Hello! Welcome to the Delighted Hearts’ Blog!
In the process of creating a Bahá’í Home, especially after becoming a mother, I started to meditate on the following Sacred Writings about the role of art and beauty and how they affect our soul:
“All Art is a gift of the Holy Spirit. When this light shines through the mind of a musician, it manifests itself in beautiful harmonies. Again, shining through the mind of a poet, it is seen in fine poetry and poetic prose. When the Light of the Sun of Truth inspires the mind of a painter, he produces marvelous pictures. These gifts are fulfilling their highest purpose, when showing forth the praise of God.”- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
“It is natural for the heart and spirit to take pleasure and enjoyment in all things that show forth symmetry, harmony, and perfection. For instance: a beautiful house, a well designed garden, a symmetrical line, a graceful motion, a well written book, pleasing garments — in fact, all things that have in themselves grace or beauty are pleasing to the heart and spirit.” – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
I wanted to create a festive environment at home for Baha’i Holy Days that will not only help us make memories with our children but also nurture their Baha’i identities through activities that would bring their hearts close to the Sacred Writings and the Faith’s History in an inviting way through the use of arts. As we labor in the most important task of serving The Plan of the Universal House of Justice, these activities at home will help undertake the important task of educating our children.
“O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God’s sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind; and no nobler deed than this can be imagined.” – ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Understanding that other families may have similar needs and with a desire to share what has worked for our family, I founded Delighted Hearts, originally just an Etsy Shop and a Facebook Page for decorations and children’s activities.
This page was a natural progression. Here you will find ideas, tutorials, and gift resources that will assist you in celebrating the Bahá’í Holy Days and Festivals but also resources for everyday life as well. You will also find links where other resources like books
Why Delighted Hearts you may ask? It was inspired by the following quote:
“When the heart is filled with love everything seems beautiful & delightful to us.”– ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
It’s my sincere hope that you will enjoy this page and all the resources that will be available to you and your family!
With love,
Melissa
Melissa L. Charepoo is a Bahá’í, wife, and mother. She has combined her professional training in the fine arts as an architect and her love for the Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith to create delightful resources to nurture children’s hearts.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico in 2006. Currently, she lives in metro Atlanta, GA with her husband and their two boys who are the joy of their lives. Besides designing decorations, writing, and illustrating, she enjoys baking, reading, and crafting. She also loves serving her community as a Baha’i children’s class teacher.
Melissa’s work has been featured on the following websites:
Melissa Charepoo’s Children’s Books for Ayyam-i-Ha, the Fast & Naw-Ruz
“The Life of Baha’u’llah”: A New Children’s Book by Melissa Charepoo
© Melissa L. Charepoo · All rights reserved
Copyright Information:
- Kindly note that all gift resources shared on this website are for personal “as is” use only. Please do not alter, reproduce, copy, or create any new document using the images shared as gift resources.
- Please do not reproduce photographs in any form.
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