{ Happy Valentine’s Day! (DAY 438) }

Valentines2014-2 Valentines2014-3 Valentines2014Every shade and design of red and pink paper was strewn across the table.  Oreos lined up like little sentinels waiting to be dressed in chocolate and sprinkles. My friend hosted a Valentine’s Day craft time and between us three ladies we laughed, swapped stories, and created to our hearts content.  Laurie created these Martha Stewart worthy love notes and Kiersta conquered the Pinterest oreo pops because life needs beauty. 

When it’s not what you expect
We were excited to share some handmade love with our friends. I’ve always enjoyed this holiday because I believe love should be celebrated all year long. Yet for some of you I know this holiday isn’t quite living up to your expectations. Maybe you’re even a little depressed (Okay a LOT depressed) because you don’t have a “special someone” to love on and return the sentiment. Maybe you won’t get a gorgeous bouquet of flowers or a note from a girl telling you how amazing she thinks you are but LIFE IS INCREDIBLE! TODAY! And you know what? You are loved. If you don’t feel like you are loved by the people you know then please know this, that God loves you. Not in a cliche type of a way but in a He-died-for-you type of way.

Revolutionize our thinking
When we truly embrace the fact that we are loved just as we are then we have the capacity to pour out love to others in a new way. While it’s exciting to receive things my parents always taught me to give.  When it would be easy to have this day be focused on how much people love us why not revolutionize it and make it about others? Let’s do things for others not because it makes us feel good but because we just want to bless the people around us.

Be the love
Consider giving a valentine to an elderly person who might not receive one. Make cookies and give them to your neighbor. Send a sweet text message to a friend who is single. Maybe even give $5 dollars to the orphans in India and join the #4love14 campaign! Happy Valentine’s Day!

(Photo credit: Kiersta Rhodes Photography) Thank you Kiersta for hosting such a delightful craft day and for taking these beautiful shots!

6 Responses to { Happy Valentine’s Day! (DAY 438) }

  1. Leah February 14, 2014 at 6:40 pm #

    There’s a wee bit coming from me for those kiddos… 😀

    • misselaini February 14, 2014 at 7:30 pm #

      Thank you so much! It makes a difference for those sweet children. 🙂

  2. Abby February 15, 2014 at 2:16 pm #

    Hi Elaini,

    I want to let you know that I nominated you for the Sunshine Award on my blog!

    Here is the link to the post:

    http://tofurtherhiskingdom.blogspot.com/2014/02/sunshine-award.html

    I love reading about your kiddos in India and what you’re doing to raise support for them.

    May God bless you in your efforts!

    • misselaini February 17, 2014 at 9:35 pm #

      Aww thanks! That’s very sweet of you. 🙂

  3. Haley H. February 17, 2014 at 10:13 pm #

    You know, I have never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. Being a high schooler, it can sometimes be awkward, and it’s also annoying to hear girls whine about how they are “forever alone”. But you have started to change my mind on this holiday. When you take out the commercialism and couples’ focus, it really is a nice opportunity to show someone you care. I’m kind of sad now that I just missed this post by a few days and I think I’ll actually look forward to Valentine’s Day next year! Thanks 🙂

    • misselaini February 19, 2014 at 6:02 pm #

      Haley, thanks for commenting! That was so encouraging to hear. I understand your frustration with the holiday and I dislike it too for similar reasons that you mentioned but in the end it’s a great way to show love to people. Hopefully we all love more than just one day a year!

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