A Devoted Life: Allison Edition

I first met Allison just about 4 years ago. I was hurting and lonely, and apparently that night I couldn’t shut up. We still laugh about how quiet little me rarely closed my mouth. Our friendship has weathered changes and trials, but we always come through it together with a healthy mixture of tears and a whole lot of laughter.

Lately I have been impressed with Allison’s strength and courage. She leads 7 younger siblings boldly, and I know that God is going to do something incredible with their family. I love you Allison, and I am so proud of you!

What is your greatest concern for girls today—what do you think they “don’t get”? A return to modest, stylish, feminine dress, and a return to modest make-up. It seems to me, that girls today take one extreme or the other in regards to dress. It’s either, immodest and worldy or it’s old-fashion and ugly. I think that it’s time for girls to be shown and taught the happy medium—stylish, feminine, yet modest dress.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord? I would have to say that right now, I’m not studying one main thing. It’s something different every morning, because right now, I kind of need that! One morning,  I may need a comforting word, so the Lord directs me to a passage of comforting Scripture. Other times, I may need a reminder not to worry or be afraid, and so the Lord directs me to those passages.

What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year I would have to say His goodness and faithfulness. (I know it was only supposed to be one, but both of these kind of go together for me!) I have seen His faithfulness displayed so much in my life this past year just in all the trials that I’ve gone through. It’s comforting to know that even when I get fed up with the way life is right now, He still proves Himself faithful, taking care of me, and sticking with me even when I wander from Him.

I have seen His goodness displayed as well in recent weeks! Through all the trials He still gives me something to laugh about to ease the stress. He still gives me good gifts—large and small, physical and spiritual. He is a good God even the circumstances of life aren’t good, and He reminds me of His goodness in the gifts that He sends my way.

We know you don’t have much spare time, but what is one extracurricular activity that you make time for at this stage of life? I’m trying to get back into the habit of editing and uploading my pictures in a timely manner!

What in your opinion is the most urgent challenge that Evangelical Christian women face today?Made-up beauty. Women, married and single, spend all this time and money on doing this and that, and buying this and that to make themselves more beautiful. Girls, God made you just the way you are, and He thinks that you’re beautiful!

What are your opinions on modesty? I have my own standards of length of course, but I’m more into being fashionably modest. Dressing modestly doesn’t mean that, as Christians, we have go around wearing sack dresses and no make-up. We can dress with feminine style and still be modest at the same time.

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would you describe your family and childhood years? I grew up in the Atlanta area moving about 2 years for various reasons. I have pleasant childhood memories such as having Family Game Night every Thursday night, and going on vacation(two things we don’t do anymore).

We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you? Growing up in a Christian home, I heard all about how God loved me and how Jesus died on the cross for my sin. When I was four years old, I came to my mom one day, and told her that I wanted to become a Christian. She told me to wait for my dad to come home from work so that he could ask me some questions to make sure that I knew what I was doing. He did that, and then I prayed to ask Jesus to come into my heart. At 12 years of age, I rededicated my life to the Lord at a COMMIT conference.

You probably know me as: Allison who blogs at Set Apart or Kapture It. My friends know me as prissy and high maintenance! (Editor’s Note: Yup! J )

I was born in: Atlanta, GA

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is: Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy

Right now I am reading: “Third Watch” by Bodie and Brock Thoene. I’ve been on that book for the past month or so! I need to hurry up and finish it!

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other: Hmm. . . that’s a hard one, cause I’ve watched many movies many times! However, I would have to say that “The Sound of Music” and “Love’s Long Journey” are the ones that I’ve watched the most.

The music you’re most likely to find me listening to: Christian music by the Soundforth Singers, Sounding Joy, Eric and Leslie Ludy, and Cheri Keaggy just to name a few; Fun, old songs by the Von Trapp Children, and soundtracks.

My favorite food: Chinese!! I do so love Chinese food, and I haven’t had it in forever!

In the morning I drink: Water. . . with no ice! Ahh!!! (Editor’s Note: Yeah, she is crazy about that no ice thing…)

If I have free time, you’ll most likely find me: On the computer, curled up on my bed with a book, or taking pictures.

My favorite place in the world: On the beach or hiking in the mountains(in the fall) taking pictures and enjoying being out in God’s creation.

A Bible verse I return to often: Hmm. . . I don’t have one Bible verse that I turn to the most often, but my favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 66:12b. It says, “. . . we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” I love this verse, because it says to me that no matter what kind of trials I’ll go through, God will always bring me to the other side. The trials will end.

Woman I most want to be like: There are three women that I want to be like in different areas, but I would have to say that my top choice would be Leslie Ludy. Through her books and her websites, I see a woman who is truly set-apart to her Jesus. I see a woman who has a truly authentic beauty that flows from within. I see a woman who knows how to dress attractively and femininely, while remaining modest at the same time. I see a woman who impacts the lives of those she comes into contact with, whether that be personally, or through her books and websites. Leslie’s life is the kind that inspires me—it’s the kind of woman I want to become.

What is a “typical” day like for you? I don’t think that I ever have a “typical” day! On the days that I get up and go to work, I get up at 7:00am and have my quiet time ‘til 7:30. Then I get dressed, eat breakfast, pack my lunch, and help Michaela with her handwriting, and then run out the door to head to work. After I work all day, I come home, check my email, eat dinner, clean-up after dinner, and get on the computer, or read, or play the piano, or alternate between all three! Then I’ll go and watch a couple “Gomer Pyle” shows, and then head to bed.

On the days that I stay home, I usually do the same thing I do during my free time on work days: Get on the computer, read a book, play the piano, do chores, etc.

 I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite ways to rest and relax?  Hanging out with friends, laughing, taking pictures, being crazy for the camera, getting on the computer, playing the piano, reading a book, and going to the nail salon(on rare occasions) are ways that help me relax and get rid of stress.

 

Alabaster Hearts

I have been interviewed! Check it out over at Alabaster Box. Leave comments too!

A Devoted Life Shawna Edition

Several months ago (maybe even a year ago), I just happened to stumble on someone’s wedding slideshow. I didn’t really know this person, but I fell in love with the pictures. This was right around the time that photography was beginning to completely captivate me. I had always liked different pictures and styles, but never found that perfect sweet spot of photography. This slideshow was amazing. It took my breath away, and I knew that I had found it. I began to stalk the blog of the photographer, just drinking in the beautiful art, and breathtaking photos. However the time came for me to start my blog. Also almost at this exact same time Shawna posted something on her own blog saying she wanted to hear from all her silent readers. Well, I posted something, and I think I asked if she could email me about me linking to her blog on my blog. Well that tiny email gave me just a glimpse of the wonderful person Shawna is, but the thing that blew me away was her friendliness. She acted like I was a friend. I was ecstatic to say the least, and told all my friends I had finally met my “favorite photographer.” She has continued to be a good friend, and and endless fountain of glorious photography wisdom. I knew that Shawna would be my next interview, and she graciously fit time into her crazy schedule to answer my questions. I am blown away even more reading her answers, and seeing a true depth to her life. Thank you so much Shawna! You are an inspiration, both in everyday life, and in photography. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, Shawna Herring!

What is your greatest concern for girls today—what do you think they “don’t get”?

That identity is defined by what the world says, or worse, some guy. Girls don’t get that they have unspeakable VALUE and that they should honor themselves by not participating in premarital sex.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord? What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year?

I am loving the book “UnChristian” by David Kinnaman. It’s about what a new generation really thinks about Christianity. It’s like a hard punch in the gut. I want to be effective in reaching the lost and to do that, I have to understand what the “lost” think about me as
a Christian. His ability to love unconditionally. How hard it is for me to do that and how much I want to.

We know you don’t have much spare time, but what is one extracurricular activity that you make time for at this stage of life?

um….pass. I wish I could say the gym but it is still just an intention

What in your opinion, is the most urgent challenge that Christian women face today?

Not being afraid to be bold and real. Seems like women are WAY too concerned about putting on a good appearance instead of just being honest. It hinders relationships, it keeps them in bondage and it just rips people off. We are too concerned about what others think and not concerned enough about what God thinks

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would
you describe your family and childhood years? When did you come to know Christ?
I grew up in Utah with one older sister. I was diagnosed with Diabetes age 7. My parents divorced when I was 9. My dad was an abusive alcoholic and my family was pretty dysfunctional. My mom worked 3 jobs which left us “latchkey kids” and my dad remarried and had 2 children. They later divorced and she died from alcoholism. My mom remarried and he was not a nice guy either. ( also later divorced ) My sister got pregnant and moved out at 16, and I was left in a home that felt unloving and strict. I went to the Mormon church ( it was really the only option!) with my best friend until my sophmore year when I had lots of questions and dropped out of seminary ( the mormon
doctrine class in every public school in Utah). I looked for love in all the wrong places and moved out of the house 2 days after turning 18. I can talk about these things easily because i have been set free from all rejection and childhood sadness because of the work of the cross and Jesus. I didn’t have a lot of fun growing up. I was confused and i cried a lot. Never had an example of what a Godly marriage was like until I found Jesus at 30 years old and my pastors pretty much adopted me. I am not who I used to be so I am grateful for the childhood and family I had because it led me to the Lord. I went back to Utah last year and got to see my sister be baptized and help her baptize my mom. Praise God!!! I moved to Hawaii after high school and thought I found freedom. It wasn’t Utah, there were no Mormons pointing the condemning finger at me. It was paradise. Really. Beach all day, I waitressed at nights and made a ton of money. I partied, did drugs, fell in and out of love, continually looking for that deep elusive peace. You name it, I did it. I thought I had the life. I was really a mess inside. I married at 24, gave birth to my daughter at 27 and was a single parent at 28. He was unfaithful and left us. I was broken and returned to Utah for 6 months and moved to california. I began to ask God if He was real to please help me. My life was a mess. Bbecause of my momon experience ( not good to say the least ) I refused to look for God in a church but began to seek everywhere else. Books, Budist temples, new age…nothing worked. One of the first friends I met in California ended up leading me to the Lord…after a year of praying for me and being there for me, I gave in and said I would go to church with her. It was a Vineyard church ( John Wimber ) and I went, cautiously, and within the first 5 minutes, the Holy Spirit basically knocked the wind out of me and I cried and cried and cried and even had snot bubbles coming out my nose at the end of the service. I was totally undone. It is the most wonderful day to think of and remember. The day I found love. The day I surrendered everything to Jesus. My life has never been the same and 9 years later I am still crying at the mercy and goodness of it all. He is so wonderful.

You probably know me as:
Outspoken, passionate. .

I’ve been married for:
3 years, 3 months

I was born in:
American Fork Utah

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is:
The Revelation of the Cross by Cesar Castellanos

Right now I am reading:
UnChristian by David Kinnaman and Foundational Truths for Christian Living by Derek Prince

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other:
Braveheart.

The music you would find me listening to right now:
I have been stuck on Jack Johnson’s Sleeping through the Static for over 3 weeks. I am a big fan of music, Sean Feucht and Shawn McDonald are big favorites lately too.

My favorite food:
Toasted bagel with avacado, sunflower seeds, cholula, red onion and Jane’s Krazy salt. I could eat that every day. (Editor interjection here: Shawna, I think you just named pretty much every food I don’t eat, haha)

In the morning I drink:
Too much coffee

My favorite place in the world:
The ocean.

A Bible verse I return to often:
I love Isaiah 61

Woman I most want to be like:
My Pastor’s wife, Denise Page ( in California ) she has been to most influential woman in my life. Ever. Her example of a mother, friend, disciple, and lover of Jesus comes to my mind multiple times in a day. The power of SEEING an example is not compared to anything else. You can hear about something all day long but until you see it, you’ll have questions.

What is a “typical” day like for Shawna Herring?
Taking care of my 17 month old most of the day, answering emails and
returning phone calls when she naps…housework, pick up Madi at 2:30,
housework, dinner, family time, put kids to bed at 9, work till
midnight on photography related stuff.

Can you tell us about your children? What are their names and how old
are they? What is your favorite part about being a mother?
Madison is 11 today (Editor edit: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADISON!!!!) . She is amazing. Zoe is 17 months old. The best part about being a mom is the constant reminder of the
Father’s love towards me. Also that I have the ability to shape a mold a life to make a difference.

What do you think is one of the greatest needs among mothers today
and how would you encourage them?
It’s so easy to get caught up in the speed of life and go for convienience when it comes to TV, food, Games, etc. I think it is super important to spend time with your children. Turn your TV off, it’s mostly junk anyway, don’t let them watch movies that promote values that are not your own. It’s not ok to play violent games for entertainment or have freedom on the internet. I think you can’t be too careful with your children. Be a hawk. Know what they are doing and don’t try to be their friend. They have friends, they need a mom. There is no greater role you will ever play than that of raising your child and you will be rewarded for investing in them.

I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite
ways to rest and relax?
I love being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

What is one question you wished I had asked and what is your answer?
Q: What do you feel is the purpose of life? ( ha ha )

A: To win the lost ( tell the world about Jesus and demonstrate His love) and make diciples ( give away what you have, commit to people for life and be faithful in walking along side them, shoulder to shoulder.

I also asked Shawna to explain what the WPJA is, and how she is involved:

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating
talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.

The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization, represents professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. The WPJA was founded to uphold excellence in the area of wedding photojournalism.

It is really an amazing organization that has fabulous talent. I am inspired by the work that is displayed. There are quarterly image contests held and those are always very stressful but exciting. I have placed 3 images that have won a blue medallion which increases my status within my state. I love this association. I have booked many weddings and am continually challenged to stay fresh and creative.

Thank you so much Shawna!

(Photograph copyright Shawna Herring Photography)

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