Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

Meaning of determined:  having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it:

Determined is in approximately 22 verses in the Bible. 

As I tried to understand the meaning of the word determined the more determined I became to pursue the answer to what is it that makes someone determined to achieve any goal in life? Is it a personality trait? Is it something that is taught to us by our parents? Or do our life trials affect our drive, strength, and determination? I do believe all of them can affect how we respond to a goal set before us.  We all have many goals that we try to achieve as we travel through this life. 

So, how does the word determined to affect our spiritual walk? Are we determined to know our Heavenly Father? Are we determined to grow in His word? Are we determined to build a relationship with Jesus? Are we determined to understand the role of the Holy Spirit?

I can only draw from my own experience.  Many of you that have followed me know I had a significant Holy Spirit experience. I say His love rocked my world. On that day He turned me upside down, inside out, and gently placed me on my feet, and said go… And I did, with each passing day I became more determined to know more about my Heavenly Father, His beautiful Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. My desire and determination grew as I discovered the many wonders of His Love, His gentleness, and His grace. 

However, as I peeled back this word that has so much power, so much drive, so much focus. I began to realize a beautiful revelation, and I don’t understand why I did not see this before? He is such a master of intrigue, such a master of gently guiding us. It was Him all along. From the moment He was born His mission was determined by His Father, there was no space for error. He was hyper-focused and met the goal set before Him… It did not matter how hard it was. It did not matter how much pain and agony He had to suffer... He never let His determination waver. 

He was determined to set my spirit free. He was determined to lead me gently home one day at a time.   He was determined to love me beyond this life. He had claims on my life since the beginning of time.  Who is this power? Who has this kind of stamina that they never give up? Who is so determined to LOVE me that He will move Heaven and Earth to prove His love?

It's Him, Oh My God… It's always Him. 

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”

Psalms 27:4 KJV

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 KJV

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube 

Mack Brock - I Am Loved (Official Lyric Video)

What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” - Hans urs von Balthasar.   

The meaning of Christian: A believer in Christ.  

To our surprise, the word Christian is only used three times in the New Testament.   

Have you ever been asked if you are a Christian? Have you ever said I am a Christian? Have you ever truly understood why you would use the word Christian?  

 If this word held such status, why wouldn't they have used it more than three times in the Bible? How did this word come into existence? My curious mind brought me here:

The word is derived from the word Christ. That is what most of us see without investigating why we use this label to describe ourselves and this class of people. As a follower of Christ, there is an underlying current of not being accepted in many circles. Perhaps this is how this word became a label. 

Many will believe you are strange. Many will shun you; many will run. And we will find that using this word allows us to belong to a group of “like-minded” people. It will enable us to feel we are not alone in this mysterious walk of following Christ.   

But indeed, it is a unique and personal state of existence for each man, woman, and child. Because we genuinely must walk and build our relationship with Christ alone. It is a walk of commitment and falling in love with Him daily. 

 However, that said, we find comfort in being a part of a Christian network of believers.  It allows us to learn from those who have traveled this road before us.  But I ask, has the word lost its luster over time. Has it become a loose label to describe many people who genuinely do not even know why they use this word? Are we going through the motions? Are we there for the right reasons? 

 Many have built a relationship with Christ and have the confidence to be unashamed to stand alone. They have no issues with saying I am a believer of Christ. I am a follower of His teachings. I understand His doctrine. I love Him and will share His Love with anyone who will listen!  

I am a spiritual work in progress, and every day, I work on strengthening my relationship with my Creator. And if you need a label to describe me, I will not take it personally. You can call me a Christian, you can call me a believer, you can call me a follower, you can call me spiritual, you can call me fanatic, you can call me crazy. I am confident in my relationship with HIM, and unless you have felt Him stirring in your soul, you will never understand.   

 Giving me a label only shows your insecurities. He is where my strength lies. He is where my forgiveness starts. He is where my LOVE for you begins, and it is because of... 

It’s Him. It’s always Him.   

 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalm 28:7   

 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Colossians 3:13  

 "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. " Psalm 16:11

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Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube 

In Christ Alone - Natashia Midori (with lyrics)

As we approach this special CHRISTmas season I would like to ask you.
Do we take words for granted?  Do we say them and sing them without truly feeling them.  Do we read the Bible and skip through the words without much thought?  

This past year has been an amazing time with words.  A friend and I have just about completed a 365 Day Bible Word study. And it has proven to be the most amazing eye and heart-opening experience. 

Today I invite you to walk with me while I share our adventure with the word Adore.  


Click on the link below for more details on the Triune LOVEs Me word study. 
I pray that you will try it and I hope you will find it to be a wonderful tool to open your heart to love beyond our understanding. 

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Passion - O Come All Ye Faithful (His Name Shall Be) ft. Melodie Malone

The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude.”― Oswald Chambers

- Zac Poonen

Meaning of Spiritual: Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. I'm responsible for his spiritual welfare". Relating to religion or religious belief.

There are approximately 33 verses about spiritual life in the Bible. There are also approximately 75 verses about spirituality. Some search and find many different ways to achieve this state of mind. 

There are earthly, men and women that claim that they can teach us the steps of “ONENESS”. Some add meditation. Some add yoga as a form of exercise. Some teach breathing techniques. I am not here to disprove their teachings. 

I can only share my thoughts and my heart. I personally have always thought of myself in the spiritual sense. Without doing any of the above rituals. I am not sure why? I had no religious background. I just have always felt our spiritual essence is who we truly are. We are just wrapped up in this human body. 

Now we could take this word deeper and ask what is the difference between the spirit and the soul?  It is my understanding our soul is our mind, will, and emotions. This is the part where we think and feel. 

It is in our spirit that the Holy Spirit comes to reside when we become born again and we accept Jesus within our hearts. When that happens, our spirit becomes “ALIVE” because it has finally connected to its first LOVE.

Now I am speaking to you from my personal experience. My soul must have been dormant as I hid my true feelings for so many years. I did feel deeply but kept my thoughts hidden within, and made all my decisions with my mind. And my soul had no choice but to follow… And my spirit laid very still and was buried deep within my heart. So deep I did not feel its presence. 

But then one day on a lonely road in Triune, Tennessee my Heavenly King arrived to set my spirit free. I did not know Him. But I felt His LOVE. It’s a love like no other. It defies all imagination. When you are touched by Him. Your spirit responds and becomes alive. Your heart opens and life takes on new meaning. Everything you see, touch, feel, smell, and hear heightens and becomes rich and vibrant. As if you are seeing the beauty of life for the first time. 

As your spirits grow to know this Majestic King you will want to follow Him with every essence of who you are. You will find that your heart, spirit, and soul will be in one accord and want to follow Him to the ends of the earth for eternity. 

His passion to love us further than we deserve creates a love story for each of His children. It's a powerful love that has transcended all time and space. As you become comfortable with this new-found life. You will begin to lead with your spirit and soul and then your mind and body will have no choice but to follow. 

I have been asked are you a Christian? I find this to be a label that I do not use. But If you are asking if I follow my Heavenly King, the answer is yes… My spirit fell in love with Him the day He set me free. 

It's Him, It's always Him.

The answer to the above question lies in my heart. When asked if I am Christian, I say I am Spiritual, and He is now a part of me.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ read more.

The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Grace Williams Your Anointing

To know Him is to love Him.. Awake my soul... ALIVE.... 🥰

Meaning of awake: stop sleeping; wake from sleep:

There are approximately 100 verses pointing to the word awake in the Bible.

What is this clock we carry within? Our circadian rhythm is a beautiful God-given gift given to each at birth...It runs on a 24-hour cycle and is commonly known as our sleep cycle... 

How do we miss every little detail that is such a miracle?  When we truly take the time to study God's wonders we can see such a beautifully amazing mind... 

I can only speak to my life’s experiences... How do we miss these intricate details or are we just asleep in the literary sense???? 

What does it mean to be awake? I think this question could be answered in a few different ways. The alarm goes off and we stumble around in a semiconscious state of mind... Are we so robotic in our routine?  That one day bleeds on to another? Early in my journey, I said I felt like my life was stagnant. How many of you can relate? 

But then one day on a lonely road in Tennessee everything changed... I had a spiritual encounter that thrust my circadian rhythm into overdrive...  I felt more alive and awake than I have ever felt in my life... My energy level soared, my eyes witnessed the beauty in every leaf, every flower, every sunset. My ears heard music that spoke to my soul of a love greater than I have ever known. 

And this encounter, left me searching for answers. It left me with a desire to share this love with anyone who would listen... So what happened that day? It was a gift... My Heavenly Father said it was time!!! Time to wake up my beloved and embark on a beautiful journey. There will be nothing on this earth that will compare.   It comes from a soulful place within our hearts, and He is the key that will unlock the beauty that awaits.

There are so many souls waiting to be awakened by our Heavenly Father but how when where? How do wake up our soul?? I do not claim to have the answers.  Each person is uniquely called in His perfect timing... We can only be ready to take His hand and embark on the most amazing and important journey of our lives...

It's Him, it's always Him 

Awake... Life will never be the same!

“Everything that becomes clear to see is in the light. That is why it says: ‘Wake up, you people who are asleep! Rise up from among the dead people! Then Christ will shine his light on you.’” Ephesians 5:14 EASY

“‘Write this to the angel of the church at Sardis: “This is the important message to you from the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know everything that you do. I know that people praise you. They think that you are alive. But that is not true, because really you are dead in your spirits. Wake up! Your lives as believers are nearly dead! You must become strong again. You have not done everything right that my Father God wanted you to do. That is what I have discovered about you.” Revelation 3:1-2 EASY

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour (Lyrics)

Meaning of believer: In theology, one who gives credit to the truth of the scriptures, as a revelation from God. In a more restricted sense, a professor of Christianity; one who receives the gospel, as unfolding the true way of salvation, and Christ, as his Savior.

The word believe occurs numerous times throughout our English Bible translations. In the Gospel of John, it appears more than 90 times. In Acts, it occurs about 40 times.

Believer? I have heard this word thrown around as far back as I can remember... But truly what does that mean? I do believe there are levels and degrees in what and whom we believe in.  

I may be way off base but it seems in the circles I travel in. When we talk about believers most will talk about believing in Jesus. I do think that is an amazing place to start. I for one had no religious background before I had my encounter with the Holy Spirit. 

I knew of Jesus, growing up I watched the normal movies about His birth and His death.

I believed this to be a true story. I would say that would have made me a superficial believer... but being a true believer in Christ goes so much deeper... It's all or nothing! The alpha and omega. From the beginning to the end... 

It's building an ongoing relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit... It's learning about them intimately. It's inviting them into every aspect of your life... Not just for emergency sessions. Or a quick consultation. 

So how do we embark on building this believing relationship many talk about? I can only speak from my experience.  It's spending time!  It's hearing His voice, it's seeing Him in our mind's eye. It's feeling Him with our soul, and loving Him in the deepest chambers of our heart.  

We must use His word to build a foundation and a complete understand of who He is.  His heart, His LOVE, His power, and beauty. And we must learn the dynamics of the Trinity the 3N1 and their roles and how they interact with our lives. 

So I ask where do you stand as a believer are you a superficial believer or does your commitment to Him go deeper?  If you answered deeper? The question becomes how deep?  How wide? And how willing are you to give Him your Heart?

That is a personal answer between you and... 

Him, It's always Him. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

That is why we labor and strive because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrew 11:1 

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

I Believe by Elvis Presley 

Meaning of symbols: Bible Symbols are used as keys to unlock the deeper meaning and doctrinal teachings of the Bible. Bible symbols are keys to Doctrine that are also spoken of plainly in other places in the Bible. Symbols are not keys to a new doctrine, but keys to shine new light on old doctrine.

There seem to be 74 Bible verses about Symbols. 

This year of studying the Bible one word a day has been the most intriguing mystery I have ever discovered.  

I started this part of my journey I say by accident. Lol, That truly makes me laugh because I now know my heavenly Father had a plan... I am His silly child and should have known!!! 

As I embarked on this quest of discovery with a friend. I will admit I was unprepared, I knew little to nothing about this boring dusty book we call the Bible... 

But as I was gently guided by a force bigger than I have ever known.. My heart began to open, my soul began to breathe and the words became alive... And with each word we began building a beautiful LOVE story.  

It opened my mind to recognize that this Book, which most of us take for granted is indeed an amazing masterpiece and a beautiful work of art.. Each page, each verse, each scripture, each chapter is filled with His beauty, His power, His love.. Each piece is intricately woven with a crimson thread leading us gently home.. 

To unlock its mystery we must fully understand the symbolic messages... Each symbol is the work of a mastermind of the greatest level.  Each symbol is a key that unlocks yet another clue... As these clues began to speak to an open heart. We began to tap into our spiritual self and light begins to shine in the darkness we once felt... All symbols, all words, all scriptures are leading us to His greater love. 

I ask how? How did He do this? There is no Book, no story, no love that can even compare!! 

I can only stand in awe of Him! 

There are no words that can truly describe Him!! 

He fills my heart with a love that I still do not fully understand.. He is the ultimate symbol of LOVE. ♥ and the key to unlocking the mystery of LIfe...

It's Him, It's always Him.

My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, Psalm 63:5-6 

“I love those who love me, And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words" (Exodus 24:8).

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Kari Jobe - Speak To Me (Lyric Video)

You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul. George Bernard Shaw - 

Meaning of glass: In all cultures, glass, especially the mirror, has a special symbolism, far exceeding the simple function of reflection. It is a portal to another world and is used in art as an element with a strong mystical significance.

The word glass appears approximately 5 times in the Bible. 

A glass by any other name is still glass or is it? Such a beautiful and yet functional work of art. My journey on the glass trail found “Glass was first made in the ancient world, but little is known about man’s first efforts to make glass. Amulets and solid beads were made in Mesopotamia as far back as 2500BC. Later, glass making was further developed in Egypt around 1500BC.” 

It always surprises me when I think of the art and creations man developed with such rudimentary tools. 

The most expensive piece of glass in the world is Darby, Banjo, Scott Deppe, + Clinton Roman’s The Throne – worth $1,000,000. This glass piece falls under drug Paraphernalia and due to the Controlled Substances Act, it’s illegal in most if not all states in the United States. In most states, the possession of paraphernalia is illegal as well.  Even in states where cannabis has been legalized, paraphernalia remains punishable. It’s not a piece I would purchase even at a garage sale. It’s dark and does not resonate with my soul or my journey with God's light.

On my fact-finding mission, I found  Glassblowing an interesting stop as well. I do remember standing for hours at a local theme park and being mesmerized by a glassblowers artistry.  The ability to start with basic sand heating it to the perfect temperature then inflating molten glass into a bubble (or parison) with the aid of a blowpipe. Twist, inflate, heat, pull.. to create a beautiful harden art of glass when cooled. 

I found that I also questioned the difference between glass and crystals. I landed on the most popular and beautiful crystal manufacturing company by the name of Swarovski. Swarovski crystals do not occur naturally. They are man-made gems manufactured in Austria and consist of 32 percent lead, which is a requirement when making the crystals. The use of lead allows for a material that can withstand cutting and engraving.  The lead is the magic element that is added to the glass. It appears that it’s what gives it its brilliance and the hardness to cut it with such precision. 

Now that I have a little better understanding of glass where is He leading me? Where and how does glass make its mark in the Bible? 

There is little written about this precious man-made art. But is it truly manmade? Or is man-altered ...It is created by using a hydrogen/oxygen flame and also an arc welder to turn sand into glass.  Again even this art points back to God's original Art sand. So as we look at scripture it is documented in Revelations “And before the throne, there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne”

I find it interesting how man claims to invent things in our world.. when indeed we are just discovering His art, His power, His genius... it’s in everything we see, touch, smell, taste, and hear everything points to Him. He is our miracle-maker, our inventor.. our love. To discover Him in the smallest grain of sand is a significant find of the soul... and like the beautiful crystal, His name is brilliantly engraved in our hearts.

It's Him, It's always Him! 

Priceless!!

James 1:23 | 

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”

Revelation 4:6 KJV

“Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?”

Job 37:18 KJV

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photo by Maël BALLAND from Pexels

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Love Language - Song of Courage

“Within you lies the opportunity to grow in spirit. Keep your feet on the earth, but lift your face towards the heavens. Surrender to the light with a tranquil mind, and a heart full of the love of God.” – White Eagle - 

Meaning of enlightened to give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation. Give (someone) spiritual knowledge or insight.

There are approximately 31 verses that reference enlightened in the Bible.

To be enlightened, what does this truly mean? When we look into the spiritual realm, things are clear for many but is the clarity pointed in the correct direction?? Or do many have their spiritual heads in the clouds? Many of us are searching for our true purpose? Are our souls are searching for answers or for that missing piece of our heavenly heritage?? Or does our soul awaken on the exact timeline God set with intention? Were we ready earlier? Did we miss His whisper? 

Why are there so many different enlightened trails to travel? I see so many different philosophies regarding the words that are entangled with the word enlightened. Some speak of God. Some speak of spiritual guides. Some are unclear why, but they find their soul is ready to embark on a new journey.  

I see many have found a way to cultivate their gift of enlightenment into a productive income stream. That gives me pause.  And then I look to Jesus and ask you, do you think He came to earth to cultivate an income stream? Or was His purpose so dynamic it is beyond our realm of fully understanding? I do know His life has gone beyond the grave and has stood the test of time… And that my friend is Priceless !!

 I do not have all the answers, but I do have my own personal experience of what some have labeled as enlightenment. If we were to put these different enlightenment strategies in a flow chart many could say they follow similar patterns, lines, and practices.  There is worship, meditation, stillness, darkness, heart, soul, and mind. Many speak of love. I believe this is why we have this scripture to ground us. 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

If we are enlightened, we must put our beliefs through that narrow gate and ask ourselves, who are we worshiping. Did they create the very essence of who we are? Did they give us life? 

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

Yet for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1Corinthians 8:6

Do you meditate? Here is another verse to ground us. 

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV

Stillness He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Psalm 46:10

Darkness “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Heart, Soul, and Mind; Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

Love; 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.

Put these scriptures on your flow chart of life… And see how your enlightened trail faired… Are you on the narrow trail? If you answered yes… The last test or question would be, does the gate to your enlightened destination offer you eternal life? 

So again, Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:7-10

If you follow me on my blog or podcast, you must know by now my flow chart will always point me to Him!! 

It’s Him. It’s always HIM.  He is the lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

ENLIGHTENED by HIM ……I pray that the narrow path includes you. 

He was the true Light, which doth enlighten every man, coming to the world; John 1:9

May the LORD's face enlighten you and bestow favor on you. Num 2:26

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Model - RobynZ

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube

Amy Grant - Thy Word (Lyric Video)