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.

 

A Devoted Life: Kaysie Edition

Although I have never met Kaysie in person, I feel like I have. Her gentle and obedient heart is graciously displayed at her blog Alabaster Box. I am always encouraged and inspired to read what she has to say, and this interview is no exception. I pray that you are blessed as I have been.

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

My greatest concern for young women is their blindness to real, authentic beauty. Real beauty comes from within, from a heart that is surrendered and redeemed by Jesus Christ. We waste our days, hours, and silent secret moments stressing over our makeup, haircuts, body weight, apparel, relational status – all physical – and we simply ignore the transformation we need in our hearts, which always manifests herself on the outside. It is one of the hardest battles we face and struggle to understand. Physical beauty fades. We must invest in something that lasts. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised, for she has found true Beauty by removing her eyes from herself and setting them on Jesus.

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord?

I have been in the Psalms a lot lately. I read Psalm 19 this morning – what an awesome, beautiful chapter! As of late, I am also studying up on women in the Scripture and observing their character and relationship with God. Right now I am immersed in Ruth’s story. It has already provided deep encouragement and special blessing.

What is one aspect of God’s character you’ve learned about this past year?

Just one aspect… let me see… His goodness. In all things, at all times, God uses everything to work for our own healthy good. Just recently God has reminded me of this; I have been wrestling about my singleness and desires for marriage – and God is bringing peace through this verse, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Ps. 84:11) God is the giver of good. If it is not a good thing for me to have a husband right now, then God has (in His goodness) withheld it. I have to completely trust Him with that.

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?

Reading and blogging and writing. All of which I really enjoy and love, but I do have to make myself sit down and do it. I also enjoy the technical side to blogging and enjoy researching how to make blogs look great. The past couple of evenings I have stayed up really late learning more about all of these. I can be somewhat of a geek…

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

Hardening. It creeps up on us. I have seen it in myself and in other Christian women – we slowly grow cold and numb to the needs, pain, and passion around and within us. We either shut down or continue going through the motions of Christianity, not really even recognizing the deadening of our souls or the distance from God. This is urgent to me. Just as soil can grow hard and unfruitful, our hearts can do the same. We need daily brokenness and healing from our Savior. We need to break the silence and cry. We need to reach out even when it hurts. Some of my favorite song lyrics go like this:

If you hide yourself deep inside,
In time you’ve got nothing left to hide,
It’s all dead inside

If we continue to ignore and hide the pain or reality of what we are going through or feel, it kill us inside. We have to let it out and embrace the healing Jesus can give, even to the deepest most sacred part of us. Believe me, I have found it to be true.

What are your opinions on modesty?

I think it is extremely important, but also widely misunderstood. Most people think of modesty as a restriction. But when obediently embraced it is really liberating and lovely.

Starting from the very beginning: where did you grow up and how would you describe your family and childhood years?

I grew up in Tennessee among various houses, moving for a few years to Mississippi, but finally returning to TN again. My family is my greatest support and are my favorite people to be around. We are really close and learn the most from each other. I have very fond childhood memories, and many experiences that continue to teach me now. I look back at all the seasons I have lived through and marvel at the Lord grace and faithfulness.

We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you?

It was actually quite dramatic. I was run over by our horse and carriage accidentally when I was 12, which lacerated my liver and almost killed me. It was in the hospital that I fully recognized my need for salvation – both physically and spiritually. God became my God, and not just my parent’s God. I cried out for mercy and He healed me, both body and soul. It is an experience I am deeply grateful for.

You probably know me as: Kaysie who blogs at Alabaster Box

I was born in: TN

The best “spiritual” book I’ve ever read (besides the Bible) is: Oh boy. This is too hard… I would have to say off hand that – Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, or Don’t Waste You Life by John Piper.

Right now I am reading: When Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper, Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley, and Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp.

The movie I’ve watched more times than any other: Little Women and Pride and Prejudice

The music you’re most likely to find me listening to: Brooke Fraser, Jon Foreman, Fernando Ortega, and soundtracks

My favorite food: I like steak, soy ice cream, and apples (editor’s note: Yay! Someone else who likes soy ice cream! 🙂 )

In the morning I drink: TEA! Oh hot tea is my favorite!

If I have free time, you’ll most likely find me: On the computer or making a cup of tea (or both!)

My favorite place in the world: With the people I love

A Bible verse I return to often: Oh, I have so many… can I say the entire book of Psalms?

Woman I most want to be like: Easy. My Mom.

What is a “typical” day like for you? I don’t think I ever have a typical day! Basically I get out of bed, get my shower, check my computer, have my quiet time, check what my schedule looks like – either run errands or go to work, or stay home and clean, help with school, plan for company, help Mom, check my computer, eat dinner, hang out with my sisters, laugh, sit down to read or write, did I mention check my computer? Oh, and I blog somewhere in all of this.

I know that you work extremely hard. What are some of your favorite ways to rest and relax? Well thank you. I hope that is true. I want to be a diligent worker. To relax I will sometimes take a nice bubble bath in order to get some reading done, or have a cup of tea, or take a walk. On Friday night, my sisters and I have a “girls movie night” and I find that restful and enjoyable… and funny. And this may sound weird, but I find driving to be restful (with some exceptions). I like to travel.

Thank you so much Kaysie! You are an incredible person!