February is one of my favorite months and always gets me thinking of Valentine’s Day. I enjoy taking time to use my creativity and artistic abilities to make hand-made valentines for family and friends. I started this tradition years ago to show my love to my husband and children and now to my two granddaughters! I get busy at the beginning of the month in order to complete these special valentines in time.
It has been such a treat to look back over the years at all the valentines I’ve received, especially the ones my children have made for me. Somehow, someway, this tradition has stuck for our family — a feat in and of itself. I was curious about the meaning behind making and sending valentines and found some interesting Valentine’s Day facts.
These are just a few of the Valentine Cards I have made over the years!
Valentine’s Day originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
Approximately one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year worldwide and six million couples are likely to get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day has become an annual holiday to celebrate all types of relationships. This can mean expressing how much you love your family members, friends, co-workers, and anyone special to you. Flowers, chocolates, candy and cards are presented to express love to those close to us.
A few more Valentines I have created
Expressing my love definitely became the reason behind my obsession to share valentines with my family and friends. I take joy in thinking of something a person dear to me likes or has a passion for and then I create accordingly! I’ve had fun just coming up with the clever ideas and wording for each individual valentine. It all began with a table spread full of paper and ribbon scraps, glue sticks and glitter. Spectacular creations arose from this special time and space carved out for family fun.
I continue to show my love with each masterpiece and consider it art from my heart. This is truly a tradition I treasure.
Not too long ago as I was basking in my valentine cleverness and creativity I had an epiphany. As I wrote my usual sentiments and expressed my love for my family and friends, I realized that there is one ultimate, perfect valentine I’d never thought of before. It struck me in that moment the amazing love the Lord has for me.
He comes to each one of us with the strongest valentine love message asking, “Will you be mine?” I pondered the qualities of this incredible love and what it really means to be His.
First of all it is unconditional. There is nothing we need to do to earn it. He loves each one of us dearly no matter what. His grace is the greatest gift given to us. We can have a personal relationship with Him by asking Him into our hearts. He shows us the best way to live our lives. And He never leaves our side, holding us firm and secure through this life and for eternity.
I pondered the significance of the heart and how perfect a symbol it is for the month of February. Inviting Jesus to live at home in my heart has been the most important decision of my life. The heart is the most crucial organ of the human body. It develops first in the beginning of a life in the womb and brings life to all parts of the body. The analogy of Jesus anchored in my heart has truly affected every part of my life bringing abundant joy, peace, love and security.
I came across this most perfect Bible verse and hold confidently to it:
“Now this is what the Lord says—He who created you… He who formed you… Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are MINE.” (Isaiah 43:1)
So as I work at making valentines this year, I am reminded of the ultimate valentine message for us all and hope you will be encouraged. The Anchor at Home takes on a whole new meaning when we say yes to Jesus our anchor and invite him into the home of our heart. May you be filled with the forever love that only Jesus can bring!
I would love to see pictures of YOUR homemade Valentine’s cards and treats.
Share your pictures on our Facebook page and tag @TheAnchorGathering on Instagram. I can’t wait to see your Valentines!
With hope and light,
February Spiritual Workout Calendar
Many of you loved our Spiritual Work Out Calendar for January, so we’re bringing it to you for February too! I have learned that to train most efficiently you need to devote yourself to diligent time with the Lord. We all have different life courses but when properly trained and equipped with God’s word and ways we will be ready to meet whatever comes our way!
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