Valentine’s Day…cheers or jeers?

Ahh…Valentine’s Day: anticipated holiday of happy couples everywhere and dreaded day of endurance for many singles. Regardless of your relationship status this Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to soak in the love that never ends and bask in the warmth of our Savior’s embrace.

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:26

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to share God’s love with others and nurture yourself too. If we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, we need to be careful and not leave ourselves out of the equation. When we love ourselves well, we are reaffirming God’s love for His creation. Are you treating yourseslf well? taking care of your heart, body, mind, and soul?

14 things to do on February 14^th that will fill your heart with love:

1. Send a note of love and encouragement to someone who needs it
2. Smile  (It will brighten your spirits and someone’s day)
3. Do a favor for a neighbor
4. Read Psalm 139 and ponder how God made you unique and special
5. Savor a really good cup of coffee or tea (Let the warmth hug you from the inside)
6. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, food bank, or homeless shelter
7. Buy yourself flowers (if finances are tight, walk through a garden center and just enjoy the plants & flowers, marveling at God’s creativity is designing so many varieties)
8. Anonymously pay for the person behind you in line at your local coffee shop
9. Spend time in nature with the Creator of all good things
10. Exercise!! Enjoy the endorphin rush J
11. Sing (loudly and badly if possible. It’s more fun!)
12. Ask God how much He loves you. Listen for the answer
13. Bake and deliver cookies to a convalescent home
14. Dark chocolate (Need I say more?)

You have filled my heart with greater joy. Psalm 4:7

my sweaty heart

When I got off the treadmill yesterday, I was surprised to see the sweat on my shirt had formed the shape of a heart. I know it’s disgusting but it makes a good point! When we treat ourselves well, inluding how we eat and exercise, we are being loving and we’ll feel better too (see #10 above.)

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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