Shema, Assemble the Barn Owls: An Inspiring Journey of Faith and Family – A Spotlight on Author Charla Apana
Charla Apana is an inspiring writer who blends personal stories with spiritual insights. Her work offers a beacon of hope for those seeking guidance and inspiration. Charla’s life journey uniquely combines faith, family, and her deep connection with the Holy Spirit. She is an indie author, early childhood educator, and Christian life coach. In this in-depth Today’s Purpose Woman author spotlight, we delve into the heart of Charla’s experiences, the essence of her book “Shema, Assemble the Barn Owls,” and the intricacies of her ministry that have touched the lives of many.
Charla’s narrative unfolds with a diverse range of experiences. As an early childhood educator for over three decades, her profession intersects seamlessly with her calling as a Christian life coach for Esther Company. A devoted wife and mother of six, her life journey took a transformative turn when she and her husband, Joseph, decided to focus on healing and bonding as a family, leading them to discover the profound teachings of God on familial love.
“My passion for sharing my faith journey is a testament to our unwavering perseverance in seeking God’s face no matter the situation,” Charla shares. Her authenticity and commitment to family values are evident, forming the foundation of her writing and ministry.
Charla’s literary work is centered on her book “Shema, Assemble the Barn Owls.” The book is a moving account of Charla’s personal experiences trusting God will move amid chaos. The title, derived from the Hebrew concept of “Shema,” emphasizes not just hearing but responding and living out God’s teachings with one’s entire being.
Charla candidly shares, “My book was initially written to share God’s secrets and rekindle my family’s lukewarm faith.” However, the journey took an unexpected turn when Joseph, her husband, was diagnosed with a lemon-sized tumor. In the face of adversity, Charla continued to live out the teachings she was writing about, and this challenging period became the finishing touch to her book.
The term “Shema” holds a pivotal place in Charla’s narrative. Derived from the book of Deuteronomy, it calls for not just listening but responding to God’s call with unwavering commitment. “My central message is to encourage readers to respond to God’s call and live out their faith with all their heart, soul, and might,” Charla emphasizes. Exploring “Shema” is more than a literary device; it’s a transformative concept that invites readers to introspect and imbibe the essence of living out their faith in practical, everyday moments.
In a poignant chapter of her life, Charla faced the storm of her husband Joseph’s cancer diagnosis. The revelation unfolded in a manner that tested the core of their family. Charla vividly recalls the moment when Joseph’s behavior became erratic, leading to a rushed visit to the hospital. The diagnosis was devastating, but in the midst of the trial, Charla found strength in her children, family members, and prayer partner’s unwavering belief in God. “My faith was strengthened by the help of their unwavering belief in God at that moment, where I felt I was unable to fulfill ” Charla reflects. The family’s collective trust in God and the ability to prophesy over their fears became a testament to their resilience and unwavering faith.
In a soul-stirring excerpt, Charla shares a sacred moment during a cabin getaway with Joseph. Despite the unconventional setting – a secular song playing on the radio instead of a worship song – a divine encounter unfolded. “It was a special moment as God blessed us with a new, fresh anointing,” Charla narrates. This experience became a central theme in her book, symbolizing the simplicity and authenticity of hearing from God in unexpected moments.
Charla’s unique background as an enrichment teacher and her work in Christian preschool education infuses her writing with a distinctive touch. From her early days in a Christian school to later working in the public childcare system, Charla’s journey shaped her ability to model her faith authentically. “I had a unique ability to understand and communicate with them through the Holy Spirit, beyond just words,” Charla reflects on her time in the public childcare system. Her experiences underscore the importance of modeling faith and creating spiritual connections beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
Charla emphasizes the significance of recognizing individual paths as a teacher of Christian ethics in the workplace and church settings. She asserts that understanding the spiritual journey of those being led or mentored is crucial. “With the discernment of The Holy Spirit, we can balance the needs of those we lead,” Charla explains.
Charla delves into the challenges of maintaining Christian ethics, acknowledging the imperfections of leaders, and the importance of open communication, maturity, and godly accountability. Her insights guide leaders in navigating the complexities of faith in professional settings.
Charla and Joseph’s years of service as pastors are characterized by conducting workshops and retreats with a singular message – the essence of Shema. “Those who follow Shema have a direct line to God’s presence,” Charla states. The ministry work revolves around empowering individuals to experience God’s power and authority through a lifestyle of communication with God.
The central theme remains consistent:
- Respond to God’s call.
- Seek His guidance.
- Live a victorious life through a personal relationship with Jesus.
Charla’s ministry work extends beyond the conventional, urging individuals to embrace a spiritual lifestyle that transcends routine and practice.
Charla’s library of books spans a diverse range, with a specific focus on growing mothers and families. From the challenges of balancing home life, career, and ministry to the invaluable lessons learned through seeking guidance from the Lord, Charla’s books reflect her personal journey. “My focus has not only been on my home but the kids that I will never meet and the women I plan to impart what I know personally from them reading my books,” Charla shares. The themes and topics covered in her books aim to foster family discussions on faith and provide practical wisdom for those navigating similar challenges.
Charla’s personal story is marked by emotional moments and challenges, from facing judgment during her teenage pregnancy to dealing with her son’s battle with a suicidal spirit. In these trials, Charla turned to her relationship with Jesus, seeking solace, guidance, and love from the Holy Spirit. “Even in the darkest moments, God is with us, and His love and grace will see us through,” Charla affirms. Her personal narrative becomes a testament to faith’s strength, highlighting God’s constant presence even in life’s most challenging chapters.
In the face of adversity, Charla emphasizes cultivating a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Worship becomes a cornerstone in finding peace and gaining the tools to navigate daily realities. “Hearing helps you walk like him because He will give you what you need when you need it,” Charla shares.
Charla draws parallels between her role as a teacher and Jesus’ teaching style, finding satisfaction in seeing others understand the lessons she imparts. The key, she asserts, is to embrace life as a constant lesson, acknowledging that every journey, even one riddled with curveballs, serves a purpose in God’s plan.
Charla’s creative spirit continues to flourish as she embarks on new writing projects. Currently working on a series of children’s books that explore how God communicates with them in their dreams, Charla aims to publish a collection that reflects the importance of family closeness. Excitingly, she plans to introduce accompanying merchandise, including blankets, t-shirts, cups, bags, and posters.
Projects like “Born to be Momma” and “Lord Send Me a Boaz” are in the pipeline, exploring themes of family strength and overcoming addiction. Charla’s commitment to teaching people how to listen to the Holy Spirit and respond to His guidance remains unwavering. As she looks ahead, Charla envisions bringing her books to Early childhood centers across different states, providing reading sessions, and leaving her catalog of wisdom for the next generation.
Charla Apana’s journey, as unveiled, is a testament to the transformative power of faith, family, and a deep connection with the Holy Spirit. From the challenges of personal trials to the joyous moments of divine encounters, Charla’s narrative resonates with authenticity and a commitment to sharing the lessons learned along the way.
As she continues to explore new horizons in her writing and ministry, Charla remains dedicated to her central theme – encouraging others to listen to the Holy Spirit, respond to God’s call, and live a victorious life through a personal relationship with Jesus. In a world filled with uncertainty, Charla’s story is a source of inspiration, reminding readers that even in the darkest moments, God’s love and grace are ever-present.
To learn more visit: www.books-by-char.com
