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Teaching Grace
Hi Darlene, First let me say I agree with everything I have read on your website. I love the guidance you give to have a happier home and marriage, and I have three small children of my own. My question to you concerns older children and reflections on my past. I’m sad to say that my dear husband and I ‘slipped’ from our very faithful ways while we were engaged, and I became pregnant. This resulted in a wedding six weeks later instead of five months later. When the children are older, and I’ve raised them the best that I can, how can I say if they ask, “Yes, this…
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How Do You Present Yourself?
It’s often been said that we should start the day off with a good breakfast, but for many women the day starts long before we even make it to the kitchen. We look in the mirror, either put on our robes or shower and dress, and we might greet several members of our family before we even sit down to eat. Since we’re the first thing they see, it’s important to consider how we are presenting ourselves to them. A good friend once told me that she’s made it a personal goal of hers to greet her children in the morning with a smile on her face. She believes that…
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How To Truly Hug Your Children
A hug is an exchangeof two hearts entwined forone precious moment in time. Since we found out that my dad was sick with cancer this past year, I won’t leave the house without hugging and kissing my parents. I have come to realize that every minute I have with them is a gift from God. Every hug, every word, every kiss—all gifts that I tuck into the treasure chest of my heart. I cherish their wisdom, their loving kindness, and yes—their touch. We all need physical contact–numerous studies have proved that, and common sense confirms it to be true. “Verbal and physical affection enable a child to learn morality. When…
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A Season for Everything
This past week I was corresponding with a reader named Meghann. Meghann and her husband met when they were merely twelve years old, and after living in different countries for a while, God brought them back together. Their love story is a beautiful one of a young faith-focused couple.Dear Darlene, I just wanted to send you a few words of encouragement. I found a link to your blog through Women Living Well, and thought that your blog looked interesting, especially because of the wonderful vintage pictures–I love those, too! As I began to read your posts, I found that while we may differ in some ways, I am really inspired…
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Give Thanks
When my children bow their heads to pray, they look as though they are expecting God to tiptoe into the room, put a balloon on the floor, and then pop it with the nearest pin. The faithful anticipation I witness in the clasp of their tiny hands warms my heart, inspiring me to grow in childlike faith. While their eyes are tightly closed, their lids flicker like they’re trying to release a wad of glue from their lashes. Their shoulders are raised from the big breath they inhaled, and they’re holding onto that breath for the big ‘amen’. During the silence of the moment when they’re sure that no one…
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Born to Heaven
Darlene, I watched your interview with Amy. It was excellent! Did I hear you say that you had five miscarriages? I have had two and today I got news that it looks like I am having my third. I will not know for a few days as I did blood work again today. I had an ultrasound today and they don’t see a heartbeat. I think I am earlier than they think, but who knows. How did you survive five and still want to get pregnant again? I don’t know that I can survive three. I know God is in control and He knows best, but it really does hurt.…
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Dear Child of Mine
Dear Child of Mine, It started at the mall—that moment I knew I was born to be your mom and that you belonged to me. Dad and I had decided to shop our separate ways—his, the hardware department; mine, the pharmacy, where I scraped $14.25 together, so I could tinkle on a wand. 20 minutes later, with new purchase in hand I watched, while the image of a plus sign announced your existence. I had the kind of smile a kid gets when Grandpa lets them keep the puppy he found. It was a good smile—a very good smile. December 25, 1996 was the day to celebrate our God who—clothed…
