A Valentine for your soul

Valentine's Day is this week, so naturally our thoughts turn to love.  In our hectic lives, though, we may find that our minds are completely occupied with how we're decorating or what we're hoping to receive as a Valentine's Day remembrance or how we're going to make sure that our children have the best treats to deliver to classmates or whether we should watch a steamy movie.

In the midst of all that, we may easily forget what love really is.  I found this little reminder in an old book, and I thought you might need it as much as I do.

As I stop to ponder what love is, I am reminded of these words from Jesus:

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:
  just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know that you are my followers--
  if you have love for one another.  (John 13:34-35)

Dear Lord, teach us to love one another as you love us.

How do you keep in mind the true meaning of love?

Prayer for a midwinter day

At this point of the year, many of us are tiring of winter.  The cheery holiday season is long since past, and spring seems very far away.  Some of us are buried in snow and ice.  Leaden skies and gray landscapes do little to lift our spirits.

But I'm convinced that there is value for our souls in all four seasons.  I ran across this bit of a poem about the seasons that helped me re-think winter: to welcome it as a respite from the bustling busyness of other parts of the year.  

When Winter bars the woods and streams,
When flowers are lost in happy dreams,
     When brooks are dumb and winds are loud,
     And earth puts on her snowy shroud--
In home's pure pleasures may'st thou find
True solace for both heart and mind.
     The firelight's glow, the welcome guest,
     The well-told tale, the merry jest,
The sunshine glad of loving looks,
The fine companionship of books;
     May these inspire such full content
     As makes a joy of banishment.

And I pray:  Lord, help us to fashion our homes so that we enjoy every season You created and learn more of Your goodness and grace.

How do you tend to your soul's needs on gloomy days?

Valentines for your heart and soul

Although I'm tempted today to wallow in a post-Super Bowl stupor, I've decided to concentrate on something happier.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and I figured we could all use some encouragement for our hearts and souls.

That's what I aim to have: a good head and a good heart.  Like bacon and eggs or cookies and milk--they're both good, but they're better together.

How are you preparing for Valentine's Day?