fbpx

Choosing the Heart Over the Heart-Shaped Box

by | Faith | 6 comments

Lucky for Brian, I’m not into vase-filled flowers but I don’t mind sharing that he does owe me a $40.00 Strawberries and Cream Hydrangea (hyperlinked just for you, hun!), purchased with birthday money a few years ago. Let’s just say his lawn mower gave it a big warm hug…twice. As the fellas on Duck Dynasty would say, “It gone!”

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I have to agree with those who say it’s commercialized (more than one florist is sweating this snowmeggedan!) but alas, it still offers a plethora of opportunities to not only show our love, but more importantly, God’s love, on this special day. 

For those of us experiencing historic snowfall this week our options may be limited but not everyone is snowed in, and most everyone wants to be remembered—especially on Valentine’s Day—so here are a few ideas that may brighten someone’s Friday:

  • Visit a nearby nursing home. Your face in a lonely place is a gift, period, but if you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, bring some Valentines Day cards. It’s especially fun and meaningful if you have children who could join you. Many residents are widows or widowers and need to be reminded they’re not forgotten. 
  • Remember those who’ve lost a mate, especially if it’s a more recent loss. Share Hebrews 13:5 — and sign the card from God or Jesus. It’s not credit we’re seeking, but comfort, and what greater comfort is there than to be reminded that He is ever present and will never leave or forsake them? 
  • Pray! God may want you to send a card, leave a box of candy, or simply give someone a hug that you would’ve never considered otherwise. We can know that when we ask Him to open our eyes to those around us, He will deliver.

And for those of us snowed in, there’s always social media…unless our power goes out. 🙂 

But let’s face it. A heart-shaped candy-filled box is simply a reminder to love. February 14th neither defines or confines our ability to love others extravagantly, selflessly, and unconditionally. Any time. Any where. Any day. 

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

How might the LORD want to use our hands and feet to draw others closer to Him this Valentine’s Day? 



Feelings Can Fool Us

by | Faith | 7 comments

In celebration of the first day of Fall, I’m sharing a re-post from 2010, as it still rings true today.
It doesn’t feel like the season for:

Roasted marshmallows
Apple cider
Kaleidoscope leaves
Cool breezes
Pecans
An abundance of candy in fun-size packs
Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin
Colorful mums
Pumpkins

Mountain trips
Fresh apples (especially Honey Crisp!)
Long sleeves and weathered jeans
Warm fuzzy sweaters

But it is that season, according to the trusted calendar, even though we are experiencing temperatures in the low 90’s.

It does not feel like fall, but the calendar says it is. Which am I to believe?

The
same question is sometimes asked, although rarely audible or even
consciously, when we are faced with believing how we feel versus what
the Word of God says.

While God created emotions to complete the
whole person, it’s easy to get swept away by them—only to be swept up in
the deception that can sometimes follow.

Just as the calendar
has the final say as to when we are truly embarking on the fall season,
so God’s Word is our final say as to what is true—regardless of how we
feel.

  • I may not always feel His presence, but God says He will never leave nor forsake me (Heb. 13:5)
  • I may not always sense His working in my life or those around me, but God says that nothing can thwart His plans (Job 42:2)
  • I don’t always trust Him as I should, but God says that even when I am unfaithful, He is faithful. (2 Tim. 2:13)
  • I can feel defeated, useless to the Kingdom, beaten up by all my
    weaknesses, but God says that in Him, there is in no condemnation,
    regardless of what the enemy says. (Romans 8:1)

Emotions can be
a beautiful expression of our worship to the Lord. In fact, if we are
rarely moved by the words we read or sing, or if we can watch a
resplendent sun rising from the east without a pause of praise welling
up from within, we may be in need of an emotion intervention. It’s all
about balance.

So, while it may not feel
like my favorite season of the year, I rejoice in the fact that it is
indeed fall, and that summer has been left in the dust of 2010 (and my
grass along with it). I may have to break out my long-sleeved shirts and
fuzzy sweaters in celebration of this truth!

Care to join me? 

 

Are you a member of the Creative Pauses community?

 

Sign up for Cathy's monthly newsletter to join our community and receive the latest seasonal gifts, posts, behind-the-scenes information, creative resources, and giveaways!

Unsubscribe at any time.

Welcome to the Creative Pauses community! Make yourself right at home.

We hate spam too! Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Pin It on Pinterest