Strong's #5545: chrisma (pronounced khris'-mah) from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit: anointing, unction.  

The word “charisma” does not seem to be in the Bible.. but I do believe the characteristics can be felt within its pages.

When I began to think about the word charisma, my initial thought was Jesus of course. But as I began to think of all the people that I felt had this extra pull on people’s souls... I began to see artists, politicians, activists.. kings, queens, even some with dark spirits have this charm ... And I do believe this list could go on and on. But we must remember when we examine the person with that “extra” we must also see the audience they attract and why? Is there a hidden agenda? Is it for a selfish motive? Or is it selfless? What is this special mojo that attracts others to follow, or to hang on to every word that spills from their lips? 

Is it looks? Is it wisdom? Is it power?  

Let’s investigate the characteristics that are tied to this word charisma,  and let’s see where this little journey of discovery might take us? 

Here is what I found: according to Forbes magazine these are seven traits that can be found in charismatic people. https://www.forbes.com/

•          Listen Actively

•          Speak Clearly

•          Smile from Within

•          Stand Up Tall

•          Spread Praise & Phrase

•          Remembers Names  

So my very first thought of Jesus was definitely on the right path! Jesus does possess all these traits... But He offers us so much more... His mojo has a divine connection... He wraps His charisma in the most amazing anointed love.  It flows from heaven above... This love has no price tag.. because it has already been paid from His unselfish heart... His only hidden agenda is to lovingly guide His children home... 

He is the complete package... He is perfection at its finest...He is the King of charisma and my heart. 

How does He do it?? He touches so many souls... His charisma is who He is and by the way, I can without a doubt state it’s timeless. 

It’s Him. It’s always Him. 

He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. John 12:45

I and the Father are one. John 10:30

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Lion & The Lamb Image by Jeff Jacobs 

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: King Of My Heart - [Lyric Video] Kutless

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)

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

Meaning of moment: a very brief period of time:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Him, It’s always been Him.

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

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John4:16

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

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

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Photography Jordon Benton

Inspiring Music

Encounter (feat. Dustin Smith) (Live)

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"  Psalms 107:1                      

So excited to share the news we hit 20k views... The blog was inspired by God, Friendship, and you the reader... Never underestimate what God can do! He has taken someone that had no interest in writing on one of the most amazing journey of discovery Thank you all for your love and support !!

XOXO

special thanks

Joann Turnbull

Meaning of fresh: not previously known or used; new or different:

The word fresh is in the Bible approximately 82 times. KJV 

As we move forward towards Spring...I had these thoughts. Spring holds a freshness that can be vividly seen... New fresh flowers will be springing up from the once dry crusty ground... We will begin to see new fresh green leaves sprouting out the many trees across the rolling Tennessee hills... We will see thunderstorms move across the valleys as they wash the landscape clean.  We will feel the freshness in the warm breeze as it touches our skin.  I love running through the hills and just breathing in the freshness of spring.  Such an amazing gift... 

I must admit I have found a spiritual freshness that clearly has no expiration date, no matter how hard we search the package! This freshness came into my life unannounced.  He found me in such a vulnerable state and gently breathed a beautiful freshness into my once stagnant soul... 

He came as soft as a summer breeze... He gave me a wondrous fresh feeling as He touched my soul... Fresh vibrant colors seem to explode before my eyes, as He dazzled me with His beautiful words of love and life. 

I could once again feel Him in the deepest chambers of my heart... I felt His presence light, airy and fresh. It's a Fresh love that will inhabit our mind, body, and soul. His breath is soft and tender as a newborn babe... His voice is sweet and He sings a love song to our once parched souls...He renews our heart, our soul, and our mind.  

Who is He? Where can you find Him? It is not top-secret information! Search your heart He is quietly waiting to hear your voice whisper His beautiful name... 

It’s Him, It’s always Him... 

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (ESV)

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

May the LORD grant you dew from the skies, and from the fertile land; may he grant you abundant grain and fresh wine

Genesis 27:28

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: Atmosphere of Heaven Grace Willaims 

Meaning of shaking: To cause to move with quick vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other; to agitate; as the wind shakes a tree; an earthquake shakes the hills or the earth.

There are approximately 18 verses about shaking. 

Shaking can take me in many directions... Our body trembles when we are cold or sick... The earth trembles with what we have identified as earthquakes... They can happen at any time, anywhere, even under the sea... 

Approximately 2 years ago as I sat in my favorite chair I felt this strange sensation of trembling... And my 4-year granddaughter came running out of her room. She was scared and felt the tremor as well... I thought no it can not be? An earthquake in Tennessee?  Little did I know they happen all the time. 

Here is a snapshot of today activity (March 4, 2021);  Tennessee, United States has had: (M1.5 or greater) 1 earthquake in the past 24 hours 7 earthquakes in the past 7 days; 29 earthquakes in the past 30 days;

That blows my mind... is it a warning of what’s to come??  

The Bible speaks of shakings. Does God allow the shaking of His children so they will wake up and take notice that there is a bigger beautiful picture ahead? 

I do believe many are hiding their heads in the sand, in hopes this day will never come...There are some that do not believe in our Creator's teaching... ? And claim it is nonsense!! And then there are some who know this day will come... because they know our Creator. And they trust our God, our Savior, and our King with all their heart, all their soul, and all of their mind... 

It is written in Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour no one knows.”. 

Some feel that God allowed Covid 19 to shake the men and women of our world. Was this disease like the earthquake?  Was it meant to shake souls? Was this another warning to wake up?? With each past day, the time of God's only begotten Son's victory is becoming more and more evident.  How much can we abuse our world? How much can we show hate and discord? 

Are we sick with fear? Do our bodies tremble?? Do we run like little children into His arms for peace, protection, and His mighty promise to love us through this earthly life and beyond !! He has given us a glimpse that there is a bigger picture !!! Heaven awaits for His chosen few. 

It’s Him, It has always been Him. He is the alpha and the omega. The beginning and the end... This life on earth begins and ends with Him.  But our spiritual life begins and never ends with Him!! He wows me!!! 

I pray you are shaken and not stirred. 

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. (Haggai 2:6-7)

(Jesus speaking) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. (Matthew 24:29)

Photo design & Written by Lori Garner

"What gives me the most hope every day is God’s grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God." -Rick Warren

Meaning of hold: "to hold," "contain," having the sense of containing or restraining "I am weary with holding in" Jeremiah 6:11

There are approximately 8 verses in the Bible that refer to the word holding. 

When letting go becomes an emotional struggle? How do we know when to let go ??? Or what is it or to whom do we hold and for how long??? How do we come to grips and move our hearts into our safe zone? The timing of this word can affect our peace our health and our mental state... If not properly executed it can crush our heart... Darkness can invade our mental attitude towards life... 

These are life trials that can rob us of so many people, so many hopes, so many precious moments ... Fear is not our friend... it's only a tool to help teach us how to maneuver in our world. 

So, Where do we go? Do we stay stagnant, or does our soul search for answers? We were given the gift of life ... and a hidden drive and will to survive... 

Who is this that planted that deep desire to find a love that will heal my heart and love me through any pain or trial that may come? Survival is a gift... 

When we are given obstacles in our life.  There is a beautiful soul that has the answers! He has never wavered! He has never left my side... When I felt the most vulnerable and that no one understood my journey...  I felt alone.. but when the darkness seemed to creep into my soul... is when I felt His presence the strongest. He has held my heart and spoken soothing words to my soul... There were many that did not understand who I might become.. and faded into a nonexistent place in my world. 

But He came and filled the void. He gently held my hand. He wiped my tears... And He has cloaked me in the most amazing spiritual gift of Love. It's a love like I have never known... He asked me to follow Him...  He promised He would hold me and love me through each day... And He would teach me and give me the freedom to fly...  

My trust and love grows with each passing day... I do not have enough words to describe Him!!!  Just WOW ... I just wish I could love Him as much as He loves me... 

Oh my God ... 

It’s Him, It’s always been Him !!  

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer. 

Psalm 91:14

And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. [He is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.] amplified 

“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into His abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own.

And let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion.”

Philippians 3:12, 16 TPT

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: 

Shane & Shane: He Will Hold Me Fast

Meaning of walk: Walking with God means you are in agreement with Him and His ways (Amos 3:3). No one is perfect, but when you are walking with God your desire should be to see your own selfish desires die for the sake of seeing God transform you more and more into the image of His Son:

In the King James version the word - walk - appears 212 times the word - walked - appears 122 times the word. 

When we think of walking many of us think of exercise? How many miles do you finish daily? Some of us love how it makes us feel! Perhaps our bodies even began to feel healthier? Our endurance increases! Our breathing less labored! We began to feel stronger and stronger ... 

But when we decide to walk through the pages of the Bible what happens.  Our spiritual walk becomes such a beautiful eternal race... We find that our Creator (The Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit) such an amazing team! 

We know for a fact that they have mentored and trained many hearts... They teach us by example the importance of living and loving. And as we grow closer to each of them. We began to feel healthier. Our soul's endurance increases!  Our breathing becomes less labored! We find a peace that most will not understand. We began to feel stronger and stronger in Him...  The love they freely give is the key to running and winning the race.

Have you ever walked with each of them? Have you ever had that intimate conversation?  Have you ever loved Them beyond our own understanding??? 

Ok, I must apologize...as I am writing about this word I began to lace up my shoes .... and I do not plan on taking them off until I see them waiting for me at the finish line !! Come, sign-ups are today and every day until He returns... the entry fee has already been paid... by His life... 

It’s Him, It’s always him. 

Walking with Him is a precious love story and a match made in Heaven... 

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. Leviticus 26:12

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: It's Him

Elvis Presley - You'll Never Walk Alone