“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
It’s the week of love. I know people have all sorts of feelings about Valentine’s Day. But I’ve decided this year to just embrace it. I mean, what’s so bad about encouraging others to love on their people? I may have even ordered my kids a little gift. Shhh. Don’t tell them.
I personally love Valentine’s Day because it’s the anniversary of my first date with my husband … before he was my husband … 17 years ago. My, how time flies. We’ve since dubbed Feb. 14 “First-Date Day” and would celebrate even if the rest of the world wasn’t.
You people are my friends. We may not get to lunch together or show up with dinner when it’s been a hard day. But we can love on each other anyway. That’s the beauty of technology.
So I raided my gift closet and pulled out some of my favorite things to give you!
- John 14:27 Print from HopeInk.com & a PDF copy of “Peace in the Process“ :: It’s one of my favorite scriptures and there are butterflies on the 8×10 print. Butterflies remind me of when I decided to follow Jesus at a weekend that was built on the metaphor of transforming from caterpillars into butterflies.
- “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” & Loved plaque :: “Joy to the World” is one of my favorite songs and the one that spoke so deeply into my life about #choosingJOY this year. The plaque quotes Holley Gerth, a favorite author of mine who encourages and loves so well. Both come from DaySpring.com, which is a great place to shop.
- “Sing the Bible” by Slugs & Bugs :: This may be “kids’ music,” but I love it.
- Package of 12 Sharpies & PDF copy of “Peace in the Process” :: Um, who doesn’t love Sharpies?
- Romans 8:28 plaque :: This is one of my two all-time favorite verses.
I’m linking this post with the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering, one of my favorite places on the internet.
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I actually have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I really like the theme of love and I like cards and romance. I don't like how commercialized it seems. I don't think we all have to get dressed up and go on a date. I don't like that my kids bring home tons of sugary hearts and tiny cards that just end up in the trash. I think if you're going to celebrate it you should do something meaningful and not just do it because "it's what people do." That being said, I do wish I had a babysitter and plans for a date with my husband, but we'll be staying home and having a family night, which will be just as good. 🙂
I like Valentine's Day, My husband and I started dating on Febuary 9th (which is today come to think of it! haha) 6 years ago. We aren't ones for extravagant dates or anything like that, but a trip to Patti's once a year has always been a treat. Aside from the lovey part of it, I may or may not have a secret chocolate addiction and I love roses. Food and flowers, the way to my heart, all of which I normally get on Valentine's Day 🙂
So my overall feelings on Vday is that I love it, but my involvement in it seems to vary from year to year. I remember a special teacher in high school always made such a big deal out of it. It was her way of showing Christ's love as best she could in a public school. I should be better at doing the same for my children.
You are awesome, I love vday and we actually celebrate it all month long!! 🙂
You are awesome too, Jennie! (Let's do lunch soon!)
That's such a great perspective, Teaque. Now, the only real question is … will you start blogging again?! Pretty please?!
I'll always take a trip to Patti's! Yum! Chocolate is good too … 🙂
Yes – celebrate with the people you love in the ways you want! That's what I want to do. The less pressure the better, hence the store-bought valentines my kids have filled out for their school friends. 🙂 Hopefully you'll get a date soon, Tabitha!
I love Valentines. It's a day to make others feel special!
So true! And fun!
I like the way you think, Melanie!
I love Valentines Day! Especially all the chocolate 🙂
Not going to lie– I actually loathe Valentine's Day a bit (but am learning to tolerate it) probably because my Beloved is usually away doing army-ish things (Including this year, we have been in the same zip code 1 out of 6 Vdays. He's in GA this year.) BUT– I have a savior who loves me and makes everyday like a Valentines Day (only way less cheesy 🙂
Yes. The chocolate … 🙂
I get that, but I'm glad you're being encouraged anyway. 🙂
I love your giving spirit! You are such a blessing to SO many. I'm glad to be included in those who get to know you!
And YOU are a blessing to me, Jen! I hope you entered the giveaway. 🙂
SO. MUCH. FUN! I love giveaways and all the things you are giving 🙂 Especially those Sharpie markers…
Happy Anniversary! what a fun give away… you are a generous heart!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thanks, Dawn! I'm glad you joined in the fun!
What is it about Sharpies?! They always inspire me to want to organize and write something! 🙂