The Valentine’s Day Dinner

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Years ago, I attended a small Baptist church in my hometown. When I say “small,” I mean that we had about fifteen to twenty regular attendees. I was by far the youngest attendee—by about twenty years.

One year, the women of the church decided to hold a Valentine’s Day dinner. They fixed lasagna, salad, and breadsticks—yum.

But I wasn’t going to go. I thought it wasn’t for me because I was recently divorced, and honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was celebrate love.

Eventually, I changed my mind. I don’t remember who convinced me. Maybe it was my mom, or maybe it was my aunt, who played the piano at church and helped organize the dinner. Both of them knew I didn’t need to be sitting around by myself, moping the night away. Continue reading “The Valentine’s Day Dinner”

For the Love

For the Love

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Every February, I write about love. It’s only fitting to cover this subject during the month of love, right? For many years—going as far back as high school—I didn’t like Valentine’s Day. But as the years have passed, I’ve tried to drop my negative outlook look and find positive things about the holiday—namely, that there are many different kinds of love, all of which can and should be celebrated. Chief among them is the agape, unconditional love offered to us by God. And when we look to the source of love, our perspective can change. Continue reading “For the Love”

The Heart of the Matter

This devotion was originally published in The Heart Community Collection’s quarterly magazine earlier this month. Read all the inspiring and motivating stories here: The Heart Community Collection magazine.

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Ps. 86:1) 

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation to make February American Heart Month, and for those with congenital heart disease (CHD), American Heart Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness. This year, CHD Awareness week is celebrated from February 7–14.

While I don’t have CHD, I do understand the importance of heart health. After college, I worked for an Area Agency on Aging as a monitor for the senior nutrition program, and several years later, I worked for a local nonprofit to implement nutrition and physical activity programs in cities and towns, schools, and businesses. Through these jobs, I learned about the impact nutrition has on our heart health. Continue reading “The Heart of the Matter”

Love One Another

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Cor. 13: 4-7)

In February, our thoughts turn to candy, roses, and of course, love. Years ago, I opposed Valentine’s Day. I held the cynical view that its sole purpose was to bolster retail stores’ sales during the slower months of winter and to make those who aren’t coupled up feel bad about themselves. I felt this way even though I was married at the time.

Now that I’m older, I have a different view of Valentine’s Day. Oh sure, it’s still a commercial holiday and makes people feel bad about their relationship status, but now I see the bigger picture of how a holiday about love ties into my faith. Continue reading “Love One Another”

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

My Valentine

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” (Phil 4:12b)

In high school, I was part of a club that ran a Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Students ordered carnations in red, pink, or white, with each color representing love, like, and friendship, respectively. The members of the club, including me, delivered the carnations to the excited recipients on Valentine’s Day. Everyone held their breath that day to see who would get which color, and I know very little school work got done. Continue reading “Celebrating Valentine’s Day”