Quiet in His Love

  Many of you know our story. You know the heartache Tony and I suffered at the loss of two children to miscarriage. One child in 2007 and the other in 2009. God has used that sadness and heartache to grow us and to develop an amazing lending library in honor of our two already-home children. About nine years ago, during a correspondence writing course I took, I wrote a "play" and I feel compelled to share it with you here. This piece is not very in-depth, but I think it illustrates some important points. I hope that you will know my heart in it. Be blessed. Remember that you have a story to share with others. Your heartaches and trials and traumas shape you. God often uses those moments in your life to reach others around you. Hugs to you, friend. He cares for you.   From 2013: Losing Hannah An original five-minute play By Jolene Ceravalo Setting: A bed and dresser and chair establish the bedroom. Woman on bed crying, man walks in. MAN: ( Walks over to woman on b

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:28-30 ESV             Dating after marriage is viewed by many as unnecessary. Dating served you well if you’re married because you are married. You crossed the finish line when you got married, right? Now you can sit back and relax and enjoy wedded bliss. Not according to Gary Chapman, PhD. In his introduction to 52 Uncommon Dates: A Couple’s Adventure Guide for Praying, Playing, and Staying Together by Randy Southern, Chapman states, “Dating is to marriage what breathing is to the body. It brings fresh oxygen to nourish the cells of matrimony. Couples who continue dating after the wedding are far more likely to have a healthy marriage.” With this in mind, I believe it is critical for married couples to make time for dating.  

    Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. I John 4:7-8 ESV             An important way to keep love alive in marriage is through dating your spouse. It isn’t always easy to find time or make time for dating your spouse. And sometimes it’s even harder to find a trustworthy babysitter for your kids. There are some pluses to dating after marriage that I didn’t think about until I discovered an article by Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg. In it they explain how dating after marriage is a lot less stressful than dating before marriage because you don’t have to worry about “how to dress…[or] how to impress the other person.” The Rosbergs also share that dating your spouse means that “the person you’re going to date: ·          doesn’t care how…well you dress. He or she is used to you and loves you. Just being alone with you is treat enough! ·