“If these walls could talk, I wonder what secrets they'd tell.”― Gayle Forman 

The meaning of barn large farm building used for storing grain, hay, or straw or for housing livestock.

There are approximately 14 verses about the word barn in the Bible.

This word came to me as a word challenge from a friend. I am usually up for a good challenge. So, let's see what we can discover about this inanimate object. Living in Tennessee there seems to be such a variety of barns. Some are shiny and new, some are large and red, and some show a character all of their own. They are battered and worn.. some may be dangerous to explore. 

They make me think if they could talk what stories would they share ?? How many families utilized them? How many animals did they shelter from the elements of storms? Did they provide protection for their food supply and livelihood?

Well, as always let’s look and see if this word is even found in scripture? And oh yes it’s a win for the home team. Right there in Deuteronomy 28:8, it says “The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you”

But as I began to search this word further I found a mediation that played out in my mind's eye.  So I thought I would share. 

Mediation 10:52

As I started this meditation I had the birth of Christ on my mind. So this is where the story unfolded ... 

I listened to meditation music called God's love for you. Beautiful music with no words. I became relaxed and my mind drifted here. I found myself in a setting like the Sahara desert. I was dressed in many long layers with a headdress of long cloth enough to drape across my nose and mouth only leaving my eyes exposed.  I seemed to be walking through dunes and traveling through a sand storm. My clothes were waving in the wind as it whipped around me. The sand was stinging my skin as it pelted anything that was exposed to the elements... 

It was dusk and I knew in my heart that I had to continue my journey if I was to witness the miracle of birth... As I pressed forward, the night began to fall and the most amazing star appeared and I heard in my soul. This light has always guided you .. just continue to follow it.

I then witnessed the warm lights of a city on the distant horizon ... 

I finally reached the dimly lit city and began to seek Mary and Joseph... and I was guided to the barn where they were located.  I arrived in time. 

I rushed in and kneeled by Mary.. she smiled.  I said I am here to help. What can I do to comfort you? She grabbed my hand a squeezed and the moment and intensity of birth began. 

My eyes welled up with tears and they began to slowly roll down my face The time went quickly but also seemed to move in slow motion ...

The baby arrived. I held him and I thought something must be wrong because I did not hear him cry. I pulled the cover away from his face and then I witnessed His angelic face. His eyes were open they were a dark brown He had dark hair framing His little face. He was alert, He had the most precious peaceful look upon his face.

As I held him I was in awe of His majestic splendor.  His tiny hand grasped my pinky and held on as if He knew me. I gently kissed his forehead and whispered in his ear.  

“I loved you even before you were born” ... 

The moment and peaceful love engulfed the room with a warm light.

I began to cleanse His tiny body and rewrap Him tightly and handed Him to his beautiful mother, she smiled. 

As I stepped back His earthly father loving gathered them both in his strong arms and held them ... I then moved to the back of the barn and watched as others arrived to bow in adoration of this tiny miracle...

I thought this tiny child one day will bear the weight of the world ... So much love filled my heart and soul that I could not contain the tears of joy,  they just streamed down my face ... 

But at that moment, I also felt heartbreak knowing what lies ahead for this new life... What an amazing sight. The music faded and the meditation ended. 

Lesson ... Follow His light. He brings you amazing peace and a love like no other ... He is truly a miracle... 

This beautiful royal life could have had a castle but His life started with a modest humble beginning... and "The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns" 

The next time you see a barn. Let it remind you of HIM !!

It's Him, It's always HIM !!

God chose for His Son to be born in a stable. This is because Jesus came in humility and in poverty to identify with the poorest and weakest among us.

Photography & Written by Lori Garner  

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Music from Youtube 

Perfect Love (Mary's Song) by Darlene Zschech

https://youtu.be/6BOBydX5ez0?si=rsu47EoyBzxXZ41T

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Prepare is used 226 times in the Bible. 

The definition is to make ready for something expected or thought possible.   

How prepared are we to begin a new year?  Some would say I have enough food to last me a year. Or another might say I am scared of the things that might happen.  

I remember Jesus telling His disciples that in this world you will have troubles, but I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) (A good place to start)!!!

As I look back 2000 years ago.  Six months before the birth of Jesus a baby was born.  His name was John.  His assignment in life was to prepare the way for Jesus.  And he did a great job.  He preached to the people to get right with God.  And many did. 

When we look at this new year, are we prepared?  Does our heart tremble as we think about the future?  Or do we stand firm on the thought that the One we love and trust will be by our side every day? 

The King is coming!  In days gone by when a king was coming through a town.  The people would prepare the way/road.  They would remove all the stones from the road, they would fill in all the holes, and clean the sides of the road.  On the day of the king’s arrival, they would line the road in their best clothes and bow and honor the king.

Today we can say, The KING is coming!!  

As we walk our journey with Him, do we need to prepare the way?  Do we have stones of bitterness, hatred, or have we wandered off the way?  Are there holes in the way from our lack of being filled with Him?  He will help us remove the stones and fill the holes with Himself.  So we will be ready for this new year. 

I look ahead to each new day with excitement.  To be loved by Him and to love Him with ALL my heart, soul, and mind!!!  

But as it is written, Eye has not seen, or ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Written by Joann Turnbull 

Photography by Lori Garner 

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube

Prepare the Way - Bethel Music, Bethany Wohrle, Dante Bowe

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 

Meaning of wise: having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. "she seems kind and wise" 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube  

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Meaning of overshadow: 1. To throw a shadow over; to overshade. 2. To shelter; to protect; to cover with protecting influence.

We located forty verses that speak about the word “overshadow”… 

As I sat in my cold dark room, I became mesmerized by the soft glow of the golden light that spilled so softly on the table by my side… There 

I began to think about this word that my friend placed gently in my lap. “Overshadow” is such an ambiguous word.

With those thoughts rumbling in my head,   I was drawn to the shadows that danced on the walls of my room my mind drifted to a time so long ago…

It’s that pivotal day when a tiny life was conceived, a life that would change the world…

“The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 NIV

And as I my heart opened to the scripture before me the words [ the power of the "Most High” ] resonated with my soul…  

What causes God to speak to us in such a powerful and profound way? Why are only a few chosen to feel Him in an overshadowing experience?  Is there significance? 

I like you have so many unanswered questions? As many of you already know I had a Holy Spirit Encounter that changed many things in my life… 

When I read the scripture in Luke  1:35. 

I began to question could my experience be called “overshadowed by God..? 

Now don’t miss understand I am not in any way comparing myself to such an amazing soul we know as Mary the Mother of our beloved Christ… 

I can only try to understand what must have gone through her mind? What and how did she feel? Was the change she felt immediate? Or did it grow along with her unborn child? 

I do not have the intimate details about Mary's amazing moment in time… 

But I can share my thoughts about mine… I was driving on a dark lonely road … I was not looking for God I thought my life was on track… When suddenly I felt a love like I have never known. I felt a warm feeling in my soul and a warm light filled my car… The moment was surreal ... my heart began to race and I became bewildered and confused because I was not sure what had just happened. I pulled my car over and sat there for a while…. 

I was not like Mary chosen to save humanity nor was I asked to carry such a beautiful precious soul we know as Emmanuel. 

But I can say my soul's rebirth happened that day… 

Did He overshadow me? or did He love me beyond my understanding?  I will let you decide… As I stand in awe and only whisper... 

It’s Him! It has always been Him. 

He is such a lover of souls. His presence is what we crave… it’s a yearning of the heart that will never be satisfied until our eyes can gaze upon His beautiful face!! 

Life as I know it will never be the same. 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

Inspiring Music: YouTube

Overshadow Me (Ruach)

"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." "God will meet you where you are to take you where He wants you to go." 

Meaning of journey: an inner journey is a journey of self-exploration with the ultimate goal or consequence of knowing oneself better or improving oneself. Imaginative. The inner journey is a passionate inquiry into our soul and personal field of experience. 

The word journey is in the Bible 8 times, 6 in the Old Testament, and 2 in the New Testament.

When I think of the word journey, what is the reason for the journey? What is the final destination? What are the dates? And what do I need to take with me so I am comfortable? 

But as I traveled with this word tucked nicely in my suitcase of life... I realized the pilot had plotted to change my flight plan. The destination and the dates will remain the same... But He said He wanted to give me the most memorable time. One that would blow my mind and defy my imagination... He shared with me that it was a trip of a lifetime... 

I must admit I was not looking to meet Him or go on this journey? I ask myself many times, why me ?? I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was on a lonely road in Triune, Tennessee, when I felt a LOVE that I could not describe. And I had no idea where it came from. And I will add that I truly was unprepared for what was about to unfold. 

I did not know this pilot that came so swiftly into my life. He was a well-groomed handsome man with chestnut color hair, blue eyes, and the most amazing smile.  When I looked around for others, to my surprise, it seemed that I was the only traveler ready for this trip. He smiled and gently placed a ticket in my hand. And said are you ready? 

The moment the ticket touched my hand, I felt a rush of love that I could not explain... It made my knees buckle, and I felt light-headed and amazingly wonderful. I could not wait to share my experience with everyone I knew... But then, He grabbed my hand and said don’t be afraid to follow me... And away we went... We made many stops, and I met some truly amazing people as He guided me at every turn.  

He taught me many things about love, life, who He truly is, and what He wants me to be when I grow up... He has this amazing charisma and winning charm. And as days passed to months, then to years.  Much to my surprise. I found that I just wanted to talk to Him all the time.. His wisdom, His compassion, and His Grace are beautiful things to feel.. Each day, I trusted Him more and more ... I am not sure the exact moment it happened, but somewhere in time, I gave Him my heart as He gently spoke words of love to my soul... I felt love beyond my understanding.  It’s like no other love on earth. But I felt a spiritual connection that ran deeper than this life.  It’s a love that leaves you at a loss for words... It gives you a  burning desire to introduce Him to everyone you know...

It was such an exciting time. However,  He wanted me to slow down my pace so we could make the most of each moment. He handed me a book that seemed old and worn but beautifully bound.. and He said.." I wrote these words for you ... read them, study them, and hide them in your heart... They hold the keys to life.. they are your road map and many clues to your final destination.." Many call it the Bible... I call it a gift to humanity. 

Like any normal child, I was excited about this trip and asked how long it would take to get there ?? He said it takes a lifetime... I then blurted "What is the place called? " He said, Heaven. I then asked, "How long will I be there ?" He said eternity..

I asked who will be there? He said all of your friends and family are invited !!  I asked what about you? Will you be there? He smiled ... and said, “Of course I live there with my Father, and my good friend the Holy Spirit. 

I said it sounds amazing! I again eagerly said, “When will we get there? “ He said don’t be in a rush... You are not finished with your journey. There are many chapters still that need to be written ...  I will continue to hold your hand, I will guide you .. and above all else, I will LOVE you... We hugged. He smiled and said now go. Grow this gift of love and prepare to write your life's best chapters. 

I can only say since we met six years ago, I have been on the most amazing spiritual journey of my life... I am so happy that I found Him.. But, I  truly must admit He found me.

It was Him, It is Him, it will always be Him

 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 3 John 1:

 For I know my plans for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner 

Bible Verses from KJV, ESV / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from YouTube

The Journey - Lea Salonga (with lyrics)