Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, which may not surprise you, as you’ve probably already categorized me as a romantic with a fondness for hearts and flowers. And of course, this is true.
I LOVE seeing bright red and pink roses, and heart shaped boxes – everywhere I go!
I’m sure I’m not the only one!
But, what does Valentine’s Day do to YOUR heart?
How do you feel this year? Are you happy? Lonely? How is your life?
What’s happening in your Home and Heart?
As I thought about experiences which have been especially meaningful to my heart this past year,
I decided to share the following… I would love to hear yours as well:
Beauty
Breakfast with friends at the Pierside Restaurant at Semiahmoo - with breathtaking views of the Strait of Georgia. One mile to the north of the tip of the spit, lies the US/Canadian border, and four miles to the northeast you can see the city of Whiterock.
It’s expansive, soul-stirring beauty… and a place I go back to in my mind, when I need a bit of beauty therapy. What's your beauty therapy memory?
Balance
The discovery of the uplifting effects of a Bergamot Oil Bath.
As you know I have a real passion for essential oils in the home. They can holistically brighten your mind and space faster than anything I know! Bergamot is both an antidepressant and a stimulant (now there's balance for you), an antibiotic, a disinfectant, an analgesic, a deodorant, a relaxant, a tonic, and a sedative.
Pretty amazing stuff - and it smells GREAT!
Serenity
The blessing of pneumonia, reminding me that I’m dependent on the Spirit of God for my every breath, and that even when I feel abandoned I am not alone.
Celebration
As I watched a friend proceed down the aisle at her daughter’s wedding, I was flooded with memories of the two of us, as pregnant mothers of preschoolers. Remembering our hopes, our fears, and our tears, my heart warmed, thinking about what a diligent, loving and good mom she has been. Being a good mother is something to celebrate!
It’s the most important job on earth. If you're in a place where you're struggling with motherhood - seek some help and hold on.
What you're feeling, and what you do as a result - really matters!
Some other heart-warming celebrations for me:
A widowed friend who has suffered emotionally for many years
found the love of her life! I confess, I danced a jig (literally) for her!
My sister, became a grandmother and has tasted the inexpressible feelings of love and protection that this brings. I have not yet had this privilege but, I know from what I've heard that it’s a life-changing, heart-warming, experience!
And my grandnephew is a treasure!
Wonderful Celebrations!
But...
Every morning, I pray for friends of mine; good women, who are the mothers of substance-addicted children. That’s real heartbreak.
And...
Unable to care for him, a woman who has placed her husband in a care facility, and faced tremendous loneliness as a result, shares:
“I expected to face health problems as I aged; but, I did not anticipate ever feeling this lonely.”
I know there are many who feel the same...
A card, to a bereaved woman says, “It is because of love that we grieve, and it is because of love that we will be comforted.”
This Valentine’s Day,
please let me know if there is anything this Home and Heart organization can do for you,
or if you see yourself in a place where you feel able to use your story, time or experience to help someone else...
Home and Heart
PO Box 27384
Seattle, WA 98125
Wherever you are in your life, remember that God has you in the palm of His hand and that He LOVES YOU.
Whatever you are going through, do your best to reach out with your love to someone – a motherless child, the staff at a homeless shelter, a friend with a breaking heart… You may be the comfort they need and you may find some comfort for your heart, as well. Sharing your story - even just how you are feeling - can be a blessing to you and others.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Wishing you a Home and Heart - Full of Happy!
With Love,
Janene
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