What Really Matters, According to Me

Disclaimer: No offense is intended. Every circumstance in life requires unique measures to meet it's need. The writer, in no way, presumes to know the best course of action for every family situation. Only through careful prayer and consideration should any and all major family decisions be made. Having said that: I was talking with a sweet friend of mine tonight. I was reminded of something I read in a book once that all people need a strong relationship with a woman. For a man, this relationship is fulfilled with his mother, until he marries, then the fulfillment comes through his relationship with his wife... as it should be. A man shall leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife, right? Not only does a man need a healthy relationship with a woman, but women, too, need each other. Lucky women find enrichment and contentment in their mother-daughter bond shared with their own mothers. Some women have a best friend. Some are content in the relationships they share wi...

And now my son Philip is a senior in high school. He is an Eagle Scout. He is preparing to serve a two-year mission. Now he stands on the edge, ready to spread his wings and and fly. Not yet. Soon... but not quite yet... not today... And now my sweet little five year old girl, Emily is at the beginning... kindergarten... while Philip is a senior. Strange to think how many years have blown by since I began motherhood. If I stand back and look at my children as a group... it seems there are quite a few. I understand how some may perceive my family that way. I have to make myself step back to see it, though. I don't normally stand back. I am usually up close. That's the way I like it. That's how mothering works best: Up close...Up close, they don't look like many children. Up close, they look like individuals. I know each one personally. I know the kind of cake Daniel Jr. likes for his birthday. I know Philip's favorite ice cream flavor (flavors! haha). I know the teac...

I was privileged to visit a sweet young mother today who gave birth to an adorable baby girl yesterday. It was such a nice, if brief, visit for me. I love the sweet spirit present when a new baby comes into the world. I shared a poem by Carol Lynn Pearson that was shared with me when I was expecting my first child almost 22 years ago. I don't know if I remember it completely, as it was spoken to me, and though I have a relatively good memory, I'm not sure if this is correct: Day Old Child by Carol Lynn Pearson My day old child lay in my arms. With my lips pressed against his ear, I whispered softly: How I wish, I wish that you could hear. I've a hundred wonderful things to say, (a tiny cough and a nod) Hurry! Hurry! Hurry and grow, so I can tell you about God. My day old baby's lips were still, And my words only tickled his ear, But a kind of light passed through his eyes, And I saw this thought appear: How I wish I had a voice and words! I've a hundred things to sa...