Chiara Talluto

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

Category: Editing (Page 7 of 15)

The Lady Under The Tree

September 9, 2021 /

For two weeks straight at approximately 7:44 am as I drove my daughters to school, I’d see this figure sitting cross-legged under a large tree. I didn’t notice at first because we’re constantly running late courtesy of my preteen, and I sped down the side streets to get to school on time. It’s my younger daughter who sees the most interesting things from the backseat. One time, it was a yellow cat sitting on the roof of a Ford F150, yes, she knows her automobiles thanks to her daddy, and another time she noticed an elderly gentleman drinking coffee on his front porch, and recently, she saw a teenage boy climbing out of his second-story window. Hmm, I guess sitting in the backseat has its perks.

Out of the blue one morning, she pointed, “Mommy, look at the lady sitting under that tree.”

I glanced to my left and there she was. It was a woman and she looked like a statue. The sun was streaming through the trees and it cast a long shadow across a dewy field of grass. It was an image to behold. So serene, that a calming sensation came over me. Cross-legged with one hand resting under her chin, she could easily be asleep. I felt jealous because this figure appeared to be free of worries and without hurry to-do lists.

The next day and the next few days were the same. Every morning as we got ready to leave, I looked forward to seeing this female sitting comfortably under a tree. Our car rides to school were exciting. My girls and I would make bets on who would see her first, and we spent time guessing as to what she was doing there, and what she was thinking or praying about.

Well, it’s been a week now and we haven’t seen the woman under the tree. I feel anxious, jumpy, and concerned. The girls are also worried.

My younger daughter said this morning, “Maybe she found another tree to sit under.”

I scratched my head. “I don’t know, honey.”

My preteen responded, “Maybe it’s a hologram?”

Was it a figment of our imagination? Only time will tell. Maybe she was an angel guarding our drive to school? If that’s the case, I’d like to see her every single day!

I’ve often read that angels show up in different forms. For now, the tree stands tall, barren of a figure. I won’t give up, though. Each morning, I’ll imagine God’s hedge of protection on my girls as they go to school.  I’ll even make it a point to treasure that warmth I experienced in my heart. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. The grace of that knowledge should be enough.

References:

https://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/angel-signs/

https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-Bible.html

Do angels ever appear to people, or are they always invisible? (billygraham.org)

What Are Angels and What Are They Made Of? (learnreligions.com)

Commentary from a Mother’s Heart

August 18, 2021 /

Do you know the distance from your head to your heart is roughly 18 inches? Go ahead and try it, pull out a ruler. I’ll wait.

Standing on this pier taking this picture of my children, I can’t help feeling darkness descending on the morals and the values I’ve been teaching my kids to what they are learning out there. It’s like a slow lengthening.

The world is beautiful and chaotic I’ve been told. On most days, I believe it. Other days, when turning on the TV, reading stuff online, I shake my head and raise my fist to the Heavens.

Sometimes the waters can be smooth like glass, and other times, waves can come, shaking one’s core beliefs. Calm waters can also be deceiving where one thinks everything is fine, but underneath there lies a dangerous current that’s rumbling.

There’s no doubt we are living on the edge these days. Kids especially, being pushed and pressured into so many different directions. Social media is the true culprit—addictive entertainment just finger taps away.

Watching my two daughters posing and staring off into the trees and bushes, I’m silently praying that their head and heart will always be aligned and that when the sparkling boats are coming by, they will know the difference between the right boat to get into and the one in which they should turn and walk away from.

Until then, I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I won’t stop in providing those nuggets of truth where I can.

Protecting What Matters

July 13, 2021 /

This past weekend, Italy beat England in soccer to the win the UEFA Euro 2020 Cup. It was an edge of your seat game that ended in a shootout. Congratulations to my home country of Italy! Forza Azzurri. Forza Italia!

Picture courtesy of Christian Charisius/dpa/picture alliance

I’ve always followed soccer but seeing this particular series inspired me to ponder on the things that matter in life, and how can one protect them?

A soccer team consists of eleven players on each team. Each position is very important. However, I believe the goalie has the most important role. He/she has to protect the net from getting the ball in it so that the other team doesn’t score a goal.

The other members of the team, important as well, have to guard the goalie and defend their territory, while running the ball in the opposite direction and trying to score a goal for the team. Yes, there is a lot of running and defending, and this takes ALL the team’s strength to succeed, whether you are playing in regulation time, or in a shootout.

Regardless, I began reflecting on my life with my husband and my children. Each day, I go to battle. Not a war-kind of battle, but I battle to fight sickness, fear, anxiety, pre-teen drama, finances, relationship issues, family issues, etc. I have to keep my girls safe, I have to support my husband, and keep the house running in order. Most days, I am the goalie, protecting my home front from the negativity that can impact my loved ones. It’s not an easy job. The world tells us one thing, but our values and morals tell us something else. It’s a constant struggle when temptation is everywhere.

As the “goalie” in my family, though, my job of “goaling” is different from my husband’s, the biggest war is the war of my mind. While fighting for everyone else, I’ve fallen trap of failing myself. The negativity has seeped into my thoughts and actions, thus sending me into an oblivion space of sadness and depression at times. I know I’m not alone on this. I’ve often asked this question:

How can I be there for everyone else when the net of my mind has been compromised?

It’s a heavy question, I know. But, I’ve taken small steps to shift the negativity to positivity. I’ve turned to exercise and reading the Bible. Both have allowed me to release pent-up frustrations and angst, and read beautiful words of love and wisdom from my Heavenly Father. It has given me hope in my life and muscle to stop the bad from infiltrating my family.

So, warriors, this is a call to action! Put on the Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18.

 

Because there is a great motto, adopted in 1972 from the United Negro College Fund (UNFC) that has become one of the most recognizable quotes that says…

And if we don’t invest in our minds, they can become sinful. Romans 8:5-8 says…

 

 

I will close with this final scripture quote, because I know this is also true. Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Until next time…Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

References:

Philippians 4:8 NKJV – Meditate on These Things – Finally, – Bible Gateway

UNCF – Wikipedia

Picture of Team Courtesy of Christian Charisus/dpa/picture alliance from article: Forza Azzurri: Behind Roberto Mancini′s Italian renaissance | Sports| German football and major international sports news | DW | 11.07.2021

The Meaning of “Forza Azzurri!” in Italian – Let’s go Italy! / Come on Italy! – Daily Italian Words

EPHESIANS CHAPTER 6 KJV (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

It is not a game, put on the whole armor of God – GLOFIRE TV

Romans 8:5-8 KJV – For they that are after the flesh do – Bible Gateway

https://www.rt.com/sport/528976-donnarumma-penalty-reaction-england-euro2020/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/italy-s-euro-mvp-gianluigi-donnarumma-just-getting-started-after-shootout-heroics/ar-AAM3ABK?ocid=BingNewsSearch

https://www.news18.com/photogallery/football/in-pics-italy-players-celebrate-uefa-euro-2020-triumph-in-style-3952997.html

https://the18.com/soccer-learning/how-many-players-on-a-soccer-field-explained

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/599/a-mind-is-a-terrible-thing-to-waste

https://www.spiritedconcepts.net/blog/2012/06/06/YOUR-Mind-is-a-Terrible-Thing-to-Waste-Romans-85-8.aspx#:~:text=In%201972%2C%20the%20UNCF%20adopted%2C%20as%20its%20motto%2C,Long%2C%20of%20the%20advertising%20agency%20Young%20%26%20Rubicam

How many players on a soccer team? The Answer & FAQ

The Parable of a Child’s Prayer Request and the Homeless Man

July 7, 2021 /

Every day I’m reminded of the fragility of our humanness; and the blessed joy that can resonate when there is hope!  (Inspired by the Bible scripture: I Corinthians 13:13)

Monday early evening; the temperature hovered around 89 degrees on what was a hot, sun-filled day at the beach in Florida.

My family and I were walking to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We were hungry and couldn’t deny the rumblings of our stomachs any longer.

Hand-in-hand I strolled with my younger daughter, who’s almost 11, while my husband and our soon-to-be-teenage daughter, walked behind us.

Passing a Speedway gas station, she slowed down, turning to gape at a young man sitting on the curb a few feet away from the front door of the store. I glanced too. He looked to be in his mid-to-late-teens and tan. But then I peered at his clothes; torn cargo shorts, a yellowed tank-top in need of a good washing, and no shoes. There was an oversized white garbage bag positioned upright against the building. His hands were flying around, gaily, talking to anyone who would listen.

“Mom, look at the homeless guy. Who’s he talking to?” My younger daughter asked, ogling him.

I tugged at her hand. “I don’t know, honey. Now stop, it’s not polite to stare.”

Letting go, she paused and sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“… Hey, what are you doing?” Her older sibling scowled, almost trampling all over her on the sidewalk. My husband shrugged, and they went around us. I nudged her. “What is it, kiddo?”

“Mommy, does he live there? What if he needs a job?”

I nodded, stealing another look at him. “I don’t know if he lives at the gas station. A job would be good.” And a shower. And a home. And a good meal. “Why don’t you pray for him? Pray that he finds a job.”

She smiled, took my hand again, and we resumed our walk. “Okay, I’ll do that, Mommy.”

***

The next morning, we had an early boat tour reservation to see dolphins in the bay. We hadn’t done a dolphin tour in a couple of years, and I always remembered it to be a fun time. Plus, my older child had researched that the best time to see dolphins is in the morning. We’ll have to see if she’s right about that.

On the way to the pier, we stopped at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants.  We were grateful for the quick seating by the host, as the small diner was packed for a Tuesday morning. After ordering, we were conversing about nothing in particular when my youngest suddenly grabbed my hand. “Mommy, Mommy? It’s him?”

I shook my head trying to understand. “Who? Who are you talking about?”

She tilted her head toward a worker across from us stacking clean plates from smallest to biggest behind the cook. “Him, Mommy! The boy at the gas station!”

My mouth dropped. It was the young man we saw the day before!

“Yeah, it’s him,” my husband concurred.

She said to me, “I prayed like you said to do, Momma. I prayed really, really hard that he’d find a job, and he did! See? He’s here.”

Tears began to pool in my eyes and I had to look away. She had prayed for a stranger. How incredible? Maybe he was hanging out at the gas station for the afternoon, or maybe, I hated to even think this, he was on drugs and talking to himself? So many negative other thoughts started to fill my mind and I willed them away. Was this a coincidence? Nah, he must just work here anyway.

Until…

Our food had come and we dove in, starved for eggs, bacon, and thick toast oozing with melted butter. After a bit, the host came up to us. “Hiya, folks, finding everything to your liking?”

My husband nodded, looking around. “Hmm, hmm, really good. Thank you! Busy morning, eh?”

The gentleman, sunburned with long creases lining his face grinned. “Yep, it’s been busy, but I’m not complaining. We’ve suffered enough during this terrible pandemic. Thank God, we’re doing—”

“Excuse me, Rod, where should I put these?” The gas station man approached the host holding coffee mug saucers. Rod pointed to a shelf across from the toast station. “Right there, son.” The young man nodded and walked away.

The host turned back to us. “… It’s good to be busy, so busy that I had to hire another employee.” He pointed over his shoulder. “I found that fella there hanging around the gas station yesterday and asked him if he wanted a job. He said yes, so here he is. Doing alright too.”

My daughter and I made eye contact; her sweet little face couldn’t hold the gigantic smile she wore. Thank you, God, for listening to my child’s prayers! You are truly an awesome God!

My husband and the host chitchatted some more before he was off seating other patrons. The rest of the day didn’t disappoint, either. We saw seven dolphins and even a baby dolphin. God blessed us with a calm sea and beautiful creatures. He also blessed a young man with a wonderful opportunity.

We should never underestimate the power of prayer.

 

References:

I Corinthians 13:13

Mark 9: 29

Mathew 7:7-12

Best Time for Dolphin Watching in Florida 2021 – When to See – Rove.me

Love is Love versus Love is Loving in Truth

June 25, 2021 /

 

Love is love, but love is better when you love in truth.

I’ve made some observations lately on Love is Love. It’s made me think about things in a new perspective and I’d like to share those insights because it’s all I’ve seen on social media, T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, temporary Facebook profiles, etc.

Love is…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dictionary.com defines Love as:

Noun

  • A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
  • A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
  • Sexual passion or desire.

In my humble opinion, love is baggage.

 

 

 

 

 

You know why? Because humans love in different ways…and sometimes to get our way. Just look at the dictionary’s description: passionate affection, personal attachment, sexual passion, etc.  These are biased reactions.

  • “If you loved me, than you would (fill in the blank)…”
  • “Please, please…do it for me.” You show them your puppy eyes. “I love you…”
  • “Do you know how much I love you?”
  • “Do you know the sacrifices I’ve had to make because of you?”

And the list can go on, can’t it?

  • We love the addicts because we think we can change them,
  • We love abusers because we’re afraid and believe what they’re doing is really okay,
  • We love to please people because we want to fit in even if don’t agree,
  • We love things more than people,
  • We love our phones more than people,
  • We love our pets more than our family members,
  • We love food,
  • We love the wrong things because we were never taught about real love,
  • Some don’t even know love because of their culture/religion,
  • Some have never experienced love and what it feels like, and live their life in an apathetic state.

The word “Love” is overused. Love has been overrated. The use of love has lost its luster. Love should be… Loving one another in truth because love is loving in truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loving in “truth” to:

  • Love our best friend to tell her/him that what they are doing is wrong,
  • Love our spouse to tell him/her that they are hurting themselves, you, or others,
  • Love ourselves and accepting who we are because that is how God made you,
  • Love each other regardless of the color of one’s skin, gender, or political affiliation.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13  puts it all in perspective for me. It is one of the most famous scriptures in the Bible for wedding ceremonies, but in reality, this is our greatest gift to one another.

I’ve attempted to break it down using my mortal mind, that is, how I’m interpreting this scripture passage. (I invite you to meditate on this on your own.)

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

(You can be the most successful person, but if it’s all fake and you don’t mean what you say, you’re really dead inside. )

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

(You can be the best scientist, doctor, police officer and know how to solve problems and crimes, and come up with remedies for diseases, but go about your life without passion, care, or regard for humanity, then you’re just going through the motions.)

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

(These are the church-goers, religious types, and elites who only show up for presence and posterity,  and not worship. Then when Monday comes around, they’re back to sinning.)

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

(A true Jesus follower will be persecuted and mocked all their life because they refuse to confirm to worldly things. They are not jealous and pompous, and will rejoice in another’s blessings, and put others first.)

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,  thinks no evil;

(A believer of the Lord will be humble. Will not boast upon themselves, and is not easily angered. He/she will always believe in the goodness of others. )

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(A believer cannot rejoice in the evils of the world, even if they’ve become isolated or ostracized from society, they are willing to make that sacrifice, and not deter from living righteously in the eyes of the Lord. They are also hopeful that bad circumstances can change for the better, giving all the glory to God.)

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

(All these things of this world will pass. Love can change a heart. Love endures forever.)

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

(We can plan all things on our own, but God’s plans are better and sometimes He will put us in situations to bear our cross and lean on Him for help.)

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

(Reading the Bible is a growing process. What you learned when you were a child can change when you become an adult. At some point, we have to grow up and take responsibility for our learning.  And one of the main learnings that has remained constant in understanding God, is that He loves us. We need to believe that with all our heart. We learn about ourselves by loving others.)

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

(It’s a simple act of faith and hope to learn to love one another. We must love in the truth of loving others.)

When you love in the most purest and truest form you know how and you love in truth, love always wins.

What do you think?

 

References: 

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/love

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013&version=NKJV

When Life Throws You Curves…Christ is Our Hope Magazine Article

May 29, 2021 /

Did we ever imagine that in 2021, we’d be living through a pandemic, new President and administration, rising inflation, sky-rocking housing prices, a virus, a vaccine, Critical Race Theory, “now hiring” job posts, and plenty of  other worldly happenings?

I can’t say I was blind-sided, but as humans we tend to stay in our comfort zones while the world turns on its axis.  But through anything in life, one must be prepared to swerve  when life throws you curves. So, it was no coincidence that I set out on a journey before 2020, so that I could be readied for what God had in store for me.  And, I was fortunate enough to share this in an article through Christ is Our Hope Magazine. I thank Carlos Briceno, editor of the magazine for giving me this platform to share God’s workings and His inspiring Word in my life.

Click here and stay awhile. You just might be encouraged too.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

When Life Throws You Curves, You Learn to Swerve | Diocese of Joliet (christisourhope.org)

Home | Diocese of Joliet (christisourhope.org)

Celebrating – Happy Mother’s Day!

May 6, 2021 /

This weekend is Mother’s Day. A Hallmark celebration of moms, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. If you’re asking me, I’d say every day should be Mother’s Day! Lol.

Before I became a mom, I had no idea what would be involved and the worries I’d experience. Yes, there have been many joys and ARE many joys I share with my two daughters, but the saying is true when kids are younger, the troubles are smaller. The older the children, the more complex things become. Having a preteen and another right behind, it’s no wonder I color my hair every seven weeks.

But, I digress. Mother’s Day is a reminder on how lucky I’ve been to have had a mom who sacrificed a lot to give my sisters and I, clothes on our back, and food on our table. Both of my parents worked 2-3 jobs at various points of my upbringing. They may not have been there all the time, or knew how to deal with puberty and life questions, but I never went without.

My mother was not perfect in raising three daughters, either. In hindsight, her decisions on things weren’t the greatest, but she did what she knew how. I’m far from perfect myself. I make more mistakes than corrections; and still, I’m beyond thankful that God picked me to be a mom too.

One of my favorite mothers, besides my mom, is Mary the earthly mother of Jesus. She’s one of the bravest women I have ever read about. It amazes me that out of all the females that God could have selected, he chose Mary, a peasant girl to be Jesus’s mom.

It is said in the Bible that God found favor in Mary.

Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And what does Mary say when she learns that through the Holy Spirit, she will become pregnant and then bear a son. The Son of Man—God’s only begotten son!

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Even though, she might have been frightened and confused, Mary still trusted and believed. Now, if that isn’t faith, I don’t know what is.

Being a mom is a hard job. There is no punch clock—it’s a 24-hour responsibility. You have to multi-task, be quick-witted, and ready for anything, all the time.

But, the fruits of the labor, my labor, always supersede the curve balls that come my way.

On this Mother’s Day, thank your mom for bringing you into this world. I know I will. If God hadn’t chosen her, you wouldn’t be here.

Until next time…

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

 

References:

New King James Bible

 

Don’t Miss These Book Marketing Tips for Authors

April 13, 2021 /

Today, I’d like to share a post for all authors desiring to share their work to the world. This includes those writers who are new, experienced, and hobbyists.

Brian Feinblum has over 30 years of book marketing experience, and having helped thousands of authors, one earns an appearance on the YouTube channel of The Toronto Business Journal!

Kick back and get 60 minutes of book marketing advice and strategies, book publicity tips, and insider insights into book publishing from someone who has helped several mega best-selling, celebrity authors –and many first-time, self-published, unknown authors.

Wait no further, click here for the informative interview.

For more info on Brian, his blogs, or how to get in touch with him, click here to go to the BookMarketingBuzzBlog page.

 

Celebrating St. Joseph

March 19, 2021 /

Today is St. Joseph’s Day. Italians celebrate feast of  St. Joseph in honor of our fathers.  But, we also celebrate Joseph, the earthly father and legal guardian of his son, Jesus.

Just who was Joseph, husband to the Virgin Mary?

There are no records of Joseph ever speaking in the Bible. He’s is never quoted as saying anything.  Now, not to say Joseph was not important, it was just that his exact words weren’t recorded. Why you ask? I’ll get to that in a minute.

I did some research. Joseph is mentioned briefly in the Gospels of Mathew, Luke, and very, very little in John.  Joseph was said to be a righteous man and obedient to God.  Just think when he found out Mary was pregnant, not by him, or any other man, he was instructed in a dream by God to  not to be afraid to take Mary as his spouse. Then, after the birth of Jesus, in another dream, instructed by God to leave for Egypt, and then years later, in another dream, to return from Egypt.

We also know in the Bible that Joseph was a carpenter. It is why we also know that he passed his carpentry trade to his son, Jesus, who was  also a carpenter.

But, let’s go back to question as to why nothing more is recorded on Joseph. Well, having read the Bible in its entirety, I learned that the Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah and that our Lord is mentioned in many of those books.  And then, reading through all the books of the New Testament, which is about Jesus, I’m going to conclude that Joseph even though raised his son, he was one of many supporting figures to the fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s ministry. How cool is that. It’s like being in one of the best movies ever! One that is seen and heard by millions and millions of people around the globe. The best part is that it’s a true movie and that now we serve a Risen Lord as a result of his mother and father’s upbringing, his disciples, and all those who bravely and courageously took his teachings across the world.

So, as I ponder upon St. Joseph’s Day, I’m encouraged that my life, my role in this world doesn’t have to be grand, but be someone who humbly continues to carry the torch of Jesus’s light to everyone I’m in contact with.

It’s all our story. What part to do you want to play?

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

References:

Father’s Day in Italy – St. Joseph’s Day in Italy, Fathers Day Celebrations in Italy (loveyoufather.com)

Joseph: Father of Jesus on Earth (learnreligions.com)

Finding Jesus in Every Book of the Old Testament | Christ Revealed

 

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