Feb 2023 - Flow-Through Valentine
Flow-Through Valentine
Dear Faithful Friend,
“I love you, Judy.” That’s one thing Steve said every day that I am really missing. Both of us would say often, sometimes several times a day: “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
Does that seem silly to you? We didn’t think so.
Nor does God think so. His words, His actions, His presence tell us unceasingly of His love for us. Here are just a few of those verses.
"...because as high as heaven is above the earth, that’s how large God’s faithful love is for those who honor him." (Psalm 103:11 CEB)
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5 NLT)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:9)
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us…“ (1 John 3:1)
But then, we are encouraged, even exhorted, not to keep that love to ourselves, but to spread it around to as many as possible:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Wait. That is Jesus speaking. We are to love like Jesus loves? So, more than Valentine’s cards, kind words, even loving actions? Like, lay down your life? How is that possible?
God has made a way. I call it Flow-Through Love:
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” (1 John 4:7)
“Love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Our God understands our limitations. But He lives in us through the Holy Spirit, and His love has been generously given to us. Then we are to become channels for that love to flow through us to others—those we love, neighbors, even strangers and enemies.
During this Love Month, on Valentine’s Day, and every day, may God’s love flow through you to everyone you encounter.
Better than Valentine’s Books
Whether you shop at Barnes & Noble, Target, or your favorite Indy bookstore, this month you will see Valentine red and books on love at every turn. Here are two of my favorite books on love, the first from years ago, and the second more recent.
Music to Know You Are Loved and letting it flow through you.
Random Acts of Kindness Day—February 17
You can get in practice for letting God’s love flow through you as you do kind acts to people. Here are a few to get you started, then click over for the full list.
Take a meal to a sick friend.
Talk to a homeless person. Ask his name and how his journey brought him to this place. And give some money or food or a gift card.
Ask a person about her story—and listen to her tell it.
Write a note—handwritten—telling someone how much you appreciate him. Be specific.
Do some grocery shopping for an elderly friend.
Say “God bless you” to store clerks.
Hold a surprise party for a special birthday, or a big celebration, or just to do it.
Valentine’s Memories: How Steve Redeemed Himself
We had some nice Valentine’s Day dinners, complete with lovely cards, in our dating years. We went out to dinner. He gave me a card—maybe even some flowers. After all, we had been together almost 5 years. Some good Valentine memories.
But Steve really missed an important Valentine’s Day—February 14, 1975.
After 5 years he finally seemed to be warming up to the idea of marriage. Valentine’s seemed the perfect time! I was confident this was the night he would propose. We drove to our favorite restaurant—the Sycamore Inn. Dinner was delicious. The card was sweet. Conversation was casual. And then it was over.
No proposal. Seriously, how do you miss this opportunity!
Make It for Valentine’s Recipe: Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
I posted this recipe on Facebook for National Peanut Butter Day, and people loved it. But I think if you use chocolate hearts instead of peanut butter cups, it becomes an oh-so-good Valentine’s dessert.
So Happy Valentine’s Day and Month of Love. And may the love of God flow freely through you to drench your family, friends and neighbors.
With much love,
Judy