Remember in Genesis 16 when she fled from Sarai? She felt abandoned and probably forgotten by God. She must have felt as if no one saw her, or cared about her, or the baby she was carrying.
This Valentine’s Day, many of you will find your love life to be much like a box of chocolates⎯satisfying, sweet, ooey-gooey on the inside…all yours to enjoy.
For others, it might instead be a day of remembering what was lost, or what could have been. It could be a day when you relate more to Hagar than you ever thought possible.
I remember reading the story of Hagar (Genesis 16) in my early 30’s as a relatively new believer. I wept when I read verse 13. It had only been a handful of years since I was a single mom struggling with similar emotions. But God {game changer} rescued me, and as a result, I could say for the first time, as did Hagar, I have now seen the One who sees me.
It’s because of those single days that my heart goes out to you who may not hear your name called when flowers are delivered to your workplace, or handed your very own box of chocolates to enjoy.
This year, while strolling {okay, stalking} the $1.00 aisle at Target, glass jars with sparkly hearts spoke to me. I didn’t exactly know what I would do with them, but that didn’t stop me from buying several.
After a little thought and prayer, I decided to make a jar filled with seven slips of paper, each with a different promise from God. Seven, because it’s the biblical number for completion. In Christ, we find our completeness⎯not in another person, our children, our homes or anything else. His promises from the Word are active and alive, able to lift the heaviest of hearts.
A Gift of God’s Promises
{This is the jar I found at Target but you can use any container.}
{At first I felt a little guilty for not handwriting the promises but then I was reminded that it’s not my hand that holds the power, but His. Click here for a printable copy of the seven promises I’m using.}
{I also found these tags in the $1.00 bin at Target.}
{On each tag, I’ll write a brief note describing why seven promises were chosen. I’ll also share how much they are loved, especially by their heavenly Father.}
And the best, most precious gift we can to give anyone is prayer. As I head to their home or to the post office to deliver the gifts, I will pray for each of them by name.
She [Hagar] gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13
Has God placed a Hagar in your life? We have a week to consider how we can love others, single or not, around us this Valentines Day.
This will make more sense if you read yesterday’s post on making way for Fall clothes in our closets.
But if you didn’t have a chance to read it, that’s okay too!
Purchasing multiple items of clothing at one time isn’t the norm for me but this Fall, it was a necessity. Now that my conscience is eased, here are my five favorite finds this Fall:
1.
Rylen Boots (by Mossimo, Target) On sale this week for 35.99!
Comfy to the max.
2.
Easton Chunky Heel Boots (by Mossimo, Target) On sale this week for $30.39.
{I purchased mine, buy one pair get another pair half-off}
3.
Jeggings by Lauren Conrad, Kohl’s. On sale for 35.00.
4.
I love plaid! Especially when it comes in an oversized scarf that’s softer than the blanket it’s propped on. By Merona, Target. Retail price, 22.99. (Watch for sales!)
5.
This was a toughie. I have other things that would’ve appeared prettier on the page but honestly, I hit the jackpot with this purchase (a whopping $8.00!) Apt. 9 Cami, at Kohls. It’s incredibly soft, stretchy, and oh so versatile.
Do you have a favorite Fall Find? Please share in the comment section!
Friday nights around the Baker house means date night!
Tonight, after we trek over to Moe’s (hubster’s favorite place) we’ll make our regular rounds to TJ Maxx and perhaps a bookstore. Yep, we empty nesters know how to whoop it up on a Friday night. See what so many of you have to look forward to? 🙂
But wait…the excitement continues! (Actually, if you’re a list-lover such as myself, you know I mean this in all seriousness.) Later tonight, we’ll pull out a sheet of paper and take turns listing ten things we’d each like to add to our Fall Bucket List. Here are a few of mine:
Start a walk/run regime. (I just got clearance from the doctor!) What better time to begin an outdoor exercise than the Fall?
Go to the Pumpkin Patch with the grand kids. I mean, could anything top this?
Put on my flannel PJ’s, pop my favorite corn, turn on my heated throw blanket (best purchase EVER!), and watch all the original Pride and Prejudice’s (with Colin Firth, the one and only Mr. Darcy in my book) in a row…with the lights out. Remember one of the final scenes where they finally confess their love for one another? It’s a beautiful Autumn scene! But then again, I have to admit I’m a little distracted by the pools of affection catching light in Mr. Darcy’s eyes around that same time. Just sayin’.
It’s time to fall in love with Fall all over again and one way to accomplish this is for us to become more intentional. Just as we could list the many reasons we love someone, let’s list a few things we love and appreciate about Fall so we can make the most of our time.
So now it’s your turn! What’s one Fallish delight that will be added to your Fall Bucket List this October?
I LOVE anything with the hint of pencil shavings except, of course, jelly beans. (Yes, this exists.)
The office supply section at Target has a gravitational force that sucks in nerdy lovers of all things paper with little resistance. And when that paper item just happens to be paired with anything tea related? Bye bye necessities!
Today, I’d like to share last week’s Target find with you. Literally. But first, the specifics. I love the size. It fits in a pocket or purse. The kraft paper is the perfect backdrop for the steaming cups of tea. Pages are lined and ready for pen in hand!
Here’s the fun part:
If you (or your wife) would like the opportunity to receive this find (along with a cup of tea!) in your mailbox this week, simply leave a comment letting me know how you might use it — journaling, jotting down noticed quirks for your next novel, poetic ideas, grocery list, etc.
I’d love to share this with you! Enjoy!
“If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered.”
Flowers will be delivered, chocolates devoured, and dinners dimly lit by candlelight will be enjoyed.
Others will enter empty, hushed homes Saturday night. And it’s here where my heart stirs and longs to reach outward.
Oh yes, His presence is there with them, but we are His hands and feet.
In years past, I’ve made cards to send to those without a Valentine but this year I purchased a pack of 8 at Target. Because I sign them from Jesus, our true Valentine, it’s important to find appropriate text inside printed cards. For instance, the pack I picked up this year says: Today is all about matters of the heart…and you totally matter to mine. Happy Valentines Day.
My cards will go to singles, two widows, an elderly woman, and a lonely warrior. I don’t share these specifics for an “attagirl!” I simply want to focus our attention on ways we can put the gospel on display this Valentine’s Day, especially to those who may need it the most this time of year.
So, does anyone come to mind? Act on it and see what God can do.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:19
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