HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Each year on February 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day! It’s a great day to pause and express love to the one we most adore. Yesterday was preparation day for this Day and the stores were packed out…especially Publix. I guess it was a double whammy because of the Super Bowl! The Deli was lined up with people picking up party trays and snacks in preparation for the Big Game! Along with that line was the line around the Floral Shop. Arrangements of Red Roses filled the displays and of course there was Chocolate everywhere! Oh yeah…don’t forget the Valentine Card for that special someone! 

The theme of Valentine’s Day centers around LOVE. We say phrases like: “Would you be mine?” Or “Be My Valentine!” Or give juicy, mushy cards beginning with the words: “Dear Valentine…” Oh wow, can you feel the love in the air? 

True LOVE is really incredible. Of course, LOVE originated with God. He LOVED the world so much! Why? Simple: GOD IS LOVE! 

Since God is LOVE, here’s what true LOVE looks like and what it doesn't look like. Take some time and think about each line and evaluate yourself. Is this the type of LOVE that I am expressing or experiencing? 

LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind.  

It does not envy, it does not brag, it is not proud. 

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

LOVE does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

LOVE never fails. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a) 

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day expressing and experiencing that type of love.

HOW BUSY ARE YOU? 

Some days it seems we just can’t get anything done! It’s like spinning plates on a pole. 

Getting them spinning may be easy, but sustaining them is another story! When one slows down we run over and give it a spin, only to see another one slowing down needing a spin, and so on. And the more plates on poles we have, the more energy and effort it takes to keep them going. Sooner or later, because we are pulled in so many directions, plates begin to fall to the floor and break leaving piles of rubble. 

Do you ever feel that way? Do you have so many things going on in your life that it’s keeping you so busy and possibly headed for a crash?

 

Then, you are too busy! Which means it is time to evaluate. Are all of those “plates” in your life really necessary, or have you allowed yourself to be piled on…or have taken on too many “plates and poles” … and have totally stressed yourself out? 

May I suggest that you allow some things to be “dropped” or handed off to others so you can focus on the truly necessary and important things. And the most important thing I would encourage you to consider is your personal time with God. 

Begin each day with Him by reading a few Scriptures from the Bible, and then pausing to whisper a prayer admitting you need Him. Jesus said this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Another place in the Bible says this: “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders. He’ll carry your load; He’ll help you out.” 

Take the first step by praying this prayer:

“God, I need You to help me see what’s most important. I can’t see it because I have so much going on in my life. Today I give You my troubles because I know You will help me out. I’m weary and need Your rest. Thank You, God, for Your help and I gladly receive it today. Help me to start each day with You!” Amen.