The meaning of Waning and Waxing: Waxing means “growing” or expanding in illumination, and waning means “shrinking” or decreasing in illumination. 

When we look at these words they seem to point us to the moon phases… 

I truly have no idea why they tugged at my heart today… I can only say that I seem to feel those same types of pulls on my heart and soul. 

Our Creator seems to have placed a force that keeps every little detail of creation in its place…. The total Universe seems to be affected by what we know as gravitational pull… 

He created the moon to be the tidal force that causes Earth—and its water—to bulge out on the side closest to the moon and the side farthest from the moon. These bulges of water are called high tides. These tides interact with our earth's surface... 

I question, 

Do we have a similar pull that interacts with our Creator? Did our Creator put this gravitational pull into our very DNA? Are we all on this spiritual migration home? 

As I travel on the quest to unlock this mystery and grow closer to my Creator … my first love.. I have come to the realization of the similarities between the ebb tide of the ocean and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

I will admit there are times I feel Him so strong that it is difficult to contain the tears as they stream down my face. I can feel this beautiful yet mysterious gravitational pull that He so lovingly placed within the depths of my soul. 

But then there are the times I  feel He has placed some distance between us… and the closeness I once felt is lifted, and it grieves my soul  … My soul longs for His presence… The struggle to find Him is real… 

And then I remember that beautiful day in May when I felt a love so strong that it left me forever changed… He gave me a gift that filled my soul with a love far beyond my own understanding…. So, When we try to rationalize these moments in our mind, it can become a heartfelt perplexing feeling…. 

There is no way I can not deny His existence… I can only trust Him.. and wait… waiting is the most difficult task… longing for His presence is such an emotional quickening of the soul … 

The Waning and Waxing becomes a beautiful dance of the heart. It's a love story between me and a precious soul that has loved me before I was even born…  

He illuminates my life like the beautiful moon on the darkest of nights… 

I so love the moon... 

It’s Him, it will always be Him!! 

Dance with Him like no one is watching - slow, quick, quick. Your life will never be the same. 

Job 26:

He makes the moon wax and wane, putting it through its phases.

Photography & written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Fly Me to The Moon - Diana Panton

"Stab the body and it heals, but injure the heart and the wound lasts a lifetime." ~ Mineko Iwasaki

The meaning of wound: an injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken." a knife wound

We located 23 verses in the Bible that speak of the word wound... 

When we look at the word wound it can take us in a few different directions... There are wounds of the flesh... wounds of the heart and even wounds of the soul... 

How many of us can remember that when we received a wound as a child we would run to our parents for comfort... They would wipe our tears... examine the wound. Clean the area, dress the wound, kiss the boo-boo and that is where the healing begins...

Have you ever stopped to realize the wound heals from the inside? It continues to heal one layer at a time until we can see a scar over the spot where the wound once stood ... The hurt becomes just a memory...

The wounds of the heart and soul go much deeper... and seems to be harder to heal... I have lived long enough to feel the pain of a wounded heart... In various life trials... I have grieved the loss of loved ones... I do think the hurt gets better with time. But the yearning to see their face will linger for a lifetime... And we learn to continue to love them from afar.  

As we continue on this journey of life. There will be moments when words and actions from others cut into our hearts like a cold steel knife ... Those wounds bleed and leave deep scars... They seem to heal over time... but due to the emotional memories stored in the heart, they can resurface from time to time. The bleeding stops but our heart may revisit the hurtful memory... and tears may fall... it is part of God's cleansing process... 

I do believe we as a people can be more thoughtful towards others. Let’s work on treating others with kindness and understanding. There is enough pain and trauma in our world... Our love and actions toward others speak volumes to who we are.. not who they are.

I do believe that the soul can heal all wounds... because it knows to go to our Creator.  He is the only source that can cleanse all wounds from the inside, out. He heals our wounds one layer at a time... Some call it growth, some call it healing... and then there are those that claim the miracle. 

Abiding in His grace, His abundant love is the only medicine that has such amazing healing properties. With one gentle touch, He frees our heart...heals our mind, and brings new life to our soul... 

Knowing where to run when we are wounded in this thing we call life... is the key to healing... it’s the key to understanding... His LOVE is the Key to all things... even the deepest of wounds... Run to Him... Fall into His open arms... grieve not my child... 

It’s Him. it’s always Him!!! 

He is the key 🔑…and if I have not said it today...I love Him for who He is... the mighty healer of ALL.

Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. Isaiah 30:26

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube) 

Healer by Planetshakers Lyrics

Through love and memories, we are immortal.

Meaning of loss: to be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something).

We located twenty verses that speak to the subject of loss... 

When we feel the ache of loss. It can wound our hearts and crush our very soul... 

Why do we try to hang on to people, places, and or things?? 

What causes the yearning for a time gone by?  Are we selfishly clinging to memories of what we once had?  Or do we miss the ones that we once held so close?  Do miss their face, their smile, and long to hear their voice? 

I believe when you feel love in your heart, you ignite the fire within your soul, and you become alive... 

When the soul is alive beautiful memories can be made and felt with all your senses. These memories are stored within your mind, heart... and soul... And stay with you always. 

The ability to truly love is an amazing gift, from our Heavenly Father ... It’s beautifully, resilient, and pure... 

I believe true love never dies... We keep a small part if not all this love in our hearts forever until the end of time... 

However, I also believe people, life, and circumstances are fragile and unpredictable... Our love for others and their love for us can grow together or apart.

Some love deeply, Some love superficially. Some love unselfishly. And sadly, some are so lost they only have enough love to only love themselves... And some we must learn to love from a distance. 

I feel our hearts will be bound to the people we touch forever. Because of the loving memories, we make when our souls meet... 

Our memories can only be lost by losing one’s mind...But even then, you may not be able to recall them, but they will stay ingrained deep within our hearts.

Some people through no fault of their own are called home and leave the memories behind for us to cherish and hold dear ... Some do not realize the importance and impact of making loving memories.  The memories we leave behind are how we will be remembered by all the souls that have touched our lives...It’s our life’s legacy. 

Some souls are afraid of love and walk away... I feel that is such a great loss... but even then, the memories that were made will walk away with them...those memories will stay in their hearts… They will find out that they cannot run away from love, once touched by love it remains as a fiber woven into their tapestry life. 

No matter the circumstances. Love can never be taken away... When it is given from an unselfish heart it can never be taken back... it can never be returned to the giver like it never existed... There is no hiding from love.

That love becomes a part of who we are and will remain with us forever until the end of time!! 

You see we cannot lose love...Even if the person, place, or thing is no longer present in our life. 

I think love takes on a new form... You may not see it and or feel in the same way. But the loving memories can never be taken away or even altered... That love will stay hidden deep within our hearts for eternity. 

And as you reflect on the memories made...your heart will remember the love it once felt. and it will become alive if only for a brief moment in time.

Never, be afraid to love, never run from love… Love is a gift from God that we can never lose… 

It's Him. It's always Him...He the greatest gift…

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16

And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God’s hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13 -2 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Bible collaboration - Joann Turnbull 

Meaning of instantly:  Immediately, present or quick

I have been hounded by the same verses for over two years.  These verses appear in the strangest places.  In stores on napkins and just recently I instantly stopped in front of a framed photo of these verses hanging on the wall of a house that was being sold.  These are the verses: 

Hear, O Israel:  The Lord our God is one Lord:

And you shall love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, with all the soul, and with all thy might.  These verses are from Deuteronomy 6:4-5.  They are part of the verses that are repeated three times a day if you are an Israelite.   

As we have seen in our Word Study the announcement of the birth of Jesus came instantly to the shepherds, wise men, and to two elderly people in the Temple. 

One was named Simeon.  He had been looking for the coming Christ for many years. And on that day the Baby Jesus was dedicated in the Temple.  Simeon was in the Temple.  He took Jesus in his arms and gave thanks for the coming Savior.  As he was speaking an old prophetess that had been living in the Temple instantly came to them with loud cries of praise to God for His gift of the child.  

Her name was Anna.  Which means grace.  She had been married only seven years when her husband died.  She chose to worship and serve in the Temple by praying and fasting all her years.  Some say she was 84, but some say she was older.  As a Jew, she would have prayed three times a day that she would love God with all her heart, soul, and might.  She probably said those verses over 50,000 times in her life.  She too was looking for the coming Savior.  And she instantly recognized Jesus as that long-awaited Savior. 

Her loud cries of praise would have attracted quite a crowd.  From that day on she told all that were waiting for the Savior that indeed He had arrived. 

What an outburst of love and praise from one so old.  One who had chosen a life of prayer and fasting.  A life of loving Him with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. Have we recognized the enormous importance of knowing Jesus?  Here was that Holy Presence back in the Temple.  

Do we welcome Him into the temple of our heart?  We are His temple today.  Invite Him in. Receive Him with that joy and love shown to Him that day by Simeon and Anna.  They loved Him with unconditional love.  And it is my prayer that I will love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  He reminds me of these verses in so many ways.  I can only give thanks that He loves me so much. 

Luke 2:38. And she is coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord.

Written by Joann Turnbull 

Photography by Lori Garner 

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

God With Us (Live)

“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)