“Is it when my kids go to their room to give me a break?” Yes. But that’s not what we’re talking about.

“Is it when mommy goes to her room because she can’t take the noise anymore?” Absolutely. But again, not what we’re going for.

“Is it when you sit on the floor while quietly humming Kumbaya?” Not exactly.

I knew I needed to clarify.

flickr photo credit: brian talbot

Church folk use the phrase “quiet time” to describe the time we spend with the Lord through prayer and Bible study. And no, incense is not required.

Jesus left us the example. He broke away from the daily demands and got alone with the Father. It’s that simple. He got alone and spent time speaking and listening to Him.

One week from today, Katie and I will throw a blog party with lots of giveaways to launch our new eBook, Savoring Living Water: How to have an effective quiet time. (Yay!)

The time we spend alone with God is vital. But we often don’t know what to do or say. It may feel awkward or forced or ineffective. That’s why we wanted to write the book.

Katie and I give practical tips on how to spend our minutes in that mysterious “quiet time” in order for it to affect us — stirring up hope and peace and love. Because isn’t that the point? We don’t have it all figured out, but we combine our own experiences and share what we have learned to be fruitful.

Looking forward to next week! Praying He uses the words of this eBook to inspire you.

Fill me, Lord…

What has been your greatest hindrance to having an effective quiet time?
On a totally different note, what church-lingo can you think of that others may need clarified?

The post what in the world is a quiet time appeared first on Lara Howard.

You want some more exciting news? Can you handle it? Everyone who subscribes to my blog by Monday, June 6th, will be entered into a giveaway. {Enter girly squeals here} I figure, it’s a party so we have to give out a “sursie” (a.k.a., fun, unexpected treat).



So click one of the following links to subscribe. Then comment below telling me that you did subscribe, and you will automatically be entered to win. (Winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 8th.)

Click here to subscribe by email. (My posts will come straight to your inbox.)

Click here to subscribe in a reader. (If you don’t know what a reader is then you probably don’t typically use one.)

If you are like me then you just skimmed that paragraph above. So one more time, SUBSCRIBE AND THEN COMMENT BELOW. If you do not comment after subscribing you will not be entered to win the giveaway. And believe me you don’t want to miss this.



Now for the sursie. My dear, real-life, inspirational, HILARIOUS friend, Kelly Swanson, has graciously donated a copy of her book to our launch party. Check her out online at www.KellySwanson.net. {Thank you, Kelly!}

Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale?
How to hang on to humor when life doesn’t go the way you planned

Join Kelly as she takes you on her twisted path to happily-ever-after. Each chapter of this book will make you laugh and give you good solid advice on how to find your way back to happy when you fall into one of those pot holes along the yellow brick road. Discussion questions are located at the end of each chapter.

It also wouldn’t be a proper blog launch without a prayer of commitment. I have done this personally but would love for you to join me in dedicating this cyber-space to Him.


“Father, You alone are the worthy One. You alone are life to us. We give this little place back to you acknowledging that unless you open our hearts, unless you give us sight, we will be left in the dark. Fill us full, o Lord, fill us full…to overflowing.”

The post blog launch party {and a giveaway} appeared first on Lara Howard.