Chiara Talluto

Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

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The Vision – A Plea for Action!

September 23, 2024 /

Dreams must mean something if they happen often, right? The same one, over and over again. Or maybe I’m hallucinating on too much TV and reading too many things, especially with the impending Presidential Election. But if one dreams, do they mean something sometimes, all the time, or does it really matter?

In any case, take a listen to a dream I had. It’s called The Vision.

Video Player

 

If you prefer to read the original transcript for the story, scroll down…

***

I was standing on the curb when a massive-looking vehicle pulled up. It was a cross between a long stretch limo and an SUV. It was metallic-red with gigantic black-rim tires as high as my kneecaps. In idle position, the engine roared like a rushing waterfall.

The passenger side window rolled down and a voice bellowed, “Get in.”

I just gaped at this beautiful piece of metal. The door opened toward the sky and I slid in. The smell of leather, lavender, and vanilla filled my nostrils. As the door closed in, I turned to look at the voice that had spoken to me. It was dark in the compartment and I couldn’t decipher the being that was sitting next to me. It was a mass of some sort and it seemed to float in the air.

The voice boomed like a loudspeaker, “Welcome. I am the World. Let’s go.”

I shook my head. “Where are we going?”

“For a drive.” And with that, the automobile thrust ahead, my neck jerking to the motion of the vehicle. I swiveled my head back to see the rear of the car, and all I could make out was a darkness, a space, like the universe with stars and planets.

The car was instantly on a two-lane highway. There were other cars in the lanes, lots of cars driving fast one way. Our car zigzagged in between the vehicles.

Sweat trickled down my arm. “Hey, slow down, please. Why are we in a hurry?”

The voice bellowed. “Fast life, fast car. Isn’t that what we do in this realm?”

I blinked. “Realm? What realm are we talking about?”

“THE WORLD. THE WORLD. YOU’RE IN MY WORLD.”

My skin went cold. I looked about me for a buckle to lock me in but there wasn’t one. We were passing cars at lightening speed that all I could see were flashes of tiny headlights. “Stop,” I shouted.

“THE WORLD. I AM THE WORLD. YOU ARE OF THIS WORLD.”

My hands felt clammy. What was going on? I felt like I was on a fast track to an abyss of sorts.

“Well?”

“Well, what?” I blurted. Yes, I was from this world, but the Bible has always taught me that I wasn’t of this world. I was to be separate.

“You want this world?”

We zigzagged to the left and then the right, horns blaring, sending a piercing noise in my ears.

“No, no, no… Now quit this. I want to get out!” My world was Heaven and to live with Jesus in eternity. Wasn’t that right? Live righteously here on earth, do my best, be a beacon of light for others, and on, and on….directing people to Jesus. I was doing that, wasn’t I?

“Hmm… mmm…”

I looked through the windshield, a giant mountain loomed ahead.

“Oh my gosh, there’s a mountain ahead! Don’t you see it?”

A screen appeared on the dash. A timer or stop clock glowed. “Forty seconds till impact.”

My head whipped in the direction of the World who was driving. “We’re going to crash. Stop the car now!”

“What? Are you scared to die? It’s bound to happen, you know.”

I began to shake. “Stop!!”

“… Thirty seconds till impact.”

A seatbelt appeared over my shoulder and I grabbed it, locking myself in. I held onto the strap tight, my knuckles were turning blue.

“… Twenty seconds till impact.”

I squeezed the belt. “Are you crazy! We’re gonna die!”

The vehicle weaved between two semi-trucks sending one off the curb and flipping over.

“You’re gonna die. Not me. Life will go on. You chose this path.”

“Stop,” I screamed.

“… Ten seconds till impact.”

I looked over my shoulder again, space was still there with its glowing stars. I spun back.

“Oh, Lord, help me, please?”

“God isn’t listening.”

“… Five seconds till impact.”

I yanked the seatbelt. “Yes, He does!”

“What are you going to do?”

“… Four… three… two… one…

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep……

When the World is going against you, do you sit back and just hold on tight, or do you grab the wheel and do something about it? Your decision rests on this Nation’s success.

References:

Romans 1:16-32

Mark 16: 14-18

Mathew 28: 16-20

Luke 10:25-37

Photo by Hassan OUAJBIR: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-car-instrument-cluster-panel-804129/

 

There Goes My Ride (Catch the Story Podcast)

September 18, 2024 /

 

 

Take a listen to my latest “Catch the Story” podcast from Relatable Media Arts & Inspiration. Today’s session is “There Goes My Ride”. Click here.

Written transcript of the story, There Goes My Ride.

This is a reminiscent tale about giving up my 12-year-old red SUV. Now I know what you’re thinking, how is this story about giving up a car worthy of “Catch the Story”? Let me explain. Have you ever loved something so much, and I use the word, “love” loosely? It seems we love things and like people. Ah…I digress. We can talk about that another time—love versus like.

Anyhow, where was I? Oh yes, loving things, such as a house, a boat, your cell phone, I know a lot of people who are in love with their phones these days. Again, another topic for another day. But my red SUV has been with me for the last twelve important years of my family’s life.

It’s held my two precious daughters who are now teenagers. The many times we’ve ridden together traveling to and from doctor appointments, visiting grandparents, going to the zoo, the park, shuffling them and their friends to sports practices and games, and theater events, etcetera.

This car has taken me to Wisconsin, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. It’s given me solace and peace as I flipped through the channels of my radio and listened to my favorite songs, or put on that rocking CD and cranked up the volume. And yes, I do have a CD player in this car. Gosh, I’ll miss that!

And oh, the conversations this cabin has held. If these windows could share what they’ve heard, and reflect it back (no pun intended), well, hmm… From tears to laughter, to frustrations and prayers. The best conversations are with your steering wheel. There are indentations of handprints all over the steering wheel from holding onto it so tight to prove it, anyway.

So to say that this vehicle has not only taken me from point A to B on many occasions but, it’s kept me safe. Years ago I named her Wonder Red. There used to be a cartoon on PBS called Super Why about four fairytale friends who go on magical adventures and become reading-powered super heroes. My daughters loved that show, especially this one character named Wonder Red.

Because my SUV was red, it was fitting. And, when my girls knew we were going out, they easily got into our Wonder Red, anticipating all the adventures ahead. It also has transported my parents and my in-laws, who are now elderly, to many family events. So to say that my SUV, Wonder Red, holds a special sentimental place in my heart, I can only say that it truly does.

But now it’s time to give her away after almost 90,000 miles of road life. For us, it’s time to downsize from an SUV to a car. Through all the oil changes, tire rotations, transmission fixes, and light bulb changes you, Wonder Red, have been my ride. I’ve realized that this hunk of metal has kept me safe all these 12 years. She’s older, but she still has some life left in her. It’s the memories of the journey that this old girl of mine, my wonder red, has provided. I was giving these wheels to do just that and I am grateful for what she has done. Whatever driveway and garage she’ll rest her Michelins, she’ll be good.

The moral of this little short story is to cherish the memories of your “things”: cars, houses, places of employment, vacations, etc. Life moves at a rapid pace. Things come and go. In the end, it’s who you have intersected your life with at the crossroads of time. And, those memories will be there until the good Lord takes them away.

I’m reminded through the scriptures that things will fade.

  1. Don’t store your treasures on earth where moths can destroy them, instead store them up in Heaven. (Mathew 6:19-21)
  2. Grass may wither, but God’s Word stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)
  3. The world will pass away, but the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)
  4. The story of the rich man wanting to receive eternal life, but was unwilling to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. (Mathew 19:16-30)
  5. What does it take to follow Jesus? (Luke 9:57-62)
  6. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Mathew 11:30)
  7. Avoid making idols out of your possessions. (Exodus 20:23)

As we get older, we get more wrinkles but God’s word is transcendent over thousands of thousands of years. So, this transaction that me and my family are going to do puts it all into perspective. Our time on earth is very short we don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring, but we do know that as we journey through the adventures of life, we have God with us. God also reminds us to be where we should be, and that things that take us to where we’re going are ONLY here as a convenience. when you move, when you change employment, when you buy a new car or sell your old one, whatever the case may be don’t MAKE IT your idol, don’t let that be your gods but know that there is a greater God. So, goodbye Wonder Red. See ya on the road. If not, hope your metal is used for the good.

Thank you!

 

 

 

The Labor Day Rest

September 2, 2024 /

Labor Day. The “workingmen’s holiday”. Or, “time off from work”. In 1894 it was signed into law to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of the American workers. It’s traditionally celebrated and observed on the first Monday of September. But, this day off didn’t come easy. In the late 1800s during the height of the Industrial Revolution, American workers worked very long hours and often faced unsafe working conditions and sanitary conditions. People became more vocal and started speaking out. There were riots and revolts which led to this day. Research for yourself. It’s good American history.

Celebrate this day, it came out because people organized and banded together for the good of each other and the privilege to have employment and get wages for their work.

In the Bible, God labored and labored for six days to create heaven and earth, all living creatures, and man. On the seventh day, he rested. (Genesis 1-31)

We are entering a new season, Fall. With the crispier air, changing colors of the leaves, and the earth getting ready to go dormant. It’s a beautiful time. However, I also believe the impending American elections will challenge this season. There’s been a shift. It’s in the air, and you can feel it if ONLY you pay attention and you are aware.

We need to turn back and turn from our wicked ways and call on God to heal. (2 Chronicles 7:14). We need to unite as a country for the good of the country and future generations, not for our selfish needs.

The harvest is plentiful indeed, but the laborers are few. (Mathew 9:37) It’s time to get busy, lots of work to be done. We must do the works of Him (Jesus) because night is coming and we will not be able to work. (John 9:4)

Until then, rest today and be ready!

Sustaining the In-Between

August 1, 2024 /

We live in a world where a Google search takes a few seconds, you can order a product on Amazon and you’ll get it tomorrow first thing in the morning, and Uber Eats will deliver food right to your door. We live for the fast and the next thing…

We error in not living during the in-between of the next thing because we are so consumed with the highs of the next concert, the vacation, the present, and the next event. The same applies to the lows of an illness, doubts, worries, and anxiety. It’s always the next and not in the moment. It’s a pendulum of the extremes rather than the mundane.

Today and every day, I challenge you to live for the “in-between”. It is where we spend the most time in our lives anyway. It is the day-to-day grind of making the most out of nothing or making nothing out of your most.

One day, things will cease and you’ll be left with yourself. Be sure to renew your mind, body, and soul for the in-between.

 

References:

Photo by Jens Johnsson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-arrow-signed-66100/

Scripture Inspiration: 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, 16-18

 

The Mortality of a Birthday

July 29, 2024 /

I recently celebrated a birthday. Yay! Happy birthday to me! It wasn’t one of those BIG numbers either, but it was still a number. When I was younger I looked at people my age as old. And, to some extent, I’m what society would consider “middle-aged”. Psychology Today even defines midlife as “the central period of a person’s life from approximately age 40 to age 65.” Now, I don’t feel I need to tell you how old I am, so don’t go thinking I’m going to spill that information. Plus, I’ve heard asking a woman her age is not polite.

At any rate, I do have to admit that as I get older, the thought of dying and death seems more of a reality than when I was twenty years old. Some people don’t live to see forty and others pass away before getting a chance to retire at sixty-five, or even later these days. It may sound morbid, but I can’t help realizing my mortality. I won’t live forever and frankly, I don’t want to.

We also have heard the phrase, “Time doesn’t stop for no one”. It doesn’t and that’s a fact. However, life will stop for each one of us at some point. We’re like a Timex watch that ticks until the battery dies. We have a battery of life in our bodies. When it’s our specific time to go, that’s when we go. Our lives are truly in God’s hands.

All in all, I’m grateful and blessed to be alive at my age. I’m learning not to take for granted my health, my mind, my muscles, my brain, and my heart. Our body is an important temple. And speaking of temples…

In 1 Corinthians 6:19 of the Bible, the Apostle Paul tells us… “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

So, what does “… we are not of our own mean?” Well, according to Genesis 1:27, we are made in the likeness of God, which therefore suggests we come from God. It’s true. Here’s the scripture verse: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, it tells us this, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Does God’s Spirit dwell in you?

I’ve been pondering many questions lately: Have I lived purposefully? Is there more to accomplish on earth? Have I been taking care of my temple the right way? Are there more stories for me to write, or am I done? How will I live the remaining years of my life? Or better yet, how will I live my life in the next two weeks? I could go on and on.

I know what you’re thinking, all these questions on mortality from celebrating a birthday? Come on, forget about it. Live your life. Do what pleases you. Yes, yes, I’ve heard all those remarks. The truth is, I don’t want to leave anything unfinished while living because there is so much work to do and that’s doing the work God calls me to do. What that looks like is none of your concern because you should have your own calling.

Have you thought about your mortality lately? Maybe you should because time stops for no one.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

 

Counting the Cost – Independence Day!

July 4, 2024 /

Have you ever heard the phrase, “What’s it going to cost me?” Usually, it’s associated with something like a big repair on a car. A car that may not be worth sinking another $1,000. In another case, it could be paying more for VIP seats at a concert or sports game. In these scenarios and others alike, you need to count the cost of what’s it going to take to have it, lose it, or sacrifice it.

I found this reading the other day in Luke 14:25-33. This example reflects upon someone building a tower and whether they have enough money and workers to finish the job. Well, I don’t think any of us are going to be building a tower anytime soon, but maybe this will help. When planning an international trip, doesn’t one research and figure out the cost of airfare, the hotel, the tours, food, etc., before actually booking that particular vacation? I sure hope so or else they’re in for a surprise.

The same principle could apply here. What is the cost of being in a certain circle of friends? Joining a team? Political party? Well, we know where the last one takes us. DIVIDED. Some people go with the flow and others live by a rigid schedule. Neither is correct as we know, “everything in moderation and not in extreme”. Here’s a good one. How about following Jesus? What is that cost? A preacher once said that following Jesus will not only cost you something; it will cost you everything! Your family, friends, maybe your job, and of course, your life, if it ever came to that. You can see in the last verse, verse 33, what Jesus says… “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Hmmm… ponder on that for a moment.

In another example of “Counting the Cost”, I found this scripture.

Reading through 2 Samuel 24, we see King David sin against God by taking a census of the people. He didn’t pray about it before but rather took it upon himself to go against God and follow his thoughts. We see that God’s anger is aroused against Israel and allows a plague to consume the people and 70,000 people perish. It was a judgment against David. In his remorse for forgiveness, he wishes to build an altar to sacrifice and offer burnt offerings to the Lord. He is given it freely by a man named, Araunah, but the King refuses and says he will not accept it freely, but rather buy it for a price because his disobedience to God had cost him the lives of the people of Israel and Judah. It is also why he didn’t want to have something that would cost him nothing.

Are we willing to live a life boldly for Jesus? Are we willing to stand up for what is right?

July 4th, 2024 is upon us. Independence Day. As we celebrate this American holiday, never forget freedom has a cost. Just as being a Christian. I thank our Founding Fathers and all who have served this country.

When it’s my time to go, I want to make sure I’ve been a good and faithful servant for the One True King!

What’s this life gonna cost you?

Viva Italia

June 13, 2024 /

I recently came back from a trip to Italy, my parent’s homeland. As a first-generation American-Italian, I have been raised to keep the family traditions and culture in my own family. It’s been twenty-four years since my husband ventured to Italy, his parents are from Sicily. As for me, eighteen years since I stepped foot on Italian soil. For my growing teen daughters, this was their first time experiencing an international trip.

We decided to do a cultural and art tour of Italy. Going to Rome where we toured the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Heading to Florence we learned about the most powerful family in Italy, The Medici Family, visiting the Uffizi Galleria, The Galleria dell’ Accademia (the great David Statue by Michelangelo), Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapel, the Florence Cathedral, and finally traveling to Siena and San Gimignano. It was a whirlwind tour with adventures of rich pasta, yummy gelato, and lots of wine!

Rome was like a heart beating and pulsing constantly to the rhythm of the people flowing through the streets. Florence was more of a small town surrounded by incredible churches, duomos, and historical structures that have remained intact for hundreds and hundreds of years.

We traveled during what travel agents call “shoulder to shoulder” season. Hmmm, they weren’t kidding. Endless students and foreigners from all over the world flocked to Italy.

It was exciting to speak my first language, Italian. It was also very cool to hear the most romantic, beautiful language there is on the planet (okay, I’m biased) spoken. However, what we also found was that everyone spoke English. Not perfect for some, but enough for an American like myself to understand.

I’ll be honest, it was cool that English was spoken, but also not so cool. I just wasn’t expecting all the English. There were many different dialects of Italian too, but there were also plenty of foreign languages spoken at the souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels. It was a melting pot of different cultures and languages surrounded by the Italian country’s heritage, similar to the United States of America.

I was initially shocked, but then I realized, my parents immigrated to the USA in the mid-1960s. They had to learn the language and culture. Italians have been coming to America since the turn of the twentieth century assimilating to the American culture. Italy was no different.

Many folks whom we spoke with immigrated to Italy from their home country for work, family obligations, and a better life (vita bella!) We also met true Italians, like the Romans and the Fiorentinas, but as one gentleman told us, “We’re all Italian by choice!” They’ve accepted the life and culture of this beautiful country and brought their traditions as well.

I’m reminded of the many stories of the Bible, especially in the book of Genesis: 11:1-9, The Tower of Babel. The people at the time were settled in one place and they had one language. They were comfortable and wanted to build a tower to the heavens, but God confused the people to disperse them and populate the earth. For centuries since then, humans have traveled to faraway lands.

When you think about it, it’s like a marriage of culture and heritage. Very rarely do I meet someone when asked where they’re from they say they are a true, true American. Instead, they’ll say that they have family roots in Germany, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, etc.

Upon our return from Italy, I shared our experience with my parents. I shared how immigration and gentrification has changed their home country. It’s not just there, it’s everywhere. We are more mobile with technology and travel. So many different cultures have evolved.

I believe in holding to the stories of the past, traditions of the past, and foods of the past. And, in Italy, there is nothing more wonderful than bringing family together over a shared meal because that’s what being Italian is all about. In the end, we are all unified by one thing: The Human Race. God made us in His image and to have dominion over animals and land. Genesis 1:26-28.

Until next time…

Arrivederci!

 

The Graduation Commencement Advice

May 27, 2024 /

Last week my daughter graduated from eighth grade. It’s unbelievable how time flies. Now, I’ll have two teenagers in high school. Yikes!

What has been mulling around in my mind the last few days is the commencement speech by the student’s choir and worship leader/teacher. He asked one question to the incoming freshmen. What’s your story going to be as you enter the next chapter of your life?

It was a great question. He preceded to inform them that the world will tell them that it’s up to them to make a mark. Do something great, leave a legend. Don’t rely on other people, only rely on yourself, etc., etc., etc.

He continued. This is good to an extent, just don’t lose your identity in Christ because your faith will be challenged and discounted by society. There was an eerie quiet that fell in the auditorium. And then the teacher said this… make sure that your story aligns with what God’s story has for you.

It was a profound revelation. A truthful explanation that sometimes our plans aren’t always syncing with God’s plans. And maybe, just maybe, we all need to revisit our current life stories and make them worthy of achieving via God’s vision for us.

He ended with this. The world will always stress “individual success”. But God tells us to “abide in Him, so He can abide in us”. And through faith, the Lord will provide. So, live your life, but do it righteously.

What does your story tell about you?

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