Ileen Laura

Today, Ileen Laura speaks to us about her admiration for her husband, God reminding her that she is strong and the fact that we can have joy in the midst of sorrow. Check out her music!

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in a loving home in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. I grew up with my parents and my two older sisters.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: My all time favourite verse is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” I am inspired by this because many times in my life I have doubted that things would work out. Faith has always brought me back to the realization that everything happens for a reason.

“Faith has always brought me back to the realization that everything happens for a reason.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Staying in the now. Living in the moment- because life is only temporary.

Profession: I am a high school music teacher, but I also perform and record music regularly.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Mindful Conversations

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I was lucky enough to be raised in a Christian home. Christ was always the centre of our family. My parents wanted my sisters and I to attend a Christian school so that we could learn more about God every day at school- and this is always something that I have been very thankful for.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? As I got older and experienced hardships with friends, significant others, and all of the things that life throws at you as a teenager/young adult, I found myself at a crossroad of my own convictions. Now that I am happily married with my own children, I can see that those moments in life are completely normal- and I am so glad that I stayed true to myself. I have been changed because I no longer see doubt and darkness surrounding me.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? When I was growing up I had a really hard time in school. It felt like I had to work harder than everyone else, and I still didn’t live up to my own expectations of who or what I should be. I remember fighting through those moments of doubt because I felt that I had a greater purpose- and reminding myself that this is only the ‘now’ and not the ‘forever’. God had a greater plan for my life. 

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? My husband is a huge inspiration to me. He is the most positive person I know- and surrounding myself with someone who always sees the joy in every day has helped me to grow closer to God. Watching him raise our children makes me want to be a better person. He takes the time to really get to know them and their interests and encourages them to have a strong relationship with Christ. 

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a reader. I do not enjoy reading one bit. I do however love listening to podcasts. Currently, my church’s podcast series from Sanctus Church are really inspiring me. My favourite series to listen to is “Spiritual Gifts” because it taught us how we can use our Spiritual Gifts to serve others.

Top three essentials: My family, my piano and the lake by my house.

How did God speak to you recently? I had a bit of a shock a couple of weeks ago. I was very upset and hurt. A little voice whispered that everything would be for the better. I believe this voice was God reminding me that I am strong- I can do hard things. Things have worked out way better than I could have ever imagined.

“I believe this voice was God reminding me that I am strong- I can do hard things.”

Hobby: Writing and recording music.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1-Keep putting positivity into your mind by listening to positive music, podcasts, and whatever you can find that spreads God’s love.

2-Attend church or have a church community

3-Talk about God.. pray together as a family..remind each other that today is temporary.

Favorite person in scripture? Timothy

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? There can always be joy even among sorrow.

“There can always be joy even among sorrow.”

How do you engage with your community? I am writing and recording my second album that will be released next year, at some point. I am hoping to reach as many people as possible to share joy. You can find my music on Spotify and Apple Music under “Ileen Laura”. I have a new single called “Sit Beside Me”.

“I am writing and recording my second album that will be released next year, at some point. I am hoping to reach as many people as possible to share joy.”

Favorite holiday? Christmas

A goal you have? Be the best version of myself.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Friday movie nights- they’re essential.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Did I make you proud?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: My dad has a serious autoimmune disease called Scleroderma. It is not very popular- the people that have it often suffer silently. I would love to raise awareness for this disease and try to raise more money so that more treatments could be made available to people that suffer from Scleroderma. I would love for people to know that this disease exists.

What does your morning routine consist of? Get up, take the dog out, go and kiss my children and get them up, have some green tea and usually an egg and fruit, off to work I go!

What is on your nightstand? Some books (that I don’t really read….) water, my wedding rings, that’s about it.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Living with purpose.

For more Ileen Laura:

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Qo0JkudS2nfvNzo6BUoI7 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ileenlauramusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ileenlauramusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ileenlauramusic

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX