Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

A second day of sunshine! How little we appreciate such an event in the summer but by the time mid-February rolls around, the sunshine has been so rare that seeing it again is like a Valentine's gift. More clouds, rain, and snow are in the forecast which will make me treasure this day even more. The picture above is a scene from my kitchen window in late summer... flowers to enjoy today by the magic of technology (have you ever stopped to think what generations past would say about color photography?).

We will celebrate Valentine's day spending one more day at home. I did receive a "gift". My husband encouraged me to purchase a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the grocery store over the weekend. I have enjoyed them so much... a combination of mums, carnations, and lilies in shades of lavender and rose. They make a beautiful display on my dining table. They remind me that one can be frugal and still enjoy a wonderful gift of flowers... $9.95 flowers from the grocery store rather than a $70.00 gift of roses delivered by a florist. (Someday I'll have to tell you how my daughter created an absolutely gorgeous wedding on a small budget.)

Thursdays are one of the weekdays I have to get out of bed quite early to pack Christopher's lunch and make certain he gets started on time. He picks up another student and they both need to be at the college by 7:50 am. After he left, I enjoyed a second cup of coffee and watched a Fine Living repeat of Real Life In the Tuscan Sun, about Frances Mayes and her husband's life in Tuscany. I'd forgotten it was going to be on so I missed half of it but I still enjoyed the second half... such a beautiful home and surrounding countryside! I want to live with such romantic surroundings (yes, it is possible... even within the realm of farms and forest... the American Midwest... not old beauty... but charming in its' own way).

So... in appreciation of Valentine's Day... I'm going to spend part of my day enjoying beauty. I'm going to work on my scrapbook journal. I'm going to peruse some of my favorite decorating books. I may start a list of beautification projects to work on come spring. I will read some beautiful sections of scripture and thank God for His gifts. He alone is the one perfect Bridegroom.

As for my gifts to the guys... I'm going to declutter Christopher's room and make his bed for him (after washing sheets!). He'll like that gift. Fresh sheets, a decluttered bedroom, and afternoon tea for my husband. I'm thinking a quiche and fruit would make a great dinner. Hmmm... it's a good thing I'm feeling better today.

May each of you know the best Valentine of all... the Saviour. Just ask Him... if you don't know His love in your life... ask Him. God, are you real? If you are then make Yourself known to me. Show me you love me. He will.

As the Good Book says... this is true love that a man give up his life for a friend. God became man... gave Himself up as a sacrifice for all that is not beautiful or pure in this world... so that YOU may know Peace, Beauty, Goodness... Life.

12 comments:

Vee said...

Sounds as if you have a wonderful day planned!

Anonymous said...

what a perfectly happy windowsill!

hApPY VaLEnTIneS dAY. :o)

mAY tHe LovE of oUr LORD sWeEtLY enFoLd YoU.

meg said...

So glad to read you are feeling perkier & have lovely sunshine to enjoy today.
I, too, have been recovering from this nasty little bug & an afternoon in the garden with the sun & the cats did much towards my recovery :-)

Lallee said...

Happy Valentines Day, Brenda. You sill looks so cheerful with the flowers.

Hugs,
Lallee

Anonymous said...

Happy Hearts Day, Brenda. Glad you are feeling better today. Thank you for the reminder of God's love. A perfect thought for today.

Kelly said...

This was the post I needed to read today! And I thank you for listening to your heart and typing every word.......

Blessings~
Kelly

Lydia said...

I really agree with you about the grocery flowers. They are a much better deal, less fillers, and you can see what they look like before you buy them. I've had my share of expensive disappointments from florists and have since bought them at the grocery store. Always fresh and always beautiful, they last a long time and can be divided into several vases.

Anonymous said...

This was a delightful blog to read. I also love the music accompanying this site. She wrote from her heart and meant every word. She gave insightful observations on what Valentine’s Day is really all about. And she gave useful tips like how to buy flowers on a budget. They look Just as lovely as the 70 dollar ones but at 1/7 of the price. Also---These grocery store bought flowers are fun to choose and you can pick your favorite healthy bunch. Another natural and down to earth way to celebrate the Valentine’s Holiday is to go to http://www.mydovechocolate.com and register for the Dove’s “Expressions of Love” contest for a chance to win a beautiful 5.58 carat “Baby’s Breath Diamond Necklace” worth over 21K dollars. Simply describe the way you feel about your honey in the most emotional and creative way to take home this lovely piece for your lovely lady. Imagine her delight when she learns that you wrote about how you feel about her and she will always appreciate and keep your prose. It’s touching and romantic and a keepsake for both of you. Make this a Valentine’s Holiday you both will never forget.

Heather Anne said...

I am so glad you are feeling better and enjoying the sunshine. I have grocery store flowers too - for my birthday - and they are splendid! We have had quite a long bout with illness also - three weeks of flus and colds. Thankfully we are all well now - though I was running outside to hang up wash for the first time this year on the line and I fell - so I'm feeling that for sure!!! We have been de-cluttering too and it such a freeing feeling! Yeah!

carole said...

Hi

I do not know you but I am a friend of Sue and thus got your blog. I am just starting to blog and have so much to learn. You do GREAT writing and I feel your love for God through your writing. Carole

carole said...

Hi

I do not know you but I am a friend of Sue and thus got your blog. I am just starting to blog and have so much to learn. You do GREAT writing and I feel your love for God through your writing. Carole

Kathy said...

Greetings Brenda, I just love the photo - the colours are beautiful and it all looks so cheery. Have a lovely day, Kathy