“God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime.” Anonymous

The meaning of mine: My; belonging to me. It was formerly used before nouns beginning with vowels. "I kept myself from mine iniquity."

Mine is in the Bible 825 times. 

Ownership what is this claim ? Mine? Yours? Ours ? Many in our world claim the one with the most toys wins ? 

Do we see and use these words with our Creator in Heaven?  When I look at life there are truly no earthy possessions that we can truly claim as our own. We only have them for a temporary time.  They all will fade like dust in the wind when the time comes to leave this world.. 

However we can emphatically state to our Creator that all things are yours. He does have full ownership of everything in Heaven and on earth. 

I do believe ours can be a beautiful way to view our possessions and even ourselves.  If we look to everything in our lives as ours, (mine and yours). As all things are Gods and we share ownership with Him for a just a moment in time. Perhaps we would truly value, truly cherish and treat all things with a greater respect and love. Just maybe our world could return to the paradise He once envisioned.  

They say we must have a relationship with our Creator. With His power He could treat us in a demanding forceful way..  and make claims You are MINE !!  But with His unselfish LOVE the word mine goes to a new beautiful level.. A level of mutual respect, mutual love, and mutual admiration.  

He gently whispers to our soul you are mine... I am yours ... as He shares openly His heart, His Grace, His beloved Son with us. Thus allowing a beautiful relationship to be born. And as we cultivate this relationship, a love like no other grows into to that amazing word “ours”.. 

It’s during this transition, we return our temporary heart to its rightful owner and the one who created its life...and a beautiful love story is written ...  

He claims us as His own... and We are His ! This life that we think is ours is truly His.. We must truly value it, truly cherish it and treat all of His gifts with a greater love, respect and admiration.  

His unselfish love is beyond words. 

It’s Him. it’s always Him. 

So beyond words and blessed to say He is truly mine...

My beloved is mine, and I am his: He feedeth his flock among the lilies. Song of Solomon 2:16 ASV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Enya - May It Be (Official Lyric Video)

Silence is the pause in me when I am near to God....... 

Meaning of near come near to (someone or something); approach:

The word near is in the Bible approximately 1082 times.

Back off... I say back off you are getting too close... Alert, Alert... I need my space... I am just putting up boundaries... Really...??? 

We have become a society of boundaries. I would love to see a society of LOVE so large there would be no need to use the word boundaries. 

No 6 foot rule... Ugh

I want to be near... I want to hug... I want to feel a love that can not be contained. I want a life without judgement. I want a kindness and gentleness that soothes my soul...  I want the freedom to be me..  No boundaries to worship our King. With no explanation required.. Because in His eyes we are all equal... He loves each of us deeply!! 

I want a world that loves Him.. As much as He loves us... 

He craves our love.. He wants to be near to each of us ... 

He wants to give us His universe.. 

How can we set boundaries on LOVE? We should want to be near Him.. He is our lifeline.. He is like a breath of fresh air. 

I moved past near awhile back... He is...... My WOW!!! 

It's Him, It's always Him.. 

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

“I will show my love to those who passionately love me. For they will search and search continually until they find me.”

Proverbs 8:17 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Be Near - Shane Bernard

 It's Him. It's always HIM !..

Meaning of future the time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come:

There are 23 verses about  the future in the Bible.

The word future holds many emotions. When I googled this word other words related to this word jumped out at me... fear, hope, unknown, tomorrow, faith, God.. 

These words seem to capture my thoughts. Yesterday’s events here in the US brought fear to many hearts... Watching violence against our Government is never an easy thing to witness.. Faith may be solid for some. But for some their faith may be challenged.. Some may have their faith misdirected.. 

The question becomes where, and in what or in who do we put our trust? Our faith? Who holds the key to our hope ?  Our love? Our peace ? How do we return our inner soul to a peaceful loving state for tomorrow? 

I have used the words that jumped out at me to describe my thoughts, questions and feelings about the word future.. 

But I left the best one for last. It such a small word... But it has the greatest impact on our lives, our future, and all of our tomorrows.  

It’s God.. He is the only answer.. He is where our faith should be directed.. He is where our hope for a brighter tomorrow can be found.  He is where love can always be felt.

He gave us His beautiful creations.. He gave us love.. He gave us His world... He gave us His beautiful Son and what have we done ? It is sad to see! What do you think He is thinking ? Feeling? Do you think He is disappointed ? Do you think it breaks His heart? 

I do! 💔

In these uncertain times we must pray, but is that enough? 

I say no.. We must begin to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.. We must love, we must show kindness, we must respect others and their views without judgment. We must find that inner peace that can only be found in God.. And we must share it with others!!!! Let’s stop the hate, the violence. Let’s come together and let’s build a better world.. Let’s show God we love and appreciate Him and His gifts. 

If not for all mankind. Let’s do it for the one who has put His faith in us, we are the ones He trusted, the ones He loves!!! 

It’s us! It has always been us!!! 

He sacrificed everything because He loves us... 

The key 🔑 for a beautiful tomorrow is Him ! 

Why can’t the masses see it ?? 

It’s Him, Its always Him! 

Our Future is in His hands. 

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust. Psalms 91:2 

“Always trust the LORD completely. Do not think that your own wisdom is enough. Remember the LORD in everything that you do. If you do, he will show you the right way to go.”Proverbs 3:5-6 EASY

“The plans that the Lord makes will always happen. His ideas will always be with us.”Psalms 33:11 EASY

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

In God We Trust - Hillsong Worship (2015 New Worship Song with Lyrics)

 “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” —Leonardo da Vinci

Meaning of simple easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty: 

Simple is in the Bible approximately 46 times. 

Sometimes the simplest things in this life can be overlooked, taken for granted, and not truly appreciated. Until it’s too late and it’s gone!! How did our world get so lost, are we that busy with life?? Our world seems to be spinning faster than we can even imagine. Have you wanted to say Stop!!!! Stop the world I want to get off!! 

It seems more and more I want to close my eyes and drift into a simpler time. Where love, respect, and forgiveness are not forgotten art. Where darkness and hate do not exist. 

I have learned about a journey that one day will bring us back, back to a simpler time. Back to where the air is sweet. Where love is the reason we exist.. Where laughter fills the air. Where illness is eradicated.  Where love has no boundaries. And darkness and hate can not be found. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it... 

My journey with my Heavenly Father has given me a glimpse of this amazing place. I try to reserve my spot every day... I am a work in progress.  And He knows my simple heart.  Because every day He has been exposing my heart layer by layer.  

This process can be painful and can make you look deeper and deeper into your soul ... But it is well worth any pain you might endure. Because it has shown me a love greater than I have ever known. It’s so beautiful, so simplistic, so deep. 

I find that I want to feel this simple LOVE. I crave it! I chase it. 

Some have asked me how can they feel this LOVE? Some get baptized by me just by standing close. Because I can't help but share Him and His amazing LOVE... How is it we do not see how simple LOVING Him can be? 

It's him. It's always him.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.Psalm 119:130

The law the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Francesca Battistelli - Behold Him (Official Lyric Video)

Meaning of dwell to live or continue in a given condition or state: to dwell in happiness. to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing. 

The word dwell is in the Bible approximately 510 times in Bible. 

I have heard the statement that God dwells in me?   But when we hear these words what does that truly mean? How? Just how does this happen? What about Jesus? What about the Holy Spirit? Won’t it be crowded in there ?? 

When we are searching for that missing piece in our lives I find we ask those types of questions.

But when you find Him. The word dwell takes on a new meaning. 

I have found Him to be such a gentleman. And over time He has taught me that they are all one.  So, when we open our hearts to Him ... Our souls become alive... It's at that very moment we began a journey of discovering the intricately woven details of our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit...  It’s not something that is forced... It becomes such a spiritual love story between you and your Creator ... This relationship holds such magic, such intimacy.   That we crave to dwell in the moments with Him.  We began to linger on His every word.  His Spirit breathes a new life into our souls with a love like nothing you have ever known... 

It's at that very moment you realize that you can not live without Him in your life... So you commit your heart to Him and invite Him to dwell within you forever till the end of time ... Because life without Him would never be the same... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him 

He completes us... 

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18 NASB

Photography and Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

BUILD MY LIFE // Housefires (cover)

If you’ve got pain, He’s a Pain Taker, If you feel lost, He’s a Way Maker.If you need freedom or saving, He’s a Prison-Shaking Savior. If you’ve got chains, He’s a Chain Breaker. Zach Williams..

Written by: Joann Turnbull 

When this word captured me. I could not move. I thought I was forever bound…Is there a price on life?  Do we get bogged down? Are our burdens weighing us down… Does our heart get chained? Do we forget how to live, how to love, and even how to breathe? 

As I felt this heaviness in my soul my mind went here. 

Life can be bound by bitterness, fear, unforgiveness, hurt, or fear of what others might think.  If we are held down by these chains we will not move either. We will just stay in that spot.  

There is a region of the Atlantic Ocean near the equator that has no wind, current or movement, and sudden storms.  It is called Doldrums.  Sailors feared this spot.  They could be there for days or months.  If they were trapped in the Doldrums their ship could not get out.  Their sails needed the wind.  

We can stay chained in the doldrums spiritually for many reasons.  We can stay trapped.  Our life will become dull, inactive, sad, and without enthusiasm.

How does the ship get out of the Doldrums?  Eventually, the wind will begin to blow.  But sometimes not before the crew is down to almost no rations. The wind that finally hits the sails with such power makes the sails come alive and the ship starts moving.  And it is no longer trapped in that dead spot.  

What about us?   Do we want to stay in the doldrums of life?  Chained down by fear, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear of what man will think of us.   Ask the Holy Spirit to bring His wind into your life. You will come alive with His mighty wind.   Where you were once bound you are now set free from those negative emotions and thoughts.  We become alive with His love.   

So don’t start the new year hanging on to negative thoughts and emotions. They were all about self anyway.  This life we are living is not about us.   It is about Him.  Seek Him with all your heart.  Love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind.  You will be amazed when you are set free.  You are set free to love Him and others.  And you will want to share His love.  Life with Him in control is full of joy and excitement.  You want to dance and sing as you realize you are free. He is the lover of your soul. Break the chains of a bogged down life. He will remind you how to live, How to love and He will free you to breathe again…

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

Written by Joann Turnbull 

Photo by Joey Kyber from Pexels

Inspiring Music by 

Zach Williams - Survivor (Lyric Video)

"Real faith never disappoints because it is in God, grounded on His character, promises, covenant, and oath." ~ Aiden Wilson Tozer...

Meaning of oath a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future action or behavior: something (such as a promise) corroborated by an oath. 

There are approximately 35 Bible Verses about Oaths. 

What is an oath?  Is it a vow?  Is it a promise? Maybe a commitment?  

Do we even take oaths any more?  I have witnessed politicians and many US Presidents take oaths as they lay their hand on top of the Bible and repeat these words  “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Do you ever wonder why or how this tradition came to be ?? Why the Bible? 

Well, it is interesting that swearing on the Bible, seems to have started back in President Washington’s day, it was seen as basically promising God you would do what you swear to do, with fear of God punishing you keeping you from breaking your oath.

When we place our hand on the leather-bound pages of God's word... Do we go through the motions to show others that image? In hopes, they see something that may be a superficial ritual. But it may convince others that they have God's blessing. 

I wish we had the ability to see their heart? Do they truly know what even happened between the pages from Genesis to Revelations? Have they studied our Heavenly Father's word??? 

Many think that being President is the most powerful most important position in our world... 

But I met someone that reigns with the utmost power. The utmost grace. The utmost Love... There is no one anywhere that can even come close. He wows me. 

Why is it that we only witness political or highly connected figures taking an oath .. ( now I am sure there are oaths that are taken daily but they are not given such worldwide media coverage. )

But I would like to simplify and personalize our oath process .. God has given us many oaths but my favorites are His unconditional love. His forgiveness is like nothing I have ever witnessed. A gentleness soft, kind, and a commitment to never leave us for eternity.

As children of our Heavenly Father we pray, we worship, we claim to love Him! But are we willing to take an oath, a vow, a promise? Are we truly committed 💯 percent? 

Here are my thoughts on an oath.

I will make this oath with an open heart, and soul! And I will try with all my might to listen to His whispers and follow His direction. 

Oath ❤❤❤

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute to the best of my ability the words in this amazing book we know as the Bible. I will commit my heart to follow my Savior Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven and will vow to listen to the Holy Spirit and learn more about them each day. I will work towards living a life that will reflect His teachings and light. I will share His love with others... I will commit to not just lay my hands on top of the leather-bound book we know as the Bible. But I will commit to open the pages from Genesis to Revelations ... and discover what He wants to reveal to my heart. I will continue as long as I have a breath, to love, honor, and discover more of HIM. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him 

I challenge you to write down your oath.. Make that commitment. 

“And I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you. So stay here in the city until the mighty power of heaven falls upon you and wraps around you.””Luke 24:49 TPT

”I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back,That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. Isaiah 45:23

Photography and Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

You Promised (Lyric Video) - Corey Voss [ Official ]

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. Psalms 1:2

The meaning of disappearing ceases to be visible. 

The word Disappear is in the Bible approximately (61 instances) Disappeared (28 instances) Melt (41 instances) Vanish (30 instances)

This word tried very hard to disappear from my mind... But it continued to haunt me until I said ok, ok I am here...

Have you ever felt so vulnerable,  so overwhelmed, so confused.. maybe even frightened that you wished you could just disappear?? I know this thought has crossed my mind a few times... It has even happened as I traveled into this unfamiliar territory with God.

But what are we truly running from ?? I feel sometimes things look scarier than they truly are ?? When we are confused they can become bigger than life. We have a tendency to look at the mountain before us instead of stepping out in faith and trusting God... 

Sometimes we just need to hold our breath and just jump... Risking is part of life... Risking is part of growing... Why do we worry about other people's opinions? What makes us want that expectance? Why do we look to people instead of God for our validation? 

It's ironic to me that it seems that the risk-takers are the visible ones... They risk living life without boundaries... They risk looking silly in other people's eyes as they chase their dreams... They risk loving with all of their heart, even when people don't understand!!

Are you a risk-taker? Do you live life to it’s fullest? Will you leave your mark on this world or will the day come when you disappear like a vapor in the wind? 

Or have you already disappeared? Or are you dormant, just standing on the sidelines?

Do you know that in-complacency can slowly make you fade from view??  I hope you get excited when I tell you that I know without a doubt we can never fade from our Father's grace. 

I have found myself trying to understand why people run and hide and disappear from love ???  That one hit close to home ?? And it is a subject I will never understand...  It is an action that has left scars... 

Disappearing can be lonely...

It can act as a band-aid for a much deeper problem ... The problem will never get resolved... It will continue to show its ugly head time and time again... Have you ever heard you can run but you can not hide??  I finally realize what that truly means... God, It means God... He is always with us... He knows our every thought... Our every action! Our every prayer!

 Now I don't know about you but I find that amazing! 

I will also share a secret that I have discovered about Him... 

Shh...don't tell anyone... I am only going to share this with you... 

If you don't know this by now?  I love running and hiding with Him... Disappearing with Him is the most beautiful feeling in our world... Just think He knows our every thought. He knows how we feel... He knows everything about us!!!  He loves us unconditionally... I must say it does not get any better than that!! 

Oh my,  please excuse me...while I disappear...mediating with Him is the best medicine for the soul.  .... He WOWS me. 🥰

It's Him, it's always Him 

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”

Psalms 17:8 NIV

Image created by and Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

Christina Li-Disappear [With Lyrics]

Meaning of God in certain other religions a superhuman being or spirit worshiped as having power over nature or human fortunes; a deity:

In the King James Version of the Bible, God is found in the Old Testament 2862 times, and in the New Testament 1202 times, for a total of 4064 times. 

I can't believe we have studied over 365 words and have danced around this word but never truly had the courage to tackle such a massive beautiful heartfelt word... This word made me stop dead in my tracks, This word made me go deeper within myself than I have ever dreamed possible. This word breathed life into my soul ... 

When we stand before this word we are humbled, We are in awe. We are vulnerable. We feel a love that will baffle the mind but we can feel His gentleness in our hearts.  

He is so many things to so many people. There truly are not enough words to describe Him.

I ask you, how would you describe Him? What does He mean to you?  Do you ever write your prayers? 

I am going to ask you to take out a piece of paper and a pen...

Play music that gently speaks to your soul.. 

Write the words, Dear God. Speak to Him from your heart !!  

I will start...

Here is a peek at mine,

Dear God, 

Hi again, I have a difficult time calling you God... That name is so formal. Many months ago we decided that I could call you Love because that is what I think of ..when I think of you!!! Love, there are so many hurting hearts in my world that need you! Please help them find their way to you!  So many people ask you for so many things? Are you overwhelmed!  I want nothing, I have the best gift one could ever receive! I have you !!  

What can I do for you ??  Is there something you need? 

Help me fill in the blanks. I will wait to hear your voice. 

Thank you for blessing me with such an amazing journey... It still boggles my mind! 

Please keep the souls you have placed in my heart safe. Let them feel this amazing love!! 

You still wow me!! 

It’s you, it’s always you! 

I am forever your child.

It’s me, it’s always me thank you for your love.. and thank you for never getting tired of hearing my voice!

Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube 

Dear God by Cory Asbury (Thank you Cory for this amazing song )