Titus 2 woman

Just by looking into her eyes you can see a sparkle; a lively personality. This lovely lady is known to many as tante Riek. She became my Titus 2 role model 4 years ago.  Our ladies bible study was going through the book "Lies Woman Believe" by NancyLee DeMoss. I was brought to a new level of conviction and became more aware of my sinful heart. At this time tante Riek  came to me and wanted to do a Bible study with me during the summer. We studied "Walking through the Psalms in 30 Days"  also by DeMoss. Tante Riek often came over and I learned so much that summer. Her words of wisdom and encouragement along with our closing prayers helped me grow in the Lord.  These valuable lessons became my foundation when we found out that at 19 weeks pregnant I miscarried. She came over that night and sat with us. Tante Riek has known much grief and sorrow. As a young wife she immigrated to Canada with her husband leaving her family behind in Holland. When she was just 27 years old, her husband was killed in a work related accident leaving her with four young children. She took in borders and worked very hard to make ends meet. (This was the time before the government would financially help and the time before automatic appliances.) She suddenly was both mother and father to her four little ones. Seven years later she married a widower, moved 2 hours away and became the mother of his four young children. Together they had one more child. During this time Christ became more and more precious to her. Life was busy but she awoke before 5:00 each morning to find quiet time with her Saviour. She grew in grace and encouraged others to read good books and to have a personal relationship with the Lord. On top of raising nine children, four more children moved into their house for a year and every night their father would come over for supper so that he could see them. At another time of her life, tante Riek had an elderly lady move in with them and she cared for this lady's physical needs. Years later tante Riek and her husband moved to Calgary, leaving some of her older children behind. While they lived in Calgary, her 19 year old son died. Years later when the family moved back to this area, her husband died from cancer. She was alone once again. Tante Riek prayed that if the Lord wanted her to meet someone again, He would have to send a man to her door steps. Not much later, a fine gentleman arrived at her doorsteps! She married this kind man and they have been married for almost 20 years! Tante Riek dresses cheerfully with bright colours and always wears a beautiful skirt. She smells like blossoms, and wears fine jewelry. Her hands are busy with knitting needles and she always has a present for every baby born into our church. She greets with a hug and a big smile.  She has invited many strangers into her home and has shared the good news. She knows Christ and wants everyone else to know about His saving grace too. She reads many books and wants to know what books you are reading. In the past when I have been struggling, I have called her up and went into her special room in the basement. In this tiny room she has two chairs, many pictures of families, and oodles of books. I have left her home feeling refreshed after spending time in prayer with tante Riek. Tante Riek visits the lonely and the elderly in our church. She encourages young mothers, and every conversation turns to how you are doing with your walk with God.
Last summer after Tyler was born, one afternoon I was upstairs taking a nap. I could hear someone talking to our boys and as I came down the stairs, I heard, "Yesterday was the Lord's Supper. Boys do you know what that means?" I peeked around the corner and there was tante Riek sitting on the couch surrounded by three eager boys amongst some piles of laundry and many toys. That is a memory that I will always treasure.
That is who tante Riek is. She is aware of her sinful heart, but she is also aware of the saving grace that has been freely given to her. She shares this with everyone she meets.  Have a wonderful birthday on Sunday, tante Riek. You have been a blessing to me.