“Don’t be afraid of being different, be afraid of being the same as everyone else!!”

The meaning of different is not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality.

Have you ever felt just a little odd, and that you did not fit in??  When I look back at my life, I am sure I had the normal insecurities of wanting to fit in... Many children struggle with peer pressure...  

But do we ever really shed those feelings, or do we just get better at hiding behind that smile we wear... We learn to "fit" in the circles of life that we travel ... We become comfortable with who we have become... And our outward behavior is what others see as "Normal". But is that person they see the real you? Or just an image that you have created for approval by others?

It makes me wonder, who dictates what is Normal??? 

I thought I had grown into my "Normal".  Until one day due to a Holy Spirit Encounter my world swiftly flipped upside down. I found myself in very unfamiliar territory...I had been given a gift of supernatural love. And it seemed like overnight things were changing at record speed.  

My family and friends witnessed these dramatic changes that were happning to me and within me...

I indeed had become different... I had a new burning desire to know more about my Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.  God placed me in places to grow in love and understanding... He opened my heart for the world to see...  I have openly shared my journey with anyone that would listen. That in it self is so different from who I was... I did not share. I was a very private soul... And now here we are on a world wide blog where I have shared my thoughts and heart with you, my reader and almost another 130K souls.

Many people have said I need to write a book... It's funny because I never used to write before this life-altering event...and now I have two books selling on Amazon! 

I do feel I have grown in so many different ways. I may not be "normal" according to earthly standards. But I am amazing and miraculously made. Just ask my Heavenly Father ... How did He make each of us so different yet the same??? I can only stand in awe in His Presence and mutter... 

It's Him! It’s always Him!!!

He WOWs me!!! His LOVE is so different. It's like nothing I have ever experienced in my life. But I do know it is not of this world... How could we not be touched by Him and not be different ?? He came to earth to so us how to live. How to love.  and how to be different...So when someone tells us we are different.. Remember we are in amazing company!!! 

And I.... am a work in progress.

Psalm 139:13-14 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful Psalm 139:14 NIV

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. Matthew 7:13 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Micah Tyler - Different (Official Lyric Video)

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

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,

The meaning of watch: To look at or observe attentively over a period of time.

The word "watch" is used 61 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

"Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42

In these tumultuous times of uncertainty, many of us yearn for our Lord's glorious return. Do we find ourselves gazing up at the skies with a heartfelt longing to behold His radiant face? Do we watch with eyes filled with tearful anticipation? Or are we crying out to our Savior from the depths of our souls… 

I must admit I've become a star-gazer, as my heart yearns to witness this eagerly awaited event! When will our majestic King make His triumphant entrance? Will heaven and earth tremble in awe of His mighty presence? I can only close my eyes and let my imagination paint a vivid picture in my mind, inspired by words written so long ago... 

He will return in His glorious, radiant physical form, not just in spirit or symbol. Unlike His humble first appearance, He will radiate in full glory, triumphantly in every aspect of a mighty warrior King. 

Oh, let me be enveloped in this jubilant moment! Let me behold Him with my spiritual eyes! Let me study His every move. Let my heart resound as His love descends into my soul like gentle rain. Let all of my thoughts be immersed in this glorious moment!

Until this radiant day dawns, I will vigilantly watch for His glorious return…. This heartfelt longing in my soul will never be satisfied until He returns…. He takes my spirit places that my human mind finds it difficult to comprehend.

It’s Him! It will always be Him…. 

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:9, 11 KJV

ART & Words Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube) 

She Looks to the Sky

Your presence lingers like a sweet fragrance that permeates my very existence. 

The meaning of 'intangible' is that it cannot be touched or grasped; it lacks physical presence.

The word "intangible" does not appear in the Bible. However, the Bible does speak about concepts that are not physical or material.

Do you find yourself irresistibly drawn towards a spiritual presence that resonates deeply within your soul? Do you feel a quickening sense of purpose? Are you motivated to uncover the deeper meaning behind the magnetic force that guides you toward His glory? Does its inherent mystery spark your imagination while beckoning you to travel to a spiritual realm of wondrous possibilities? 

Is there an innate, instinctual bond that draws us in, fostering a profound sense of emotional connection and enduring commitment? 

Is this newfound passion reserved for Him alone?  Will we become driven to learn more about Him and His heavenly connection? Can we uncover His many secrets?

Building a relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is such a life-changing phenomenon, and it is so difficult to explain. For centuries, many have been inspired and drawn into His circle of love... Many souls have been mysteriously transformed by a love greater than the human mind can even comprehend... Many can sense His uplifting presence within their soul.

How can we elevate our mundane, earthly existence to a more transcendent, spiritual state of being? How can we articulate the exquisite essence of His boundless love? 

It’s His love that will transport us from stillness to euphoria in mere seconds. It's an incredible, warm, engulfing feeling... Your heart will soar on eagle’s wings, and your soul will be carried to a realm of indescribable joy and deep serenity. It's a truly blissful state of unbound happiness that I find so difficult to contain. 

Many watch with curiosity? Some will remain close in hopes that this state of being will positively impact their life. Some will distance themselves because of fearing something they truly do not understand and perhaps label this behavior as crazy.

I invite you to discover this transformative love! Allow yourself to be swept away by His unfailing, forgiving power of love? Your life will never be the same… You will share in a richness that is not of this world… just invite Him in to your world  … and love Him with all your mind, all your soul, and all your might!  

It’s Him! It's Always Him! 

For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, Ecclesiastes 2:26

Painting & Words Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (YouTube)

Tefilat Avinu – The Prayer of Our Father in Hebrew / English-Hebrew Messianic Song

The meaning of Christ comes from the Greek word χριστός (chrīstós), meaning "anointed one".

The word Christ appears 555 times in the KJV of the Bible.

After studying 530 words... and dancing through the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation I have never tried to tackle the word, Christ... What a massive undertaking!!! I can only ask my Heavenly Father to guide my heart because I can not do this alone... 

His beautiful life is a living testimony and gift from God to every man, woman, and child... Did you know that the name Christ means ”the anointed one”? When I think of the name Christ I immediately think of Him as the infant. I am sure it is due to the famous song called “O Holy Night’...  I do believe when we think of Christ the infant many of us have no problem showing this Infant's LOVE and adoration... 

But as we look to Christ the man ... many are stuck... many find it awkward to love Him openly, in fear with what others may think... Why are we so hung up ?? Why are our hearts so earthly bound that we can not free our souls enough to love Him in the way He loves us?? 

As I traveled on this amazing journey my curious heart had so many questions, about the one that stole my spiritual heart ...  Who is He? How did He? And why did He reach down and fill my heart with a love that left me breathless and forever changed? 

He left me with a burning desire to know more about Him and the mystery that surrounds His life... Many speak of the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit as separate individual souls... I have grown to know their separate titles and roles... But the three have become one in my heart... When I speak to Him it’s to all of Him ... He is my Heavenly Father My protector, Christ the Son is my friend, my confidant, and the lover of my soul... And the Holy Spirit guides me as I walk through this gift we call life...  Together they offer us love not of this world... You can call Him many names... But in the end, it’s the one that resonates with your heart and your personal experience with Him... 

In my quest to know more, I asked a very wise-believing young man... As a woman, I understand this romance of the soul and how someone could fall in love with our Creator... However, many relate to Him in our mind as a male figure... Does that make loving Him awkward?  

And He said... Not at all 

LOVE is LOVE... such a profound statement...from such a wise soul. 

God is LOVE. And Christ was God in the flesh born to love and to be loved. He then sent the Holy Spirit, He came to dwell within each believer. To live through our lives... He came to guide and teach us. He came to tap into our emotions so we could feel His raw unencumbered love. So, His love could become an intricate part of who we could become... I say, open your heart and allow the three in one in... Each is patiently waiting to play that significant role in delivering this amazing Heavenly LOVE to your life... 

It truly boggles the mind... so while our mind is trying to make sense of it all... Our heart and soul will be been swept away into the arms of our first love... 

It's Him... It's all of Him... And yes He wows me!!! And if you have read this to this point... 

I pray that you feel Him stirring within the depths of your heart and soul... And that He WOWs you too!!! 

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 ESV 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Somewhere in Time: John Barry

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