Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day...


Hallmark reminds us that February 14th is "Valentine's Day", a day set aside to celebrate the joy of love. Our culture lures many hungry hearts to spend tremendous amounts of time and money seeking the elusive fulfillment of romantic love.

For many Valentine's Day is a painful reminder of the satisfaction that seems to be beyond their grasp. Perhaps these lonely hearts would be surprised and encouraged to know the true origin of Valentine's Day.

It began in the third century during the reign of an oppressive Roman Emperor, Claudius II. Clauduis ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods and made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. This did not stop the brave Valentinus, a Christian of such courage and conviction that he would rather die than deny His Lord, Jesus Christ. Eventually, he was arrested and imprisoned for practicing his Christian faith.

During the last week of Valentinus' life, a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked to brink his daughter, Julia, to Valentinus for lessons. Juila had been blind a birth but had a quick mind. Valentinus taught her history, arithmetic, and most important about the Lord, Jesus. She saw the world through Valentinus' eyes. one day Julia asked her teacher, "Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?"

"Yes, He hears every one." Valentinus replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning? I pray that I might see, I want to see so much and to see everything."

Valentinus answered, "God does what is best for us if we only believe in Him"

Julia replied, " I do believe, I do"

She knelt and grasped Valentinus' hand and as they sat together praying and worshiping there came a bright light. She exclaimed "I can see...it's beautiful...praise the Lord"

Valentinus kept on praying and thanking the Lord for His mercy.

On the eve of his last night he wrote Julia, urging her to continue to seek the Lord and to trust Him at all costs...he signed the letter..."From Your Valentine."

He was executed on the following day, February 14, 270 A.D.

See the Lord and trust Him at all costs...From Your Valentine! Happy Valentine's Day!

P.S. These cookies are my favorites. I love making them for my family...and I only make them once a year...on Valentine's Day! We gobbled them up with hot tea...mmmmm delicious! Let me know if you want the recipe...it's really easy!

Pslams 144:12 -

That our sons may be as plants
and our daughters may be pillars sculptured in palace style.


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