shared her testimony at church about how she was ready to go to heaven any day.

“Shannon, this accident may have taken us all by surprise, but it was no surprise to God. He was ready for Marjorie to join Him in heaven, and He

chose you to carry out her fate because He knew you’d be strong enough to handle it,” Gary continued. “As a matter of fact, I’m passing Marjorie’s legacy of being a godly woman on to you. I want you to love Jesus without limits, just like Marjorie did.”

Be Real With Your Kids

I have told both of my children about my car accident as well as the sexual mistakes I made as a teenager, and they are still my biggest cheerleaders. But sometimes it is scary to think of telling your children about the mistakes you have made in life. However, I believe there is no greater teaching tool than sharing your personal experiences. Remember, your children do not need you to be a rock as much as they need you to be real. This gives them permission to be real, too.

One woman asked me, “Should I tell my son about the abortion I had when I was a teenager?” I asked how old he was and what was motivating her mission. Had she replied, “He’s 8 and I just want to get it off my chest,” I would have discouraged it. However, she replied, “He’s 18 and dating a girl seriously. I just want him to be aware of what can happen, even to strong Christian couples.” I encouraged her to share her story over a private home-cooked meal so they could talk openly and honestly about what was on her heart.

Hopefully, your true confessions will help your children learn from your mistakes rather than making their own. But most importantly, you can instill a belief that God can help them overcome trials and temptations just as He has been so faithful to help you.

God can help your child overcome trials just as He has helped you.

© Dan Klepper

Love Without Limits

At the time, I could not imagine what those words really meant. I was just a 16-year-old girl who had been looking for love in all the wrong places. But I have spent the past 23 years contemplating what it means to love Jesus without limits and trying to live up to this charge.

Even though I grew up attending church and singing “Jesus Loves Me,” I do not think I ever really understood the depth of God’s mercy, compassion, and unconditional love until I met Gary Jarstfer. Although he was told that he could sue us for more money than the insurance company would pay, he refused, insisting, “I won’t add to that family’s pain and suffering!” He also was told that he could sue the ambulance company for taking so long to arrive, yet Gary replied, “There’s no need for legal action. Marjorie died instantly.” And when the district attorney wanted to put me on trial for involuntary manslaughter, Gary refused to press charges, insisting that the court case be thrown out without a trial.

Over and over, I kept expecting Gary Jarstfer to come to his senses and dish out the punishment I deserved, but it never happened. He has only shown me extravagant mercy and unconditional love. In fact, he has continued to pour out God’s love on me through the years by keeping in touch, basically adopting me as a spiritual daughter and encouraging me with periodic updates and regular prayers.

MARCH 2008 PARENTLIFE 23