I debated putting up the opening to 1 Corinthians 13.
I wondered if I should write something for those with broken hearts.
I thought about finding a different scripture passage about love.
I considered researching the history of Valentine's Day. I mean after all, I'm thirty-seven and can't rattle off its history. Surely I'm not the only one.
For two days I prayerfully wondered what to post.
While I wait, messages fly through the airwaves—radio, television and wireless internet—all of them scrambling and screaming for attention—This Valentine's Day tell her that you love her/ Give the love of your life the very best/ Come find your soul mate/ We have more marriages than any other online site—they all cry—buy me—buy me—buy me.
But what is love, I wonder in Madeline L'Engle style.
Then this morning, the 13th, I listened to Misty Edwards at International House of Prayer, worshiping while reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts and somehow in the midst of this, I realize how extraordinary it is that I've met and supped with the true lover of my soul.
The thought gives me pause. I've met and supped with the love of my soul, and His banner over me is love!
The messages die. I know what I see represented on television will never satisfy. I know it on levels that I wish I didn't—and yet I am thankful because otherwise I would have been content with scraps and called it a feast. How strange we have a day to celebrate love—but then seem to have forgotten what love actually is.
Madeline L'Engle also says, "What you think is not the point. What you do is what's going to count."
So here is the lover of my soul and what he did for me:

On this Valentine's Day, I will praise Him, my betrothed (Hos 2:9) My husband, my maker (Isa 54:5). The One who asks where the certificate of divorce is (Isa 50:1). The One who calls me married and no longer forsaken (Isa 62:4).
And no matter where you are, I hope you do too—whether you're falling in love, getting in engaged or in a relationship that is falling apart. There is love out there—one that lasts and is beyond compare.
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My beautiful, old Craftsman house is gone, but God has been gracious in providing me with a place that is the picture of recovery itself, as I heal from divorce.
Here are pictures of this year's Christmas.

This is my living area. The paper garland was my favorite add this year. Cost about 50 cents to make.

Here is another view.

This nativity set belonged to my great-grandmother. I have loved it since I was a child.
Why do we love royal weddings?I think it's because our souls sense the eternal and wonderful truth that they are a foreshadow, a taste, of what is coming---the greatest wedding and love story of all ages.
Isn’t it fascinating that we all wondered what Kate’s dress would look like. The whole world stood with bated breath, waiting to see the bride's attire. What a great truth lies before us—our actions matters. Oh, how they matter!
We each are responsible for the weaving of our spiritual wedding attire—the manner of our life, our actions, our thoughts, our seeking out and following God’s path for us. Someday we shall appear before him—and, Lord, I pray that this generation be found arrayed in your garments.
The price Christ paid His bride is staggering. Absolutely unthinkable. Oh that that we may be approved, dressed as we ought to be, especially as He’s provided the clothing with his own death.
Do you believe that inside every mother lies a hidden hero? You will.
When Genevieve Lucas left home, she swore she'd never return to her small town or dysfunctional family. She told no one she was pregnant and cut all ties. Five years later, however, she is dying and has only months to secure a new home for her daughter.
Walking out was easy, atoning for past wrongs is difficult, but transition her little girl to a man who never knew he was a father—impossible.
But sometimes love demands the impossible.
To read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans [Click Here.]
If you haven't heard of Gina Holmes yet, you will. Affectionately referred to as the Barbara Walters of fiction, Gina Holmes founded Novel Journey, a blog known for its uncanny knack for getting literary greats like Walt Wangerin Jr, Geraldine Brooks, Noah Lukeman, Donald Maass, and rarely-interviewed Dean Koontz to share their secrets with aspiring authors. This May with the release of her debut novel, Crossing Oceans, she is proving she can hold her own.








