"Smile" - Art inspired by a greater LOVE...

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

Smile 

Is it an involuntary emotion?  Yes, it is true, studies have shown that the very act of seeing another person smile triggers an automatic muscle response that produces a smile on our face. Did you know a smile can be contagious? 

As I began to peel back this word… I began to ask myself what I have done today to make Jesus smile… Have I spoken with love? Or have harsh words spilled from my lips… Have I been thoughtful and kind? Or have I been too busy with myself to realize you needed to hear my voice? 

There is so much hate in our world… So much discord … So much judgment…. 

Did you know a smile could change a mood… it could open a door .. a smile can warm a troubled heart… 

When we try to share the greatest love ever known to mankind….  I think we should start with a smile… 

The ripple effect is contagious!  

It’s His light that is shining from within. 

A smile invoked from His presence is an uncontainable involuntary emotion that speaks of His joy, love, and peace! 

It’s Him, It’s always Him

Have you made Jesus smile today???  If not what are you waiting for …. ❤️🕊😁

Smile the world is watching...

Art 16x20 Acrylic 

Digitally finished 

“Smile”

Proverbs 15:30 “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength.”

Proverbs 15:13-15 “A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.”

Psalm 126:2-3 “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.”

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Kirk Franklin - I Smile (Official Video)

Meaning of mean: If you describe a person or animal as mean, you are saying that they are very bad-tempered and cruel.

We located 100 verses that speak of the ugly word “mean”.

Just how mean can we be??? Are we quick to weld that judgment sword? Do we feel so full of self that there is no room in our hearts or love left for anyone that does not fit into the mold we created?  

As I sit studying this word my scars seem to reappear and bleed… I know many of you can relate… This action word “mean” unfortunately can and does appear on both sides of the spectrum… 

I do believe we all can have that mean streak that can surface at will … or we could be that wounded soul that bleeds from the cruelty of another.
The scars may fade but do they ever truly go away??? I say not… 

I have witnessed this ugly human trait as early as infancy… and as old as.. (you should know better)…  

Does the word outcast ring a bell??? Do we cut people out of our lives because we do not have an open mind or the heart to understand? Do we leave wounded souls in our wake ??   Do we show remorse for our actions ??  Are we so callous that we can not see the hurt in the eyes of the one scorned? 

Words and actions toward others say a lot about our character and who we truly are as human beings.

I must say I have felt that deep wound of rejection during my journey…It's a wound that cuts deep into my soul … But at the same time, I found peace within my soul, because I found the greatest love I have ever known. 

The emotions that went along with the events, flooded my vulnerable heart and had my head spinning… But Jesus loving held me while I reconciled my mind, body, and soul. He has a talent for rescuing bleeding hearts... He too has felt that pain of heartbreak and rejection.  

The experience of healing in His hands is an experience that will leave you forever changed. 

When others leave scars we will learn that it is their insecurities that cause them to ignore, lash out with words that sting, and actions that may crush our souls. These actions are in hopes of diminishing our sense of worth.  While they inflate their own ego. "Self" is selfish a four-letter word. 

We must remember that we are only here for a brief moment in time… And no matter what happens in this life Jesus thinks we are priceless!!! 

I say learn the art of being Teflon in a cruel world..  Make others wonder what treasure you have discovered!!! 

It’s Him !! It will always be Him!!! He is my hiding place… He is the healer of my heart and the lover of my soul… 

PS. I can tell you that He does not have a mean bone in His body… And His LOVE is like no other !!  It’s indescribable!!! 

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. ² Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, ³ now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2

Just a little love can resurrect life, hopes, and dreams..

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

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