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I would like to thank all of you who have joined us for our Titus 2 Tuesdays. Today we will be wrapping up this segment where we spent time gleaning from women that have inspired us to be Titus 2 women. But before doing so I would like to leave us with a few thoughts to ponder concerning God’s mandate for women found in the letter of Paul to Titus.
Titus 2:3-5 highlights seven qualities that are to be our focus. We see in this passage our need to be taught and trained for this task. In verses 3-5 Paul told Titus to have the older women teach what is good, train the younger women to love their husbands and children and to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
You see God’s word calls us to something far greater than building loving and peaceful homes as wonderful as that is. We are called to glorify our God and to participate in the advancement of His glorious gospel as women. There is a higher behavior; a higher purpose as wives and mothers than how it benefits me and my family. It is to be our aim to love our husbands, care for our children and homes in a manner that glorifies the name of God and adequately represents His saving power to a lost world.
The people in our sphere are watching us. Our non-Christian family, our friends, our neighbors are watching the way we live. We are either enhancing the Gospel or discrediting the Gospel by our behavior.
By now you are probably starting to feel the weight of this responsibility like I am, but we have hope. We have hope in the grace of God. It’s the grace of God that changes us and helps us to do all that God requires of us. The grace that saves us enables us to walk in obedience to His commands. God doesn’t save us and then leave us alone in our immaturity and sinful behavior. The grace that brings us to salvation will also enable us to grow and mature.
We are utterly incapable of obeying the behavioral requirements for younger women in Titus 2 apart from the grace of God at work in our lives. Yet God has lavished upon us, has given us his grace to instruct us, redeemed us from sin to purify us and to make us eager to do what is good.
~ Rhonda Calabello
Showing posts with label Titus 2 Tuesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Titus 2 Tuesdays. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Contentment - Calm My Anxious Heart
Have you ever pondered this thought, that what we are on the inside, what we continually think about, eventually shows in our words, actions, and even on our countenance? Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Do we live our lives with this in view or do we live our own private interpretation of this verse? Are we content with what God has chosen to give us, or do we have an unholy habit of discontent.
In her book Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow introduces us to a lady who lived her life in light of Philippians 4:8. Ella is her name, a woman of clear vision and eternal perspective. Her disposition was truly marked by a holy habit of contentment.
In her book Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow introduces us to a lady who lived her life in light of Philippians 4:8. Ella is her name, a woman of clear vision and eternal perspective. Her disposition was truly marked by a holy habit of contentment.
Ella, along with her husband and children worked as a missionary in Africa for fifty-two years. She left her country, her family and all that was familiar. The word primitive doesn’t even begin to describe her living conditions. Imagine the scorching heat and humidity of the African bush with no electricity, air-conditioning, and all the other modern conveniences we so often take for granted. There were days that were so unbearably hot that she had to bring the thermometer inside because it couldn’t register 120 degrees without breaking.
So how was Ella able to discover true contentment? This is her prescription to living a contented life:
Never allow yourself to complain about anything – not even the weather.
Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
Never compare your lot with another.
Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
Never dwell on tomorrow – remember that tomorrow is God’s not ours.
How could this woman not complain of the weather when perspiration dripped off her, when the stale, humid air kept her from sleeping? What made her everyday focus so different from ours? The secret is Ella lived with her eyes fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. She had given them to Him. Because her tomorrows were nestled in God’s strong arms, she was free to live one day at a time. Ella possessed a soul sufficiency, a peace separate from her circumstances. Ella’s focus was eternal, and her focus led to an eternal contentment. ~ Rhonda Calabello
So how was Ella able to discover true contentment? This is her prescription to living a contented life:
Never allow yourself to complain about anything – not even the weather.
Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
Never compare your lot with another.
Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
Never dwell on tomorrow – remember that tomorrow is God’s not ours.
How could this woman not complain of the weather when perspiration dripped off her, when the stale, humid air kept her from sleeping? What made her everyday focus so different from ours? The secret is Ella lived with her eyes fixed on eternity. Her tomorrows belonged to God. She had given them to Him. Because her tomorrows were nestled in God’s strong arms, she was free to live one day at a time. Ella possessed a soul sufficiency, a peace separate from her circumstances. Ella’s focus was eternal, and her focus led to an eternal contentment. ~ Rhonda Calabello
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Titus 2 Tuesdays
An interview with Karen Lee by Sharlyn EddyI chose to interview Karen Lee today because she is a woman that I have much respect for. God has blessed her and her husband greatly. I will keep my intro short because I think what Karen has to share is much more important. Thank you, Karen for allowing us to have a glimpse of what the Lord has done in your life.
1. At what time in your life did the Lord start to change your heart about having a child?
Wow, this was a process that began looking like one thing and became something very different and completely unexpected. Back in 2001, my best friend Sue asked me to join a small prayer group with two other good friends of mine and we began meeting every Friday morning from 6:30 AM to 8:00. We always eventually got to the prayer time, but often spent our time just talking about things in our lives, how God was working and whether we were cooperating (or not), going to the scriptures to challenge, correct and encourage us. We met for the next 3 years. It was also in that year Mike and I began praying about leaving our very good church of 10 years and becoming part of GCC. God worked in my life in so many ways during that 3 years but the most significant was when I began to sense a real dissatisfaction with my job at a large corporation. I had always been very career oriented and had determined early on that I did not want to have children and would be very satisfied with a career. Mike and I were in agreement with this for many years, but when God began changing his heart about children, I was just not receptive. It was just not up for discussion. We became members of GCC and then to the team of home group leaders. For the next couple of years, God was beginning to shine the light on the real cause of my dissatisfaction. It seemed to take many turns and I was downhearted much of that time. Nevertheless, He was peeling back the layers and exposing the sin hidden below the surface. He used the women in my prayer group and at GCC as instruments of His grace in my life.
As you all know, SGM places great importance on teaching sound doctrine including the biblical roles of husband and wives, despite the current trends that have even crept into the church. I had heard some of this teaching before, but now I was listening with different spiritual ears. In June 2004, one of my prayer partners called to meet with me saying she believed God had 2 scriptures for me related to what I was struggling with which was not actually clear to me at the time; they were Is. 43:18-19 and Eph. 4: 22-24. We prayed and talked for a long time that night. God began to pull back the curtain and show me specifically the areas of sin I had been walking in for many years. I had sinned against God and my husband in my ongoing rebellion against His design for marriage as it related to children. I needed to confess that sin to God and Mike and seek forgiveness. I wish I could tell you I went straight to Mike, but instead labored a long time over how he might react. My dear friend Sue began to admonish me saying, “there’s an elephant in your room and you just keep walking around it; you must talk with Mike!”
Then one Saturday morning in August, I got a call from Brenda Edwards about an unrelated matter and as she is so faithful to do, she asked how I was doing. I told her what God had revealed to me, and that I had not yet mustered the courage to talk with Mike. She too admonished me that I must speak with Mike and let God handle his reaction. She also told me that God had taken her to Ps. 113: 9 that morning and she wonder why until we spoke. A week or so later, I had that conversation with Mike and it was evident that God had already given Mike the grace he would need to hear what I needed to say.
2. How did you and Mike come to the conclusion to adopt a baby from China?
Over the preceding years, Mike had suggested several times the possibility of adopting a child, always from China, as an alternative to a natural birth. So, when I had the conversation with him and received his forgiveness, I told him that we could prayerfully consider adoption if he still wanted to and from China if that was his hearts desire and God’s leading for us.
3. How has the Lord sustained you during the transition of becoming a mother?
God’s grace was already there before I even needed it when we brought Jianna home and it continues to be. In those very difficult years, He was not only working on my sin issues, but had also brought me to the place where I was ready to lay aside the career I had worked at for 32 years. He was also teaching me much about contentment, which has made these few years much easier. He has given me a loving husband and placed me in a body of believers who have supported and helped me grow.
4. What would you say is the one thing that has changed the most since becoming a mother?
My capacity to love a child, my child, unconditionally as God loves me, us.
5. Having children brings so much joy and laughter. Can you share a favorite moment or day that you have had with Jianna?
There have been so many and any mom will say that every day brings precious moments with our children, but a recent incident comes to my mind. Tom Morgan called to request prayer for Holly Morgan, who is in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. He said her water had broken and while they had not yet seen the doctor, they were very concerned for the health of her baby. Jianna and I were eating dinner at the time, but we stopped to pray for Holly right then. The next morning at breakfast, I was telling Mike about the situation and when we began to pray, Jianna wanted to pray first and here’s what she said, “Jesus to fix Holly’s broken water and feel better her.” What a blessing it is to hear my daughter pray with such beautiful simplicity.
1. At what time in your life did the Lord start to change your heart about having a child?
Wow, this was a process that began looking like one thing and became something very different and completely unexpected. Back in 2001, my best friend Sue asked me to join a small prayer group with two other good friends of mine and we began meeting every Friday morning from 6:30 AM to 8:00. We always eventually got to the prayer time, but often spent our time just talking about things in our lives, how God was working and whether we were cooperating (or not), going to the scriptures to challenge, correct and encourage us. We met for the next 3 years. It was also in that year Mike and I began praying about leaving our very good church of 10 years and becoming part of GCC. God worked in my life in so many ways during that 3 years but the most significant was when I began to sense a real dissatisfaction with my job at a large corporation. I had always been very career oriented and had determined early on that I did not want to have children and would be very satisfied with a career. Mike and I were in agreement with this for many years, but when God began changing his heart about children, I was just not receptive. It was just not up for discussion. We became members of GCC and then to the team of home group leaders. For the next couple of years, God was beginning to shine the light on the real cause of my dissatisfaction. It seemed to take many turns and I was downhearted much of that time. Nevertheless, He was peeling back the layers and exposing the sin hidden below the surface. He used the women in my prayer group and at GCC as instruments of His grace in my life.
As you all know, SGM places great importance on teaching sound doctrine including the biblical roles of husband and wives, despite the current trends that have even crept into the church. I had heard some of this teaching before, but now I was listening with different spiritual ears. In June 2004, one of my prayer partners called to meet with me saying she believed God had 2 scriptures for me related to what I was struggling with which was not actually clear to me at the time; they were Is. 43:18-19 and Eph. 4: 22-24. We prayed and talked for a long time that night. God began to pull back the curtain and show me specifically the areas of sin I had been walking in for many years. I had sinned against God and my husband in my ongoing rebellion against His design for marriage as it related to children. I needed to confess that sin to God and Mike and seek forgiveness. I wish I could tell you I went straight to Mike, but instead labored a long time over how he might react. My dear friend Sue began to admonish me saying, “there’s an elephant in your room and you just keep walking around it; you must talk with Mike!”
Then one Saturday morning in August, I got a call from Brenda Edwards about an unrelated matter and as she is so faithful to do, she asked how I was doing. I told her what God had revealed to me, and that I had not yet mustered the courage to talk with Mike. She too admonished me that I must speak with Mike and let God handle his reaction. She also told me that God had taken her to Ps. 113: 9 that morning and she wonder why until we spoke. A week or so later, I had that conversation with Mike and it was evident that God had already given Mike the grace he would need to hear what I needed to say.
2. How did you and Mike come to the conclusion to adopt a baby from China?
Over the preceding years, Mike had suggested several times the possibility of adopting a child, always from China, as an alternative to a natural birth. So, when I had the conversation with him and received his forgiveness, I told him that we could prayerfully consider adoption if he still wanted to and from China if that was his hearts desire and God’s leading for us.
3. How has the Lord sustained you during the transition of becoming a mother?
God’s grace was already there before I even needed it when we brought Jianna home and it continues to be. In those very difficult years, He was not only working on my sin issues, but had also brought me to the place where I was ready to lay aside the career I had worked at for 32 years. He was also teaching me much about contentment, which has made these few years much easier. He has given me a loving husband and placed me in a body of believers who have supported and helped me grow.
4. What would you say is the one thing that has changed the most since becoming a mother?
My capacity to love a child, my child, unconditionally as God loves me, us.
5. Having children brings so much joy and laughter. Can you share a favorite moment or day that you have had with Jianna?
There have been so many and any mom will say that every day brings precious moments with our children, but a recent incident comes to my mind. Tom Morgan called to request prayer for Holly Morgan, who is in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. He said her water had broken and while they had not yet seen the doctor, they were very concerned for the health of her baby. Jianna and I were eating dinner at the time, but we stopped to pray for Holly right then. The next morning at breakfast, I was telling Mike about the situation and when we began to pray, Jianna wanted to pray first and here’s what she said, “Jesus to fix Holly’s broken water and feel better her.” What a blessing it is to hear my daughter pray with such beautiful simplicity.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Titus 2 Tuesdays
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Today we have an interview with Jean Glick by Amber Harrington
Jean Glick was the first person I thought of when I was asked to do an interview. Not only because she was my Home Group Leader's wife or because of the way she has faithfully cared for my soul as a friend, but because of the way she lives her life. I've seen her go through trials, and I have been struck by the way she steadfastly trusts God and clings to His Word. She respects and loves her husband in an exemplary way, and she has been a wonderful example of a Godly mother!
I know you will be encouraged by Jean's responses, no matter which season of life you are in. I was encouraged, and I'm not even a wife or mother yet!
1. Now that your children are grown, what are some of the joys, rewards, and blessings of being a mom?
It is such a joy to see God’s faithfulness as your grown children serve Him, to know that they own their faith, and to watch them surpass you in the sanctification process! It is also wonderful to watch their relationship with their father grow and see the respect they have for him.
2. Were there times when your kids were younger when you felt like you couldn't get up and serve them one more day? Or, were there times you felt "stuck" at home? If so, how did God help you to persevere?
I never felt “stuck” at home, but there were definitely times of frustration when my efforts (pitiful though they may have been!) seemed to be fruitless. And then there was the infamous “put the sausage back in the freezer” morning (ask the boys). Joe was always a huge source of encouragement to me. There were plenty of days when I'd call him at work and he'd talk me through a difficult morning! And I remember an older mom telling me once to enjoy each moment with the kids when they were young, because I would never look back and wish I’d vacuumed more!
3. Name an area where you have seen God's faithfulness since becoming a mother.
First of all, God has been faithful to work all things for His glory, even when I have completely blown it as a mother! And I am constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness when I see Prov. 3:12 evident in their lives: “…the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
4. How has God helped you to respect and submit to your husband when, for whatever reason, doing so was difficult?
When I remember that God has put me under the authority of my husband for my good and His glory, it becomes much easier to respect Joe and submit to him, even through difficult decisions. Regardless of the outcome, I know I can trust my Shepherd.
5. What are some practical ways you like to show honor and respect for your husband?
I think being content and happy is one way of honoring my husband. Although it stems from trust in God, it is a way of expressing confidence in Joe to lead me, which I think communicates honor and respect. And this might not seem like much, but being quick to write down in my calendar things he’s asked me to do helps me in a very practical way make sure I’m spending my time in a way that serves him.
Jean Glick was the first person I thought of when I was asked to do an interview. Not only because she was my Home Group Leader's wife or because of the way she has faithfully cared for my soul as a friend, but because of the way she lives her life. I've seen her go through trials, and I have been struck by the way she steadfastly trusts God and clings to His Word. She respects and loves her husband in an exemplary way, and she has been a wonderful example of a Godly mother!
I know you will be encouraged by Jean's responses, no matter which season of life you are in. I was encouraged, and I'm not even a wife or mother yet!
1. Now that your children are grown, what are some of the joys, rewards, and blessings of being a mom?
It is such a joy to see God’s faithfulness as your grown children serve Him, to know that they own their faith, and to watch them surpass you in the sanctification process! It is also wonderful to watch their relationship with their father grow and see the respect they have for him.
2. Were there times when your kids were younger when you felt like you couldn't get up and serve them one more day? Or, were there times you felt "stuck" at home? If so, how did God help you to persevere?
I never felt “stuck” at home, but there were definitely times of frustration when my efforts (pitiful though they may have been!) seemed to be fruitless. And then there was the infamous “put the sausage back in the freezer” morning (ask the boys). Joe was always a huge source of encouragement to me. There were plenty of days when I'd call him at work and he'd talk me through a difficult morning! And I remember an older mom telling me once to enjoy each moment with the kids when they were young, because I would never look back and wish I’d vacuumed more!
3. Name an area where you have seen God's faithfulness since becoming a mother.
First of all, God has been faithful to work all things for His glory, even when I have completely blown it as a mother! And I am constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness when I see Prov. 3:12 evident in their lives: “…the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
4. How has God helped you to respect and submit to your husband when, for whatever reason, doing so was difficult?
When I remember that God has put me under the authority of my husband for my good and His glory, it becomes much easier to respect Joe and submit to him, even through difficult decisions. Regardless of the outcome, I know I can trust my Shepherd.
5. What are some practical ways you like to show honor and respect for your husband?
I think being content and happy is one way of honoring my husband. Although it stems from trust in God, it is a way of expressing confidence in Joe to lead me, which I think communicates honor and respect. And this might not seem like much, but being quick to write down in my calendar things he’s asked me to do helps me in a very practical way make sure I’m spending my time in a way that serves him.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Titus 2 Tuesdays
The Proverbs 31 woman needs no introduction to most of us, for scripture portrays her as a woman of character and wisdom. Superwoman, maybe an overachiever, often comes to mind when we think of her. Yet, if you look carefully at Proverbs 31:10-31 you will soon discover that all she accomplished flowed from her inner character. This woman applied her knowledge of God in skillful ways so that her life grew to be a lovely picture of an inner beauty.
I find it interesting that her name is never mentioned in scripture, her appearance isn’t highlighted nor what kind of personality she had. However, we do know that her husband and children praised her. She was not praised because she was up at the crack of dawn, working well into the night, or because she was so organized in the home, cooked gourmet meals and served endlessly outside the home. No, they praised her for her godly character. Spiritual character cultivated before the audience of her God. What a tribute! Of all the women her family knew, she held first place in their hearts.
This ordinary woman became extraordinary because she believed in a Sovereign God who was in control of her life. But she also believed that God had called her to make godly choices as she lived out her days. Choices such as making herself attractive by the
“fine linen and purple” she wore (verse 22) and ruling over her tongue (verse 26). You see, circumstances did not control the Proverbs 31 woman. The demands of her family, her household, or her home business did not leave her frantic and frenzied. She was the ruler of her attitudes, her time, and her schedule. How was she able to handle all these spinning plates? By making her relationship with God central. All that she became and all that she accomplished was a result of her yielding to His sovereign control over her life. And because of this she was able to rest and yes, laugh knowing God had ordered all of her days.
May we find sufficient grace, strength and wisdom as we remember that all aspects of our domesticity must be rooted in the Gospel! ~ Rhonda Calabello
I find it interesting that her name is never mentioned in scripture, her appearance isn’t highlighted nor what kind of personality she had. However, we do know that her husband and children praised her. She was not praised because she was up at the crack of dawn, working well into the night, or because she was so organized in the home, cooked gourmet meals and served endlessly outside the home. No, they praised her for her godly character. Spiritual character cultivated before the audience of her God. What a tribute! Of all the women her family knew, she held first place in their hearts.
This ordinary woman became extraordinary because she believed in a Sovereign God who was in control of her life. But she also believed that God had called her to make godly choices as she lived out her days. Choices such as making herself attractive by the
“fine linen and purple” she wore (verse 22) and ruling over her tongue (verse 26). You see, circumstances did not control the Proverbs 31 woman. The demands of her family, her household, or her home business did not leave her frantic and frenzied. She was the ruler of her attitudes, her time, and her schedule. How was she able to handle all these spinning plates? By making her relationship with God central. All that she became and all that she accomplished was a result of her yielding to His sovereign control over her life. And because of this she was able to rest and yes, laugh knowing God had ordered all of her days.
May we find sufficient grace, strength and wisdom as we remember that all aspects of our domesticity must be rooted in the Gospel! ~ Rhonda Calabello
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Titus 2 Tuesdays
An interview with Allyson Broka by Lana Calabello
When I was first asked if I would be willing to participate in interviewing the women of GCC I went to my mom to inquire about interviewing her. Her response to my question did not surprise me as she humbly declined and said she thought I should use this as an opportunity to choose another woman that we could glean from. After thinking and praying about it, I went to her a few days later with the woman I felt the Lord had impressed upon my heart. The Lord was kind to confirm my choice with my mom affirming that she had the same person in mind.
Allyson Broka was one of the first women I met upon moving to Jacksonville and I was so very blessed and encouraged by her gentle and loving spirit. It was clear that her foremost desire was to honor God and serve her family. Her humility was also evident in the way she actively sought the counsel of others and pursued accountability in her life. She is always quick to confess her sin and quick to encourage others. Though daily struggles bombard her, she finds her peace and comfort at the feet of her Heavenly Father. As you read Allyson’s response to each question I am sure you will agree with me that God’s work of grace is evident in her life. – Lana Calabello
How did the Lord sustain you when going through a trial and what did you learn from it?
There is no question that it is His grace that sustains me! I also am grateful that He has always been faithful to give me a verse to hold onto while walking out difficult circumstances. Beyond that, I have always been very comforted by being surrounded by people who love me dearly. When a crisis has happened in my life I have called my family and most treasured friends and have found the sweetest comfort. Through my trials I have learned two things. First, I have learned that sometimes there were things in my heart that I didn’t know were there. Then, when the pressure was applied, God graciously showed me all kinds of things that needed His tender pruning! How kind He is to use trials to bring out what is really inside of me and then aid me in dealing with those issues. Secondly, I have learned that God is so faithful. I am a person who constantly struggles with trusting and feeling abandoned. So for me to look back and see how God has lovingly cared for me in the hard places gives me tremendous faith and hope for the future.
How would you encourage moms during the busy seasons of life?
I guess I would tell them what I tell myself….that seasons pass quickly and I don’t want to wish this busy part of my life away, but rather embrace everything the season has to offer. I also look at pictures of my kids a lot. It gives me perspective as I can see how much they have changed and how time truly does fly.
Are there times as a young mother that you feel ‘stuck’ at home and how did God change your heart and give you a love for Homemaking?
I don’t normally feel ‘stuck’ at home because I actually love being home and taking care of my home. It’s the homemaking and being a mother together that cause me to feel drained and depleted in my role. One of the things that has really helped me is to fellowship with other women who love being homemakers and that have qualities I want to emulate. I can do this by talking on the phone, e-mail, or being with them in person. Sometimes just being around someone who I admire can really inspire me and give me the encouragement I need.
What does a quiet time with the Lord look like for you during this busy time of life?
My quiet times have evolved and are always evolving! Consistency is not one of my key qualities. Through the years of pregnancies, newborns, babies, and toddlers I have switched back and forth between rising early or before I go to bed at night. For a while, I was even incorporating all of my kids into my quiet time (and to some degree still do). We would worship then I would tell a bible story and then I would pray while they listened. Though at times it was hard to focus and give myself to God wholly. I actually look back at those times with great fondness.
What is an area of fear or anxiety that you struggle with and how has the Lord helped you overcome that particular fear or anxiety?
The sinful struggle of fear has dominated my life. I can’t really remember a time where I was not afraid of something. One ongoing example would be fear for my children. I can easily get consumed. One way the Lord is helping me to overcome my fear is by giving me situations to trust Him in. For an example, when we had a near death experience with our youngest son, I learned that God is in control and I am not. I learned to lean on Him during one of the scariest moments of my life. This one moment in time has proved invaluable to me. For when I am afraid I can look back and see how God cared for me through a situation that I had no control of. This has brought me great comfort.
What are some books that you have read that have encouraged you?
“The Enemy Within,” is an outstanding book. I have read it and re-read it and re-read it again! It was that good to me. “Running Scared – Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest,” is a great encouragement for me and it reads like a devotional. This will be one I will revisit as well. “Don’t Waste your Life,” is another book I highly recommend and has really encouraged me to be passionate about getting outside my ‘comfort zone’ and not wasting my life. Be prepared to be challenged if you read this one!
Allyson Broka was one of the first women I met upon moving to Jacksonville and I was so very blessed and encouraged by her gentle and loving spirit. It was clear that her foremost desire was to honor God and serve her family. Her humility was also evident in the way she actively sought the counsel of others and pursued accountability in her life. She is always quick to confess her sin and quick to encourage others. Though daily struggles bombard her, she finds her peace and comfort at the feet of her Heavenly Father. As you read Allyson’s response to each question I am sure you will agree with me that God’s work of grace is evident in her life. – Lana Calabello
How did the Lord sustain you when going through a trial and what did you learn from it?
There is no question that it is His grace that sustains me! I also am grateful that He has always been faithful to give me a verse to hold onto while walking out difficult circumstances. Beyond that, I have always been very comforted by being surrounded by people who love me dearly. When a crisis has happened in my life I have called my family and most treasured friends and have found the sweetest comfort. Through my trials I have learned two things. First, I have learned that sometimes there were things in my heart that I didn’t know were there. Then, when the pressure was applied, God graciously showed me all kinds of things that needed His tender pruning! How kind He is to use trials to bring out what is really inside of me and then aid me in dealing with those issues. Secondly, I have learned that God is so faithful. I am a person who constantly struggles with trusting and feeling abandoned. So for me to look back and see how God has lovingly cared for me in the hard places gives me tremendous faith and hope for the future.
How would you encourage moms during the busy seasons of life?
I guess I would tell them what I tell myself….that seasons pass quickly and I don’t want to wish this busy part of my life away, but rather embrace everything the season has to offer. I also look at pictures of my kids a lot. It gives me perspective as I can see how much they have changed and how time truly does fly.
Are there times as a young mother that you feel ‘stuck’ at home and how did God change your heart and give you a love for Homemaking?
I don’t normally feel ‘stuck’ at home because I actually love being home and taking care of my home. It’s the homemaking and being a mother together that cause me to feel drained and depleted in my role. One of the things that has really helped me is to fellowship with other women who love being homemakers and that have qualities I want to emulate. I can do this by talking on the phone, e-mail, or being with them in person. Sometimes just being around someone who I admire can really inspire me and give me the encouragement I need.
What does a quiet time with the Lord look like for you during this busy time of life?
My quiet times have evolved and are always evolving! Consistency is not one of my key qualities. Through the years of pregnancies, newborns, babies, and toddlers I have switched back and forth between rising early or before I go to bed at night. For a while, I was even incorporating all of my kids into my quiet time (and to some degree still do). We would worship then I would tell a bible story and then I would pray while they listened. Though at times it was hard to focus and give myself to God wholly. I actually look back at those times with great fondness.
What is an area of fear or anxiety that you struggle with and how has the Lord helped you overcome that particular fear or anxiety?
The sinful struggle of fear has dominated my life. I can’t really remember a time where I was not afraid of something. One ongoing example would be fear for my children. I can easily get consumed. One way the Lord is helping me to overcome my fear is by giving me situations to trust Him in. For an example, when we had a near death experience with our youngest son, I learned that God is in control and I am not. I learned to lean on Him during one of the scariest moments of my life. This one moment in time has proved invaluable to me. For when I am afraid I can look back and see how God cared for me through a situation that I had no control of. This has brought me great comfort.
What are some books that you have read that have encouraged you?
“The Enemy Within,” is an outstanding book. I have read it and re-read it and re-read it again! It was that good to me. “Running Scared – Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest,” is a great encouragement for me and it reads like a devotional. This will be one I will revisit as well. “Don’t Waste your Life,” is another book I highly recommend and has really encouraged me to be passionate about getting outside my ‘comfort zone’ and not wasting my life. Be prepared to be challenged if you read this one!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Titus 2 Tuesday
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Today we have an interview with Laurie Harrington by Candance HarringtonI chose to interview my mom because she is truly a Proverbs 31 woman. As a little girl my mom became very familiar with what it is like to be a “helpmate,” doing all the cleaning and some cooking for her father because she lost her mother at the age of ten. Six kids and twenty-six years after my parents wedding, mom is still in a very busy season of life, whether it has been moving from state to state, helping dad with his business ventures (a full-time job alone!), homeschooling the kids, or maintaining the house. At an age when most women are done with raising children and more, she is still laying down her life to serve my dad and her children for the glory of God.
I never sense a complaining attitude (let alone a complaining mouth!) from her but a joyful heart to serve. Something that I love about my mom is that she really does “[laugh] at the days to come.” She continues to remind her children of the truth that God is faithful in EVERY season of life, and she happily supports my dad in EVERYTHING. I pray daily that when my time comes to be a wife and mother, I can be just half of what she has been to my dad and her children. It is a privilege to call myself her daughter! ~ Candace Harrington
1. How has the Lord been sustaining you during this busy season of life?
Somehow He always provides. I feel like I live on the edge, but God uses the demand to keep me dependent on him.
2. How can you encourage moms during the busy seasons of life?
The busy season will change and start to look different but for me it does not seem like it will ever end because of the make up of my family. There are new challenges & joys with every year of growth so it is good to expect them. Having an attitude of "When am I ever going to get a break!", is not helpful. We need to be prepared to serve our families for a lifetime as long as God gives us strength. Children grow and become more independent but they never stop needing us in different ways.
3. What are some books that you have read that have encouraged you?
Because of the busy season I’m in right now I don’t have too much time to read. Here are a few books that I have read in the past: “Streams in the Desert” (a daily devotional), “Keep a Quiet Heart” by Elizabeth Elliot, “Calm my Anxious Heart” by Linda Dillow, and day to day I mostly just read the bible.
4. Were there times as a young mother that you felt that you were "stuck" at home and how did God change your heart and give you a love for Homemaking?
I have never felt stuck at home. I love being at home and taking care of my family and house and the Lord has always given me plenty to keep busy.
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