Ingredients for a Lovely Valentine's Day

We've had too many gray days in a row with a little bluster of cold and wind thrown in to boot. Doesn't that mix around the end of January, early February make you long for spring? I find I have to mentally buckle down with extra effort and plan ways to be joyful and energetic. It just doesn't come naturally for me when the weather is contrary. 

Long ago in an adult Sunday School class we watched a video about family life wherein the speaker tossed out the phrase, "Act your way into a better way of feeling." My friend Mary Ippel was sitting next to me and heartily agreed with that concept. She said it's been what has kept her going through raising a large family (at that time she probably had six children, but there are ten in that beautiful family today, with grandchildren and in-laws enlarging the clan). 

Dr. Jack Walker, leading the discussion, disagreed, arguing that it was hypocritical. I remember lively, friendly and interesting banter between them. (Dr. Jack was a dear man of God, orthopedic surgeon, dearly loved). I've never forgotten that discussion . . . and I think Mary was on to something.

So on this Valentine's Day, I'm very intent on "working my way into a better way of feeling." I want to love my husband more fiercely, love my children and grandchildren with more devotion, love the neighbors around me more intentionally, love the lost and lonely wherever I encounter them. I don't mind the commercialism of V-Day since it is a way to make people think about the true meaning of love--not just in the family, but in wider circles too.

Someone has to lick the pan . . .

Chocolate makes even February berries yummy!

With a lot to do in my work world, I carved out a little time late this afternoon to make chocolate covered strawberries and arrange a bouquet from the lovely roses Larry had waiting for me in the kitchen this morning. And he has made dinner reservations for this evening. I am truly both spoiled by him and blessed by God with such a thoughtful husband. 

These little acts of loving touches in the home--sweet treats, flowers, special times together--help to iron out the wrinkles that inevitably pop up in the warp and woof of life together. I don't always know if the love comes first or the acting like we love each other does, but either way, this is a recipe for faithfulness as husband and wife today, and through the years to come.

My grandparents, Noble and Emma Hoover on their wedding day

A song for the day will be playing when Larry gets home. I hope you have a couple favorites you'll enjoy today. Here's one I like:  LOVE sung by Nat King Cole 

Valentine's Day without chocolate is almost like a day without sunshine.  I ran across a recipe for CHOCOLATE MOUSSE that I'll try later, perhaps this weekend; here's the link for you.
 







However you celebrate Valentine's Day, I hope most of all that you know the love of God, given to us in our Lord Jesus Christ:

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 

from the epistle of I John 3:1