Valentine's Day

I actually think that Valentine's Day can be kind of a cruel day.  As a child, I remember Valentines Day as being the unpopular child who only had a few token Valentines while the popular kids had their envelopes/boxes overflowing with Valentines and candy.  As a teenager, it was a reminder in my eyes that nobody thought I was attractive or likable enough to date.  (Hindsight, I am so thankful to the Lord who protected my heart from this type of relationships as a teenager).  As a young adult, already worried that I would never find love, Valentine's Day was an unpleasant reminder.

So, a couple of things played on my mind this Valentine's Day.  First, a thankfulness for the love of Jesus, which I really didn't come to understand until my 30's.  Second, a thankfulness for the love in my marriage.  Third, a thankfulness and appreciation for my children.  Fourth, a thankfulness for the freedom to teach and train our children in our own home and celebrate Valentine's Day our way.  Fifth, compassion for those who feel unloved.

I am so glad that Jesus has changed (well, is still working to change LOL) my heart and my perspective on love.  I know that the Lord loves me and died for me and that He has blessed me exceedingly.  I know that instead of focusing on being loved, I can focus on giving love!

I came across this verse this week in my daily devotions:

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.  1 Peter 1:22-23

This made a huge impression on me. Fervently means fiery, with passion, intensely.  This is definitely an area that I struggle with so starting in the heart of my home, I am really being deliberate about fervently loving (and not just tolerating)!  I have also been trying to focus on training my children to love and serve one another.  An unkind tone, an unkind look, an unkind word, an unkind action no matter how subtle should not go unchecked!  I am thankful that the Lord has placed upon my heart for my children to be with me so I can hear, and see, and observe them and guide them.  I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is constantly whispering to my heart and guiding me and beating me over the head with LOVE LOVE LOVE when I start to feel frustrated and impatient.  I am thankful for grace, mercy, and forgiveness as well!

I do wish I had been more organized about planning a for Valentine's Day.  We did a devotion for school about the love of Jesus.  We prayed for those who are hurting and don't know Christ's love.  We started a Valentine's craft-project just for fun.  The children played outside.  We had a nice sit down meal together.  It was mostly a normal day, where I thought more than usual about love.


Little ones in a box 

Valentine's project 
Unfinished Valentine decorations


Reading to Sister 

How very sad to not be allowed to play in the spilled coffee grounds 
Maybe a little anger about it too

Sisterly love makes life wonderful


Not quite able to read this book, but enjoying the pictures 

Dinosaur fights 
Air-soft

Enjoying Valentine Decorations (I made these last year and I was glad to have them since I didn't do any other decorating.)
 
 
 
 

Honeysuckle

Making dinner with candle light 
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