"Answer the Call"

Hello G.I.M.S. Readers! This is Kelli Reeves making my maiden voyage into the blogosphere to give you all some big news!

Allison's new CD Answer the Call is now available online at www.allisonwilks.com. Answer the Call is a three session recording of a women's retreat held at Joe Wheeler State Park. Best of all, the three session are available on one disc for only $10.

Our prayer is that this single disc retreat will give Christian women a better understanding of God's call on the life of every believer and this knowledge of the truth will result in obediecnce to the glory of God. Below is a little teaser info about each session.

Answer the Call
Session 1: "I Cannot Come Down"
God has given us an important work to do and the freedom to live confidently in that purpose for His great glory! - (and other guilt-free reasons to say "no")

Session 2: "Biblical Womanhood Remix"
Biblical womanhood has gotten a bad rap. Let us throw off these imaginary chains and delight in the truth of God's Word.

Session 3: "Taking it to Heart"
Holiness does not happen by accident. Intentionality and preparation are cornerstones of a beautiful offering. Let us take it to heart and write a legacy of honor in our "book of remembrance".



Click HERE to listen to a sample from Answer the Call and/or to make a purchase.

A Miyagi Mom

I peeled potatoes, sliced strawberries, stirred pots, washed dishes, and every other mind numbing, finger cramping task a mother can impose on a daughter. I folded clothes, collected hangers, and learned 17,000 uses for "plain, white hand soap"; all the while we talked. And talked and talked and talked. My mother earned the right to know every important detail of my life simply by listening patiently to every insignificant detail. Meanwhile, she Miyagi'd me.

For any readers who may have been unfortunate enough to have missed out on the Karate Kid dynasty, Mr. Miyagi was a wise teacher who taught young Daniel expert Karate moves with the use of routine chores. Unbeknownst to Daniel Mr. Miyagi also slipped in respect, discipline, and compassion. Sneaky, right?

My mom was a Myagi. From the kitchen counter I learned more life lessons than I can recount about patience, respect, creativity, ingenuity, hospitality, and godliness. Domestic tasks have gotten a bad rap in recent decades but the truth is, in the functions of the fairer sex I learned the strength and peace of not just being lady-like but Christ-like.

Today is Mothers Day, and while the pain of missing my own mother and of not yet being one myself is enough to make me want to hide and spend the day in my own sorrow, I did not. I got up, went to worship, taught Sunday School, congratulated the mother's along my path, even accepting the well-meaning but misguided Mother's Day wishes sent my way with a smile. Why? Because the joy of The Lord is my strength and my Mom taught me so.

I am grateful to be able to celebrate today the women in my life who wonderfully made me an aunt. As well as celebrate my mom who parents me even today.

Thank you, Mom, for everything I learned while you taught me something else.