Hey Girls,
I was curious about what the history of Valentine's Day was so I looked it up. Most stories seem to say that there were three men who held that name and all were martyred on Feb. 14 but they repeat the story of one man who married people in secret during the Roman empire when Claudius 2 banned marriage because he thought the emotional attachment made soliders weak. So Valentine married people in secret and went to jail because of it, eventually getting executed. However, before he died, accounts say that he fell in love with the jailer's daughter, perhaps healing her of blindness. Another account said that Valentine was a man who helped Christians escape Roman prisons. And I read that the celebration began as a Christian response to a pagan Roman celebration occuring at the same time...well, whatever the origins of the day, it is obvious that some faithful men were acting selflessly by giving their lives for others. That is definately one of the strongest demonstrations of love, taught to us by Jesus himself.
Valentine's day has turned into a day for couples and left many single people dreading this day. Well, that's unfortunate because Feb. 14th is a day to celebrate love, and there are so many different ways to have love and show love.
So, I decided to give you some ideas to help you make Valentine's Day special.
*Single Girls*
My challenge to you on Valentine's Day is to ask God to point out to you how he is demonstrating his love to you that day. At the end of the day, take a moment of silence, and listen, try to let God remind you of the ways he showed love to you that day. And why not express your love for God in some way? It doesn't have to necessarily be by reading the Bible extra long or spending hours in prayer- sure God would like that but it has to come from your heart. So if expressing your love to God means baking cupcakes than do it, bake for God- and enjoy! Or take a walk outside with Jesus and just talk to him as you go. Just express your love for God in whatever way that holds special meaning for you.
Why not phone up your mom or go visit family? Spend a day with those you love, just giving your time. If your friends are free, go have a girl's afternoon out or something, and have some quality girl time!
*Dating/Engaged Couples*
With your significant other beside you, write down a list of what you see in your future together and compare them. Make it at least 20 items long- be imaginative. Trust me, it's fun. You could also write down a love list, write 20 things that you absolutely love about each other. And then read them to each other, that will certainly spark lots of lovey feelings and plus, it's always wonderful to hear good things about yourself. Spend the entire day together if you can, go for a walk, go skating, out to dinner or better yet, make dinner together as a couple, watch a romantic comedy. Have fun. Surprise each other with some special little gift that would mean something- and it doesn't have to be bought, you could make something (like his favourite cookies). And then end the fantastic evening by letting your boyfriend walk you to your front door and kiss you goodnight. After a day like that, you'll be sure to have a pleasant thoughts as you fall asleep.
*Married Couples*
You could do all the same things as the dating couples really, love lists never get boring! But because marriage comes with it's own set of stresses and busyness, you may have to put extra effort forth to get some alone time together. But definately get that alone time, even if it's only once the kids are asleep and the house is a mess- whatever, leave it. Light some candles, give massages, just enjoy each other's company and don't rush anything. Spend time connecting, getting to know what the other has been thinking about, dreaming about. Eat something sweet, laugh and tickle each other. Take a bath together with lots of bubbles. Give a gift- such as you could wear something extra sexy or give him a foot rub for a change, whatever has meaning for you. Is love making in the plan? Well, that's up to the both of you. Sometimes a romantic evening is complete without it because the two of you have a greater need to connect on a more emotional level and at other times...well, turn out the lights and just enjoy each other, taking your time, taking all night if that's what you like. Have fun!!
I hope that you all can figure out wonderful things to do this Sunday. It's a shame that Valentine's day becomes degraded sometimes to just be about easy sex or getting the key to your boyfriends apartment. Don't let yourself be effected by that but keep your eyes on "... what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise," (Philippians 4:8, NIV). And act likewise.
Whatever you chose to do on Valentine's day, I urge you to keep it pure and remember God is sending lots of love out to you too!
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