Since it is Valentines Day, I thought it might be appropriate to do a little Give Away. Today, I'll be giving away a set of my Focus on the Family books, "Capture His Heart" (for a woman to read) and "Capture Her Heart" (for a man to read).
First, I want to welcome my Proverbs 31 Devotion Readers that may have popped over from reading "Linger a Little Longer" today. If you'd like to enter the drawing by leaving a comment, click on the word comments below. If you don't have a blog, just click on the anonymous button and then type in your comment and put your name and e-mail address within the body of your comment. I'll be drawing the winner of today's give away, tomorrow. So check back to see if you won.
I have to admit that Valentines Day has never been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, I was not one of those girls that got those notes passed to her that read, "Will you go with me? Check yes or no." Sigh. In high school I had a guy friend--- that I secretly liked. But he saw me as a kid sister and well, you don't buy roses for your kid sister. Sigh.
When I got married I thought my view on Valentines Day would surely change. But I set my husband up for failure right from the beginning. My expectations of his expression of undying love never quite matched the run by the grocery before you go home bouquet of flowers I got. Now, I'm not saying he didn't put a lot of thought into those flowers... all three minutes of those thoughts mean a lot mind you.
But then one day it hit me. When did I become so me focused? 1 Corinthians 13 outlines what love is and is not. After reading and re-reading these verses it occurred to me that love is what I decide to give not what I wait around to receive. The kind of love in these verses are not feelings based. They are wise decisions I must make in order to have the kind of love that lasts.
If I want love that is patient and kind, then I must make the choice to give love in this way. If I want my marriage to not fall into the trap of rude comments, self-seeking attitudes, anger, and resentment, I have to be willing to work at this. I must be quick to forgive, learn to hold my tongue and let go of some of my lofty expectations.
So, I probably won't have a dozen long stem beauties hand delivered to my door while the Hallelujah chorus strikes a chord. And maybe a vat of chocolate that won't make you gain a pound is a bit beyond my husband's ability to deliver. But I have him. I have his smile. And why would I ever think that isn't enough.
Now, about the contest... If you'd like to enter to win a set of these books leave a comment below and I'll randomly pick a winner.
And for my faithful readers that are wondering if I will post about "The Question" that Brooke asked from yesterday's post. You all are making me as nervous as she did. Heavens girls! Yes, I'll be posting about "It" tomorrow.
First, I want to welcome my Proverbs 31 Devotion Readers that may have popped over from reading "Linger a Little Longer" today. If you'd like to enter the drawing by leaving a comment, click on the word comments below. If you don't have a blog, just click on the anonymous button and then type in your comment and put your name and e-mail address within the body of your comment. I'll be drawing the winner of today's give away, tomorrow. So check back to see if you won.
I have to admit that Valentines Day has never been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, I was not one of those girls that got those notes passed to her that read, "Will you go with me? Check yes or no." Sigh. In high school I had a guy friend--- that I secretly liked. But he saw me as a kid sister and well, you don't buy roses for your kid sister. Sigh.
When I got married I thought my view on Valentines Day would surely change. But I set my husband up for failure right from the beginning. My expectations of his expression of undying love never quite matched the run by the grocery before you go home bouquet of flowers I got. Now, I'm not saying he didn't put a lot of thought into those flowers... all three minutes of those thoughts mean a lot mind you.
But then one day it hit me. When did I become so me focused? 1 Corinthians 13 outlines what love is and is not. After reading and re-reading these verses it occurred to me that love is what I decide to give not what I wait around to receive. The kind of love in these verses are not feelings based. They are wise decisions I must make in order to have the kind of love that lasts.
If I want love that is patient and kind, then I must make the choice to give love in this way. If I want my marriage to not fall into the trap of rude comments, self-seeking attitudes, anger, and resentment, I have to be willing to work at this. I must be quick to forgive, learn to hold my tongue and let go of some of my lofty expectations.
So, I probably won't have a dozen long stem beauties hand delivered to my door while the Hallelujah chorus strikes a chord. And maybe a vat of chocolate that won't make you gain a pound is a bit beyond my husband's ability to deliver. But I have him. I have his smile. And why would I ever think that isn't enough.
Now, about the contest... If you'd like to enter to win a set of these books leave a comment below and I'll randomly pick a winner.
And for my faithful readers that are wondering if I will post about "The Question" that Brooke asked from yesterday's post. You all are making me as nervous as she did. Heavens girls! Yes, I'll be posting about "It" tomorrow.
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