“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
Hello dear friends! My Renaissance Man is a man of many talents and one is his unique style of writing. Most of you have recognized his talents through the writing and photographing of our Simple + Southern Sunday posts. I asked him to write a Valentine’s post and he graciously agreed.
“Love Is A Many Splendored Thing”
~Paul Webster, Sammy Fain
As most know, our family loves music. It has always been a big part of who we are and what we do. I will venture to say that a vast majority of all songs ever written are in some way, directly or indirectly, love-songs. Songs about falling in love, falling out of love, searching for love, wishing someone you love would love you back, hoping for love, or dreaming of love. Then there’s, how long I will love you, how much I love you, or all the ways I will love you. This to mention only a few things about love songs and the subject of love in general.
A love song would play (no pun intended) a significant role in mine and Pam’s relationship, though we had no idea that day in 1970, when I brought a record with me on my first visit to her house. That song is still very important to us today. I feel certain, if God allows, we will listen to it tomorrow, and again on Friday of next week when we celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary!
There are a few songs over the years, that when heard now, will always stir a memory of a special moment and/or place. As I pondered this I realized that almost every one of these songs was a love song, songs about relationships. Do you have such memories associated with music? Here’s one of mine…when I hear Elvis singing “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”, I think on fond days at my grandparents house when I listened to the radio with them and that song became a favorite. I think I was only about 10 years old. I visualize them, their house, and how the neighborhood looked every time I hear it. I heard the song yesterday. I’ve always loved it.
Then there are those songs that remind us of trips, vacations, or maybe a special person. Songs that we liked, which happened to be popular, and somehow always bring our thoughts back to such a time, place, or person. Some of them may not be categorized as love songs, but the memory is about a special time that you shared with the one you love. Pam and I have songs that are meaningful to both of us in this way. It sure is nice that we have such easy access to both new and old music these days!
As I was reflecting on the songs I’ve written “through the years” (I wish I’d written that one- remember Kenny Rogers?), almost all of them are love songs. A lot of them were for special people and special occasions. Many I suppose would be called gospel or inspirational. I don’t lay claim to any hit love songs, and some have only been sung at home. Love songs are songs that tell stories, stories of love, but all unique and different in some way. God wrote our love story and He graciously adds new chapters!
There are songs that tell the greatest story, a true story of love, and like my songs, they will never be hits on the Billboard charts. Not a number one hit or a gold record, but so much more are the timeless songs that have lyrics like “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so”. Or lyrics like “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross”. Or perhaps “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”. Now that is true, steadfast, eternal love!
Pam and I thank you for joining us today. We wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day and a “lovely” week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
What a beautiful tribute to all kinds of Love in many songs, especially Love Songs!
You do have a way to conjure up sweet memories. Thank you!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Pam! And Happy Anniversary!
Thank you, Nancy for your sweet wishes ❤️
Happy Tuesday,
Pam
Such sweet sentiments and words about love and love songs. Wishing you both a Happy Valentine’s Day week and anniversary week ahead. ♥
Thank you, Mary.
Wishing you a lovely Valentine’s Day ❤️
Pam
Wonderful commentary, Butch. You do have a unique gift with words. How nice that you and Pam enjoy music together. You have a beautiful setting to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Thinking of you both as you anticipate your next week anniversary. Each year is special.
Thank you, Bonnie. We both love music and enjoy it daily. Wishing you and Mike a lovely Valentine’s Day ❤️
Pam
Happy Anniversary ❣️It’s impossible to love the Lord without loving others.,And your love for us shows in everything you do. And your marriage is a gift to us too as we reap the rewards of the love you show to each other. Sing on Butch.
Alice, you are correct. Loving God will always lead to loving others. Thinking of you, my friend ❤️
Pam
Such beautiful musings against the backdrop of Pam’s wonderful tablescapes. It is truly amazing how music can instantly take us back in time, even to our childhood. How can I remember every word to songs from the 60s but cannot remember where I put my phone down? One of my earliest memories is standing on my Daddy’s shoes as he waltzed us around the living room. John’s and my favorite song from dating in the early 70s was (and still is) “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. Happy Valentine’s Day, you two lovebirds!!
Roxanne, I know you love music and are often seen dancing the night away 💃 I remember well yours and John’s favorite song. Wishing you and John a lovely Valentine’s Day ❤️
Pam
Absolutely, music can help me remember exact dates and times of occasions in my life, from growing up, to when I was pregnant with my children and afterward, to the deaths of my parents, and to special moments with Mr. P.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Butch and Pam! May your love song surpass time!
Rita, I think music does that for all of us. Thank you for your sweet wishes and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your Sweetheart ❤️
Pam
Pam and Butch, such a wonderful post about love and love songs ❤️ so romantic and special.
Enjoy your special day together.
Thank you, Linda. Enjoy your special day with Paul ❤️
Pam
Music is a memory diary, it is amazing the memories that pop up when favorite songs come on. You both are blessed with musical talent, and share 51 years of love! Happy Valentine’s Day, I know it will be wonderful! ❤️
Jenna, music is a memory diary. I believe HHjr has a birthday tomorrow! Sending love to you ❤️
Pam
A good love song is the best. It is amazing how certain songs become “our special songs”. Thank you God for talented singers and their love songs that touch our hearts. Have a Wonderful Valentines Day. Hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris for your sweet sentiments ❤️
Pam
Music evokes so many memories. Thanks for this post that sent my memory flooding back to the past and the many songs we used to hear on the radio. When cars had cassette tape decks, we’d drive to the gulf coast listening to certain tapes, especially The Beach Boys. You Light Up My Life is one of the songs that was part of our wedding music and the only one I can remember specifically after over 45 years! Amazing Grace holds many memories as well. Happy Valentine’s Day to you both and Happy 51st anniversary! Hope you enjoy both days. We had snow showers last evening and black ice on the roads this morning! Thankfully, it won’t last long. Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful. Pam, your Sunshine Cottage is beautifully decorated. I love those heart plates and your velvet heart. The container of metal flowers is so cute on the riser. It looks as though it could hold delicate little necklaces. My Mom used to wear those. Wow! This post did bring back some sweet memories! Enjoy your day! Clara❤️
Clara, I remember years ago driving to the beach listening to the same songs. Thank you for your sweet wishes. Wow, snow showers and black ice! We had a lot of rain and wind, cooler today and the sun is peeking through. I am so glad the post brought back sweet memories. Enjoy tomorrow with your Sweetheart ❤️
I recently completed stitching a sampler “My Funny Valentine” which reminded me of my Robert
who made me “smile with my heart”…. he was my laughter… I can so appreciate what this holiday
means to you both, especially as it highlights another year, 51, of your devotion to one another.
I concur that Butch has a wonderful command of gifted words and that you share a unique union in music…what a combination. May these blessings continue to spread to your beloved family and we who are privileged to be your friends and fans. Joyful St. Valentine’s Day
Mary, how very poignant is your sampler and how touching it is that your Robert made you smile with your heart and that he was your laughter. It makes me smile to read of your love story. I love that you share it with us. As always, thank you for your touching and heartwarming comments. Sending you love ❤️
Pam
You are a wonderful writer, Butch (but we knew that already!). This really strikes a chord with me (no pun intended). I couldn’t agree more about love songs and how they stir the memories and special moments are recalled. I love each and every one. And the photos to illustrate this post are lovely in every way.
Wishing you both a beautiful Valentine’s Day!
Jeanie, your sweet comments warm my heart. Music stirs my memories constantly. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Rick!
Pam
My husband’s and my relationship began with music, but not with a typical love song–with music about God’s love for all of us instead. S. and I were both in the choir of the university we attended, and after the MESSIAH concert one Christmas season, we had our first date. Fast forward eleven years, nine years into our marriage, and we were expecting our third child within days. Our choir director and his wife had us over for dinner with my parents. After the meal, he pulled out copies of MESSIAH, put on the record, and we delighted in singing along. Jeremy was born the next morning! For decades now, the pleasure of MESSIAH has been enhanced by these memories joined to it.
Thank you, Nancy for sharing how the MESSIAH brought you and your husband together, a beautiful love song. God’s love is the best song of all.
Pam
Music has always played a large part in my early life and my present day life. Gospel as well as popular music as always filled our home. “thanks for the memories” Butch and Pam and that is/was a wonderful song too. Bob Hope made it popular years ago but it remains a wonderful sentiment as we all have memories we are thankful for. Hugs and Best wishes for a wonderful Valentine’s day and anniversary.
Kari, thank you dear one. How I remember Bob Hope ended every show with “Thanks for the Memories” and I am thankful for every memory. Happiest of Valentine’s to you and the Captain ❤️
Bravo,Butch,this is lovely. You remind me how much music can say in a relationship.
I love the line in this song, “Music makes pictures and often tells stories.” John Denver
💘 Happy Valentine’s Day & Anniversary, Butch & Pam!
Thank you, Linda. It was a very sweet and special day!
To celebrate the magical feelings that music made in your lives throughout the years is a real treat! May the music keep playing as you celebrate your upcoming anniversary! Wishing you a grand Valentine’s Day filled with much love!💖💖💖
Music has provided many memories beginning in 1970 when we met. Thanks so much for your sweet wishes, Mary!
Pam
What a beautiful post about love, and love songs, and your precious love story! Music plays a large role in our family’s life as well, and writing music/poetry too. Your post was truly beautiful, I enjoyed it very much!
Thanks so much, Marilyn for your visit and sweet comments!
Such a beautiful post Butch. It seems that music is an integral fabric in all the relationships that we have and you have shared your love of music and love songs so wonderfully. I hope you both had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and wishing you a very special upcoming Anniversary!
Kim, thank you for your comments. Music is a biggie for most of us. We had a nice Valentine for sure and hope you did as well. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Beautiful post and photos. The Rose arrangement is fantastic! You are blessed.
Thanks so much, Jeanne!
I wish you would share your music with us by singing it and posting it here! That would be a real treat! The world needs to hear your talent. Perhaps start a YouTube channel? Hint, hint! God bless you all!
Cheryl, very kind words indeed. The YouTube channel has been a thought and suggested. I’ve probably been through too many physical challenges of late to consider it but who knows, God is sovereign over all things. Blessings!!
Butch and Pam