Today I’m sharing an interview with my friend, Larah, about glorifying God when times are hard.
I’m so glad that she decided to share her story with you all. It has encouraged me so much personally to see the beautiful witness of her life over this year as she and her family have faced some really challenging circumstances.
I’m thankful that you all get to hear from her, too, and I pray this encourages any of you who are also in a hard or overwhelming stage of life.
Hi Larah, thank you for being willing to share your story with my blog readers!
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your family:
My name is Larah Heinrich. My husband Thomas and I have 3 beautiful girls, Lilac, Elisabeth and Nöelle. Thomas and I met at Swissôtel Sydney where we both were working as chefs. We now live in Canberra and are blessed being surrounded by a community who loves our Lord Jesus Christ. We own a small restaurant that we opened last July (2020) called “Table by Canberra Gourmet”.
How do you usually spend your time during the week?
Sunday is our rest day, where we spend family time and attend our church service. Monday is “dad and daughters’ day” and I go to our restaurant to work (half-day) and Thomas gets to spend time with our girls. We finish the day with a Bible study with church family. Tuesday for me is home with my girls where I get to do some cleaning up at home. Wednesday is almost the same as Tuesday, although I try to spend more focus time with my girls, as Libby and Nöelle go to childcare every Thursday and Friday whilst I work managing our small business alongside home-schooling my eldest, Lilac. Saturday, I usually work for 3 hours whilst our beautiful friends Sue and Tony mind my girls. It’s amazing to have friends who volunteer themselves just out of love and support.
How did Covid and the lockdown earlier this year impact your family?
It has been a hard hit for our family when Covid happened as I was a full-time stay-at-home mum. Our Nöelle was just 12 months old at that time. Thomas was the head chef at Sage Restaurant and all of a sudden, he was out of job. The situation has been a shock for us and has put us in a lot of uncertainty. One of the most stressful parts was when we were threatened to get evicted from our home as we could not keep up with our bills.
How did that affect your relationship with God?
It was very confronting. A reality check of my faith and trust in the Lord. I believe that He is the one who gives us our faith to trust Him and His word. Reading the Bible reminded me that this life is temporary, and that our situation changes all the time. Praise God that He is a God that never changes. He is faithful and He knows what’s He’s doing!
What do you feel God has taught you, and how has he grown you, through the challenges you’ve faced this year?
I get so caught up with my plans—all the time. And the Lord has reminded me of His word in Isaiah 55:9, His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts than my thoughts. I can see that the Lord is teaching me to be completely dependent on Him. I’m learning to humble myself in ways that I did not understand before, like “being a blessing by accepting blessings and help from others”.
What advice would you give to someone who is facing job loss or financial stress?
Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God”. God is with you and there is nothing in this world that is out of His control. Reach out and pray with your family in Christ. The Lord is faithful. It is not going to be easy but trust His plans. Whenever I am facing difficult times in my life, there’s two things that I remind myself of;
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28
- Nothing in my situation can ever compare to what Jesus had to go through, laying down His life that we might live.
These point me back to Christ and bring me back on track that I am His servant and He is my Lord. To Him shall I bring all the glory!
How do you find it running a business and home-schooling your kids?
Very busy and challenging! I’m home schooling my eldest Lilac and I am glad she picked that up quite well. Her favourite subject is Ancient history as she is fascinated as how it connects to the Bible. I also incorporate film and video as part of her extra-curricular activity, which is part of my job in handling our business. She finds it enjoyable.
Do you have any tips for other mums in a busy stage of life?
I guess we’ve all heard this before, but it really helps to remember that our kids are only little for a season. I am encouraged of Jesus’ beautiful example laying His own life down for His friends. When I am having one of those days, I ask my husband to pray with me. Motherhood can be a great reminder of dying to yourself and carrying your cross.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
Hopefully, establishing a ministry through our business in reaching out people who want to know more about Jesus. And an expansion of our business.
Where can we find out more about your business?
We are a local restaurant here at the south of Canberra in Wanniassa. You can learn more about our business and offerings by visiting our website www.canberragourmetshop.com