Linger is in the Bible in 10 instances. But the act of lingering can be seen in other scriptures. 

What causes us to linger? I think it’s our emotions. I read an article that sadness seems to be the emotion that lasts the longest. I do understand this as a concept because we have a tendency to dwell on what caused the sadness or pain… 

I also think there are levels of lingering… We have a tendency to linger at the dinner table to share stimulating conversation. We tend to sip a good cup of tea to linger and savor the flavor to the last drop…

So, where does the Bible outline the act of lingering? There are times written about in scripture when people lingered to see and hear God and or Jesus.

But the scripture does not address the emotion… Why linger? What do you feel?  There is a soulful feeling of communion. There is peace. There is a love like no other.  There is a feeling of human completeness that is hard to describe. 

How do you find this communion? Each of us is traveling on different roads at different rates of speed. Each one of us has to find what works for the individual. There is no set way, He individualizes our experience with Him. That is why we are all unique and loved by Him equally. 

I am not an expert and I always tell my readers I am a work in progress. But I am willing to share my heart.  These are tools that work for me.  Prayer, Meditation, Music, and Quieting the Mind (which can be a challenge) LOL. 

I do consider the things I outlined above the vehicle…But not the key. The key is opening your heart and inviting Him in…Be steadfast… Do not waiver until you feel His presence. Keep calling Him… And when you feel Him in your soul, tears may flow. And there is where you will know the true meaning of lingering. You will have stimulating conversations and want to savor the moment until the last drop.  It truly is a heavenly experience.

I have lingered on this project long enough… I am getting in my vehicle and going for a test drive .. zoom zoom.

It’s Him, It's always Him.

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. “Luke 10:38 NKJV

“And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. So, the Lord spoke to Moses' face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. “Exodus 33:9-11 NKJV

Sheppard - Lingering :) 

Friends are angels who lift our feet when our own wings 

have trouble remembering how to fly.” 

– Author Unknown 

There are 100 Bible verses about friends. 

A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations. Someone to a list of contacts associated with a social networking website.

Do we throw this word around like confetti? Do we take these relationships for granted? We all know that there are degrees of friends… There are friends that become social media friends. Those only see your public persona. There are some that see your persona, but you let them in a few layers deeper and they get to know you just a little bit better.

And then there are the ones that see past your fears, buy into your dreams so you let them into your soul… They become those beautiful colors of your life. There is a caring and mutual love that happens, and they become a part of your chosen family.  They stay in for the count. They stay through every victory and every life trial.  These friends are a gift from God and should be cherished. This gift does not even need to be one that is felt daily or time-stamped. It’s an amazing thing that happens… No matter the time or location when these souls connect. Its like time stood still and magically life picks up right where you left it the last time you looked into their eyes.

Did you know that it has been proven that friendship can extend life expectancy, lower chances of heart disease, and even help us better tolerate pain? 

Through the years I have been blessed to have friends at all the levels above. And some have come, and some are now gone but all have helped me grow. I am still a work in progress. And for those who have touched my life, I say thank you for being you. You know who you are !!

However,  if this is a Bible word study, we need to ask how does the word friendship work in the Bible? I have found so many things in the Bible that when we listen and open our hearts, we can learn so much. Did you know you had an amazing friend from birth? Some of us are blessed to find Him early in our life. Some may never find Him. And the thought of that crushes my soul and makes me sad. 

I am not proud, but I am happy to report that I am one of those better late than never people. But I am so beyond grateful that I found Him and He let me pick up from where I left off. He has held me when there was fear and/or doubt. He bought into my dreams. He has invited me to be one of His chosen family members. The amazing thing I have found, as He gently guides me, and we share in this beautiful Friendship. He has taught me so much, He has taught me how to truly love and how to 

see the blessing of each friendship and each new sunrise.

Did you ever think you could be friends with a KING? Imagine if He was on social media … I wonder how many of us would ask to be His friend, but then only show Him their public persona. Or would you let Him into your soul? 

The Bible outlines how important relationships are in general. They have given us the tools of how we should treat and relate and love others. So, do we get it right? Or do we get too distracted, busy, or callous… Or do we hide behind our social persona… and keep ourselves hidden? 

I say find that friend that has been there since birth, and pick up where you left off and build those beautiful colors of life. He has an invitation with your name on it to be one of His chosen.  His gift is waiting for you. You just need to claim it. 

Friend…

It's Him. It's always Him. 

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 

Galatians 6:2. "

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31

He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. Proverbs 22:11

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you John 15:13-15

“Love is the beauty of the soul.” 

Saint Augustine

I found the word "soul" is used a total is 754 times in the Old Testament and 102 times in the New Testament for a total of 856 times.  

The soul is such a vast untapped unknown multifaceted entity.  It’s a subject that could be studied in-depth and we would never truly understand it fully. I can only share my thoughts, The soul is the essence of who we truly are... It’s our life source that burns our God-given flame through eternity.  

We all can be a little spiritual in nature. However, I feel our mind and body are just the vessels we inhabit and utilize in this life. It’s our soul that holds a magnetic pull on our hearts to commune with our creator. We all travel at different rates of speeds towards the inevitable. No one is perfect, We all fall so short as we journey in our world..... 

But I have found that we must make every effort to define who we are in our soul daily. Our life, Our legacy ... Our soul depends on us being the very best we can be. Our future for eternity depends on it ... Many may not realize God has a soul...  (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  

Soul to Soul is the best relationship one could pray for ... Just imagine!  Search your heart .. and free your soul ..  Let God be your guide... 

A happy SOUL can not be contained..because it knows without a doubt what the future holds... ❤❤✝ 

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”

Genesis 2:7 KJV 

“And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

John 10:28 KJV

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 KJV

The first is psuche, usually translated "soul," which simply means physical life. 

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses From AMP   / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Casting Crowns Oh My Soul (Lyrics)

Receive - There are 324 verses using Receive in 50 books

Receive is defined as to take, accept, experience, or welcome. An example of receiving is getting a letter in the mail. Another example of receive is someone being given a gift.

When we look at the word receive. We are taught we must open our hands and/or our hearts in order for the transfer to take place. The key to receiving is in the one that is receiving the gift… They can turn away and not accept this gift you are offering… 

It seems to be in our nature to run to the sale or free offers to receive that “amazing” gift. Well, I know of a FREE gift. It is the most amazing gift you will ever have the privilege of receiving… It comes wrapped in the most delicate wrapping.. And when you open this box…Your heart will leap with unexplainable joy. It will give you peace that you will feel in the depths of your soul. It will forgive your life scars. It will tenderly love you with a love beyond your understanding.  You will feel you have been touched by heaven.  There is no expiration. And will last a lifetime… and beyond. 

The only price is to open your heart and receive His gift of love. 

So, I do not understand why the masses are not lining up ???? They seem to line up for everything else?  Others are taking advantage of the wonderous offer. It's free !! what are you waiting for ?? Open your heart! 

And learn to fly with the best pilot ever known to mankind. He is ready and waiting to whisks you away on the greatest travel adventure you will ever have the opportunity to embark upon. Destination #LIFE.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
John 1:12 KJV

He WOW’s me.. And He is waiting to WOW you too.

It's Him It's always Him. 

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses From AMP   / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Steven Curtis Chapman - The Great Adventure

Life moments that speak to your soul.. Will always become precious memories.

The word embrace is in the Bible 21 times.

Meaning of Embrace hold (someone) closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection. Accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically. “besides traditional methods, artists are embracing new technology"

Embrace is such a feel word.  It’s a human gift to embrace others. To hold them close. There are different degrees of embracing. A quick hello, to a deep lingering, I love you, or I have missed so happy to see you again.. 

I know many of my readers may be tired of hearing about my journey.  But I am finding it has a life of its own… And everything I touch, see or hear.. places me at the Father's feet. He draws me in and holds me close.

This gift of LOVE arrived in full force. I truly did not hug too much before this moment in time. My hugs were saved for a few chosen people.. Close family and friends. But when I felt a LOVE greater than anything I had ever experienced. He embraced me with a LOVE that left me wanting to share this amazing love with anyone willing to listen… I felt the need to hug even strangers… WHAT! Where did that come from ?? Hmm, so not me. But I can say the more I stepped out and followed His lead… The more I enjoyed hugging. The more I lingered. The more LOVE I felt.

The more I allowed this LOVE to penetrate my heart…The more amazing life became.

I am just a ripple in a small pond of His LOVE…

And then I found a virus that put my gift on hold. Then I was limited to hugging close family and friends.. and even those were affected. Social distancing sounds like an oxymoron. (side note does moron jump out at you too ) Elbow bumps? What is that ?? NO Human touch? How do you teach me to hug and let this gift dissipate like a vapor? 

But then I found myself in His embrace… How does He do this .. How does He embrace us without human touch ??  How is His love so moving? Where do the emotions we feel for Him even come from? 

So I went deep into my heart for answers… He LOVES with all He is… He holds our hearts so tenderly. He will linger as much as we allow Him.

So even if we are limited in our embracing others and we do not feel that human touch. He teaches us that we can reach out and touch life.. and how to embrace hearts.  He has given us that kind of power. 

He only asks that we share His embrace and LOVE with others. Our world needs to be embraced by His LOVE.

If you have read this to the end... closes your eyes... take a deep breath ... and feel His embrace. He will linger as much as you will allow.. 

Feel Him! It's the most amazing hug you will ever experience. 

He taught me and told me, "Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say; keep my commandments and live! Prov 4:4

His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. Song of Solomon 8:3.

Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses From AMP   / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Peter Katz - Halo (Beyonce Cover)