I couldn’t believe what happened to me at Walmart yesterday! Watch the video below for the story.

If you’re reading via email, click here to watch the video.

OK, I know the example was a little superficial. And no, I honestly didn’t see the person who did it (I was really engrossed in price comparison and decision making). And yes, I really was only about 10, maybe 15, steps down the aisle away from my cart. The nerve. And thankfully my purse was on my shoulder. Note to self: don’t leave valuables unattended.

But regardless, bitterness from unforgiveness steals life from us. That’s one reason God instructs us to forgive. He loves us and wants us free. Plus, when we truly recognize how much grace we’re under, forgiveness is the only logical choice.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

This day can be a step in the direction of true healing — even from the most devastating of wounds. Let’s dare to take our thoughts captive to forgiveness, releasing judgment to God.

The To Walk or Stay book club is discussing chapter 7 of my book today over at (the gracious and admired!) Francie Winslow’s blog “Up, In, and Out.” Click here to come over and read or join in on the discussion.

 
Fill me, Lord…

How have you seen bitterness and unforgiveness steal from you?
How have you seen forgiveness bring soul freedom?
 

The post “To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 7 {forgiveness} appeared first on Lara Howard.

On Friday morning I was privileged to help lead a corporate quiet time with some of my fellow HelloMornings girls. Actually I did some preachin’ for the devotion time and then Katie led us in worship. Then at the end of our time together, I shared a poem that I had written about waking up into God’s day.

A number of girls asked if the poem was on my blog, so here it is…now on my blog. (And yes, I have my poetry voice going on. Strange.)

If you are having trouble viewing, click here to watch “It’s His. Not mine.”.
(Oops, I spelled “bear” as “bare.” And yes, I do wear clothes each day.)

It’s His. Not mine.

I wake into His day. Not mine.
He made it and holds it.
Loves it. Controls it.
Working it all towards a further unfolding
of His plan.
I’m so small in the grand scheme —
me stepping around folded clothes
and creaky stairs,
not wanting to wake little ones holding their teddy bears.
While He sits enthroned in glorious splendor.
I’m so small yet so loved.
So small yet pursued from above,
by my Maker.
Pursued. And purchased.
At a high price that I wouldn’t live
under the advice of a world that’s
confused and fearful,
desperate and tearful,
weak and scornful.
But purchased with crimson that little me
would have redemption.
Set free to be a giver of love,
a pourer of grace,
a receiver of mercy,
a stander in faith.
Free.
So I sit in my morning chair.
Breathing a few moments of quiet air.
Drinking His living water that my soul
would joyfully bear today.
It’s His.
Not mine.

You know, I don’t have a quiet time in order to look super spiritual or to gain some righteous status with God. Because truly, we gain every ounce of righteousness we could ever possess simply by faith in Jesus. I spend time with God before my day begins because I’m needy. I’m desperate for His guidance.

In that early morning chair, as I set my face towards His and lay all my mess at His feet, He meets with me. He soothes the wounds and mends broken places. He brings me to tears with His kindness and makes His truths jump off the pages to pierce my soul.

Time set aside to be with Him isn’t legalism — or at least it shouldn’t be. It’s life to us. It’s communing and relationship and love. It’s how I start today. His day — I’m just waking up into it.

 
Fill me, Lord…

What are your biggest distractions time alone with Him?
How does time alone with God bless your own spirit?
 

The post a little slam poetry in honor of HelloMornings appeared first on Lara Howard.

Oh, and special thanks to my seven-year-old who recorded it for me. And to my middle son who streaked across the room (which thankfully did not make it on the recording), you continually keep me guessing.

Keep on, my friends.

Memorizing the Mount {5:1-25} and my glue-gun ring from Lara Williams on Vimeo.

This week’s verses for those joining me in this memorizing journey:

26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 27 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:26-28

The post Vlog {Memorizing the SOTM :: Week 9} appeared first on Lara Howard.

So if anything I would encourage you with what I’m preaching to my own soul. A two-word commission for 2012…

(Click here if you are having trouble viewing.)

Abide Today.

All we have is today. This day. Whether it’s January 2nd, 28th, or June 14th. So wherever today takes us let’s press into Him. Let’s start our day with Him. Let’s meditate on His Word. Let’s love those around us free from any expectation of that love being returned.

It is 2012. A new year. A fresh start. But each day meets us with His new mercies. Each day. This day.

I pray He lavishes blessings on you this year, friends. I pray that He pulls each of us into a deeper intimacy with Him, that He sheds needful things, and that He opens our eyes to His never-changing Truth.
 

Fill me, Lord…

What are you hoping for with this new year?

The post a two-word commission for 2012 appeared first on Lara Howard.

As some of you know, I’m a fan of “redeemed” rap. The rap music that points to Jesus. So before I left for that conference I mentioned yesterday, some of my fellow bloggers — knowing of my love for rap — asked if I would be rapping at the conference.

Well, I laughed about the idea but then prayed about the idea and God inspired this little rhyme. The opportunity never arose for me to share it at Relevant — which was probably a good thing since the thought of doing this on-stage before 225 of my favorite bloggers made me a bit nauseous.

So instead, here it is, from the other side of a screen. My rap debut. (Excuse the poor video quality.)

I’m sure Lecrae will be knocking on my door any minute now.

Fill me, Lord

Um. So. What crazy dream do you have within you?
What if He placed it there with purpose? What if.

The post my rap debut appeared first on Lara Howard.

And now a word from my wild ones…

Fill me, Lord…

Are you memorizing any Scripture these days? If so, what?

The post reciting Phil. 4…finally! {vlog} appeared first on Lara Howard.

If you missed it last week, check out my post entitled “A Crazy, Big Goal” to find out more about our partnership with OneVerse.

Fill me, Lord…

How has He proven His Word to be alive in your own life?

The post the unhip reason for my writing {vlog} appeared first on Lara Howard.

Have a great weekend!

The post a saturday vlog {just sayin’} 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.