One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. Dale Carnegie

I am a photographer by trade. And as many of you already know, the art of painting is a new adventure. 

My introduction to a love greater than I ever knew started with a Holy Spirit encounter 4 years ago.. 

During this time I started the new practice of Meditation. I also moved to an old farmhouse in a quaint city by the name of Triune… There I found a neglected rose bush. Bugs had ravished her leaves. She was sad and had almost lost her will to live… I began taking care of her I watered, fertilized, pruned, and loved her… and life returned … she gave me the roses appearing in this collage. 

(With no forethought on the subject) 

Yesterday while meditating I had a vision in my mind appear. It was Jesus I could tell by the scar in the palm of His hand and pink rose petals began to slowly fall.. and as I watched them gently float downward. I was moved and began to cry. 

I was unaware of what this meant .. and I found this 

A fascinating fact about these roses is that in ancient Hebrew texts, it is written that pink roses are the only flowers permitted inside the walls of the city of Jerusalem, largely because they were the only roses of the time. Their spiraling petals represented a journey towards perfection.
Also, there were roses of different colors in the past, and pink roses’ symbolism throughout the world often reflected a desire to give the most beautiful flower in nature, a gift that is selfless and pure… yet sure to be noticed.

Just a little love can bring you life...

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Emily Watts - La Vie En Rose (Lyrics)

Romance me oh lover of my soul !!! 

Meaning of ignore:  to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally.

I discovered the writers of this fantastic love story we know as the Bible did not ignore the word “ignore” … lol 

Hello, Hello… can you hear me ?? Oh my gosh were we disconnected… “  All of us have heard that “dead air .“ or we have experienced the feeling that we have been talking to ourselves…We normally are irritated at best … When we ignore someone we can leave lasting scars... 

Do we ask ourselves... 

Do I try again? Or do I turn my back and act like our encounter did not happen or that, that person does exist??? Do we move on and busy ourselves with life… And leave the crushed heart in our wake? 

I must admit I ignored that subtle whisper I heard in my soul… I fear that my first love heard “Dead Air” or as they say He possibly heard crickets.

When I look back at my life I can recall a few times that He tried to get my attention??? Why didn't I listen ?? Was I too busy doing life? 

Big, Big mistake, and I regret that I did not hear Him, or worse I chose to ignore all His signals …

But all is not lost... He never gave up !!!  I am thrilled that He knew I would hear Him eventually… I have asked Him to forgive me for ignoring Him… for so long… 

I feel I came late to the party… But I have decided to be the one that will stay and help clean up the mess … Because He gave me a priceless gift… its a gift not of this world… it's a gift I could never begin to repay! it is Him!! 

I no longer want to ignore His sweet voice… I want to hear His music in the depths of my soul!  I want to dance to His gift of life and love… 

He truly is a gift of the heart… 

If you have felt or heard that subtle whisper in your soul...Please don’t make the same mistake I made for so many years …

Open your heart, listen to the music and just dance. 

It’s Him! It’s always Him!!!

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! Psalm 149:3

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

“The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.” 
― Francis A. Schaeffer, Art & the Bible

Am I a risk-taker? 

I have painted a few images trying to capture what my heart sees… It has been an ongoing learning experience!!! I say most of my paintings look like cartoons ..Lol 

However, as I experiment with colors, paint, and digital art This image appeared … I must admit I have held on to this image… for a few weeks. 

The question became am I a risk taker? I became guarded about the image I created… Do I share this image and take the risk of someone taking it and making it their own? Or perhaps they may try to copy the image? And then I heard in my soul … it’s not mine to keep He was given to me to share…

I was torn do I follow my mind? Or Do I follow my heart and listen to that voice that whispers to my soul? 

Knowing Him is risky … I have put relationships at risk as I tried to find my balance and discover more about this amazing love He offers. 

Sharing my heart has always been way out of my comfort zone! Until He touched my soul. 

I am sad to say some people did not even try to understand and quietly pulled away, some ran the other direction, and I felt a tear deep within my heart. But the good news is many came to share their story and their heart with me. I am so grateful to those who stayed. 

I must admit I find it perplexing that some are so bound in their own thoughts they are not open enough to see, feel, and share His love. They truly have no idea what they are missing. I found many take His love for granted and do not nurture it daily. I do not understand why they leave His love sitting idle instead of growing that spark into a flame?

I have felt the pain of loss when I openly risk sharing the incredible gift I have ever known. This journey with God, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit has taught me many things. I found out that taking the “GOD” risk has many rewards. 

You will risk falling in love with our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. You will risk falling in love with mankind. You will see the world with eyes of wonder. You will risk gaining peace that surpasses all human understanding. You will risk a joy that overflows within your soul… You will risk building a relationship with the Triune, they will hold your heart and never turn away…

As my understanding of them became clearer I opened my heart and invited them in to stay. Through their teachings and many tears, I found my confidence and knowledge of them grew. I now openly take risks by sharing Him and His love with no hesitation. 

Because if I can touch your heart today, and Risk sharing the greatest love I have ever known with you!! I will know in my soul YOU were worth the risk. 

And I know to risk life without Him is the biggest mistake we can ever make… 

acrylic 11x14 

Digitally finished 

Inspired by a greater LOVE 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Phil Wickham - Falling In Love (Official Music Video)

 "Your imagination is a gift given to you by God, to help you achieve results. This is why: every accomplishment starts from the place of imagination. Once it is established in your imagination, then there will be a manifestation." ~By Mike  Okonkwo

Meaning of manifest display or show (a quality or feeling) by one's acts or appearance; demonstrate.

We found 37 verses about  Manifest from 18 Books. 

Manifest is a word that has been rolling through my mind for weeks. 

What can I say about this thoughtful word… when I close my eyes you appear … 

Are you only a dream? Or Are you only a fragment of my mind?  The mind can manifest many things?   When you close your eyes what or who do you see ??? 

I believe when we close our eyes, let our souls lead… and give our hearts the freedom to feel something greater than ourselves we can manifest God's beautiful presence…

As I close my eyes He appears and I whisper is it you?  I then can hear HIM Say YES MY BELOVED IT IS I. 

If this is but a dream "don’t pinch me" for I would never want to wake up. I do believe God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit manifest themselves in each of us at will… They are Omni present … (a little secret that includes within you and me!!!) 

Isn’t that such a heartfelt gift?? My King. My Savior, the lover of my soul… dwells within and can manifest Himself at will… I just need to submit and surrender to the moment and be swept away. 

Where I can hear my heart whisper… 

It’s Him, It’s always Him… 

He romances my soul like other… Being loved beyond measure is a heavenly gift… These moments are priceless!!!! 🥰 

Just one glance and I am undone…. 

“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,”
Ephesians 3:20 AMP

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

“Don't ignore your dreams, in them your soul is awake and you are your true self.” ― Bangambiki Habyarimana,

A few days ago, I had an image appear in my mind.... and I thought I can not capture what I see… and I pushed the thought away… 2 days later the same thing happened. I was already settled into bed for the evening… when the same image appeared… once again I tried to push it away feeling I was not equipped to capture what I see in my heart and soul. 

… but I then said OK I will try… 

I got up and began to paint. 

This is the finished image… 

I am not sure I did it justice… 

But He has taught me … that if He gives us a task… We must be obedient and at least try… 

John 14:23

16X20

Acrylic.

I am His work in progress… 

I would appreciate your thoughts

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Craziness is what makes the world round, without crazy, there wouldn't be passion.” – Wes Campton

Meaning of crazy: mentally deranged, especially as manifested in a wild or aggressive way. Or extremely enthusiastic.

There are actually approximately  25 verses that reference the word crazy in the Bible… 

I believe there is such a stigma with this word… 

I question what is acceptable in society … When I look around I see behavior that is not the norm? It is not the kind of behavior that I think is rational.  It is not how “normal” people should behave.   But who made the rules of what is acceptable?  

When we try to understand extreme enthusiasm it can look a little crazy to people who do not have a passion for the subject matter… 

For instance, many show this enthusiasm and passion for sports. entertainers? shopping? The list goes on… 

But when we show this passion for God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit many will label us as crazy, or a Jesus Freak some will avoid you at all costs… sometimes it’s even the lukewarm believers that will avoid you.

This enthusiasm can sometimes be a lonely road but it can be a beautiful spiritual experience.   It’s not of this world… it’s beyond our human comprehension. 

God will take you on the most fantastic journey if you open your heart… and trust Him. We must not be timid or afraid to embrace His love. The mission if you accept it, is to show the world who He is… 

My question is …What are you passionate about? What excites you? What is your goal? What does this excitement give you in return? Is it a fleeting moment of happiness? What is the payout and how does it help you??  Does that sports team, player or entertainer even know your name??? Did you know that God knows you so well He knows the number of hairs on your head… He knows you intimately from the beginning to the end… He held you even before you were born… He breathed life into your very soul…He has forgiven you for all your mistakes… He is committed to loving you beyond this world !!! 

For eternity!!! (there is no expiration date)

We must put value in our life our future and our love… 

However, when your name is called … I am positive it will NOT be called by the one you are chasing unless His name is Elohim… 

Passion, Enthusiasm, and Crazy come in all shapes and sizes…. Stop, and give it some serious thought.... where do you spend your time and energy?  What is the return? Does it have life-impacting results?

When you leave this world...Will you leave a box of memorabilia? Or will you leave a legacy of life and love… 

Be crazy…. be enthusiastic… be excited … because.....

He is scheduled to return soon … 

It’s Him, it’s always Him!   

It is a crazy love... I am not completely sure how or why He loves us so deeply... But I am excited about discovering more each and every God-given day ... 

Call me crazy… Call me passionate, Call me excited!!  

I SAY I WE ARE #BLESSED

2 Corinthians 5:13

So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ. In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.

The meaning of dark the absence of light in a place: darkness, blackness, absence of light, gloom, gloominess. 

Dark in the Bible is referred to 225 times.

Dark or Darkness I believe touches everyone at some time in their life... I chose this word today because as I write about this word I am sitting in the darkness of my room... 

Darkness can be an overwhelming scary place. It’s where creepy things go bump in the night... It is the anticipation of things unknown. We can become paralyzed due to fear.  It can rob us of so much life. During my journey, I did experience a time of darkness. It made me feel a loss in my soul, it made me cry, it made me bewildered and sad. Looking back I found out that in my darkest hour I found out a lot about me.  I do believe there are times we are given life trials so we can grow. But I also found out that no matter how sad or difficult things might seem I was never alone. I did find out that God never left my side. His gentleness and love held me when I felt lost. He became my best friend, my confidant, my guiding light...The darkness that tried to consume my soul had no choice but to flee... 

I did learn over time to appreciate the darkness, those “stillness” moments, those quiet times when the house is void of light and family noise! This dark hour is when I find my Heavenly Father, my quiet time with Him, and His word breathes light into my soul. He fills my heart with a love that is difficult to contain. If I love Him? Is no longer a question. It becomes IF I get up a few minutes before everyone ... I will find my golden hour ...my solace, my LOVEs ... 

There is no darkness that can rob me of His eternal light.  You see this darkness is not a place, It not something we can see with our eyes. It's a place deep within our souls. And I have found when we invite God into our lives,  His light begins to shine from within.  He gives us that light that shines even in our darkest hour. Because we can be confident that we are never alone. We do not have to fight life demons by ourselves. He is victorious over all things we may encounter. He stands tall, strong, and ready. So pick up the light sword and be ready for any battle that may rage from within... Being ready is half the battle... 

The power of light that we feel is from within... 

It’s Him!!  It’s always Him.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Inspiring Music: YouTube

God's Light Shines in the Darkness 2011

Isaiah 43:1 - Don't fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.

Meaning of safe protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.

We located 27 verses that speak to the word safety, 

There are times in our lives no matter how brave or strong we think we are we will be afraid… it is part of life… the unknown can be very scary. 

Even though scripture states have no fear for I am with you. Doubt will creep in. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

So how do we learn to cling to this steadfast faith that no matter what comes we are safe… we have no fear?  Times are tough, Times are uncertain, and Times are challenging... 

I believe that we should look for His light in the darkness… His beautiful light will warm even the darkest of situations… His light will give us hope to face the days ahead… To just know that you are not alone “ever” is a comforting thought… But 

what if …. 

What if you learn to feel His love?

What if you learn to hear His voice? 

What if you can feel Him stirring in the depths of your soul? 

What if you could understand that our soul will live a life of great beauty and peace for eternity? 

What if the transition from earth to heaven is truly our soul mission? 

What if God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are real? 

What if this book we call the Bible is truly God's word? 

What if I tell you I fell in love with the greatest love I have ever known? And my life will never be the same! 

Have you ever asked yourself what if everything believers are saying is true? 

What if they are right? 

What if doubt is keeping you from my soul's mission? 

What if I am so earthly bound I never grab the opportunity to know my creator, my first love my hope for tomorrow? 

What if the answer to all of my questions points to Him? 

It’s Him, it will always be Him… 

What if you allow yourself the freedom to fall in love with Him?  I can tell you your life will never be the same. 

What if ????? 

He wows you ??? Because He wows me every day!! 

It’s Him, it’s always Him!! 

Play it safe …. And fall in love!!  He is waiting with open arms...

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube   

Safe In Your Arms - Josh Baldwin, feat. kalley | Evidence