The Valentine's Post

'So this is my prayer:

that your love will flourish 
and that you will not only love much but well.

Learn to love appropriately.

You need to use your head and test your feelings
so that your love is sincere and intelligent, 
not sentimental gush.

Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary,
 a life Jesus will be proud of:

bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all,
getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.'
~ Philippians 1 {The Message}

O God, You have taught us to keep all Your commandments

 by loving You and our neighbor:

Grant us the grace of Your Holy Spirit,

 that we may be devoted to You with our whole heart,

and united to one another with pure affection;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

 who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

~ The Book of Common Prayer

Love well.

Love Notes

1.  Possessions worth keeping forever include any and all childhood paste-smeared craft projects, indecipherable love notes, random scribblings, Christmas decorations, and miscellaneous tchotchkes like this sweet calendar made by my husband for his mama so many years ago.  I do believe that story might make you smile.  Sigh.  Or make your eyes brim full.

2.  A child can never have too much love.  And I don't mean piles of possessions or endless activities.  So bring on the grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, teachers, coaches, and friends.  In moderation of course.

3.  I'd rather have a steady helping of love day in, day out, than one giant in-your-face commercially driven celebration on February 14th.  Just saying.

4.  This week can be a real beast for some of our dearest sisters.  Let your single friends know that you think they're fabulous, will you please?  And then keep that love, that supportive encouragement, those invitations to share life together flowing.

5.  Note to family members:  All this being said, I'd really love some very fine chocolate this Valentine's Day.  Maybe something bright and alive, fragrant or green that needs to be tended and nurtured so it can flourish in those warm days that are sure to come.  And a hand-penned card that tells me yet once again how you truly feel.

> sharing the love at Nancy's  .  Laura's