“Now we should live when the pulse of life is strong…
BE HERE NOW!”
“Captivating”
By John & Stasi Eldredge

BE HERE NOW has become the prominent definition of how Shawn lived his life. Whether taking an extra minute to talk to someone while on duty, advocating for a mountain village water system helping sheetrock a friend’s basement or bringing his wife flowers each month in honor of their wedding, Shawn kept his eyes out for others, and his hands at work to help them.

The powerful meaning of this phrase continues to be revealed to Jennifer in the days and months following Shawn’s death. Click here and select "Submit a Be Here Now Idea" from the drop down list to share your ideas of how to “Be Here Now – Live the importance of today.”

Try one of these “Be Here Now – Live the importance of today” ideas:
(submitted by viewers of this Web site)

• Take a moment to stop and enjoy the sunshine on your cheeks
• Call a friend you haven’t talked to for a long time
• Call your grandparents to tell them you love them
• Learn something new
• Hide something in the pocket of a loved one to find
• Turn of the TV and eat dinner with family or friends
• Send your parents a card
• Go to a park and have a picnic
• Go for a walk with your friends
• Make cookies for your coworkers
• Donate your time
• Help a neighbor with a project
• Stop and enjoy an outdoor concert
• Make your spouse’s favorite meal
• Leave a note on the bathroom mirror
• Tell someone how much you appreciate them

SUGGESTED READING:

“A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss”
Written by Mr. Jerry Sittser

The story of a man who loses his wife, his mother and his four year old daughter in a car accident due to drunk driving. His analysis of grief is raw and real. Each page makes me think, relate and reexamine myself.

“The Marriage Collection: Keys to Make Your Marriage Better” Compiled and Edited by Fritz Ridenour

This collection of writings highlight the significant writing of several authors on the topic of marriage. Shawn and I read this book while stationed in Honduras during our Peace Corps service. From this book we gained many tools for communicating within our relationship and learned how to create a strong, healthy foundation for our marriage. The book copyright is 1989 and is challenging to find in print.

“The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate”
Written by Gary D. Chapman

Shawn and I read this book while we were engaged. It is my favorite wedding present idea for each bride and groom who invite me to their celebration. Intrigued by the world of language, this book offers insight into the greatest language of all – love.

“Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul”
Written by John & Stasi Eldredge

This was the last book I read before Shawn died. It holds the quote inside that has changed me inside out. “Now we should live while the pulse of life is strong. Life is a tenuous thing…fragile; fleeting. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Be here now! Be here now! Be here now!”

“Wild at Heart”
Written by John Eldredge

Shawn and I read this book the summer before he died. The book helps men rediscover their masculine heart. This book encourages the reader to live their dreams and desires, to live a life of adventure and risk; to be a hero. Shawn loved the book’s call to live a life of passion. It encouraged me as a wife to understand my husband’s strengths and also how to raise a strong son.

“Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer”
Written by Maya Angelou

Grace, dignity, and eloquence have long been hallmarks of Maya Angelou’s poetry. Her measured verses have stirred souls, energized minds, and healed hearts. Whether offering hope in the darkest of nights or expressing sincere joy at the extraordinariness of the everyday, Maya Angelou has served as a common voice. Celebrations is a collection of timely and timeless poems that advocate for peace and prayer. I bought this book for my coffee table to use during the holidays.

Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours
Written by Dr. Kevin Leman

Before having kids, Shawn and I read books on parenting. This was one that we found both educational and encouraging. Dr. Kevin Leman, internationally known psychologist, author, and father of five shows how to bring out the best in your kids using reality discipline. Shawn and I used his training as the basis to our philosophy in raising our own children.