as He anoints us with a love that is not of this world.  

He wows me!!! 

There is no room for complacency when you are filled with His LOVE... With just a whisper of my name, I am done... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

Lord help me. I never want to become robotic, unfeeling, and numb... Give me all of you ... today... tomorrow and forevermore ... I am yours 

Like an idiot, you’ve turned away from me and chosen destruction instead. Your self-satisfied smugness will kill you. But the one who always listens to me will live undisturbed in heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, that one will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.” Proverbs 1:32-33 TPT 

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry. Luke 12:19!

Now your souls will be strengthened and healed if you hold steadfast to your faith. Haven’t you already experienced Jesus Christ himself living in you? If not, you are deficient. I hope you understand that we cannot be devalued. But we pray to God that you will be flawless, not to validate our ministry among you but so that you may continue on the path of righteousness even if we are denigrated. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

 Beautiful Ambience 😌 Relaxing Harp Music for Peace 😌 Heavenly Harp

Triune Loves me / Podcast 

Seek Gods Face   Link to podcast 

I ask, what is it that you desire of me? Why do pursue me with such relentless vigor? What can I possibly have that you desire so? I have nothing that is worthy of you. 

I can only give you my heart ... my love? 

Don’t keep me waiting to hear your answer? The anticipation is all-consuming.. all distracting ...  It fills me every waking moment. 

This all-consuming magnetic pull on my vulnerable soul.. is beyond my understanding. 

I wonder when I am in your presence will I have the courage to speak? Or will your majestic splendor render me speechless?
I pray you listen to the podcast.. click on the link above.. 

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

inspiring Music by (youtube) 

Phil Wickham - Face Of God (Official Audio)

“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

Is God for sale? Where do we draw the line???

Meaning of exploit make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). 

The word exploit can be found nine times in the Bible.

Writing about this word will be a difficult task but it’s been a burden on my heart for some time and it’s very possible my writing will cause me heartache, and will possibly cause some to turn away... 

As many of you know that follow me my journey in my opinion has been uniquely amazing!  I have found the greatest gift anyone could share... I have traveled to many churches, events, and small gatherings. I have been actively seeking more, about this great love that fell from heaven into my heart and soul...  

But as I study and share my heart. I have witnessed many “followers” of God... selling Him? I may be new to this subject but when did selling God become so popular? It seems to have become a daily occurrence and a billion-dollar industry... It makes me wonder, where do we draw the line? How do we come to grips with sharing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit without getting caught in the snare of "self" motivation,  gratification, and wealth ??  

When did having this great gift become such an income stream for so many?? Did the light we once held so beautifully in our hearts become tainted by our world? Did a little greed sneak into our hearts? Do we find ourselves hiding behind a cloak of Godly as we sell His message of love and salvation? Has the very light He gave us grown dim? Are we straddling the fence? One foot in the light and one in the dark? I call it living in the spiritual grey... We can not serve two masters. 

(Matthew 6:24)

I will share an event I attended. It was in a large venue with hundreds of believers... I was very excited to attend!  I was searching for more of Him!! I could not find someone to go with me so I went on this adventure of discovery alone... 

It was presented as free. But as I arrived I found out that they needed a $25 donation... "First Hmm". I gave them my money found a seat and settled in to listen and learn.  The program started with a few songs.. you could feel the excitement in the air... 

But the more the MC spoke the more disillusioned I became and my soul became restless... The first 20 mins seemed like one long commercial. Selling the multiple speakers works... books, CDs, tee shirts.. just to name a few. And the good news is we could buy them at the end of the “Holy” event... 

My heart sank and my soul began to grieve. I could not believe what I was hearing! I could not find any reason to stay. I stood and made my way from the crowded room... As I opened the door I began to cry.

 I remember thinking how can they exploit Him like that ??? I left sad, disappointed, and betrayed. I could only whisper to Him I am so sorry. 

I do know many of us have been given this gift of His great love to share with others. He calls us to be disciples and to share in His mission of a greater love with the world. 

I am not here to judge? Nor to throw the first stone ... That is between each person and God... I can only pray that we do not get so enamored with the price tag that we miss seeing His Face... We miss feeling His love... and that we do not step out of His light into the world of grey... 

Where do we draw the line? I realize first hand there is a cost associated with sharing Him. Travel, Online fees, Print work, Music, Studio Time, Venues,  and the list goes on..and on

But when a believer’s life reflects the riches of this world we must look at the heart... His love should flow from their lips. You will see God's love radiate from their souls. There will be no hidden agenda. They will freely share His love and grace with others. You will see the joy on their face. And you will hear the song of love in their heart. 

Be aware of the sheep in wolves' clothing...  Not every heart is genuine...  (Matthew 7:15)

At the end of the day, we are all His Children, and we are all a work in progress and trying to just find our way in this troubled world... 

Only He knows our heart, our deepest thoughts, and our motives... 

So if there is any doubt in our mind... And we find ourselves losing focus and dancing in the grey ... GO TO HIM FOR ALL YOUR ANSWERS ... 

Remember the person sitting beside you is also just trying to find their way in this crazy world. 

Go to our first love...

It's Him! It has always been Him... Knowing Him is free... There is no dollar value associated with His love... He just wants our love in return... 

There will be no doubt in our motives when we go to Him for guidance.  Because He will give us that peaceful feeling in our soul...

We must not tempt the Lord [that is, test His patience, question His purpose or exploit His goodness], as some of them did—and they were killed by serpents. 1 Corinthians 10:9

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 2 Timothy 4:3 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Inspiring Music by (youtube)Rachel Hughes - Search Me O God (Lyric Video)

A God Moment is that personal encounter one may experience where God's purpose, presence, and love is revealed. -Rev. Lewis Macklin

Meaning of moment: a very brief period of time:

There are approximately 126 times the word moment is used or referred to in the Bible. 

What makes a memorable moment?  Do we live moment to moment? How do we measure a moment in time? Our memories are a fragmented glimpse of images that flash within our Heart, Soul, and Mind... 

We all mark moments in time with significant events that happen to us as we travel this road we call life...  If I asked you what are the significant moments that flood your memories with heartfelt thoughts.. perhaps it's college, it could be the engagement to your significant other, maybe your wedding, or perhaps it's the moment you hear your newborn child’s cry as they lovingly place them in your arms! I am sure we have such a diverse, yet very similar list. 

What if I asked you the same question about your spiritual life? What are your significant moments? Did you feel the hunger in your soul when you were a child? Or were you dutifully going through the moments one Sunday at a time?  Was it your baptism? Or did you have a significant moment that turned your life to discover a greater love? I do believe we all have that pivotal moment in time when God whispers to our heart come my child it’s time to embark on a journey of discovery! He creates moments that will leave you in awe?  He will fill your soul with wonder. We then will begin to want to know more.. about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Some embark on new habits. Some of us study the scriptures, some meditate, some may start a journal. But no matter what tools we use we do begin building a new understanding and relationship. We realize that He and He alone can enrich our lives one moment at a time... 

Do we close our eyes and dream of future moments? Do we have hopes that our dreams come true?? Can you imagine that moment when we can gaze into our Creator's beautiful face! Just imagine!! 

Will we be scared? Will we be filled with a love that can not be contained? Will we fall at His feet in complete surrender? 

I do believe it will be a moment that will take our breath away... It will be a moment that will be the most monumental moment we will ever experience... Because it’s the moment that this love we have been feeling stirring in our soul, will consume our spiritual existence. We will see that void and hunger we have been feeling dissipate one loving moment at a time. For the first time, we will feel a completeness that will be hard to describe. He is such a feel thing... The things we feel for Him on this earth are only a fragment of the overflow we will achieve in His presence... You will be consumed in His gift of love. It’s at that moment in time you will feel a love for Him deeper than you ever dreamed possible. You will fall in love with the one who holds the key to a love greater than our human mind has been able to fully comprehend. 

It’s Him, It’s always been Him.

The Father, His beautiful Son, and His very breath The Holy Spirit... He is the Only One ❤

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. 1 John4:16

“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment–how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23 AMPC

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved…Ephesians 2:4-5

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photography Jordon Benton

Inspiring Music

Encounter (feat. Dustin Smith) (Live)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:8-10)

Meaning of - Unequipped: not furnished with the necessary supplies, abilities, etc 

I searched and searched the pages of this ancient book we know as the Bible and could not find the word unequipped. 

I guess I am unequipped to understand why He loves us ?? Why He even takes the time. Why are we so important to Him?

When we humbly stand before our King, our Savior, Heavenly Father we feel so small ... so unequipped, so fragile...so small... But So .... So in awe !!’ 

What is it that He sees? Why does He feel the need to chase us, to love us, and to teach us His ways? It is part of His mystery. It’s part of His power and grace... and 

His insatiable need to LOVE. 

When we reflect on the ones that came before us... There is a common thread that we can see. 

They were not the biggest the most powerful .. or even the most popular among others... 

Many may have seen them as small like David? Crazy like Noah .. or struggle with words like Moses.

If we examine all the characters within the Bible we may see a little bit of ourselves in each of them. 

I am sure they felt inadequate and unequipped to accomplish what God asked of them. They had doubts.. but they trusted Him. 

There will be times in our lives that we feel unequipped. Much Like Mary... We may feel small in the vastness of our world. 

God placed a monumental task upon her heart. She may have been afraid of what others would think. But she trusted Him with all of her heart. 

How did they find that inner strength, that peace? 

How did they find the confidence that they forged ahead without validation from others? What set them apart? 

It's Him!!! It's trusting Him!! It's loving Him.

It’s His insatiable desire to love His children. It's His passionate dream to see them grow into everything He knows they can be. He knows our deepest thoughts, strengths, and our weaknesses. 

He knows how to touch us in the deepest part of our hearts and soul. He knows how to lead us through every life experience from the simplest to the most difficult.  He knows that each experience holds a life lesson that will become a part of who we are.

He has promised to never leave us to face those hurdles alone...

We must learn to wait and trust Him with our mind, our heart, and all of our soul.

He knows when to hold us close.. and when to open His arms and whisper fly my beloved I am here.  

He is the foundation beneath our feet and our safety net if we fall. 

It's Him, It always points me to Him...

God doesn’t, however, save us by His grace and power and then intend for us to go off in our own wisdom and strength, to figure it out on our own. Rather, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6)

 Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Ben Platt - 'Grow As We Go' Lyrics