tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63309480192305141632024-03-13T22:35:12.308-04:00this adventure with the Most HighLara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.comBlogger643125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-56918030678989618392011-06-15T06:00:00.002-04:002011-06-15T06:00:05.290-04:00one final shout-outJust in case any of my sweet email subscribers missed it, my new blog launched a couple of weeks ago. <br /><br />If you have not yet stopped by, then today is a great day to come check it out. I am starting a new series on the thought life. More specifically, how to have victory in our thought lives. Praying the Lord speaks mightily.<br /><br /><a href="http://tooverflowing.com/" target=_blank>Click here</a> to come on over.<br /><br /><div align=center><a href="http://tooverflowing.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac34/laraspicsandpics/ButtonB3png.png" alt="To Overflowing" title="To Overflowing" width="200" height="200" border="0"/></a></div><br /><br />And if you would like to subscribe by email, just <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ToOverflowing&loc=en_US" target=_blank>click here </a>and enter your email address. After verifying your address, my new blog posts will come straight to your inbox.<br /><br />Blessings, friend.Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-1294395957737265802011-05-31T06:00:00.004-04:002011-05-31T06:06:37.140-04:00it's blog-moving day!<p></p><br /><div align=center><iframe height="450" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24330156?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" width="600"></iframe> <br /><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/24330156">Goodbye {This Adventure}</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/laragwilliams">Lara Williams</a>.</p></div><br /><p></p><br />(If you are having trouble viewing the video, <a href="http://vimeo.com/24330156" target=_blank><strong>click here to watch it on Vimeo</strong></a>.)<br /><p></p><br />So here it is, the link to my new blog website <a href="http://tooverflowing.com"><strong>ToOverflowing.com</strong>.</a> Come on over and check it out. We are having a launch party and you are invited! It just wouldn't be the same without you.<br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://tooverflowing.com/about/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac34/laraspicsandpics/ButtonB3png.png" alt="To Overflowing" title="To Overflowing" width="200" height="200" border="0"/></a></div><br /><p></p><br />(<a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ToOverflowing&loc=en_US" target=_blank><strong>Click here to subscribe </strong></a>to my new blog posts from "To Overflowing". They will come straight to your email inbox.)Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-61422578106119660422011-05-30T06:00:00.007-04:002011-05-30T06:20:02.677-04:00sit quiet and wait<p></p><br /><strong>I ask him for a word</strong>. A word of hope to lift any burdens. A word to stir his promised joy. I sit quiet. Waiting. Because he does indeed speak.<br /><p></p><br />I don't actually hear his voice, but I am learning to know his whisper. I don't actually see his hands, but I am learning to know where they are pointing. So I sit quiet and wait. <strong>Expecting, with his Word laid open on my lap</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/russmorris/513328642/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDxL6CVOdHc/TeL89r4egLI/AAAAAAAAAx0/tvp5a0a66es/s400/red%2Bchair%2Bby%2Brussmorris.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612326222338883762" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/russmorris/513328642/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><strong>True things fill my mind if I let them</strong>. And they change me. If I lay down the grocery list swirling around up there and push aside the ticking clock that beckons I run ragged. If I just sit quiet and wait. Listening. Gleaning.<br /><p></p><br />If I. He will.<br /><p></p><br />He so faithfully guides. He just did. <em>Sit quiet. And wait</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>What true things lift your spirit today as you sit quiet and wait on him?</strong><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center>{Oh and...}</div><br /><p></p><br /><strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/taking-leap.html" target=_blank>Tomorrow's the big day</a></strong>. And I'm so excited! We are taking the leap {sooner than expected!}. So grab your shoes.<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-21604125907204692072011-05-27T06:00:00.002-04:002011-05-27T06:43:29.327-04:00it meets me in unexpected places<strong>The gospel meets me in the toy-strewn playroom</strong>. The grabbing and fussing flares between my young ones and it meets me, in the midst of a competitive <em>Hi Ho Cherry-o</em> game.<br /><p></p><br />On good days, when I am sensitive to His Spirit, I remember that they are flesh. I see them as he sees them, <strong>a little soul in need of a Savior</strong>. I use the moment as a picture, illustrating again their ultimate longing. <em>Freedom from self</em>. Freedom to love.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paix_et_amour/3040044353/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tULOHgcqHbM/Td9-fXhIFFI/AAAAAAAAAxc/mJSOrcG7NwY/s400/love%2Bflower%2Bby%2Bpaix_et_amour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611342738080928850" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paix_et_amour/3040044353/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />On not-so-good days I react in my <em>own </em>flesh, reminded again of my desperation. <em>Thankful for his persistent grace</em>.<br /><p></p><br />The gospel. <strong>A holy God bending down and redeeming mankind out of his extravagant love</strong>. Innocent blood shed for my rebellious soul. And for theirs. Undeserved. Beyond comprehension.<br /><p></p><br />Seeing others through the gospel changes me. <strong>It softens me</strong>. It frees me to love.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How does looking at others through the lens of the gospel change you?</strong><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-39747102529090363202011-05-26T06:00:00.002-04:002011-05-26T06:20:08.622-04:00we are in our "now" on purpose<p></p><br /><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/01/sisters.html" target=_blank><strong>My sister</strong></a> said it the other day and it spoke to me--deep down. And if it's true then nearly every thought is affected.<br /><p></p><br />"<em>He has us exactly where he wants us</em>."<br /><p></p><br /><strong>On purpose. With precision. According to his sovereign plan.</strong><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annabelleny/2902472014/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 405px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d39NC1XEmss/Td2iaeOQaXI/AAAAAAAAAxU/J_Wzj4E6A3M/s600/sparrow%2Bby%2Bannabelleny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610819286446664050" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annabelleny/2902472014/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><blockquote><div align=center>"Not (even one sparrow) falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." <br /><br />Matthew 10:29-31</div></blockquote><br /><p></p><br />In this <em>now</em> of ours he is working. In <em>this</em> season he is refining and building our faith. Whatever today looks like--with all its seeming complications and hindrances--<strong>he is moving about, orchestrating and reigning, transforming and mending.</strong> <br /><p></p><br />If it's not so then he is not the God revealed in scripture. The revealed God <em>means</em> things; he doesn't just <em>use</em> things. He loves to the point of death and restores the broken.<br /><p></p><br />He has us where he wants us. On purpose. With precision. According to his sovereign plan. <strong>Believing it so changes...everything</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p><br />Do you believe that he has you where he wants you?<br /><p></p>What does believing him sovereign over the daily happenings do to our hope and faith?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-51488634024574541652011-05-24T05:51:00.006-04:002011-05-24T06:24:28.867-04:00the main thing<p></p><br />"<em>The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing</em>." My daddy used to say that.<br /><p></p><br />I've addressed it before, but it bears repeating. <strong>We live in a loud world</strong>. So much calls our name begging we look and then sit for a while. The enemy has an agenda. <strong>Distraction!</strong><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yamagatacamille/4950172129/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MQE5Goy3L8/TduFNStnApI/AAAAAAAAAxM/IbpqoAikoVc/s400/not%2Blistening%2Bby%2Byamagatacamille.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610224224228016786" /></a></div><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yamagatacamille/4950172129/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br />Last week I was lured. I felt it heavy on my spirit. Outwardly I did all the same things, but my mind wandered. Even my time alone with the Lord felt distracted. Then only as a faithful Father can do, I heard the words of Jesus whispered in my ear, "<strong>You are distracted by many things. But only one thing is needed</strong>." (Luke 10:38-42)<br /><p></p><br />Don't you love the chastening of the Lord. {wink} Truly, <em>he loves those he disciplines</em>. So I thank him.<br /><p></p><br />The world will holler for you and for me. Things entice. Stuff draws us in. <strong>But only one thing is needed</strong>. <em>The main thing</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How do you keep the main thing the main thing in such a loud world?<br /><p></p>Is there something you need to lay down in order to focus on the one <em>needed </em>thing? No better time than now.</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-40971173100131617362011-05-23T06:00:00.005-04:002011-05-23T06:24:41.119-04:00He's on love's side<p></p><br />During a recent "discussion" with my man, I realized something about God. You see, <strong>I have this tendency to think I am right when I argue</strong>. But not only that, in those not-so-lovely moments, I can even think that <em>God</em> must think I'm right. And he must be on my side. Cause he's gotta be choosin'.<br /><p></p><br />But, <strong>that's pretty much wrong thinking</strong>. In fact I don't think He is on any one person's "side." Yes, he is <em>for</em> us as his children. And yes he loves beyond human reason. But ultimately, he's on love's side. Unity's side. His side.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/branditressler/2131769826/in/photostream/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDAXYywnNGk/TdnA2QifBwI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Ppg7GoKXpoI/s600/love%2Bnever%2Bends%2Bby%2Bbranditressler.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609726849251739394" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/branditressler/2131769826/in/photostream/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>We are the wayward, selfish ones</strong>. We are the ones who misunderstand and misrepresent His amazing-ness. So He's not choosin'. He simply is. Love.<br /><p></p><br />When the thought hit me the other night, it shut my mouth. <em>Mostly</em>. It gave me a different perspective. It caused me to pause and reconsider. Because if he is not choosing my side, then I want to get back in line with <em>his</em> side. The love side.<br /><p></p><br /><strong>Humbling</strong>.<br /><p></p><br />He's on love's side. He is love.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How would thinking of him this way change how we argue and fuss with others? <br /><p></p>(Or maybe I am the only one who finds myself in these types of "discussions.")<br /><p></p></strong>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-80903688284968160152011-05-20T06:00:00.010-04:002011-05-20T06:26:04.105-04:00an adoption story<p></p><br /><strong>New life begins to grow inside her, along with strangling fears</strong>. Another mouth to feed. Another child to raise from girl to woman. The future seems complicated. Uncontrolled. Worries wake her as an unfamiliar pain grips her mama-heart.<br /><p></p><br />The stars outside fall into place as usual. The sun sets and the moon lights, bright on that African plain. In the quiet she does all she knows to do. <strong>She whispers a prayer to Him. Her God.</strong> The listening One. The able One. The willing One.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianscott/2546568754/" target="_blank"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 399px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608603500345701650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Hh8WsaSyao/TdXDKvweNRI/AAAAAAAAAw8/GQNe6rhUWxs/s600/african%2Bsunset%2Bby%2Bbrianscott.jpg" /></a><br /><font size="2"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianscott/2546568754/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></font></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>She asks for a family who seeks Him</strong>--one who knows Him and loves Him and teaches Him. A family who will carve out a space for this precious one soon to be birthed oceans away. Tears and hope begin to mix together on that warm night. Tears with the thought of letting go. Hope with the thought of love lavished on her new one.<br /><p></p><br />As her faith prayer is breathed, He answers. <strong>Miles away He begins planting seeds of desire in the chosen family</strong>. Seeds that He confirms and confirms, over and over. Seeds that soon sprout above the soil, green and tender. And a little uncertain.<br /><p></p><br />Months go by. The desires grows strong and sure. The path lays straight before them. Until that day when this new one unites with those chosen for her. <em><strong>Chosen by Him</strong></em>. Joy erupts with first touches.<br /><p></p><br />That mama may never know. That mama may never hear. But <strong>that mama's prayer was answered</strong>. <em>Faithfully</em>. Her victory will come in the believing.<br /><p></p><br /><blockquote>This post written in awe as I have watched our God work adoption into a family I hold dear. Love. Love.</blockquote><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How does the thought of this mama's answered prayer encourage you?<br /><p></p>Do you have an adoption story to share?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-38031641395835506372011-05-18T06:00:00.006-04:002011-05-18T06:17:00.801-04:00the day His word came to life<p></p><br />I'm hanging out today over at <a href="http://www.donotdepart.com"><strong>Do Not Depart</strong></a>, talking about the day His word came to life. Like the freak-you-out kind of alive. I would love for you to stop by. <br /><br /><blockquote>Oh, <strong>I was on-fire for Jesus</strong>. The kind of on-fire that calls old friends to make amends and weeps with joy over a forgiven past. He redeemed me from so many pits. He lifted me out of myself and opened my eyes. Then like only our wild God can do, he led this prodigal to seminary.<br /><br />I craved him deep. I wanted...</blockquote><br /><br /><div align=center><a href="http://donotdepart.com/the-day-his-word-came-to-life"><strong>Click here to read the rest of the post</strong></a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithfarmer/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 499px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxysR7hTugY/TdOaxKWDESI/AAAAAAAAAw0/TC8kUhe0m80/s500/yellow%2Bflowers%2Bby%2Bmeredith%2Bfarmer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607996130387497250" /></a><br /><strong><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithfarmer/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><br />How has the word come alive in your own life?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-8755203770097643442011-05-17T06:00:00.002-04:002011-05-17T06:06:11.799-04:00(finally!) vloggin' Philippians 3<p></p><br />Here it is (finally!), <strong>Philippians chapter 3</strong>...and what the heaviness on my heart reinforced in my spirit.<br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><iframe height="450" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23808074?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" width="600"></iframe> <br /><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/23808074" target=_blank><strong>Click here</strong></a> if you have trouble viewing.</p></div><br /><p></p><br />If you missed my first two Philippians vlogs (and would like to see my secret love for dancing), <a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/search/label/vloggin%27"><strong>click here to watch chapters 1 and 2</strong></a>. <br /><p></p><br />Linking up with my sweet friend, Katie Orr, over at <strong><a href="www.donotdepart.com" target=_blank>Do Not Depart</a></strong>. I just love that precious sister.<br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://donotdepart.com/hiding-his-word-vlog-link-up" target=_blank><img src="http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a463/ckopb/HidingHisWordVLOG-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How have you seen the Word meet you in the moments?<br /><p></p>(Come on, friends. I want to hear from you!)</strong><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-24965413267882266242011-05-16T06:00:00.003-04:002011-05-16T06:10:13.190-04:00infusing hope: four things to remember {4}<p></p><br />I sometimes have to preach to myself. I have to make the words come out of my mouth so my doubting heart can hear. And then believe.<br /><p></p><br />{number 4}<br /><p></p><br /><strong>Remember his faithfulness and declare it</strong>. <em>Out-loud</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/unlimited___/244726984/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 365px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607132038189764370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAViYeDFrcU/TdCI4YEDTxI/AAAAAAAAAws/yoocevRl5ws/s600/microphone%2Bby%2Bunlimited__.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />Say it. Sing it. Proclaim it. However you want to declare it. Just let the words meet with the air. Let his praises grace our space. <strong>Let his past faithful acts mingle with the present</strong>. Here. And now.<br /><p></p><br />Let those beside us partake of the blessing. <strong>Let those who share our moments hear, that they too may be stirred.</strong> And spurred towards faith in the faithful One.<br /><p></p><br />Remember. Then declare. Out-loud.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p><br />OK, friend, it's your turn. Declare his faithfulness.</strong><p></p><br /><p></p><br />For those who have more time, read Joshua 4:1-7. How did Joshua lead the Israelites to remember? Why?<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />If you missed the first three of "infusing hope: four things to remember," here are the links: {<strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-1.html">number 1</a></strong>}, {<strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-2.html">number 2</a></strong>}, {<strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-3.html">number 3</a></strong>}<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-45993399851348061352011-05-14T06:24:00.006-04:002011-05-14T06:56:08.966-04:00taking the leap<p></p><br />Blogger was down for a couple of days due to "technical difficulty." Poor thing. It was so confused. It even sent out one of my older posts yesterday. But, <strong>God was and is in control</strong>...even over technology.<br /><p></p><br />In fact, the little system glitch was the final nudge I needed. I have started the process of creating a new blog website. And I am so excited. <br /><p></p><br />The content will be the same. But the blog title will be easier to remember. And the platform will be more reliable. Plus...sometimes a fresh start is just fun. Hopefully <strong>the changes will be made by the end of June</strong>. But I will keep you posted because I can't imagine "moving" without you going with me!<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/natespotts/230782260/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oO_loS2hQn0/Tc5br9Cgm8I/AAAAAAAAAwk/GqDKJYrvqVI/s600/shoes%2Bby%2Bnatespotts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606519396800437186" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/natespotts/230782260/" target=_blank><strong>photo credit</strong></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />So grab some good jumping shoes and we will take the leap together. And yes, they can still be cute.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>Do you like change? Why or why not?</strong><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />I'll be back on Monday with {number four} of the short series "infusing hope: four things to remember."<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-91483730822718163612011-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:07:08.785-04:00infusing hope: four things to remember {3}<p></p><br />The rains will fall. The waters will rise. This side of Jesus' return, the trials will come. But they are not without purpose. They do not define our God.<br /><p></p><br />{number 3}<br /><p></p><br />Remember. <strong>His promises remain even when the waters ahead seem impossible to cross</strong>. We just have to be wild enough to believe him in spite of what our eyes may see.<br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pocait/2839897414/" target="_blank"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605279537197883986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFXxWyn8sJk/Tcn0CoFyIlI/AAAAAAAAAwU/KHxSn4byRIU/s600/rain%2Bboots%2Bby%2Bpocait.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pocait/2839897414/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br />As our toes dip into that water's edge--believing that he goes before us into the deep--the rushing ceases. The waters flee from him. The seas turn away into a heap. <strong>He makes a path for our feet, often straight <em>through</em> the seeming impossible</strong>. And what should have been our demise, becomes a place of rejoicing.<br /><p></p><br />His promises stand.<br /><p></p><br />Our gaze will be tested on this life-journey. But faith is the victory. Believing him to do what he promises he will do--regardless of the momentary waters--causes hope to rise.<br /><p></p><br />Remember. <strong>If he said it, then it <em>will</em> come to pass</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>Are there some deep waters ahead?<br /><p></p>What promises are you clinging to as you step into what seems impossible to cross?<br /><p></p></strong><br /><p></p><br />For those who have more time, read Joshua 3:9-17. What stirs up hope in your spirit from Joshua's example?<br /><p></p><br /><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-1.html"><strong>Click here</strong></a> to read {number 1} and <a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-2.html"><strong>click here</strong></a> to read {number 2} from this short series, "infusing hope: four things to remember."<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-48121341514255329922011-05-11T06:14:00.004-04:002011-05-11T06:28:40.827-04:00dreamin' and believin'<p></p><br /><blockquote>He puts them there–these seeds of desire that will one day birth into living color. He does that in us and he does that in our kids. He has plans and works set aside just for us. And just for them.</blockquote><br /><p></p><br />I'm hanging out over at the <a href="http://modsquadblog.com" target=_blank><strong>MODsquad</strong></a> today, talking about dreaming and believing. <a href="http://modsquadblog.com/2011/05/dreamin-and-believin/" target=_blank><strong>Click here to read my post</strong></a>.<br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicopierce/5492971031/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605400544881731362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wR_1g1Hi0/TcpiGM105yI/AAAAAAAAAwc/mqw3iADWQjc/s600/dreams%2Bby%2Bnicopierce.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br />I'll be back tomorrow with {number 3} in the short series "infusing hope: four things to remember." If you have missed it, <a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-1.html"><strong>click here</strong></a> to read {number 1} and <strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-2.html" target=_blank>click here</a></strong> to read {number 2}.<br /><p></p><br />Love to each of you today. Praying you are encouraged in Him.<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-74522101415882618152011-05-10T05:52:00.004-04:002011-05-10T06:18:20.778-04:00infusing hope: four things to remember {2}<p></p><br />There exists a space between his promises and their fulfillment. More often than not this gap marks our trail of life. And <strong>we have a call in this meantime</strong>.<br /><p></p><br />{number 2}<br /><p></p><br />We remember. <strong>Walk forward by faith.</strong><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/timove/3220748075/" target=_blank><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605024864457033074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fTBFGuA5Js/TckMauMxhXI/AAAAAAAAAwM/KMca-nEu1Z0/s600/journey%2Bby%2Btimove.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/timove/3220748075/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></span></div><br /><p></p><br />We keep our eyes set firm on his promises. Whether overarching or an intimately spoken promise, <strong>if he said it then it will come to pass</strong>.<br /><p></p><br />The trail may get rocky or thick with brush. The path may seem dark at times. But our call <em>is </em>this walk of faith--putting <strong>one foot in front of the other</strong>, moving towards that "promised land."<br /><p></p><br /><em>In doing so, we are sanctified</em>.<br /><p></p><br />We may not know what's around the next bend, but we know where we are heading--<strong>towards his promises fulfilled</strong>. So keep walking, my friend. Keep walking.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>What promises of God do you hang onto as you walk your own life journey?<br /><p></p>How do you purposefully keep walking towards those promises?</strong><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br />For those who have more time, read Joshua 1:10-11, 16. How does Joshua's response to <strong><a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusing-hope-four-things-to-remember-1.html" target=_blank>God's speaking </a></strong>infuse hope and courage to your own heart?<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-83780393483104413252011-05-09T05:56:00.005-04:002011-05-09T06:47:14.622-04:00infusing hope: four things to remember {1}<p></p><br />We are forgetful. Life happens and we forget the Rock upon which we stand. The enemy tempts us towards defeat and our emotions latch on as if his whispered lies define us and our tomorrow.<br /><p></p><br /><strong>So we desperately need to remember the true things</strong>.<br /><p></p><br />{number 1}<br /><p></p><br />Noise. Everywhere there is noise. People talk. Media declares. Thoughts analyze. Yet, <strong>He is speaking to his children</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><em>Am I listening</em>?<br /><p></p><br /><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithfarmer/4076204385/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 456px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CIPAYa_9UfQ/TcfFEyfGuCI/AAAAAAAAAwE/mtKGZY9CAr4/s600/listening%2Bby%2Bmeredith%2Bfarmer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604664947348256802" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/meredithfarmer/4076204385/" target =_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br />The God of the universe--in all his glory and splendor and eternality--bends down and speaks to us. He speaks. To us.<br /><p></p><br /><strong>He speaks promise, command, and direction</strong>. He speaks out of love to give life and joy and victory to those who seek. He speaks through his word.<br /><p></p><br /><em>Am I listening</em>?<br /><p></p><br /><strong>Remember</strong>. The sovereign one speaks. And he will speak to you and me if we have ears to hear.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>Are you needing a word of promise or direction from him?<br /><p></p>Practically speaking, how can we hear from God?</strong><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>For those who have more time, read Joshua 1:1-9. What does God promise, command, and direct Joshua to do? How does that infuse hope?<br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-7829449627623179722011-05-07T07:30:00.003-04:002011-05-07T07:52:49.562-04:00from rejoicing to weeping: a mother's day post<p></p><br />I’m not sure there is <strong>anything more joyful </strong>than holding your child for the first time. Tracing the lines of their hands. Memorizing the sound of their cry. Overwhelmed by the love that--in a moment—-redefines your existence.<br /><br /><p></p><br />I’m also not sure there is <strong>anything more painful</strong> than mother-desires left unfulfilled. From broken bodies scorned by disease, infertility, and death to broken lives of children running in rebellion, a mother’s heart can bleed in excruciating pain.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><strong>Motherhood</strong>. From shouts of joy to cries of despair and everything in between.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donkerdink/2482458601/" target="_blank"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603939100593740274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ud-JCfQL7_g/TcUw68nP2fI/AAAAAAAAAv8/EzRX-Vzbbrk/s500/mother%2527s%2Bday%2Bflowers%2Bby%2Bdonkerdink.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donkerdink/2482458601/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></div><br /><br /><p></p><br />So I find myself in that torn place today, rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. All the while <strong>pointing to the One who holds time and life in his faithful hands</strong>. He is looking at you, sweet one.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><em>Happy mother's day, mama. I love you.</em> <br /><p></p><br /><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><br /><p></p>How goes your heart this mother's day weekend?</strong> <br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-48854460645072377902011-05-05T06:05:00.003-04:002011-05-05T06:12:50.391-04:00am I THAT thankful for anything<p></p>Remember those <a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-ponderings-from-courtroom.html"><strong>ponderings from the courtroom</strong></a>? I'm going back there today. Praying for a merciful judge with a tender heart towards me who will have ears to hear. Oh, and, that it will go quickly. Your prayers are appreciated. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>In the meantime, if you haven't seen this video yet, it is an absolute MUST watch.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w9dpmp_-TY0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><p></p><a href="http://youtu.be/w9dpmp_-TY0" target=_blank><strong>Click here </strong></a>to view on YouTube.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>I would love to hear your response to that precious video.</strong>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-26004803238443763512011-05-04T06:00:00.002-04:002011-05-04T06:22:52.061-04:00we are all asking the same question<p></p>It seems we're all asking the same questions. <strong>Am I loved? Lovely? Love-able?</strong> <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>We want to know that we hold the attention of another. That someone notices our nuances and then smiles tender with interested eyes. We want to be <strong>fully known and loved regardless</strong>. The reckless love that pursues and stays and sacrifices.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>And. <em>We are</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcassaa/395470853/sizes/o/in/photostream/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 402px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BWKR__gczE/TcCp2Q2zx8I/AAAAAAAAAv0/6M1ZNYXbrzE/s600/love%2Bcling%2Bby%2Bdcassaa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602664686151780290" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcassaa/395470853/sizes/o/in/photostream/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>We are perfectly known</strong>--from our rising up to our sitting down. Every intent behind every word on our lips is known. His gaze is set firm on his own. His thoughts innumerable and precious. His plans prosperous.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>That craving to be known subsides in his glorious presence</strong>. For we are known with an eternal, <em>love</em>-knowing. His gaze locked. Cling there. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center>"God <strong>demonstrates</strong> his own love towards us,<br />in that while we were still sinners,<br />Christ died for us." Romans 5:8<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>"And my God <strong>shall supply </strong>all your need<br />according to His riches in glory<br />by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19<br /></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>Read Psalm 139<br /><p></p>How has he proven the sufficiency of his love in your own life?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-1013729494085017382011-05-03T06:00:00.003-04:002011-05-03T06:34:39.589-04:00rest for the weary<p></p>"<strong>Come to Me</strong>." <em>To him</em>. All who are weary and he will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28)<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>This is good, my friends. I try to avoid using too much Hebrew as to bore your socks off, but this is so very good.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Rest</strong></em> signifies to give intermission from labor, to give rest, to refresh so to recover strength.</blockquote><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>"<strong>Intermission from labor</strong>." I love that. Who needs an intermission from the toil? Who needs a refreshing in order to recover some strength?<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtitov/3798486146/" target=_blank><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 351px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wk0BD3DW3Pc/Tb_ZyEHzvzI/AAAAAAAAAvs/wHgJ1grAHV0/s600/hammock%2Bby%2Bvtitov.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602435915595366194" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtitov/3798486146/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>He says to come to him</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Coming to him looks like me, <strong>bowing down </strong>in my living room and laying it all before him. <em>Again</em>. It sounds like my voice, <strong>declaring</strong> his revealed character and speaking the raw. <em>He never flinches</em>. It feels like the <strong>weight slowly lifting </strong>and his peace faithfully falling.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Rest given. Strength recovered.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>How do you come to him when you are wearied?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-19198264067491264052011-05-02T06:30:00.001-04:002011-05-02T06:36:26.082-04:00birds and mice and snakes {oh my}<p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Spring has definitely sprung around our house</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>A couple of weeks ago my kids discovered a nest in one of their sand buckets with <strong>six baby bird eggs</strong> lying expectantly at the bottom. The mama wren flew in and out, guarding and waiting. Then last Friday, they hatched. They are <strong>teeny-tiny, ugly and precious</strong>. And I just can't stop myself from peeking in on them throughout the day.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nTfZX1T5Sc/Tb6Ca0DOl0I/AAAAAAAAAvM/MkIbY8Vc6lw/s1600/April%2B2011%2B025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602058383655868226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nTfZX1T5Sc/Tb6Ca0DOl0I/AAAAAAAAAvM/MkIbY8Vc6lw/s600/April%2B2011%2B025.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Then on Friday afternoon my man calls to tell me that he found a baby mouse in the garage. A mouse?! <strong>Mice are icky and I run from them</strong>. So I wasn't thrilled at the thought of having one as a temporary "pet."<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>But when I got home,<strong> this little mouse sucked me in with its cuteness</strong>. It is less than two weeks old with its eyes still shut and when it's all curled up it's about the size of a little bouncy ball. The thought of releasing it caused my mother instinct to rise.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Something then possessed me and I decided to pick up the little guy and feed it with a dropper. {I don't even know who I am anymore.} <strong>This God of ours, making baby-everything too cute</strong>. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p><em>For the record, I draw the line at baby snakes</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_vXy-HVgRw/Tb6CazVezeI/AAAAAAAAAvU/0svPu8Dyg_o/s1600/April%2B2011%2B026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602058383463992802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_vXy-HVgRw/Tb6CazVezeI/AAAAAAAAAvU/0svPu8Dyg_o/s600/April%2B2011%2B026.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Spring. The time when <strong>new life births</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunay/2393898308/" target=_blank><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 448px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602061996087525570" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4KrPP-tHKY/Tb6FtFaDQMI/AAAAAAAAAvc/iOb5Y_X4UCA/s600/spring%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bgarden%2Bby%2Blunay.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunay/2393898308/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Our God is a God of newness</strong>. Beginning with salvation and continuing with transformation. He does not remain static. Just after that winter freeze comes the warm breeze beckoning new life. Flowers bud from once frozen ground. <strong>Color bursts from the dim brown</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Someone needs to <strong>remember the newness</strong> today.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center>"<strong>For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;<br />and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind</strong>."<br />Isaiah 65:17</div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bringing it home...<br /></span></strong><br /><p></p><strong>How has he shown you personally that he is a God of newness?<br /></strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-37701024905456456912011-04-30T06:30:00.001-04:002011-04-30T06:52:26.325-04:00for those needing hope<p></p><br /><p></p>We crave it. <strong>A happy ending with pretty people</strong>. Something bright in a world that often feels dark.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Yet images of royalty flash across the screen followed by <strong>the cry of cities devastated </strong>and families separated. It's hard for a mind to comprehend.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>When full, we rarely seek. But when empty and broken, desperation forces us to look at him. <strong>Look <em>for </em>him</strong>--questioning him.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbgrigby/3420115993/" target=_blank><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601212345531740354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 461px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw9c7Ce4NRU/TbuA86bzsMI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3KcoYNBIFr8/s500/bird%2Bflying%2Bby%2Bmbgrigby.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbgrigby/3420115993/" target=_blank>photo credit</a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>It's <strong>in those times of soul-fatigue </strong>that we have a choice. Either we reject Him as unfaithful and deny Him as sovereign, choosing to define him based upon what our eyes momentarily see.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Or we <strong>choose to believe him</strong> to be who he has revealed himself to be. Beginning with him and then resting in his Father hands.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>Only one choice <strong>stirs the hope</strong>. Praying hope to rise in him for those facing great loss today.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align=center>"<strong>Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust</strong>."<br />Psalm 16:1</div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bringing it home...</span><br /><p></p>What word from the Word can you give to someone needing hope?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-34058125585801449002011-04-28T06:00:00.001-04:002011-04-28T06:15:53.193-04:00uncovering the smile when life gets tense<p></p>My daddy used to say that either we are in a trial, we just got out of a trial, or a trial is on the horizon. Not too comforting at first glance, but reality none-the-less.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>On this side of heaven, trials will come</strong>. Some are the big, life-stamping trials. The ones that end up defining us. But many are the small, minute-by-minute frustrations of life that aim to steal the smile.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>The pressures of the everyday come...every day.</strong> If I'm not diligent, then all the stuff that needs my tending can wipe away the grin. And I'm left standing there slicing apples with a frown.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/welshwitch36/213375834/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 456px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600431534021484290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qRoB75_Ku0/Tbi6zs4_HwI/AAAAAAAAAu8/PwXOfe5SDAo/s600/frown%2Bby%2Bwelshwitch36.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/welshwitch36/213375834/"><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>But I want my kids to remember their younger years with me having engaged eyes and a joyful face. <strong>As the daily demands increase and the mental list grows, he is teaching me how to rejoice in my soul so that it comes out on my face.</strong> So here are some practical ways that I choose the smile.<br /><p></p><br /><ol><strong><br /><li>When life gets tense, I lay down the list.</strong><br /><br />Literally. Figuratively. I set it down. I remind myself that I have enough time to do what he has for me to do. And <em>loving those beside me is what fulfills his ultimate call.<br /></em></li><br /><br /><li><strong>I pause to gain perspective.</strong><br /><br />I sometimes escape to the laundry room and close the door; or go for a long walk...to the mailbox. Alone. Or just close my eyes and slip away in my mind while the wildness grabs onto my legs. <em>The point is in the pause</em>.<br /></li><br /><br /><li><strong>I ask for his vision for that moment, <em>or for that person</em>.<br /><br /></strong>The only life-giving perspective is his perspective. When I have stepped away, I commune with him. This is especially vital when one of my little ones is acting particularly irrational or excessively whiny. {<a href="http://unrehearsedadventure.blogspot.com/2011/03/these-are-things-that-ignite-my-flesh.html" target="_blank"><strong>One of my flesh triggers</strong></a>.} To see as he sees spurs love.<br /></li><br /><br /><li><strong>I choose to engage the now and the one standing before me.<br /><br /></strong>As I commune with him, he often reminds me of the blessings in the moment or the gifts within the other person. The ways he designed them with precision and purpose. They too are a work in progress, <em>just like me</em>. The smile slowly creeps out.<br /></li></ol><br /><br /><p></p>I fail at times. The stuff coming at me occasionally wins. <strong>But he is either the God reigning over every single circumstance--big and small--or he is not the God revealed in the scriptures</strong>. Believing him sovereign and love mingled together changes me. It changes my face.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>What brings a smile to your face even when life comes with fierce persistence?</strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-16872855764401824502011-04-26T06:00:00.003-04:002011-04-26T13:06:55.917-04:00spandex alone (for goodness sake) does not a 6-pack make<p></p><br /><p></p>I (periodically) go to the gym. It's what <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/2011/04/why-moms-need-a-retreat-routine/" target="_blank"><strong>Kat would call one of my weekly retreats</strong></a>. I get a little exercise while having a little church with <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/lecrae"><strong>Lecrae </strong></a>streaming through my ear buds. It rejuvenates this mama-soul.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/millersjon/3546048749/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 600px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599714923198701122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sfdqaK_kt04/TbYvDdi2XkI/AAAAAAAAAus/HOvg-OlgXlc/s600/boy%2Blifting%2Bweights%2Bby%2Bmillersjon.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>After a brief round with lunges yesterday, <strong>I glanced up and saw a gentleman wearing spandex shorts with a sweat-band around his head</strong>. (I'm just sayin'.) But he wasn't exercising. He had on the "right" workout clothes. He had paid the membership fees. He even made it to the gym. But he spent his time leaning and chatting and drinking a smoothie, while those 6-pack abs lingered in the dark abyss of future workouts.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>What a warning for us</strong> in living spandex color.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonlparks/4922045286/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599714646983083234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lmc_rHOISmU/TbYuzYj6hOI/AAAAAAAAAuk/LlR7RbvVgJU/s600/boy%2Bon%2Bexercise%2Bbike%2Bby%2Bjasonlparks.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p>We could wear all the right "Christian" clothes, pay our tithes and give to the needy. We could wake up early and be at the church every time the doors opened. But <strong>if we stand passive on the sidelines, we miss the point</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>This Christian life is meant to be active, because <strong>passive living leads to bondage</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><div align="center">Our call is to <strong>fight </strong>the fight of faith.<br /><p></p><strong>Take </strong>every thought captive to obedience.<br /><p></p><strong>Run </strong>with endurance the race set before us.<br /><p></p><strong>Wrestle </strong>against principalities of darkness.<br /><p></p><strong>Meditate </strong>on true things.<br /><p></p><strong>Pursue </strong>love.<br /><p></p><strong>Die daily </strong>to self.<br /><p></p><strong>Believe</strong>.<br /></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>We cannot coast through these brief days</strong> and expect to stay spiritually fit. Faith is active. It works itself out through our choices.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>So let's get that spandex on--<em>or not</em>--and then move about our minutes with purpose. Victory awaits.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Bringing it home...</span><br /><p></p>How do you build your "faith muscles"?</strong><br /><p></p><strong>What other action verbs to you see in the scriptures?<br /></strong><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6330948019230514163.post-56358335939462409552011-04-25T06:00:00.001-04:002011-04-25T06:10:51.762-04:00wanting sunday's "He is risen" to affect my monday livin'<p></p><br /><strong>I know me too well</strong>. I know my desperation for his invasion. <em>Minute-ly</em>. My heart craves things that oppose him. My sin rises from the dead as if it still has a place in this earth-suit. The dailiness can pull at my patience bringing out the unlovely--the attitudes I thought were buried.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/diezzo/206451029/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 413px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599456613557248706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMQJhNEBflQ/TbVEH3JKosI/AAAAAAAAAuM/X6rVndUavcY/s500/clothes%2Bline%2Bby%2Bdiezzo.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit<br /></span></a><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jek-a-go-go/3234856233/in/photostream/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599456728518678706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1BGe-EXH5Y/TbVEOjaG2LI/AAAAAAAAAuU/7ho7gGYNgZw/s600/dirty%2Bdishes%2Bby%2Bjek-a-go-go.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit<br /></span></a><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happybunny70/2961820828/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 450px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599456830801042354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dHCx1muP-c/TbVEUgcH27I/AAAAAAAAAuc/s0AyzQMWEeU/s600/kids%2Bpaint%2Bbrushes%2Bby%2Bhappybunny70.jpg" /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit</span></a></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Yesterday was Easter</strong>--in case you were wondering. With shouts of praise I declared, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! My Lord is risen." But one of the most amazing things about that awe-evoking truth is that it is so personal. <strong>That truth is meant to seep into my individual moments and change things</strong>. <em>Change me</em>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>No longer do I fall before my Maker condemned. I am declared righteous. No longer am I a slave to sin. I have been set free from the chains. <strong>No longer does my tomorrow have to look like my yesterday</strong>. He rose to bring newness of life.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Easter affects things in my now</strong>...if I believe. If I fight the fight of faith.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>With Paul I desire, "if by any means, (that) I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:11) Eyes set firm on eternal things. Promises from the mouth of my God as stepping stones guiding my path. Reckoning myself "dead indeed to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:11) <strong>Because of Easter this is our rightful inheritance</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p>We shouted, "He is risen." We sang. We danced. We worshipped. We remembered. But may that truth invade our moments of today when life happens and self demands its supposed rights.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>He rose to free us. On Monday</strong>.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><strong>Bringing it home...<br /><p></p>What does it mean that Christ freed us?<br /><p></p>How is that meant to affect our daily living?</strong><p></p><br /><p></p>Lara G Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01948245605474728234noreply@blogger.com0