This morning I watched Gracie sit straight up in her crib on the monitor and say, “Happy day!” Yes, Gracie, it is a very happy day. I’ve had this song and these radiant lyrics stuck in my heart and pouring out of my lips for the last week. A peek below at the brand new prints I just listed in my shop. I created the Oh Happy Day print for our living room to remind us that, no matter what, we have so much to be grateful for. The lyrics to the song say it all.
I’ve spent the last two weeks completely off of social media and it has been good. Good in a way I didn’t expect. I thought it would be hard. It wasn’t. I thought I’d miss it. I don’t. I thought I’d only stay off of social media for a couple days. It’s been two weeks and I could keep going, but I love y’all and I wanted to say hello.
I am still letting this experience marinate in my heart, but I have one profound truth to share with you today: when you let go of something, you leave room for your heart to be filled with something else.
As I’ve shifted my focus from a frenzy of online influences to the hearts right in front of me, God has been meeting me in the sweet conversations and stillness that I now have time for. We planted a vegetable garden (pics to come!), had lots of dinners with good friends, had a big yard sale for charity (the $516 raised will go to the tornado victims in Oklahoma — all my prayers are with them today), went to visit my parents in Florida and even baked bread this weekend. I learned a blanket stitch (from Ari who is a sewing pro from his surgery training!) and repaired a quilt that has been worked on by four generations — my great grandmother, Grama Bunny, my mama and now me. I hope that Gracie will get a chance to sew love into it someday, too. She has been exploding with words lately and had her first real conversation Sunday morning with Ari before church.
Photo by the amazing Katie Stoops, who came to shoot an editorial for us a couple weeks ago. This is also my iPhone screensaver : )
Ari (walking in to pick her up from her crib when she woke up): Good morning, Gracie. How are you?
Gracie (looks up, pauses): Good! How yooooo Daddy?
Ari (stunned): Good!
It’s not all easy, though. In sitting in stillness more with God, reading His word a lot, reading other books (I’m currently reading Radical) and spending the majority of my work time writing a proposal for a book about how to make what matters happen, my heart has been challenged. Like a lion facing off with a tiger kind of challenge. Raaaarrr. God has been shaking things up in my heart, making me question everything we are doing and asking, “Is this what God really wants me to be doing, buying, thinking, focusing on? Is this what He wants me to fill my heart with?”
You see, Jesus didn’t have Instagram. He changed the world through relationships. One at a time. He didn’t have a megachurch or a megaphone. Just the powerful truth of His existence and the plan that God was going to reveal though Him. The plan of grace. The plan of salvation. The plan of freedom. I want that plan to be mirrored in all I do. So, I’m going to keep listening in the stillness and challenging what the world says is the path to success. I want to make LIFE happen.
Another signature gold foil print up the shop now.
Social media, of course, isn’t the problem. Your work isn’t the problem. Distractions aren’t the real problem. What we need to question is our hearts in using them. I have found great fulfillment in using social media to inspire and cheer others on and try my best, through many failures, to lead by example and share God’s word whenever I can. I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but that is the point, isn’t it? The gospel – the good news – is good news to those of us (all of us) who are imperfect and need it. It’s really good news. I want to continue to use every platform I’m given for good. Risking failure in that is worth it. Sometimes a break is necessary to step back and make sure you’re doing things in the best way possible. It has certainly been necessary for me. I needed a heavy dose of perspective and it’s pouring in like a river. I’m not leaving social media for good, but I am going to use it less and differently from now on. The last two weeks have been so sweet. I don’t have all the answers yet, but stepping back to see the horizon is certainly helping me find some brilliant sun rays of clarity that are illuminating possibilities I never knew existed.
In the spirit of making what matters happen and making memories with those right in front of us, I’m giving away a Fujifilm Instax Mini and one of the new prints from the shop – your choice! We use the Instax Mini every day here in our house and my fridge and kitchen bulliten board are so packed with wonderful photographs of great memories that we started covering the sides of our fridge!
TO WIN: Simply leave a comment here telling me what you want to make happen most in life. I’ll choose a random winner on June 11!
P.S. I sent my book proposal off to the publisher just moments ago! Oh my stars, this has been one of the most challenging and rewarding (46-page) PDF’s I’ve created. Thank you to so many who have encouraged me and prayed for me during this time. I’m so grateful!
keep reading
265 Comments
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:20 pm
What I want to make happen: I think what I want to make happen most is bringing joy to the lives of others. Whether that is through hand written notes or otherwise, I would love to help others and allow them to experience abundant joy. I am incredibly thankful that I can access the author of joy and love! 🙂 Thank you for this opportunity Lara!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:21 pm
What i want most is to provide for my girls and have them have an open relationship with God
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:21 pm
This year I want to make my career take off more by getting published in a magazine and/or having a band feature my photographs in their next album.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:23 pm
i need to start my own business, which i’ve been thinking about for years, right now. been so hard to make it happen. i’m the biggest obstacle of course 🙂
congrats on the book proposal submission!!! -
on May 21, 2013 at 5:24 pm
I am training for a 200 mile relay race and would really want to finish my blog so I can focus on creating content. These are two things I want to make happen!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:25 pm
Congratulations on submitting your book proposal! I know that must be a huge weight lifted from your shoulders.
I love your words here, and I completely agree. Social media shouldn’t distract us from the beautiful relationships God has placed right before us. Though social media can be used for wonderful things and can create meaningful relationships, there is nothing like sharing a meal with several of your closest friends. The stories that resurrect and the new memories that are made around the dinner table are unlike anything else in this world.
My friend Candace and I are working on a blog that will, hopefully, demonstrates just that! We want to encourage the hostess in everyone to reach out to those around them and share a tall glass of sweet tea and a kind word. What I want to happen is this blog. I don’t want it to be another online outlet that sucks up people’s time, but a place that can encourage those who read it to step away from the computer and put away their cell phone, and spend time with their precious loved ones.
It was wonderful seeing you at the yard sale on Friday, and I can’t wait to see where your new view on social media takes you next!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Allison! It was so wonderful seeing you at the yard sale, too! I hope you are enjoying your All I Need print : )
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:26 pm
You inspire me always. Keep up the good and honest work. Love ya!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:26 pm
I want to be closer to God and become the person He wants me to be.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Welcome back! So encouraged by you and reading what you’ve been up to while away.
What do I want to make happen? LOTS!… Most importantly, I want SOLID RELATIONSHIPS(not surface level), ENCOURAGEMENT, AN OUTPOURING OF LOVE FOR OTHERS, JOY THROUGH CREATIVITY, and STRONG FAMILY BONDS THAT LEAVE A LEGACY FOR OUR CHILDREN.
Love you, love your work, love what you’re making happen and what is stirring in your heart. Go Lara, Go! -
on May 21, 2013 at 5:28 pm
What I want to make most happen in my life kind of a tough question when you think about it there are so many things you can want in your life but what I need is to start my own wedding & party planning buisness so I have something to call my own. Don’t get me wrong I’m extremely blessed & happy with what god has given me in my life my wonderful family & friends but I just want to jump start my career I’m so ready to make this next part of my life happen to show my kid that hard work & faith can make all of your dreams & goals happen.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:31 pm
I don’t think it’s something I can force to happen but rather just let it happen on it’s own. . . to find my soul mate 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:31 pm
I want to open my own dog boutique!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I want to teach my daughter and the other littles who come through my daycare by example. I want to nurture them, help them bloom and take off in their own lives. I want to be a strong and graceful female role model for my daughter and leave a legacy of love, substance, and creativity.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:34 pm
L – while I’ve missed you, I have been so excited knowing that you’re doing great things in every moment you’ve been given. Thanks for the perspective. Thanks for reminding us, yet again, that every choice we make is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Your heart inspires me. I love you! Ps. BIG HIGH FIVES on the book proposal! So, so proud of you!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:35 pm
I want to make my life happen again – my career, my schooling, my relationships – I want to focus more on all those things. After a devastating loss and knee surgery, it’s been too long since I’ve felt ‘normal’. Thank you for this post and the words you wrote, I needed them!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Way to make the book happen! Praying for the powerful words that I know God is using you to speak through your book.
I want to make joy and love happen. I want to do good, always. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Thank you for sharing your social media free experience with us Lara. I’m always so inspired by the leaps of faith you take and the time you make in your day to really live. I’d like to make a little more quality time happen! Right now, I am sitting next to my beautiful daughter, typing away while she watches Jake & The Neverland Pirates… I’m sure our time would be better spent turning everything off and playing or chatting. Thanks for the reality check, signing off just as soon as I click “add”!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:40 pm
More than anything in all the world I want to get to the end of my days know that I loved God and others WELL. To make that happen despite all of my hiccups and caving in to distraction would be an awesome thing!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I want to get rid of the “busy” in my life. I tell my coworkers all of the time to make LIFE their number one priority, not work. I have found that I need to practice what I preach! Turn off the TV, leave the phone upstairs, take a break from ALL media, and focus on what really matters. I am currently reading 7, and I want to put that into action!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:42 pm
What I have dreamed of most of my life is to open an orphanage for the children in Cambodia. Because I was one of the lucky ones who was sponsored to America from a refugee camp, it was always in my heart to give back to the world for the life I have been privileged with.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:43 pm
I want to be the best stay-at-home mom I can be to my daughter and raise a happy girl who loves Jesus.
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:46 pm
I struggle with finding serenity….accepting what I cannot change. I would love to get better at this!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:46 pm
I am ready to get married in August and become a supportive and loving wife! I want to make it happen!!
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Congrats on the proposal Lara! I am making simple happen! I’m aiming to simplify my life and get rid of the stuff that doesn’t matter. I’m hoping to launch my design site this year, oh and I’m getting married : )
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:49 pm
To be 100% honest that’s a really hard question. The first word I thought of after reading it was “Africa.” My heart has always been for Africa and in 18 days that desire becomes reality. I’ll be hopping on a plane and heading overseas to love on some orphans. So, in answer to that question what do I want to make happen most in life isn’t really something that’s possible by myself. I want to restore health and love back into a country that’s full of life but not full of the resources with which to really live.. I want to make Jesus’ life happen here. 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:50 pm
It would mean so much to me to win this giveaway and have this camera with us at our wedding in September to capture love and memories from our guests on our big day. The last few months have been especially challenging for my fiance and I as we have faced health challenges that have thrown our lives upside down, and I am constantly inspired and lifted up by your strength and words Lara. At this cross-road in my life, I want to continue on the path to health for my fiance, continue loving and supporting him, and being his best friend as we start our lives together as husband and wife. And hopefully with this instax on our hip to capture every memory along the way 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 5:55 pm
I want to make a serious budget happen. We have one, but four months into newlywed life on one income (my husband is currently going back to school after serving in the Marine Corps)… it’s definitely time to re-evaluate!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Loving every minute that I spend reading your words. It’s a bright spot in my day, today.
I’d very much like to have a life full of happiness and love with my Mister, our pups and our future family. To have our happiness and love be contagious and share it with all of those we hold near and dear.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:01 pm
Lara, thank you for posting. I missed your daily encouragement on social media, but it actually blessed me to seek encouragement in my Bible more than just my morning reading. This post comes at such a perfect time – these tornadoes here in Oklahoma have been devastating and life has been crazy. You are so right, Jesus didn’t have Instagram, just relationships. Why do I think I can only make things happen with all of these time and life suckers? (Checked Instagram while writing this, I have a problem.) And to answer your question what I want to make happen most in my life is to share His love and grace through my words, relationships and work. Your Power Sheets are doing quite a number on my heart. All of the why’s are not only cleaning out my selfishness and insecurity, but like you said, making room for more amazing, beautiful things. I want to not walk in love, but run. I want my projects to shine His light. I want others to feel the redemption and grace I have received even if it’s just through a solid article or pretty picture or conversation. I want to make what matters most happen in life. Everything else is just icing.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:02 pm
Where to even begin!? I still haven’t figured out how to do it yet (or if it’s even possible) but I want to build an organization to care for young children who have been victims of abuse – this would be more than an orphanage or a foster home. It would provide rehabilitation for the children and solid families for them to be adopted into (I’m hoping to get local churches involved as well). I also want to come up with a curriculum that could be introduced in schools to educate children about abuse and how to seek help through our organization. Like I said, I’m not quite sure how to make this happen but I’m believing that God will direct the steps of my husband and I as we embark on this journey!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:06 pm
To glorify God and make His name known, to be the best wife and mom that I can be for our family, and lay a solid foundation for my children that will hopefully lead them to accepting the gospel for themselves!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:13 pm
At this moment my life is focused on my little girl, as I am a first time mom and right now she is the at the center of it all. Do not get me wrong I am always aware that she would not be possible without God and that this is truly His child and He choose me to be her mom. So what I want to make happen most in my life is for her to know His Love and that I am the best mom for her I can be. I want her to have a different life from me and to be stronger through the bumps in life than I was. I have so many wants for her but the most important at this moment is for her health and safety. Especially after all the heartache our world has gone through and is going through at the moment I hold her tight and thank God for His small blessings every day.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:13 pm
I most want to do whatever it is that God’s plan for me is – trouble is, I don’t know what that is just yet. 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:15 pm
I want to make a happy, healthy and LOVED baby happen all while opening my own newborn photography business! I am 7 1/2 months pregnant with our first little bundle and I”m praying about working in the photography business, specifically with newborns. I want to make it happen. I want to make deicions. I want to prioritize. I want to be PRESENT every single moment, espeically when my baby girl arrives. I want to honor and respect and love my husband fully. And I want to start this business. That’s what I want to make happen!!!
PS- Congrats on submitting your proposal!!!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:15 pm
In my life I want to make wedding planning happen. I adore all things God creates but I especially adore marriage. I myself am getting married on Feb 1 and I could not be more estatic! I run my own Instagram page for now (secretly filling my dream little bits a time) until I can afford to run my own company. I plan to start taking pictures of all the wonderful things I make for my own wedding and share them with my followers on Instagram 🙂 I am blessed!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:17 pm
I want to be faithful about starting and ending my day w The Lord!!! Letting nothing trump that time even if its only minutes instead of hours! I want to make sure that before I check IG or my fave blogs that my mind can be focused on Him, being open to where He wants to take me each day! Thank you for being SUCH a positive and Godly influence that always points others to Him!!! Xo
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:18 pm
I want my work to reflect my love of Christ and His creation. That’s what I want most out of life 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:24 pm
I want to make so many things happen right now I can’t stand it! The main thing that I want and pray for is clarity in all the little things and to connect all the dots to make more sense in how God wants to use me as a wife, mom, servant and business woman.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:27 pm
I am glad your break was so refreshing but I must admit that I have missed your sweet words and instagrams! I want to make encouraging others happen! I have realized that this is at the core and heart of who I am, lifting up serving loving on encouraging and celebrating others. There are many avenues I hope to go down to do this with life and business but that really is the heart of it all. I am here to serve Jesus and love on others so I want to make that happen with every word I say and every activity I do! Ps: so thrilled about the book and loving the new prints!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Oh my word, Lara. I am SO GRATEFUL for you donating the funds from your yard sale to those in need in Oklahoma! It is truly devastating here & words just do not do it justice. God’s love is pouring out of people left & right, & that is what truly MATTERS. Seeing people come together in these tough times radiates hope, endless & boundless hope! Thankful for you times a million! xo
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:30 pm
To give love and be of service to others and make a difference!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:33 pm
I want to make RELATIONSHIPS happen. With God, with my husband, with my son, with my baby on the way, with my family, with my friends. But to get there, first I have to step out of the idea that what is most important is me and my career. This has been a huge struggle for me. I’ve actually been in tears about it all morning. Being pulled toward what the world says I need and should be doing and fighting for what will matter in eternity. Oh my goodness, it is DIFFICULT. Until I get there, I’m going to God, resting in His peace, resting in His perfect plan.
As always Lara, thank you for being YOU. Your heart, your soul, YOU are beautiful.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:33 pm
I too am selfishly glad that you are back! I most want to make buying our first home happen – we go house-hunting again on Friday, and we are so hopeful that God will continue to reveal his beautiful plan for our lives!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:39 pm
I want to make what matters happen. That is to glorify God with my life through my marriage, through my family, through my church, and through my photography. What that looks like may not be what I think it’s supposed to but I do know it’s definitely not working for perfection but choosing God and His grace. Congrats on submitting your book proposal and I am so happy to hear about all you are making happen Lara. Always inspired by you and the amazing growth God is making happen in your life.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:43 pm
WOW! Great perspective from your time off. The thing I most want to make happen right now is balance in my life related to career, my kiddo, my hubby, God and my hobbies and friends. Thanks for all your inspiration!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Right now, this week, I’d like to make things happen by finding a creative, joyful way to raise money to help my brother fight a second round of cancer.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:49 pm
I just started leading a small group with 9 high school girls. So what do I want to make happen most right now? I want my love of the Lord to be evident and contagious for these girls. I want these teenage girls to understand the love the Lord has for them. I want to make the Gospel happen. Because He is alive and here.
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:50 pm
I have followed you for about 6 months now and am in awe of your strength. That being said, what I want to make happen most in life is be a great mom when the time comes for me. 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Oh mai goodness, I’ve been wanting this camera for a very long time!
What I want to make happen is to Follow God’s will! I had a very detailed plan for my life and career and God flipped it upside down. He made it sooo much better than I could ever imagine! Now although I still plan, I keep my eyes on Him to see if He wants to change my plans (and He usually does haha). I love how He works, it makes me stand on my tippy toes with excitement to see what He has planned next. 🙂 -
on May 21, 2013 at 6:53 pm
I want to help make healthcare accessible and affordable to all. Healthcare should not be a privilege but instead a standard that is given equally to all!
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:57 pm
What I would like to make happen most in my life is the salvation of my friends and class mates (my ‘people’!). God has put each one of them on my heart and I feel so responsible for them as I am the only Christian amongst them..
God Bless you, your blog and site have blessed me so much. 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 6:58 pm
Oh my heart, Lara. “When you let go of something, you leave room in your heart to be filled with something else” resonates so loudly with me today. I feel like this just describes and sums up my life currently. I’ve let go of old toxic relationships, personally and professionally, and let myself enter relationships that are uplifting and that push me to be my best self. It’s been one of the most challenging and rewarding seasons in my life. Letting go has allowed me to set myself up for success by getting my life in order to push forward professionally and be all that I know I can be by teaching others how to entertain and enjoy their friends and family. Letting go has also allowed me to be in a committed relationship that will one day allow me to be a present mother, wife and a champion for my personal life. I’m so happy for you that you pushed through and sent off your book proposal. I’ll be in line to purchase it the day it’s released!
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:03 pm
What I want most in my life is to be my truest self always, and in everything I do. I’m not perfect, but I’m me and there is beauty in that.
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:06 pm
I want to be a good mom, and I want to see my children who give to others with passion and unending love!
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
I want to choose God’s way, the narrow way. I have held on to so many things that have weighed me down: my vision for my life- my career, my relationships, and my image. I believe God wants me to let go to let Him work in me and through me.
This is what I want most in life. To be completely content with following God. To follow in the direction where He wants me to be, not to try to obtain success by the world’s standards. And to be thankful for what He has already given me!
I am so glad I stumbled across you and you’re blog a couple weeks ago. You have brought clarity and excitement back into my life!
xx
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:16 pm
I want to raise a family for God’s glory ! This has long been my heart’s desire. Praying for children now & investing in my marriage and relationship with God.
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:19 pm
I want to make joy happen. I want to look forward to each day and fully appreciate and participate in this stage of my life.
P.S. I so admire your social media break, but I have definitely missed your presence and inspiration for the past couple of weeks 🙂 -
on May 21, 2013 at 7:20 pm
YAAAAYYYY for the proposal!!! God has amazing plans for you my friend and He will blow your mind!!
I want to keep making proactive decisions to make my photography happen, to write more and to keep trusting God knows what’s best! xoxo! -
on May 21, 2013 at 7:23 pm
Oh how I love you! I have been eyeing this camera for months now and would love to be the lucky winner, but more than that I want to tell you how thankful and proud I am of you for finishing the book proposal! So awesome! I am determined to make more ADVENTURE happen in our lives- not only in our family but in my business too! Watch out, summer, the Alleys are a-comin’!! 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:25 pm
I want to make sure the people around me feel loved. I want to make that happen. Not the limited kind of love that I’m able to express on my own, but the limitless, life-changing love of Christ shining through me.
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:37 pm
I want to be successful in my own photography business and to encourage and inspire others in their business dreams.
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Goosebumps for you. That is all xoxo
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:50 pm
I am striving to make things happen, with God as my guide. I am working very long hours at a job that is not fulfilling and praying about a change. I want to use my God-given creative passions doing something that inspires and encourages others. For so long, I have had dreams of running my own design/art business, but I’d have to quit my job in order to pursue that. Trying to wait patiently and serve Him he best way I know how. Your vision and voice here is so encouraging and is spurring me on to take action in pursuing my dreams. Thank you for your transparency, your heart for Jesus, and your empowering prints!! 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:54 pm
I most want to be healthy and fit and be the ultimate role model for my two daughters (and myself). I also want to finally finish my bachelor’s degree. I have been making it happen. I have been taking my health and fitness very seriously since the end of February (with a few weak days mixed in, of course) and seeing REAL progress. I have been researching where I am going to go back to school and deciding if I am going to finish the degree I started or change it al together. I am so fired up about the future and I know it has everything to do with my healthy state-of-mind. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far and I have a hard time ever saying that about myself! 🙂
Big hugs on sending your book proposal off!!!
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on May 21, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Congratulations on submitting your book proposal! The thing I want most in life is to have a happy and strong marriage with my husband and to always be focused on God.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:00 pm
I want to make joy-through-creativity happen, from the inside out. So much of it, in fact, that it will spill over into everything I do and touch everyone I know. Good luck with the book! You are such an inspiration!!
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:17 pm
Right now God wants me to serve others. He has preparing me to serve others for over 10 years now and here I am in the midst and I’m not enjoying the serving that I’m doing. I’m planning a wedding that I should be enjoying way more than I am. What I want to make happen is to fully give myself over to God. Let him help, let him clean up the mess. Yes he has done so much for me but he wants to do more. and I should just let him. So why don’t I? Why do we insist on being in control? I want him to be in control. So show me Lord my heart and the remaining pieces of it that you want. I want to make that happen for Him.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Congrats on the book proposal It’s so great to see how God is using you and your gifts Lara. I loved reading through everyone’s posts, it’s so refreshing to hear how people want to change the world for the greater good. One thing I want to truly make happen this year is love in all areas of my life. I want others to see and feel God’s love through my relationships with them and my marriage. I also want to be more giving. I’ve been reading a ton of great books lately and God is shaking up my heart about giving; giving of my time, money, possessions, and just love.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:35 pm
I most want my children to be trained up in the way they should go, so that when they’re old they won’t walk away from their faith in Jesus.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:37 pm
I would love to make peace and joy happen in my life and in the life of my family. I would love for all of us to be very close to God and to one another. I want to be able to be completely honest with my loved ones and not hold any resentment. I would love for my husband and me to be very much united throughout the years and for our marriage to be strong. I would love to inspire my children to shine. I would love to make my husband proud. I would love to accept myself unconditionally as God does.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:40 pm
Lara!!! So proud of you for finishing your proposal… it was so great seeing you last week, and I will continue to pray that God continues to use you (and this book) as a tool to spread love and the freedom that comes with faith to others.
My goal with my free time this summer is to make joy, adventures, loving others to the fullest, and my project for those like me who are anxious about the idea of mommy hood happen! It’s a lot of stuff , but all things are possible, right?!
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:42 pm
I am so grateful I got to see you last week! I was a mess on Friday, so emotional with all these transitions ahead. I can’t tell you how grateful I was to spend time with y’all. Love you, friend!
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:46 pm
What do I want to make happen the most in life? Hmmm…I want to make a lot happen so one thing is hard to point out. I would say of all the things I want to make happen the most in life it would be a successful marriage. With my parents getting divorced I have been left with a rocky foundation and fear of marriage. God is working on my heart and me, but above all I want a marriage that is built on God and one that will last through all the trials and tribulations. Yep. 🙂
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:47 pm
What I want most out of life is…..to devote my time and energy in my lord and savior. I want to be the ultimate wife and mother.
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on May 21, 2013 at 8:55 pm
God has really been pressing into my heart lately too, about the things that REALLY MATTER and the life we’re called to lead. I’ve realized that what I really want to make happen is to cultivate a community of believers who will support and encourage me and my family. A community that serves the poor, seeks justice for the oppressed, and loves others. I want to build a home with open doors, a home full of love and grace and hospitality, and a home that puts faith and family first. But honestly, the biggest lesson that I’ve been learning in the past couple of weeks is that I need to pray for these things! Pray that God will stir our hearts and guide us where He needs us to be and that he would surround us with a wonderful community of like-minded, full-hearted people. I’m so grateful for your constant encouragement and light, my friend. And so incredibly proud of you for getting down to it and finishing that proposal. WOO!
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on May 21, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Lara-Thank you for your encouraging words, I use your screen savers on my desktop and laptop to remind me daily that there is something to be thankful for every.single.day. I would like to be more patient with my life and trust that god has a plan for me, and he does. We talked about God’s plans for everyone in a series at church, I just need to look back and remember. Thank you!
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on May 21, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Lara, it’s so refreshing to hear that I’m not alone in realizing that a break from social media has been wonderful! It was actually after working through my first sections of powersheets that I realized what a drain Facebook specifically has been on my productivity. Sometimes I feel like we get so caught up trying to KEEP up that we end up making very little progress in our walk with God and letting Him guide our personal relationships and businesses! So happy you finished your book proposal and that you have had a wonderful time with your family!
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on May 21, 2013 at 9:23 pm
What I want most in life is a happy, loving family. One that lasts forever!
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on May 21, 2013 at 9:30 pm
I want to make having one job happen! Working 2 just isn’t what I was meant to do and only having one means giving more time to my family, friends, and our home! Here’s to quitting! 🙂
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on June 13, 2013 at 3:31 pm
It’s happening! Putting my 2 weeks notice in on Monday! woohoo!!!!!!!
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on June 13, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Yeah!!! I am so excited for you! Go Dana GO!
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on May 21, 2013 at 10:18 pm
With all my heart I want to change someone’s life.
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on May 21, 2013 at 10:32 pm
Wherever I am, I want to be a witness for God.
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on May 21, 2013 at 10:42 pm
I am working on my thesis in this thing/art called education and I feel so excited with what I am learning! I definitely want to finish this whole chapter with great satisfaction. But also! I want to be involved in life in such a way that I wake up each day with excitement and a feeling of purpose and meaningfulness to live and use that day well.
Congratulations on finishing your book! Such a wonderful feeling that has to be. :).
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on May 21, 2013 at 10:49 pm
There are so many wonderful things I want to make happen. Right now, my biggest desires are to make my family happen – making memories with my parents and sister; also, to make my marriage happen. My fiance and I are in premarital courses through our church and I’m excited to make God happen in our lives and in our marriage.
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on May 21, 2013 at 11:05 pm
What I want to make happen: figure out what purpose God really has for me. I’m working on it, but really I just want to do what He wants me to do.
I totally get where you’re coming from on this social media thing. But for what it’s worth… you brighten up my Instagram feed every day and I sincerely missed your posts these last couple weeks!
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on May 21, 2013 at 11:08 pm
I want to make JOY happen. I want to see others find true joy from its true source, which is Christ.
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on May 21, 2013 at 11:33 pm
What I want to make happen most in life is a balance between work life and home life, along with the balance between husband and wife and business partners as we are the latter much more than we are the former. Here’s to making it happen!
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on May 22, 2013 at 12:04 am
this year, I want to put my heart and soul into completing my school counseling masters so I can equip and support elementary and middle school children to find their place in the world!
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on May 22, 2013 at 12:11 am
Thank you for daring to say yes to more of Jesus and pave the way by sharing your experience with all of us! It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and the buzz of social media (or whatever it is we put above time with the Lord) and miss out on the blessings around us. Your story is so encouraging to me and has been for the weeks I’ve been following your blog.
I also love that you are an actor-turned-entrepreneur. I graduated this past weekend with a degree in Theatre Performance and while I want to pursue acting there are many other avenues and dreams God has placed on my heart. I believe He has the Master plan and whether or not int includes theatre, if it’s in His will I want it.
That’s what I want to make happen. This summer I am moving across the country, adventuring with Jesus and following His lead to a job teaching children’s theatre in Seattle. This southern gal is moving to the Northwest. I believe this summer is going to be a season of refining and defining the dreams and passions He’s given me. In all of it, the bottom line of what I want to make happen is I want to make a difference in the art world. I want to equip actors to go into the realm of theatre confident of their identity in Christ, able to tell stories with their talents that cause others to reflect on the world around them and their own stories, and I want to build relationships with people that can be a positive light in an often dark place. Constant comparison,rejection, and performance can be draining but the friendships I’ve made in my theatre department have proven that with Christ at the center you can thrive and flourish and still create meaningful theatre.
Wow! What a jumble! All in all, you inspire me and I cannot wait to make things happen!
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on May 22, 2013 at 12:37 am
Your heart is singing so loud and clear. I love it!
Working to make hours and hours of outdoor time together at our favorite places happen during this hot, fun summer season.
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on May 22, 2013 at 12:45 am
Yay! Yay! Yay! Congrats on the book proposal… I’m still working on Making all of the Things I Learned at Making Things Happen happen. So easy to get distracted, but I have been convicted to be more gracefully truthful and authentic lately. I’m excited to keep chasing after the Lord. I’m keeping an open heart so that He can direct my steps!
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:13 am
In my life, I want to make serenity and contentment happen. They are what I most struggle with and regardless of my path, I hope those two personal virtues are present! (oh and a great hubby and lots of babies would be a HUGE bonus)
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:22 am
Inspired to capture the littlest of everyday moments.
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:33 am
I want to simplify my life. I want to cut out all of the meaningless “busy” out of my life and focus on what matters most. My relationship with God, my husband and children are the important. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement through your Instagram and blog posts. They are true reminders of how to live a life with purpose and grace.
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:45 am
Lara, there are just no words to describe HOW MUCH your words inspire my soul. So happy to read this and I can’t wait to see how God continues to work miracles through your beautiful journey. What I want to make happen most in life…that I can use the talents that God has blessed me with to travel the world, inspire others to love more, while maintaining a lifestyle where my children and anyone that comes in contact with me can see God’s love reflected in all my actions.
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:52 am
You have been such a blessing in my life! Thank you for seeking God and sharing your journey.
I want to live in constant communication with God. I want to hear Him each day and follow His lead. No fear, just love and trust.
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on May 22, 2013 at 2:20 am
Wow, Lara! This is so inspiring. I have been SO convicted lately of my use of social media and why I/we do it. I want to inspire and encourage others in my posts, not make them jealous or feel bad about themselves. (Especially on instagram!) I’m definitely trying to be more conscious of the time I spend online and make sure the Lord is at the front of my mind when I’m using it. I also want to make a better effort at not going on my phone and social media when I’m around my family. That is precious family time!
I want to create beautiful and inspiring spaces, encouraging everyone to make their home a place they truly love and spend quality time and make meaningful relationships. I want to share Jesus through serving people.
Love the new prints!!
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on May 22, 2013 at 2:55 am
The best thing I can think to make happen is to make my people (family, friends, acquaintances) feel loved and respected. I’m going to have to live an eternity to figure out how to do it right! Thanks for the chance Lara. I’m so happy I have found out about you. You are a bundle of JOY.
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on May 22, 2013 at 3:27 am
Lara you inspire me every day! The thing I want most is to watch my children grow and learn as God plan. So happy about your book and can’t wait to read it!
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on May 22, 2013 at 3:34 am
What I want most in life is to glorify God! Whether that’s through marriage and a family (hoping!) or singleness, a successful photography business, full-time ministry, health or sickness–I know He will strengthen and sustain me in whatever He calls me to do! I desire to be a beacon that shines His love to every person that I meet!
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on May 22, 2013 at 4:05 am
What I want to make most happen is stepping into ministry as a full time career. I believe that God called me to ministry when I was 17 (although at the time it wasn’t clear). Seven years later of a crazy amount of ups and downs, twist and turns, I feel like He is calling me again. While I don’t view the timing or circumstances as perfect I feel like He is asking me to have faith and pursue this. Using my Power Sheets (my fav is This is my Year), I don’t just feel like ministry is something that God is calling to do, but that it is my core and what I was designed to. It’s definitely a scary time of not knowing what is ahead, but it is also super exciting to see God’s will and faithfulness being fulfilled so many years later.
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on May 22, 2013 at 7:20 pm
You inspire me, Hannah! God is so good!
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on May 22, 2013 at 6:04 am
I am just 22, but most of all in life I someday want to be the best momma in the world. I feel like I was made to raise world-changing children and even if that feels silly saying it, I truly believe God has put that desire in me for a reason! P.S. if I win I want to give this away to a new friend of mine who adored my instax mini!
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on May 22, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Sweet Lara that little bit of. Sunshine and joy you share every day was missed. Honestly though I missed a daily dose of Grace! I guess it’s the grandmother in me!
I have a project that I am being led to begin. It’s so outside my comfort zone. Of course the planner in me wants to rush ahead and get it started. I am being “told ” to wait, study and pray and I am trying so hard to be patient and obedient to that . So proud for you that your proposal is ” done”!!!!!
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:11 pm
What I want most in life is to teach my 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl to know and love Christ. To that end I will start teaching them at home next year and starting this new adventure will surely need awesome documentation with this cool new camera. You are inspiring. Thank you!!
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:15 pm
My goal is LESS worry and anxiety. Period. To be more present and not be fearful of stepping out and being creative. God is showing me how to be grateful for all that I have now, rather than rushing ahead to the next thing 🙂 Even if I don’t win the Instax mini I might just get one anyway!! 🙂
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on May 22, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Congrats on your book proposal!
Maybe it’s from all the inspirational I’ve been around lately, maybe it’s the bug in my heart and mind, maybe it’s God, who knows. But I’ve been trying to focus more on how I spend my time. Less time in the office working on products for others, more time with my husband and preparing our hearts and home to start a family. So many thoughts so many plans. But at the same time I’m trying to do LESS in the office, I just want to design and create more and more! My etsy shop has been closed but I seem to be missing it more and more. For now I will stay put and maybe someday I can pick it back up! Lord knows I have the passion for it!
Congrats to you and your family!
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on May 22, 2013 at 2:06 pm
I love what you said about stepping back and refocusing on the relationships in front of us! It’s like my pastor Andy Stanley said Sunday- “Jesus built his brand in three years and has hundred of thousands of franchises all over the world without racking up a single frequent-flyer mile.” There’s a lot to learn about leading others by simple principles used thousands of years ago. 🙂 Sometimes I need to remind myself that while there are so many valuable resources and authors on the internet these days, God and the Bible is always the source of truth and ultimate inspiration.
My goal for myself in life is to make every effort to be intentional with seeking God’s will over my own.
Thank you for taking the time to share a little piece of your life with us! Congrats on your book proposal!
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on May 22, 2013 at 2:08 pm
So glad you’re back! When you posted on instagram yesterday i realized how much I was missing your joyful (and thought provoking!) posts. WhatI want to make happen this year is to make sure my parents are okay. Some craziness has been going on and I know it’s going to working out exactly as it should, but that’s my biggest goal this year. To make sure they’re ok.
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on May 22, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Lauren! I am saying prayers for your family right now. God can work miracles. I am praying for your peace, too. : )
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on May 22, 2013 at 2:22 pm
What I want to make happen most is to be an excellent mom. To be present and in the moment whenever I’m with my daughter and to pour everything I’ve got into her. I want to be an example to her of a Godly wife and a faithful Christian.
My husband and I decided to take the entire month of may off from social media and its been so wonderful! We’ve had more time for each other, more time for our daughter and more clarity for moving forward. Hope you’ve enjoyed your break as much as we have! 🙂 -
on May 22, 2013 at 3:14 pm
I want to refine my style with photography and figure out what I really want from it- really to let the Lord guide me. He has been HUGE in this process lately, as well as your “Make it Happen” posts that I recently came across.
Congrats on the proposal, I’m sure it was 46 pages of wonderfulness and wisdom! Love reading your posts. So inspirational and full of Jesus, you can really tell you are for what is good in this world, just like Him.
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on May 22, 2013 at 4:05 pm
What I want to make happen most is to inspire Christ-like change within everyone I come in contact with through photography, authentic relationships, through bold love and even bolder adventures.
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on May 22, 2013 at 4:34 pm
I want to a positive difference in the lives I touch!
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on May 22, 2013 at 5:42 pm
I want to be the best mom I can be to my daugher and new baby due in 6 weeks!!
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on May 22, 2013 at 7:18 pm
YAY! I’m so happy for you, my friend!
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on May 22, 2013 at 6:47 pm
Great post! I definitely need to get a break from a lot right about now. I’m dealing with some serious first trimester sickness and all I really want to do is lie in bed anyway. It’s good because it’s forcing me to rest, but bad because I haven’t been reading my Bible as much as I’d like to. My mind just won’t seem to focus, and I’m behind on my Power Sheets. But hey…progress…not perfection, huh? 😉
I think what I want to make happen most in life is for my life to truly be a reflection of God’s love. Not just for His love for me, but the way He loves others. I don’t want to come across as having it all together, but I want it to be obvious that I am no longer the person I used to be. I spent the majority of my life completely abusing His grace. I don’t want to be remembered that way. I want people to see His love on me. I want to grow deeper to him even more.
Oh, and congrats congrats congrats on your book proposal!
xoxo
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on May 22, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Hello dear Lara!!! You are such an encouragement by your posts anddfailiy living. May God bless you abundantly in this season of your life! I am really wanting to start living my life with a purpose and Make Things Happen!!! I want to spend my time wiselfy and be off social media and not always obssessed with it! I have a problem with that. As I finish this term, I want to spend my summer very wisely and Make things happen because in the fall i will be starting a program, So i will not have a lot of time! I pray that God gives me strength to live for Him and to do what glorifies Him only!! 🙂
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on May 22, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Hello dear Lara!!! You are such an encouragement by your posts dailiy living. May God bless you abundantly in this season of your life! I am really wanting to start living my life with a purpose and Make Things Happen!!! I want to spend my time wisely and be off social media and not always obssessed with it! I have a problem with that. As I finish this term, I want to spend my summer very wisely and Make things happen because in the fall i will be starting a program, so i will not have a lot of time! I pray that God gives me strength to live for Him and to do what glorifies Him only!! 🙂
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on May 22, 2013 at 7:25 pm
I want to make writing a book happen.
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on May 22, 2013 at 8:08 pm
I want to make a career change happen most right now! I am unfulfilled and have been praying for wisdom and direction! I want to do something to make a change, to do good, to encourage and help people. I’m not sure what that is yet, but I pray daily about it and reading stories like yours encourage me to go out and make something wonderful happen!
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on May 22, 2013 at 8:10 pm
I love how you said “when you let go of something, you leave room for your heart to be filled with something else.”
I just got back from a women’s retreat with my church where we talked about letting go and giving it to God. There are negative things and thoughts about myself that I need to let go of so I can become who God made me to be. I’m going to make things happen in my life, positive good things that will replace the negative. I’m going to embrace the gifts and talents that God gave me instead of comparing. Thank you for your encouraging words! -
on May 22, 2013 at 8:39 pm
i think i want to make happen to things most in my life- pursuing my goal of becoming a physician (currently wrapping up my first year of medical school on friday!) and creating a life full of love and life. i think i am still finding my purpose and need to trust more in the process. thank you for always sharing and being an inspiration.
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on May 22, 2013 at 8:50 pm
I want to find peace. It sounds so simple, but so deceptive. I want to make my life an instrument of peace and to find stillness and rest in the business and worry that I’ve surrounded myself with.
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on May 22, 2013 at 8:50 pm
Happy to hear all that is happening in your life. What I want make happen most in life is to become a better husband to my wife.
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on May 22, 2013 at 9:09 pm
This is the best! You are a good man, Phil!
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on May 22, 2013 at 9:05 pm
My new husband and I are in the process of planning for purchasing our first home. When think of something I really want to happen I would have to say to host a party in a home that we own!
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on May 22, 2013 at 10:16 pm
I want to make my kids proud! And congrats on your proposal! So happy for you!
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on May 22, 2013 at 10:54 pm
Oh, Lara! Wonderful post, as usual. And HUGE congrats on the book proposal!
What I want to make happen this year is to provide a happy, wonderful home for my first lil babe arriving this summer. I want to become a great momma and I a kick booty wife. I want my business to make sense with the goals I have set forth for myself and if it doesn’t, I want to have the courage to change it so that it does. I want to finish the darn book I started writing two years ago and I want to dream bigger and clearer than I ever have. And all that jazz… (from the Nola girl).
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on May 23, 2013 at 12:32 am
I want to make an amazing marriage and a great family happen.
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on May 23, 2013 at 2:01 am
I want to use my gifts to glorify God — in my marriage, my workplace, my community (and through it all do it with a grateful heart).
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on May 23, 2013 at 4:25 am
Get married & start a family…. Launch my design consulting biz & embrace being a mixed media artist who gives back to mental health awareness!! xo
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on May 23, 2013 at 12:40 pm
i want to make my business happen ! 🙂
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on May 23, 2013 at 1:23 pm
I want to make my relationship with God happen, the relationship with my husband REALLY happen (not just passing each other by with different goals, priorties, etc.) and I want to make a family happen. We don’t have any kids yet, but seeing your family is such a beautiful, exciting glimpse at what could be! Especially if we focus on the right thing– God. Continually inspired by you, Lara!! xo
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on May 23, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Lara- I commend you for stepping away from social media. I am feeling it more and more necessary to do the same myself. Please do know though, that your time online is not wasted. You have been an incredible resource to myself and so many others- you are truly life giving with your wisdom and transparency. I wish so many blessings on your sweet family! For me, I want to make SERVICE happen. I want to shine God’s light through my service to others, and teach our children to do the same 🙂
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on May 23, 2013 at 2:09 pm
I want my relationship with God to be stronger! I need Him now more that ever! Get my health in order, so I get my life and business where I know it can be! Get me new website and blog finished, hopefully next week it will be done! 🙂 Last June I shot a lovely beautiful, southern wedding and as I was culling the images I thought I need to send these to Lara. Did I? Of course , not? So, let’s add confidence to my list! 🙂 Blessing to all! 🙂 xoxo
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on May 23, 2013 at 2:56 pm
What I want to make happen most (well, praying God will allow it & wk it out) is moving back to TX to work for my best friend & help her build up her business. We have been bff’s for 11 years, roommates for 7 & lived in Thailand as missionaries together for 3 years. So me being in SC & her in TX since we’ve moved back has been a really tough adjustment. I’m praying God will continue to bless her new business so she can afford to hire me. OR- I can find a parttime job in TX that pays enough that I can work for her for free 🙂
PS- love you blog!!! Thank you for sharing your heart w/ us! -
on May 23, 2013 at 3:23 pm
Congratulations on completing your proposal!!! What an accomplishment! I’d like to be able to put my OCD aside and hire someone to help with my business. I’ve tried in the past and given up because I can’t seem to trust anyone to love it the way I do and to put their whole heart into it. Happy Thursday!!
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on May 23, 2013 at 3:28 pm
You’re such an inspiration to me – I love reading your blogs and seeing how you make the most of every opportunity, always going through life with God’s grace.
What I want to make happen: I’m 23, working my first full-time job and planning for the day I will marry my best friend (March 22, 2014 can’t come soon enough!). This is such a pivotal time in my life – I want to create a solid foundation for a life centered around God and love. I’m trying my hardest to invest in the things that matter most – my relationship with God, my future husband, my family and my friends.At the same time, I want to pursue the dreams God has placed on my heart – I believe He’s called me to write. In short, I want to make fulfilling relationships and writing not just for fun happen!
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on May 23, 2013 at 5:51 pm
I have a business percolating in the back of my brain that I want to make happen. I’ve already taken quite a few steps, I am at the point where I need to take my idea seriously. Time to get offline and make it happen!
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on May 23, 2013 at 6:16 pm
I’m in the midst of waiting to hear from the Lord what he wants from me career wise. (I’m a college student with a lot of dreams.) While I’m waiting I want to make relationships, especially with God happen. God’s been challenging me with what really matters in life.
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on May 23, 2013 at 6:29 pm
So excited for your book!!! I want to really understand God and what he has planned for me. I don’t need all the answers now, but I know I’m struggling. I’ve been raised in a Christian home and I know who God is, but at the same time, I don’t feel like I know him at all.
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on May 23, 2013 at 7:24 pm
I want to make more than anything my life be so deeply rooted in Jesus. There is such a great need for women like you .Lara is who is not afraid to do what is different and subtlety startling. It encourages my soul to see a women who has willing challenged herself to be HIS best.
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on May 23, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Would love to get my hands on this….looks like SO much fun:) Thanks for the opportunity….cheers~
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on May 23, 2013 at 10:19 pm
What I want to make most happen in life is spread the love of Jesus. There are so many people in this world that still don’t know Jesus and don’t know the love He has for them! I want to make it known that He loves everyone and that God’s grace covers everything–no one is undeserving of His love!
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on May 24, 2013 at 1:28 am
I want to be a faithful wife and a loving mother who teaches our sweet Noa h dreams can become a reality with faith, passion, and love.
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on May 24, 2013 at 1:39 am
Oh, I am so glad you’re back! I missed you and your doses of such amazing inspiration! And I am super excited for your book which I’m gonna get my hands once it goes to press!
I am working on a new business right now because I rebranded to realign my business with who I currently am and who I want to be. I want my new business to always glorify and point back to God and to allow me to have more resources and opportunities to reach out to people to bring them back to God and introduce them to the God I know and love!
It has been a crazy 2013! But it has taught me so much about my God and honestly, a huge part came from reading your blog. Really brought me back to Jesus.
Gracie is too cute! God bless you and your loved ones. x
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on May 24, 2013 at 2:10 am
my dissertation is my current #makeithappen project. i don’t even know how to start… time to make a plan!
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on May 24, 2013 at 1:55 pm
I want to make my dreams happen!! So many things I dreamt about and prayed for, for YEARS, are coming to fruitation this year and I can barely keep up! My little bakery is becoming a reality. I am free from the corporate lifestyle. I get to go to a family reunion this summer and do nothing but love on family from near and far. My oldest son is moving up to Middle School this year and it scares me to death. Since he was a baby I prayed he would grow up to be a great man for God. As I watch him get older and almost taller than me, I am so thankful for those answered prayers coming to light and I’m so proud of my little man. I want to make his dreams happen by SHOWING him anything is possible withGod!
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on May 24, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Lara: I’m SO PROUD of you. Everyday you are making things happen and you, the MTH movement have been such a force in my life. Every time I feel lost, I go back to the basics, to my “little black book” and take a deep breath. What do I want to make happen most in my life? Today, more happiness and more patience. Patience with my business, my personal life and most importantly my kids. With four boys my home is NEVER boring and at times I lose my patience, with myself, my boys and my husband. Praying today for that….
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on May 24, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Oh Lara, God is just pouring out of your heart and it’s so incredibly beautiful!!! He is using you for His glory and I’m just soaking it up. I look at your success and think: “well she’s already got a set of followers and they’ll listen to her. Me? I’m a nobody! I’m going to get judged like crazy!” But you kno w what? God doesn’t ask us to be comfortable. He wants us to relish in His love and share it with others. What I want to make happen is my heart. I’ve got my mission right where I’m at! I want it to reach out to others in everything I do, too. Our new wedding and event design business, my full-time job now, my relationships, and mostly- my marriage. I want people to see there is something different in my life; a strange joy that they can’t pinpoint on anything else but His love glowing in my face. Thank you for not being comfortable and sharing your experience with us!
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on May 24, 2013 at 3:57 pm
I want to start a family!
(By the way, I am Mave’s older sister. Thank you for giving her this wonderful opportunity!!! God Bless!)
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on May 24, 2013 at 4:44 pm
I meant to say Meredith’s big sister 🙂
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on May 24, 2013 at 5:16 pm
Oh yay!!! Hi!!! Meredith is so wonderful! I hope I get to meet you someday soon, too. P.S. Your mom is the sweetest! It was such a joy to meet her when Meredith arrived.
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on May 24, 2013 at 4:33 pm
I’m so proud of you for taking the first big scary step to writing your book. You are such an inspiration to everyone and I love that you continue to choose the big things – the scary things.
I want to make the big, scary things happen in my life. I want to enrich my life and the lives of my family. I want to be a better wife and, one day, a loving and supportive mother.
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on May 24, 2013 at 4:51 pm
More than anything, I want to be a good mom… Showing my kids how to live with a heart full of gratitude and a life built with love. = )
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on May 24, 2013 at 6:51 pm
I want to work on my relationship with God and start a new chapter in my life. Just moved back to my home town and I plan on making this year and the next to come to be the best. I have a lot of goals and I want them to come true. Life is to short! Make It Happen!!
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on May 24, 2013 at 9:06 pm
I want more than anything to live in the moment and be spontaneous, productive, crazy, and intentional with my husband!
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on May 25, 2013 at 11:39 am
As my children get ready to leave the nest for college, I pray that in this next chapter they love the Lord more than anything and run hard toward Him. And that my family will all live close and serve Him together. 🙂
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on May 25, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Congrats on the book proposal – so proud of you!! I always think about one of your quotes – “Life isn’t about making a lot of money, it’s about making a life that means something” It is so easy to lose focus in life but you help to remind me constantly that this life isn’t about what we want…it’s about so much more. We just have to walk boldly into the plan that is already there for us… Thanks for reminding me to LISTEN to that little voice and not just stare at instagram all day. I want to make a life that matters happen. xoxo
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on May 26, 2013 at 1:49 am
To start a family
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on May 26, 2013 at 3:49 am
I want to make real, tangible pictures happen. All of mine are on my phone or computer. I want to win this camera!! :-). And Lara, I love your heart!!!
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on May 26, 2013 at 8:45 pm
I want to leave my job and to what I love. I want that to happen the most. Step out on faith!
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on May 26, 2013 at 10:40 pm
This year I want to make getting a job happen. I just graduated from college and being able to find a job in the career field I desire would be huge.
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on May 27, 2013 at 8:32 pm
I read this question and almost typed out the general answer that I say: “I want to move back to Los Angeles and hit the ground running in terms of my writing.” But then I actually took a moment and sat still and REALLY asked myself (you know, like that second moment of, “Do you REALLY want to eat that fourth cookie?” *sidenote: the answer is always yes). Before he passed away, my grandfather, one of my greatest supporters and best friends, used to end all of our phone conversations with a reminder to “work splendidly hard but be even more splendid in character.” I think about my year in LA when I was stressed, confused, post-college crazy, and not as happy as I could’ve been. I think what I want most in life is to be happy but not materialistically–but in relationships. I’d love to start an arts non-profit geared towards youths and exposing them to just how ‘splendid’ creativity can be!
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on May 27, 2013 at 11:19 pm
Thanks for writing this Lara! It spoke to me so much! I want to make connection happen most right now. I want to feel truly connected to God, myself and others.
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on May 28, 2013 at 2:55 am
I want to become a physician’s assistant and affect other people’s lives in a positive way!
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on May 28, 2013 at 3:18 am
That’s a TOUGHT question! I want to make so many things happen and I know I will, but to narrow it down…. I want most in life to be the parent my son both needs and wants for the person he is. I want to do my job as a parent well and help nurture him into an amazing man who will do great things and be great to others. Yeah, thats probably it. Why? Because I LOVE THAT BOY! 🙂
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on May 28, 2013 at 4:06 am
I want to be a Godly Wife to my Husband & have a family as God sees fit, through adoption and foster care…
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on May 28, 2013 at 7:07 am
There are a lot of things I want to happen in my life. But one thing’s for sure, I want to feel happy and contented with what I have. Being a teenager is a flinty job. I get in trouble most of the time for being what I am. People judge me for knowing one side of the story only. They tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. Thus, I get insecure and feel unworthy of myself. I hear a lot of people saying “You only live once”, but what struck me the most is How will I live confidently when the public keep on judging my actions? So If I were given the chance to make most in my life, It would be living in a world full of contentment and acceptance.
P.S.
I really want to win this Instax 🙁 I’m broke and I’ve been dying to have one! -
on May 28, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Having just graduated from Elon University May 25, I want to make new relationships happen! It will be so hard leaving the close community of my roommates, my small group and my classmates, but I am so excited to explore a new community and form new relationships that will keep my eyes focused on God and His will for my life, whatever that turns out to be!
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on May 28, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Live every day to the fullest and bring joy to others!
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on May 28, 2013 at 4:25 pm
I long to raise daughters that love God and serve others. As a family I want us to impact and uplift others and inspire them to taste and see that the Lord is good. May they forever be young ladies who exude joy and compassion to all.
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on May 28, 2013 at 6:03 pm
what I want to happen most in life is for my three daughters to grow up knowing and loving god, and for them to love themselves and others fully.
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on May 28, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Happiness. I don’t want to be stuck in a dead end job that I don’t enjoy, or surround my life with people that do not uplift and bring joy. I want to be happy with what I do, and that those I associate myself with do and bring the same.
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on May 28, 2013 at 10:24 pm
i want to change the world.
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on May 29, 2013 at 12:59 am
I want to “make” a God loving joy filled family!
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on May 29, 2013 at 2:41 pm
I want to be the kind of woman who makes a difference in ordinary lives. The kind that is content with the things she has but thirsty to provide more to someone else. I have this passion, such a strong passion, to do something great, to help people. The only problem is that I can’t figure out what that “something” should be. I have all of the tools to do it, I just don’t have the purpose. I am a lover of so many different things and feel that God tugs at my heart every day to be kind and helpful but he hasn’t yet given me that specific push into the WHAT I am supposed to be doing. The excitement and passion is enough to burn a hole through my heart. I just can’t for the life of me figure out the purpose that I am supposed to pour it into.
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on May 29, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Yay Lara! Congratulations on sending off your book proposal! It was so good to see you at the SW Yard Sale last weekend!
This year has already changed me and I’ve taken a huge leap going part time at my job to focus more on what fires me up: starting my own business. I want to keep taking big steps, keep learning and keep striving towards my goal.
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God is good always in all ways. Bless you, dear friend!
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on May 29, 2013 at 3:34 pm
I really want to get my website of hand painted step stools off the ground so hopefully someone will appreciate my art and allow my to be home with my two lovely little ones and have more of a hand in raising them. After receiving my set of PowerSheets, I have really become aware of what my fears are and how I can move past them to create a better life for me and my family. Cheers to all of your inspiration!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:12 pm
I want to spend more time enjoying the love around me!
Congrats on the book proposal. HUGE@
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:14 pm
What I want most is to be used by God to bring others to Him.. Especially to see my sister and nephew come to a saving faith.
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:49 am
I am praying for you all! God is using you my friend. We must meet one of these days!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:17 pm
I want to make my company happen and make Making things happen happen this fall!!!
I feel as if I am in a constant rush/whirlwind trying to get things done, and as I take steps to simplify and focus my life, I know I need to keep my goals in my sight!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:18 pm
I want to make GLADNESS happen, a la Psalm 126:3. The Lord has done abundantly more than I could ask or imagine in my life and in the lives of those around me, and I want to rejoice and be glad in the work he has done, much more frequently throughout each day.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:23 pm
I want to be so saturated in God’s Word – that has been my goal for 2013 (though I have a feeling it will be a life-long thing)! I have been reminded lately of the importance of making sure I am being filled before I can fill others with God’s Word and Love – I can’t do it on my own or with my own strength!
I also really want to to grow my online business this year and get serious about it! It’s been hard after having my first child – balancing proprieties – and trying to listen to what God would have with that aspect of my life. Praying that He will close doors and open the right ones 🙂
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Right now I’m focused on growing my party planning business. I have dreams of one day opening a storefront . Some days it just seems like a pipe dream and I tell myself to just let go and move on, the the desire is too strong still. So I will carry on in hopes of someday being as successful as I dream to be! Thanks for the opportunity!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I want to create a safe space for women to love themselves and their bodies, through education, photography & events.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:26 pm
God has placed a desire on my heart to adopt from Africa. That is what I am praying about and wanting to make happen in our life right now. I want to fully live out the Gospel in my life and I see this as being an awesome way to do that. God adopted us into His family and I want to follow His call to take care of the orphans..
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:27 pm
I know that each day is a gift from God and I want to spend every waking moment being thankful for every I have. Use my God given talent and give back.. give people something to be happy about.. give something to cherish forever and ever.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:39 pm
For as long as I can remember I have desired to be a godly wife and mother. God has not currently blessed me by fulfilling that desire. However, He has taught me so much during this waiting period and for that I am thankful! Thank you so much for this opportunity Lara and for your constant encouragement! 🙂
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:39 pm
I want to have peace in whatever path my life takes me. Life is a constant stream of choices and I know that if I listen to God I’ll be making choices that will bring me peace.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:42 pm
I would like to take one day a month off during the week from working at home and spend it doing something fun with my son. I would also like to spend more time reading my bible (I’m working on a project to go through the bible and find all the ‘names’ for God).
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:42 pm
I want to map out the second half of my life (already the optimist, I’m thinking I’m gonna live to be 104), focusing on what I’m truly passionate about vs. just what I do to put food on the table. There’s got to be a good balance there . . . . And if I win the lottery, the balance will fly out the window, and I’ll be ALL about the passion!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:49 pm
So inspiring Lara!
I’d say what I want to make happen the most this year is find that healthy balance between life, family and work. I have so many dreams and aspirations that at times they overtake the simplicity of life and my beautiful little family. I dream of simplicity–without letting go of the key passions and creativity that make me who I am but holding tight to the most important: love and my sweet family who deserves the very depths of ME. -
on May 29, 2013 at 9:49 pm
What do I want to make happen most in life? I think allowing God to fill me & fulfill me so that I can be the wife, daughter, sister, friend, and future mother HE wants me to be. Allowing & accepting my circumstances for what they are & embracing Him in the process. I think that’s where life happens & where love and peace and joy can shine in my life through His presence in me.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:53 pm
In the age of Pinterest and Facebook and Twitter, it becomes so easy to lose yourself in comparing to others and forget to step back and embrace your flaws and the things they’ve taught you. Because…this is life. Because life isn’t perfect, but it’s beautiful that way. I want to make beauty happen for others through my photos. I want to inspire them by them looking at their photographs and seeing the beauty they already possess. I want to bring to light the pretty things from imperfection…
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:54 pm
I want to create life…physically, emotionally, in any way I can. I want to pour everything I have into my little boy and give him the best life possible!
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:54 pm
I love my job as a 4th grade teacher. I truly adore my kiddos even more than the content I teach. I want them to choose kind and be models for everyone around them during the summer months as well as when they travel to 5th grade in the fall!
Also, as I get married on July 5th this summer, I look forward to making a pact with my husband-to-be to grow closer to each other as we grow closer to God TOGETHER.
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on May 29, 2013 at 9:57 pm
I want to make a sweet healthy baby happen with Gods help 😉 proud of you on your book proposal!
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Hi Lara! Congrats on sending off your book! You are so inspiring!!
In the midst of chaos (exciting chaos!) as my fiance & I tie up the remainding details for our upcoming July wedding, here is what I want to make happen:
To savor each minute and truly live in the moment of our wedding day. To dance, sing, eat & clink drinks with loved ones who have traveled both near & far to celebrate with us. To relish in the celebration of our love with a blissful heart full of love, gratitude and peace. -
on May 29, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Gosh, Lara. So much in my life has changed since I attended MTH. I’m no longer afraid to identify exactly what I want to ‘make happen.’
Professionally, I want to help underprivileged students navigate their journey through the university system in helping them pursue their educational goals!
Biggest XOXO and congrats on your book proposal, I can not wait to read it.
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:18 pm
I would love to make more time for family and actively live life instead of just going through the motions!
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Lara – I know these last few weeks have been full of change and transition for you, but I hope you know that the community of like-minded individuals that you’ve brought together are all here to support and cheer you on.
Congrats on sending off your book proposal…woohoo!!!
The main thing I want to make happen right now is keeping our family and our sweet son #1 in our lives. As my maternity leave is coming to an end, my husband and I are committed to doing everything we can to not fall back into a workaholic rut and focus instead on raising our son and continuing to make beautiful memories together. <3 -
on May 29, 2013 at 10:28 pm
This past weekend, I graduated from college. As I transition from my college days into the “real world”, I want to remain positive as I pursue my dream of becoming a wedding photographer!
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:29 pm
What I want to make happen most. Oh boy. First of all I am getting married in about 4 months and I would so love for the rest of our planning period to run as smoothly as God has allowed it the past 3. He has opened doors I never thought imagineable to the wedding world and this I am so appreciative of. Secondly, I would love to make the most out of the time I have left with my sweet 83 year old great grandparents. They have given me one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received and that is a true love story. A love story that would make Nicholas Sparks jealous. It is not only this that makes them so special to me, but also their faith; in each other, and in Christ. Every time I talk Grandpa on the phone, he quizzes me on my bible knowledge. I dont know what I’ll do when I stop getting those questions. I hope to one day make such an impact on my children and grandchildren. Last but certainly not least, I want to be a better witness, especially to my family. While I have always been the worrier in the family, I believe it is time for me to step it up and shine my light as God has intended. There will be plenty of time to worry later. Right now, my brother is heading off to college, I will be moving out leaving my sister to live by herself, and my dad is becoming an empty nester. This summer is the perfect time for me to really show each of them what I have learned in order to bring glory to Him. While I know the faith is there, I am very prayerful that God will open their hearts to whatever He may have for them. I know they will do great things if they just let Him work! Thank you for this opportunity to write this out. It has been on my heart for awhile now. I am a follower of iloveswmag and your blog as well. Always a pleasure to read. Have a lovely night. 🙂
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:29 pm
I want to live life FULL. I am currently engaged to be married in August and being a photographer, and a manager at a restaurant is busy. Add on planning a wedding and friends and family life can get busy. I want to focus on living each moment to the fullest not fearing the what ifs and the hows.
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Gooodness I want SO much to happen in and through my life, that sometimes I’m simply overwhelmed by all of my dreams and desires. Sure financial success and a happening career are so tempting to run after, but at the end of the day I truly want success in my marriage and success in my relationship with the Lord. I can so relate to you Lara and all you write about. Thanks for being such an honest and relatable inspiration! {And congratulations on the book proposal!}
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on May 29, 2013 at 10:49 pm
What I want to make happen most in life: put all my trust in God to make me the best daughter, sister, future doctor/wife/mom one day instead of trying to do it all on my own! 🙂
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on May 29, 2013 at 11:13 pm
I love your writing! It motivates me so much. So, thank you for being an excellent steward of the gifts God has given you.
Right now, the thing I most want to make happen in my life is to be a missionary in Thailand working with victims of human trafficking. My husband and I are going, along with our friends and their babies, in June to visit some organizations we may potentially with alongside. It’s wonderful and terrifying and thrilling and makes me want to cry and laugh and pee my pants all at once.
We’re making it happen!
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on May 29, 2013 at 11:26 pm
What I want is to be a patient, loving and encouraging mama to my baby girl. I want most to model God’s love for her and always laugh with her and find joy in her. 🙂
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:06 am
What I want to make happen most in life, is to have a successful photography business!
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:29 am
Hi Lara! I’m so ready to get life started. It’s been a rough start of the year and I’m ready for a re-do of the past month. I’m kicking it into gear and focusing on the small things that really matter. Like the people close to me and things that fill me up. Thank you so much for your email the other day, it made my day! I’m thinking of you!
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:51 am
I love you Liz! So much!!
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on May 30, 2013 at 3:15 am
Lara, I am a new photographer in the industry and I want to make my business happen this year. Making it happen thanks to your inspiring words!
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on May 30, 2013 at 4:25 am
For the past 2 years I’ve been praying for a new direction which included finding an area to settle our family in. I thought I got a partial answer to my prayers; I thought I was being led to work for a nonprofit helping others. Then a few months ago my beloved and I were talking he asked “what do you want to do?” Without thinking I blurted out ” I want to be able to work from home, I want to be creative, I want to create things!” Just as quickly said, “no, no, no I’m suppose to work helping others! That’s God’s purpose for me!” But is it?
Last week while driving my mom to an appointment I took a different street to avoid traffic I’ve driven down the street lots of times, but this time at an intersection I saw a house for the first time immediately I saw myself working in this house creating beautiful things, I saw my family in this house, most importantly I saw my beloved and I in this house praising God. I said to my mom “that’s it that’s my house!” She said “Jenn it’s not for sale and its a mess!” As we drove I heard write the owners a letter tell them your story, stop worrying, pray, and I will take care of this! Suddenly I was at peace for the first time in 2 years!
On a date night this past Monday I decided to tell my beloved (Kevin) about the house, how I saw myself working being creative, taking care of my family. I told Kevin I’ve been praying about this and I know this sounds crazy, but I’m to write the owners a letter telling them about us telling them my story. I said, “we are not to worry and just give it all to God to handle; HE will provide for us! We need to have faith and trust that God will give us a safe lading after the struggle.” I asked Kevin not to tell me anything and just pray about it. A short time ago I received this text from him: “Ok. Lets try it. We’ll have the faith we have and let it happen. Maybe then so many obstacles might not pop up in front of us to block us”
So this is what I want to make happen most in life and I know with God I will! Thank you for reading this 🙂
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on May 30, 2013 at 7:03 am
I’m so glad to have you back in my life Lara! Although we have never met, you know nothing about me AND I live on the other side of the world, I missed the little snippets of your work, beautiful family and all that you do, popping up on my social media radar!
What I want to make happen most in life is to be happy, and right now, that means starting my business and giving it a red hot go!
Ashleigh xxoo -
on May 30, 2013 at 10:18 am
I want to bring the joy and love of Jesus to the world; in big and small ways and to every person I come in touch with.
Your blog is such an encouragement to me! And the instax mini … what a wonderful & quick way to document every little moment of everyday 🙂
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:16 pm
I really need to overcome my fears and start my wedding coordination business. Thank you for always being so encouraging and inspiring!
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on May 30, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Building a home for my husband and I and our future family is what I want to make happen. We are currently saving money for our first house and hope to start looking by the end of the year. If love to have the Fuji Film camera to document this new journey as I’m also extremely passionate about photography 🙂
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on May 30, 2013 at 2:07 pm
I want to make starting a family happen!!!
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on May 30, 2013 at 4:10 pm
What I want to make happen most in life is to raise my children to have huge hearts. I hope they will be good people, who put God first and will be selfless. I hope and pray they will become the good spirited and kind people I know they are and that they will lead long and amazing lives.
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on May 30, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Oh Lara! I am still trying to make myself happen! I am still trying to find my balance.. between my full time job and what I WANT to do.. I’m so burn out but I am keeping on! thank you for you!
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on May 31, 2013 at 12:04 am
Oh Lawd. What do I want to make happen most in life?! I suppose it is to notice the happy moments, to relish in my blessings, to appreciate those who build me up, and finally create a path to a future I can’t wait to live.
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on May 31, 2013 at 3:35 pm
It’s so cool to read all these responses! I want to find balance between feeling fulfilled in my career and being fulfilled in my personal relationships. I know there’s balance out there, somewhere!
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on May 31, 2013 at 7:04 pm
What I want to make happen most in my life is to live a life that brings full glory to God. No selfishness, but fully looking to Him, no pride, but humbleness.
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on May 31, 2013 at 8:06 pm
First off THANK YOU soo Much!
What I want to make happen most in life is …is create a beautiful Home (in every sense of the word) with an open door policy. A place where people come and are welcomed, cherished, and loved! A place where people get a glimpse of God & are transformed. -
on June 2, 2013 at 11:00 pm
What I want to make happen in my life is to be able to write and publish my books full time!
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on June 3, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Hi Lara! I want to have a solid marriage that lasts, and raise a family that truly loves Jesus with my husband . I want to bring joy to his life and help him to be all that he was created to be. And I want the people I’m around to feel special, and to know their value and reach their potential. I want to be confident about the uniqueness I bring to life, and help others to do that too!
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on June 3, 2013 at 2:11 pm
I want to have a successful marriage, I believe with a successful husband/wife relationship we will be successful at anything that comes our way.
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on June 3, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Dear Lara: What I want most is to let go of fear – I am going to be 60 years old in July – and fear has creeped into my life. Fear of getting older, fear of not ‘having enough’ to retire, fear of not being able to spend quality time with my daughters and their families often enough. So I have been praying that I can walk through the fear and come out on the other side, able to contribute openly, honestly and without fear in all I do! Love your posts. xo Susie
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on June 3, 2013 at 2:55 pm
I’m taking the time to learn to cook! I’ve been inspired to find a creative outlet since most of my day is spent at my not-so-creative job in public accounting. I’m learning how you can love on people through simple, home made food. I want to show the people closest to me that they are cared for and loved. For years I always thought that I wasn’t a good cook, but I’ve been convicted lately to start taking small steps. So many stories in the bible occur when people are breaking bread together, and I’m slowly learning how I can show people love through home cooked meals.
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on June 3, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Lara! I’m so excited that you finished your book proposal! That’s amazing and inspiring!! This year, what I truly want to do is enter into an amazing marriage that is God-centered and create a home that is always filled with happiness and lots of good friends 🙂 tha was what I pictured my life to be at MTH this year!
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on June 3, 2013 at 5:17 pm
What I would like to make happen is to look to The Lord in ALL things. I’m a perfectionist and I like to be in control, so it’s quite difficult to let go of things. God knows I’ve come a long way, but I have to be honest with myself. I need to be less afraid to make mistakes and just DO. Otherwise, I’ll never know my God-given potential in every area of my life. Surrendering every aspect of my life, that’s what I’ll make happen
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on June 4, 2013 at 4:03 am
I want to raise my children to love each other and those around them.
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on June 4, 2013 at 3:15 pm
I want to inspire my students to reach heights that they never thought possible. I want to mold them into citizens of the world and guide them through the new starts to their lives.
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on June 4, 2013 at 7:08 pm
In the. Year to come I want to truly liv e each day with thankfulness and intention. God has been my rock through the past few years and has brought me to a place in life that I need complete dependence on Him! I am helping start a non-profit this year (that makes nature accessible to kiddos with special needs) and am realizing how much I need his grace! I also am feeling the huge to share my story..I don’t know if its a regular blog or just to share more in real life but I want to make it happen this year!
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on June 4, 2013 at 10:25 pm
What I want to make happen most in life is happiness, creativity, and achievement. I think many can relate to this and I’m pretty sure lots of these comments are about one (if not all) of these. In the world we live in, we are somehow deprived of the simplicity and beauty of life. We see others who have nice cars, large homes, beautiful bodies, and we think to ourselves that we want that because if we have that, we will be happy. But happiness does not come so easily. It’s more mental than physical. We, as humans, are never satisfied because we always desire. Letting ourselves go, becoming worry-free, enjoying ourselves from time to time is what we need to let in some happiness in our lives. I love art, not only viewing works but creating some myself. However, I haven’t done so in a while, but I have been using my handy dandy iPhone to capture moments to share with others. I hope to explore and develop my creativity in college. (I’ve really been wanting this Fuji Instax for my creative juices!) Achievement- my life is just getting started. I have a career to build/discover. I have experiences to, well, experience. I love the feeling I get when achieving something; it brings happiness to me. So, I guess what I really want to make happen most is happiness, not only for myself, but for others as well.
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on June 4, 2013 at 11:40 pm
I want to be more in the moment, really enjoy every minute I have with my girls and really thrive in all God’s blessings. I have taken too much for granted lately.
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on June 5, 2013 at 1:11 am
I want to be a person of impact, intentional in what I do.
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on June 5, 2013 at 2:31 am
What I want to make happen most in my life is:
I want to love The Lord truly with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, all that I have and all that I am. I want to give him my 100%, whatever that looks like at any given time. I want to say YES to Him in all things and to obey him as quickly and fully as possible, because He paid the ultimate price for me and He saved and redeemed me, and I would be and have nothing without Him. I want to live a life worthy of the sacrifice He made for me! -
on June 5, 2013 at 7:44 pm
I want to make the gospel of Jesus Christ known, and to live a set apart life for him.
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on June 6, 2013 at 11:42 am
I want to raise happy children!
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on June 7, 2013 at 12:02 am
This is a BIG question and there are lots of BIG answers in these comments that are inspiring, intimidating and though provoking. In life I want to be BOLD. I want to LOVE deeply. I want to be the DAUGHTER He created me to be. I want to be the voice of MORE in the lives of others. I want to love Woody in a selfless, loyal way. I want to take each new step to discovering the journey that my Creative Author has written for me, and I know that wanting that MOST will give me a life FULL of MOST!
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on June 7, 2013 at 3:19 am
I would love, love, LOVE to adopt one day! There is something about giving someone a family!!
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on June 7, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Did you pick a winner yet?
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on June 17, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Hi, Lorina! Yes, I just posted the winners in the most recent post here on my blog : ) Thank you for entering!
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on June 7, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Your powersheets just arrived and I am so excited to begin this process! Your post struck a chord in my heart and your prints are the reminders I need to focus on what matters. I want to learn to love Him with my whole heart and learn to say “yes” daily, for it is in each yes we find our vocation, calling, purpose, mission 🙂 Keep inspiring sweet friend! xx
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on June 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm
YAY, Sheila! You can do it, my friend!
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on June 9, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Hello Lara!
Your posts have been blessing my heart lately. I feel so inspired reading about your journey with your family, work, and everyday life. Last night I had this epiphany- I was doing some reading on small craft businesses and I realized that I have this huge vision to turn my small etsy shop into a real expanded business with more of a reach to help bless more people’s lives. I was so excited last night I couldn’t sleep and now I feel ready to take action and to make it happen. I know that there is a long, hard road ahead but I am trusting that God will be with me in every step of this journey! God Bless!
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on June 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm
I have been so thankful for your posts lately! Ultimately, when it all is said and done, I would love for all four of my baby girls to know and love Jesus because of the way I lived and loved them and Jesus. I hope to inspire them because I followed my heart. To be the reason they believe with Him all things are possible!
thank you for keeping this busy mama inspired!-
on June 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm
I have the exact same prayer daily. I love your heart so much!
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on June 10, 2013 at 11:25 pm
1st, congrats with all your exciting book news! What I want to make happen most in life?! Well that’s a loaded and long answer but to keep it simple, it would be this:
1. Be a daughter of God/ a representative of Christ
2. Be an awesome mom
3. Be a loving, supportive, and fun wife.
I have also just started my wedding planning business and I would love for things to set off with that. I NEED a creative outlet but of course the things listed above come first. I love my life and I want to live up to my potential. That’s what I want.-
on June 17, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Thank you so much and I LOVE all of your thoughts here! Your #1 goal will help you with #2 and #3 : ) You can do it, Lindsay!
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on June 16, 2013 at 1:29 am
May I know who won? 🙂
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on June 17, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Hi! Yes, I announced the winners in my most recent post here on the blog : )
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on July 8, 2013 at 2:25 pm
What I want to make happen the most is to be able to spend more quality time with my kids than behind my computer! As a photographer it is constant marketing, editing,emailing etc., I need to step away and be present. 🙂
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on July 24, 2013 at 11:57 am
There is a B&B in Saledo TX I love to visit as often as I can at least 3 times a year. It is a place that truly speaks to my soul, God has revealed some incredible things during these times…I prayed quietly for an answer I am seeking and then googled Make Things Happen as this is my desire for the Halftime I have reached in my life, kids are grown and I am entering my next chapter in life. When the google search popped your website up I haven’t been able to stop reading all about you and your life changing blessings. Call me a website stalker, yes you are saved in my favorites on the computer and I just recently ordered your power pack and completed it and on my 6 month journey, I am signed up for the webinar next week…would love to come to the seminar this fall but have a conflict with work….i was at a conference in Atlanta last month and stayed across the street from the mart yes it is huge. Anyway may God continue to bless you and use you for his kingdom work…you are amazing.and so happy I have found you! I am in the process of starting a blog, working on finding the right connection source and need this fine little camera to take some incredible pictures to go with my tidbits with Tonya from Texas! Thanks again
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on August 10, 2013 at 4:23 am
Hello Lara! I cant seem to find the winners from this giveaway …i saw that the winner hasnt claimed it and i want to make sure its not me!
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on August 12, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Hi, Sherina! It wasn’t you, but thanks for checking! I’m doing a different giveaway on my latest post if you’d like to enter that too : )
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on August 18, 2019 at 3:26 pm
The refreshing way you have approached even a simple giveaway is truly elegant and manageable. I am truly impressed.
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on August 30, 2019 at 3:22 pm
You are so kind! Thank you!
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