Everyday Living

Love’s Ways

~ Everyday Living, Family, Valentines Day

“If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Various accounts and traditions surround the man known as Saint Valentine. It is said he ministered to Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. Unlike the tragic plight of someone who would fit the description found in the verse above, he would’ve loved the people he served and in fact was martyred at the hands of the Romans for his ministry!

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast…

It is recorded that St. Valentine was buried on February 14. The Feast of St. Valentine was established in the 8th century, but the day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries. 

… it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way…

Valentine’s Day, like other holidays, has an exhaustive history of legends, folklore, celebrations, practices, and the like. And, as all the other holidays, Valentine is now a huge commercial day. Reading about the changes through the centuries wearied me, but a real fact always emerged. True love, God’s love, never changes!

… it is not irritable or resentful…

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? My first remembrance of recognizing the day as anything special came in elementary school when we exchanged those small thin cards with everyone in the class. I think I recall carrying all those cards to school in a small white sack decorated with a red heart or two, and bringing home all the cards I received in that same little bag. We just loved everybody I guess. Then there were those hand made notes that circulated throughout the school year. You know, the ones that concluded with check “yes” or “no”! Pam and I still do cards, but in a much different way. 

…it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭6‬

Cards were mainly hand made until the 19th century. In 1847, here in the U. S., a lady by the name of Esther Howland had a new idea, mass produce cards and sell them. And why not, her dad owned a book and stationery store. I suppose it worked out since today almost 200 million cards are sent/given in the U. S., and that’s not counting all those associated with schools and school kids. And what about all those e-cards! We are now bucking the trend and tradition because we have reverted to making our own. The grands all make cards and nothing is quite so special as the love that jumps off those pages. I like the fact that they draw me as a tall slender stick person!

This is one of those “commercial” cards we shared before going hand-made. We both believe the thoughts the writer shared on the front are well said and express our feelings. Individually we must’ve been impressed with it each time we saw it in the card shop, because through the years, not remembering, we’ve purchased the same card several times!

“How long do I promise to love you?
How long do I promise to hold you?
When it comes to sharing life with you,
how long do I need?
Forever is long enough.”
~Butch Richardson- (from the song, “Forever Is long Enough”)

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV

However you choose to spend your February 14th, have a lovely day!

Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes,  Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
 Life and Linda

Comments

  1. Thank you for the Valentine’s Day love message and sweet sentiments, along with the pretty photos Butch and Pam! I had to chuckle at “I like the fact that they draw me as a tall slender stick person!” 😊 Wishing you a sweet Valentine’s Day ♥

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  3. This is a beautiful post with wonderful words and history. Happy Valentine’s to you both! We all like those tall, skinny stick people portrayals! That made me chuckle! Clara❤️

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  4. Happy Valentine’s Day. Such a sweet post. I remember making mailboxes at school out of an old shoe box everyone brought from home. It was such a fun day. Have a beautiful day tomorrow for Valentine’s Day. Hugs. Kris

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  5. I loved reading about the history of Valentine’s Day along with the sentiments and scripture. The photographs are beautiful, too. I wish you both a happy Valentine’s Day!

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  6. What a lovely post! The history was so interesting and the sentiments so touching. It’s so wonderful the family is making homemade valentines. What wonderful memories they will have. I remember my mama helping decorate a shoebox with a slit in the top for my school valentines, and Daddy leaving tiny boxes of Whitman’s chocolates on our breakfast plates. Goodness, that was a long time ago. Hope you and Pam have a wonderful day!

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  7. A lovely message Pam & Butch! Hubby & I have realised the same over the years, that we have bought each other the same cards a few times, lol!

    I create handmade cards too for all occasions, they’re much more personal I believe.

    Here in Australia Valentine’s Day has mainly been for romantic couples. Especially when I was growing up but in more recent times it’s for those you love in general.
    Blessings to you both,
    Jennifer

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  8. Valentine’s Day looks great on you two! I appreciate your heartfelt messages throughout your post and your lovely Valentine collections are real keepers! Love is in the air at your home and enjoy those grandchildren’s Valentine cards!

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  9. Such a sweet post Butch. The sentiments were so touching and I loved reading about the history of Valentine’s day. The pictures are beautiful. Happy Valentine’s day to you and Pam!!

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  10. Awww…romance. Everything about this post is deeply romantic, from the table
    setting, to that beautiful repeated card, to the children catching the spell with
    homemade cards of their own to you, to the love memories rekindled and to the sharing
    of what love is truly all about. My Son memorized the full Love scripture and spoke it
    at his Sister’s wedding ceremony…not a dry eye present..That so many of us can relate
    says something about its given importance in our lives. May we all continue to love and
    cherish one another as you do, Pam and Butch. Happy St. Valentine’s Day.

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    • Thank you, Mary. I always enjoy hearing from you. Your son quoting 1 Corinthians 13 must have touched his sister’s heart along with everyone else at the wedding❤️ Stay safe with the bad weather!

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  11. What a lovely “Love Post!” I enjoyed the history of Valentine’s Day and all the beautiful verses.
    Your cards read back and forth between Pam, and you are so sweet, especially the one you both have given to each other repeatedly. I love how the grandkids make your cards. And for you to be a stick figure—I giggled at that!
    Thanks for all the love!
    Happy Valentine’s Day to you both!

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  12. The quote by Butch brought happy tears to my eyes. And yes I’ve bought the same card because it said what I could not put into words. I have a friend that is 84 that still makes all of her cards and she doesn’t say the same thing from year to year. When I grow up I want to be her! This year she made 70 cards. In order to not pay so much postage she makes post cards out of poster board. She is an artist and draws on each one. They are keto sakes. HAPPY Valentine Day sweet Pam and Butch❤️❣️❤️

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  14. The photos in this post are so beautiful, as always. It was a joy to visit with you. We pretty much celebrate “Valentine’s Day” every day, at least the meaning and sentiment of it. Due to our desire to keep our home and lives minimal, we don’t usually buy cards anymore, but choose experiences instead. God is so good, and we just try to cherish every second of every day.❤

    Reply

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