There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is legendarily known for being the most romantic day of the year. Wow! This is a Day that couples desire to wonderfully express and celebrate life and their love for one another. This day of love is now further extended and expressed in many different ways between friends, families, classmates, teachers, coworkers and many more…

It is a great and marvelous day to annually commemorate your union of “the two becoming one.” Marriage was designed to be a loving, spiritual, committed and pleasurable fulfilling experience.

 

A Little History About Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is said to have originated from amongst the ancient chronicles of ancient Roman history within the early Christian Church. Not all agree; some believe its origin is that of a pagan nature.

 

However, this narrative goes as such.

 

Once upon a time, years ago somewhere in and about the 3rd century AD., many couples who were in love were forbidden to marry. It is said that Emperor Claudius II who was an austere, ambitious and controlling ruler requiring vast armies of men denied them the privilege to marry. He trained his soldiers well yet brutally. He was a hard taskmaster. The soldiers had to be on the road for long extended periods of times and he did not want them engaging in sexual intercourse. This left the lonesome lot of soldiers homesick and half-hearted… Still, the Emperor felt it drained the soldier’s strength and interfered with his goal for them to be victorious on the battlefield. So, he subsequently banned marriages altogether.

 

But one bold, compassionate, defiant priest in Rome named Father Valentine did not agree. He thought that the Emperor Claudius II was unjust and unyielding in this belief. He heroically came to the aid of many couples and secretly married the young lovers anyway. Well, when the furious Emperor got wind of what was happening, he was livid, and he had him beaten with clubs and arrested. It is alleged that the emperor himself began to grow fond of Father Valentine. He came to really like him.

 

Father Valentine eventually tried to no avail to convert the emperor. In turn the emperor wanted and attempted unsuccessfully to make Father Valentine renounce his Faith. They reached an impasse in their relationship. Father Valentine remained incarcerated and was eventually sentenced to death.

 

It is believed that the secretly wedded blissful couples that Father Valentine had married were so very thankful. Filled with elated gratitude they clandestinely visited the imprisoned priest. No doubt that they had pledged their love for one another but for Father Valentine as well. With thankful hearts filled with gratefulness and appreciation they surreptitiously brought him gifts, flowers and notes of gratitude. The couples would secretly pass the notes to him through the bars of his cell.

 

Father Valentine himself being loving, kindhearted, caring and compassionate supposedly too fell in love. How ironic for it was with the jailer’s daughter. Some say she was blind and he healed her… On the day of the condemned Father Valentine’s execution of February 14th around 269, he wrote her a note confessing his love for her and signed it “from your Valentine.” He however was still beheaded and martyred. From here amongst the varied accounts originates our tradition of “Valentine’s Day.”

 

Millions Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Today in this modern 21st century “Valentine’s Day” is one of the most celebrated days on the calendar. It has been festively celebrated by billions of people ever since the days of Father Valentine. This day has become extravagantly and immensely commercialized so be aware that you do not get pulled in. 

 

Yes, do celebrate “LOVE” but be responsible and stay safe!

 

Compare 2012 with 2021

 

This was true in 2012

Here in our beautiful country of America alone over 180,000,000 people celebrate by purchasing and showering roses upon their loved ones. Red is the most often selected color. It is a most prosperous day for retailers! Over 36,000,000 heart-shaped boxes of candy and chocolates as well as thousands of diamonds, dinners, cards and other gifts ranging from extravagant to simple in lavish expenditures collectively totaling billions of dollars are purchased.

 

Hershey the infamous chocolate maker employs 13,000 employees. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania they make over $5,000,000,000 in revenue per year. They use over 600, 000,000 million pounds of chocolate per year as well as using over 200,000,000 million pounds of nuts and 700,000,000 million pounds of milk and an exorbitant ridiculously extravagant amount of sugar! Hershey Inc. vast quantities of chocolate is made from cocoa plants from all around the world.

 

Past Statistics as of 2021 on Valentine’s Day Spending according to Fortunly

Take note of these statistics because it is important to keep them in a balanced perspective.

Spending on Valentine’s Day in the US amounted to roughly $20.7 billion in 2019.

(MarketingCharts)

Valentine’s Day statistics show that around 61% of Americans planned to buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their partner in 2018.

(Statista)

American consumers spent $886 million on gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day.

(MarketWatch)

A quarter of all Americans will go Valentine’s Day shopping for their loved ones.

(National Retail Federation)

Valentine’s stats show that 28% of American adults purchased flowers or plants as gifts for the occasion. 37% of those were men and 19% were women.

(The Society of American Florists)

According to Valentine’s Day sales statistics, Americans spent $1.8 billion on candy for this holiday.

(CNBC)

Red roses account for 69% of all flowers bought on St. Valentine’s Day.

(The Society of American Florists)

Some $5 billion is spent on jewelry for Valentine’s Day in the US.

(National Retail Federation)

Men spend up to five times more than women on gifts for Valentine’s Day.

(Bankrate)

Valentine’s Day sales statistics reveal that 85% of all Valentine’s cards are bought by women.

(Greeting Card Association)

Valentine’s Day retail data shows that more than 135 million Americans went shopping for the occasion in 2019.

(Finder)

US citizens are expected to spend $27.4 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2020. That equates to $196.31 per person.

(National Retail Foundation)

 

 

Valentine’s Day Is A Time To Celebrate Love!

 

When couples are in love it is both emotional and physical. The brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. It is a natural stimulant that carries messages from nerve cells to other nerve cell muscles. It is sent to many brain regions creating intense feelings often associated with romantic love. There are also physiological responses that occur by another closely related neurotransmitter called norepinephrine that often creates and intense craving… This explains why kissing for some can be intense because the hormone testosterone is passed between the two when kissing. Hopefully this explains why some can tend to be a bit irrational initially when in love. Love is wonderful when properly and lovingly expressed.

 

There is much more to Love than the physical. In a good nurturing healthy marriage, respect, care, loyalty and concern are evident components. Many are committed to many other things and their marriage is secondary. You want to take time to really get to know this person who you have committed to love. You both made not only a commitment to your spouse but you both made a vow to the LORD, or did you? Remember this all throughout the year and not only on Valentine’s Day.

 

The Beauty of Marital Love Expressed in Song of Solomon 

 

“HOW beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter? The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor, thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies.  thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

Thy neck is like a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish pools in Hesbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim, Thy nose is as the tower or Lebanon which leadeth towards Damascus. Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like Purple, the King is held in the galleries. How fair and pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!  This thy stature is like a palm tree, and thy breasts shall be as clusters of grapes…” SONG OF SOLOMON 7   Example of: I and my beloved.

 

The WORD of GOD speaks quite candidly here and transparently reveals pure marital love in the form of poetic scripture.

 

MARRIAGE IS SACRED IN THE EYES OF GOD

 

When you truly embrace His principles of Love within your marriage you both will experience an ever-increasing fulfilling union.  (Together you have the freedom to privately express your love to one another in a physical manner.)   God is Omnipresent meaning; He is absolutely everywhere. Invite Him into every area of your marriage and everyday life. God is Omniscient meaning; He is totally cognizant of all things and knows everything. Remember it is He that has created us. He is the creator and originator and knows what is necessary to have a great marriage. It is always your choice to allow Him His place within your life.  It is important to keep GOD in the Center of your marriage. If you have not it is never too late to start… I assure you, you both will be or become a lot happier.

 

 

Suggestions To Celebrate VALENTINE’S DAY

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple. Here are a few suggestions:

Start the day off with a nice hug

A relaxing bubble bath or soothing shower is a good way to start your day.

Slip a romantic expression of love note in his pocket or her purse

Compose or read poetry to one another, for starters try, The “Song of Solomon” it is a fabulous book of inspiration and love

Plan a nice Candlelight dinner and or a romantic picnic lunch

Treats of: Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Chocolates, Popcorn and assorted candies

Flowers & Cards

Fruit Baskets

Take in a matinée or evening movie

Select in advance a great movie you are excited about sharing at home

Plan a spa couple visit for the mud baths, mineral springs and for massages

Play nice enjoyable music to relax

Before retiring take a nice temperate, peaceful, tranquil candle light bubble bath

A nice added touch is a scented comfy and pillow puffy rose petaled bed…

All the above are simply suggestions. Each couple is quite different. You might even have some better suitable suggestions. So do what personally works for you.

Everyday  all throughout the year it is always good to Kiss your spouse whenever you part. You never know what a day may bring.

 

Genuine LOVE continues to refine and flourish 

A suggested gift to one another that continues the celebration throughout the year.  Remember to be creative! Do keep love alive in your marriage. Make life healthy safe & exciting for one another.  Simply write colorful to do “IOU’S “on note cards…  Fold and place them in a nicely decorated jar or basket. Pick from them all throughout the year.  

 

Here are a few suggestions; This is your day to do as you wish; An Impromptu no questions asked date, A together Car Wash, No arguing today, Dancing, A no spending date, Golf Pass, Couple shopping fling, Back rub & neck massage, Foot massage, Manicure & or Pedicure, Night on the town, Walk in the park, Let’s exercise together, A picnic, Event of choice or a lovely Evening of Elegance…

The intent is to learn how to enjoy your life together, and be thoughtful and considerate of one another as well as others…  Time is precious. After a while it becomes a part of who you are. And yes, do always take time to study the Word of God together for it is our necessary essential spiritual food for our mind, body & soul! 

When you do begin to partake in some of the above consistently, they will occur naturally….

 

~ “GOD IS LOVE” ~

GOD Defines LOVE in HIS WORD

 

When you SAY that you LOVE someone here are some things to KEEP in mind. Here the TRUE meaning of LOVE is defined.

LOVE is best described herein I Corinthians 13: “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 in TRUTH. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS…”

Remember this; “GOD IS LOVE!” and His Love lasts through eternity! Father God Bless You Both. ENJOY & CELEBRATE the one you Love! Seek out ways to encourage more and complain less.  Stay committed to your vows you made to God and to one another.  Keep God in the Center of your marriage.

Always remember; “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is felt most when it is GENUINE!”

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Psalms ~ Spiritual Journey From The Beginning To The End Of The Psalms ~

In the center of the Bible you will discover the wonderful illustrious Book of The Psalm! It is a marvelous collection of spiritual songs,hymns, prayers, heartfelt expressions, sympathy, compassion and wisdom for all of humanity! Herein is a collective, dynamic, reflective, deep compelling expression of the inner intimate thoughts of many! The often experienced transparency is emotional, illuminating and enlightening! The myriad of beautiful Psalmists wonderfully and often poetically share their anxieties, confessions, weaknesses, strengths doubts, fears and most important Love for the Lord!

Psalm 1
Psalm 2
Psalm 3
Psalm 4
Psalm 5
Psalm 6
Psalm 7
Psalm 8
Psalm 9
Psalm 10
Psalm 11
Psalm 12
Psalm 13
Psalm 14
Psalm 15
Psalm 16
Psalm 17
Psalm 18
Psalm 19
Psalm 20
Psalm 21
Psalm 22
Psalm 23
Psalm 24
Psalm 25
Psalm 26
Psalm 27
Psalm 28
Psalm 29
Psalm 30

Where Is Your Faith ?

“Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is so important that it is mentioned over three hundred times in the BIBLE. Faith means to have a firm persuasion. Having Faith means much more than just to say you believe. It goes much further! Faith is developed through Prayer, Devotion, Bible Study, and the actual application of God’s Word to your life. Faith is also part of the Lord’s spiritual armor. It is “By Faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible.” Hebrews 11:3. Faith is NOW not after the fact has materialized! “For we walk by Faith not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7

When you truly trust God your Faith will see you through any and all circumstances or situations. Abel, Deborah, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Rahab, are just a few examples of the many that trusted and had Faith in God. Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets beheld many miracles, faced jeers, were stoned, saw walls fall, were persecuted, misunderstood, and mistreated yet accomplished their life purpose by trusting the Lord. Notice how they all sincerely aspired to live in the presence of the Lord. They had a personal and deep intimate relationship with Him. Hebrews commends them all for their Faith; “yet none of them received what had been promised.” It is by Faith we are strengthened inwardly! Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts through Faith.

Faith is NOW!

Hebrew defines Faith as something you cannot see. Faith without works is dead. When your Faith is truly in GOD you trust that in His time He will fulfill whatever it is that He has said or promised. Take a moment to take an open and honest personal inventory of everything that is happening in your life. Guess what God already knows as well! Despite your circumstances; good, bad, or indifferent you can rest assured that your Faith makes all the difference in the world as to how you will now proceed. In order to successfully run the race of life we must keep our focus on the Lord. Laying aside any weight or sin helps us to run with endurance. When life hurdles appear God will impart to you His patience and direction. You can not change anything that has happened “it is what it is” As you fix your eyes on “Jesus, the Author and perfector of our Faith” He will help you arise to the challenges as well as the celebrations of life. Your daily trust and reliance on God is where your true security and significance should reside. This will give you sure footing and strong solid rock foundational spiritual roots to help you withstand the storms of life. Your Joy in the Lord is where you will find strength when you keep your eyes on Him. The joy of the Lord is not contingent on your circumstance. Faith is NOW!

The key to being a Christian is the Faith we have in Jesus Christ. Do you know the importance of His sacrificial death on the cross that atoned for our sins? It was so we could live life to please Him! Did you know our lives, our homes, our marriages, families and our worship should reflect we are His children? How do we do this? Titus tells us that “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self controlled, and sound in Faith, love and in endurance. To teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good…” The natural man or woman does not accept, value, nor understand the things of God. This is why the Word says to “let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” In order to understand the things of God it is crucial that you lay aside your way and your will and let His Word be a “lamp unto your feet and a Light to your path.” Having the proper perspective will teach you how very important it is to live life and study His Word for His approval and not the approval of man. This is why we are told to “Trust in the Lord will all of our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path.” Proverbs 3: 5&6. Too often God is an after thought or optional choice when dealing with life. This compromise often has favorable results with man; yet results in moving you away from God. Learn to wait on God and patiently seek His way.

God’s way will give you peace and contentment that surpasses the understanding of man! God wants to be the Primary Force in your life. Being a Christian is really a chosen lifestyle. God does not force His way upon you. Faith produces commitment and faithfulness. It means to sincerely and earnestly attempt to live life to please God. Commence to truly Live, Sing, Worship and Praise Him. It really makes all the difference in the world! “LET the WORD of Christ dwell richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through Him” Colossians 3: 16&17.

God always has a better way. According to Ephesians He has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. As His child we have been sealed and promised the gift of His Holy Spirit. God truly is faithful you can always count on Him! Now you must trust Him and step out on Faith. Remember Faith is not something that you can see. Always remember, you must exercise patience and your Faith and trust must rely in Him. He tells us if our Faith is “as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” Matthew 17: 20. The key to this is you must desire His will to be done. It is with God we can do the impossible. This way He receives the credit. To GOD be the GLORY! God keeps His promises. You can fully trust God to work everything out for your good.

Always keep in mind that absolutely nothing gets by God. He knows all that is past, current and will be. Be encouraged knowing “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” It is by Faith and patience we inherit His promises. We can patiently endure whatever is necessary because we know that God in His time will work everything out for our good. It is by Faith we accept His precious gift of eternal life. One of the most important elements in life is having Faith in GOD. “Without Faith it is impossible to please Him, for he, who comes to GOD, must believe, that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Romans 1:16& 17.

GOD IS FAITHFUL in His time you will reap the promises and He will give back, restore, refuel and replenish you in His time. God knows when you are sincere. We are living in interesting times. Just keep your eyes fixed on the Author and finisher of your Faith. God is able to “keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great Joy!” You can say Hallelujah anyhow! God is awesome! As I mentioned before Hebrews records in its “Hall of Faith” many Old Testament heroes who trusted in God and displayed their Faith in unique ways. Lay aside every weight and anything that hinders you from going forth in the Lord! When you truly believe; it will be a priority to live your life to please GOD! Faith results in faithfulness! Who or what are you faithful to? “Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” FAITH IS NOW!