Chiara Talluto

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

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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?

Moms of the Bible

May 9, 2024 /

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I can’t help reflecting upon my role as a mother to my growing teenage daughters. Someone once told me that being a mom is not only difficult but it’s like living in the wild as a blooming sunflower surrounded by thorny bushes. Most days you getting pricked and prodded, other days you’re conquering the world and smiling from petal to petal.

Honestly, I’m grateful for being a mother. It wasn’t an easy journey to have my two daughters (God knows), and I know many women who are childless. The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:3 that children are a heritage from the Lord. They sure are! Nonetheless, there are trials and tribulations with parenting. Talk to a tired mom, she’ll give you an ear full.

This Hallmark holiday (because every day should be Mother’s Day), got me thinking about the mothers in the Bible. Not only were there cultural differences and challenges, but raising children thousands of years ago without the conveniences of today, such as medical, technical, and ease of transportation, and the challenges of living out their faith in God, while other religions with gods surrounded them. Wow, I can’t imagine.

I’ve had a fascination with women in the Bible for some time now. My curiosity was to learn more about their faith, role, and historical contributions, but I also wanted to dive deeper into some well-known and not-so-well-known moms. Learn about their tragedies and triumphs, and most importantly, their strong faith in God, so I can grow, cultivate, and nurture my calling as a mom. A “career” filled with worry, laughter, constant drama, and intense emotions where the pay is mediocre, but the “adventures” are never-ending (if you could call it that :).

So let’s take a look at a few Mothers in the Bible:

  • Eve. The first mom over all living things. Genesis 3:20. Yes, she sinned and sinned big time, eating the apple from The Tree of Life. Thus, starting the whole sin thing, and let’s not forget, allowing women to have pains during childbirth. Thanks, Eve. Regardless, she started the human race. Genesis 17, 18.
  • Sarah. Abraham’s wife. The mother to the Nation of Israel. God told Abraham he’d multiply his descendants more than all the stars in the sky. Sarah was very old when she conceived Isaac, in her 90s. Wow! Her loyalty and support to her husband and trust in God as they traveled from land to land, took patience. Did Sarah always have patience? She was human and did make a mistake by giving her maidservant, Hagar to her husband to bear a child because of her lack of patience, but in the end, God did bless her with Isaac. The promised one. Genesis 11:30, 21:1-21.
  • Hagar. The maidservant to Sarah. She was Egyptian and she conceived Ishmael for Abraham. He would turn out to be a wild man in the wilderness. She was not forgotten by God though, who took care of her because of her obedience to Sarah. Genesis 21:1-21.
  • Rebekah. Isaac’s wife. Barren, he prayed over her and her womb opened and she conceived twins, Esau and Jacob. God promised her that the older, Esau would serve the younger, Jacob, and it happened. She planned, and persevered, and it came to fruition. Jacob became the father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Genesis 25:19-27, 27:1-29, 49:1-33.
  • Jochebed. Moses’s Mom. What faith. During the slaughtering of Hebrew boys, this mom’s prayer to God to save her son and place him in a basket to float away on the Nile River is nothing short of a miracle. She bore a son who would free the Jewish people from 400-year bondage and slavery in Egypt. Exodus 1:8-16, 2:3.
  • Hannah. Mother to Samuel the Prophet. Barren, she prayed and prayed so fervently to God to give her a child that her utterances could not be mouthed, it was so desperate. She promised the Lord that if she conceived a son, she would dedicate him back to God. Her son, Samuel went on to be a prominent prophet for two Kings, Saul and David. 1 Samuel 1:11, 21-38.
  • Bathsheba. King David’s Wife. Through the king’s adulterous affair and then the murder of this woman’s husband came the birth of the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon. Highly intelligent, this man became king and wrote several books of the Bible. 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 24-25, 1 Kings 11:42.
  • Elizabeth. Mother to John the Baptist. Barren and then conceiving at an older age, this woman believed in the Lord God to give her a child. This son would become the greatest prophet who ever lived. He paved the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. And, he was also related to him too. How’s that for family connections – they were cousins. Luke 1:25, 39-45.
  • Mary. The Mother of Jesus. The son of the Holy God Almighty. She was a pure, God-loving woman. She bore God’s begotten son who would save the world from sin. She accepted her will and trusted in God. Luke 1:28, 38, 46-55.

There are more great mothers in the Bible, and I highly recommend you research yourself. What I found interesting about all these particular women is that they were imperfect just like every other mom out there. Me included. Motherhood doesn’t come with an instructional manual, either. However, they were God-fearing, faithful, and trusted the promises of our Lord God. They persevered through many challenges and tragedies, yet they carried on, holding onto hope.

My prayer for the remaining years of my life is to live with conviction, boldness, and faith like these precious moms of the Bible. I hope that one day, my daughters will also call me blessed!

A mother’s heart is often bruised and broken, plagued by fear, and worry. It’s true, a mom is always thinking about her children even when they are adults. So moms, continue to pour into your children. Don’t lose faith. Be prayerful and brave because our future generations depend on us!

I thank my mother for her resilience and drive to never give up hope, and be the strong connector in our family.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

P.S. I found a great photo on some of the Biblical women I addressed above. Check it out!

 

 

References:

Picture by Photo by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-ethnic-mother-with-daughter-walking-on-path-in-countryside-5529767/

https://www.learnreligions.com/mothers-in-the-bible-701220

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/your-guide-to-the-top-10-most-extraordinary-mothers-of-the-bible.html

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/wisdom-for-mothers-from-women-of-faith.html

https://equippinggodlywomen.com/trending/famous-mothers-in-the-bible/

https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/mothers-in-the-bible-and-why-they-matter-

Wiped Clear

May 3, 2024 /

Every day, I sit in my Glory Room, my Secret Place, my War Room, aka Closet, and pray and praise the Lord Jesus. It’s my quiet time to read the Bible and be silent amid daily chaos. It is my refuge area where I can pour out fears, anxieties, thoughts, and gratitude to the One who provides, Jehovah Jireh!

My family knows it’s the only room in our home that I go to “fill up” or “empty out”. It’s also has become the counseling room, the hugging room, the lay down on the floor and take a nap room, and the “I want to spend time with Mommy, room.” It may not be fancy with mine and my husband’s clothes hanging around, like forest drapery, but it works. I’ve received such revelation and encounters with the Glory of God in this Secret Place.

For the past month, while on my knees praying, I’ve stared at a box of eyeglass wipes on the floor under my hubby’s dress slacks, called Wipe Clear. I wear glasses and if you wear glasses too, then you know they need to be wiped often.

Wipe Clear

Wipe Clear

Wipe Clear

Over and over the words have penetrated my thoughts throughout the day. Why do I keep seeing Wipe Clear? That revelation was not ready to come to fruition, until now… You see, while the world is busy destroying itself, I’ve been busy wiping clean my iniquities, filling my lamp with oil, and armoring up. (The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Mathew 25:1-13; Put on the Full Armor of God. Ephesians 6: 10-20; It’s time to separate yourself; be distinct and trust God! Psalm 84:10-12.)

Get into your private place. It could be your car, outside, the basement, the garage, or wherever. Let the Lord work in you a Mighty Miracle of conviction, sanctification, and boldness—a fire for the Lord. (Psalm 91: 1-16.)

It takes two to tango, right? Well, it also takes you and Jesus to make you whole again—get into a relationship with Him.  (John 14:6)

What are you waiting for to wipe clear?

The Forest or the Trees: Lenses of Life

April 10, 2024 /

I’m beginning to realize as I get older, I look at circumstances and situations through two kinds of lenses: the forest or the trees. One way is getting bogged down and overwhelmed by the final result. There is so much overgrowth and thickness surrounding you that the end goal is never achieved because individual steps were missed. The other way is seeing what’s ONLY in front of you, and nothing else. The burdening limbs seem to be extending their destructing claws at you. The issues are like dominos. When one problem is solved another is right behind it. In both cases, you panic. Heaviness sets in. Your vision is obscured and you get lost.

But God…

The author and finisher, the beginning and the end, sees the entire landscape of your life and where you are in the midst of the forest and its trees. Like a compass, He beckons you to follow Him. Listen, the forest is calling. Listen, the trees are parting. God wants to guide you on a path to follow. A path to freedom. A path of righteousness. You can’t do life alone. Trust Yahweh!

Isaiah 58:11

John 10:27

Psalm 23:3

Psalm 25:9

Psalm 32:8

Psalm 119:105, 133

Proverbs 3:5-6

Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

 

Balancing the Line

March 4, 2024 /

Do you all remember the song from Pat Benatar, “Love is a Battlefield?” It came out in 1983 but hit the stride in the US in 1985. Yes, it was a very long time ago. Some of the lyrics such as “Heartache to heartache we stand. No promises, no demands,” still hold true. Like love, life is a battlefield.

Some days, you’re drawing the line when something is enough and must STOP. On other days, you might find yourself holding the line. Keeping it all together and standing firm; never wavering in your actions and voice, but most importantly, your faith.

Never stop fighting for what’s right.  (Joshua 24:15)

Today and every day, seek your victory in Jesus Christ!

The Road to Emmaus – Treading Victoriously!

February 15, 2024 /

 

In the Book of Luke, specifically Luke 24:13-35, there is a parable of the two men on The Road to Emmaus.  The men were talking about Jesus, his death, and the hope that was to come out of His Ministry. Their hearts grieved as they walked because they thought He was going to restore Israel.

The Scripture Teaching

I’ve read that scripture many times, but on this most recent read, a revelation came to my mind. I preface this by saying that the revelation is my interpretation of how it spoke to me. It has helped me tremendously, and I pray it can do the same for you.

Why are treading the same road over and over again when we know it’s the wrong path? Why do we attract certain people into our lives? Why do we push good people away? Why do we refuse to listen to Godly rebukes or accept His blessings?

Let me explain:

  1. Were all on a road to Emmaus. Each one of us has a purpose and journey outlined and known by God. If only we’d embrace our “individual” trail more than we covet other people’s paths. Instead, we look at others and their successes versus looking at our own blessings.
  2. We trudge along on our path because we have a shaky faith. Attracting certain friends, the ones who share the same sentiments, issues, grievances, etc. Hence the quote, misery loves company. Other times if we’re lucky, we have some friends who are placed in our lives to offer consolation, encouragement, and hope. Get yourself that kind of friend. The other one only loves misery and will keep you in bondage.
  3. During our journey, some people draw near to us and then leave, and draw near to us again and leave. It’s a repetitive cycle. Who are these people that WE allow in our lives? And why do they come and go? It’s a wide road and there are a lot of people on it at different times of your life. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Most of the time, we are so busy swimming in our pool that we don’t notice who’s waded in to corrupt us. Be watchful. In the Luke parable, it is Jesus who draws near (and He’s the good guy) but the two men don’t even recognize him.
  4. When your “attracted” friend group gets bigger, the chatter gets louder. And so, it becomes difficult on who to listen to. In the parable we see Jesus rebuking the two men and then expounding everything they should have learned from Him and the disciples. Do the men heed His rebuke?
  5. The Truth teaching Jesus tells the traveling men, unfortunately, falls on deaf ears, and He finally says… “slow of heart to believe.” What should Jesus do? He’s been calling you over and over, but you’re so involved in yourself that you miss the Truth entirely. Wake up!
  6. But, true friends are patient. True parents are patient. True spouses are patient. And, Jesus is patient. He loves us so much that He is willing to bring into remembrance the breaking of the bread as a reminder of who He is. And this is exactly what happened to these two men – their eyes opened wide and they knew that He was Jesus. Have you ever been in a situation where you’re trying to remember a movie and the lightbulb goes off in your mind because someone reminded you of a scene, an action, a prop in the movie, etc? Well, this is exactly what Jesus had to do in this particular parable. He shared an action so that the two men remembered him. Jesus often brings into remembrance why He loves us, and why we should turn to Him for everything. Jesus also allows encouraging and beautiful memories to come into our minds and make us smile. He’s so good that way.

My Takeaway from the Parable

  • Don’t repeat the same thing over and over and expect different results. Stop walking the same path. Take a different road.
  • Gather a good tribe of people who can hold you accountable. Choose your friends wisely. One bad person can ruin your group.
  • Learn to discern who you want to draw near to you and those who you want to leave you. Go after those who will help grow you in your walk with Christ. Break off ALL toxic relationships.
  • Listen to the still small voice of God – get quiet and be in His presence, so that when you are rebuked or blessed, you hear the Lord’s voice only. I love Psalm 139: 23-24. “Search me, O God and know my heart…” Remember, everything good out of you is from God! Everything bad out of you is well, from you!
  • Keep God’s Word in remembrance in your heart, so that it is always at the forefront of your mind. When you do this, your heart will always burn for Jesus and you will tread victoriously!

And, that’s a wrap. Blessings to you!

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

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