With the approach of Valentine's Day....

*NOW a blurb from BreAnne's blog.....

With the approach of Valentine's Day (or "Singles Awareness Day" as I've heard it termed lol), I have noticed a trend among my single (by single I mean not dating or courting: ) friends to hate Feb 14th. hhhhmmmm.... I understand that Valentine's day brings an acute awareness and pressure of having "romance" in one's life and that it can feel depressing when it just isn't. I've been there....I used to sigh every time I walked through the stores at this time of the year and say to myself "someday" and then when I was getting closer to marrying age I'd say "maybe next year."LOL But I haven't really felt that way this year. Maybe 'cause I've realized that I am in love (shock....don't worry I'm talking about Jesus here; )

I think the idea that Valentine's Day is only for those who are "paired up" with some one is not necessary. As Christian singles, we do not have to be depressed about not having "some one." In fact single hood is a very special season in our lives where it's just God and us. Last Sept, God sweetly told me that He wanted to spend at least one more year just Him and me...before we let anyone else in on my romance life. How precious it is to know that God wants to spend quality alone time with just Him and me for a while!"

You did not choose Me, but I chose you..." (John 15:16) This verse really jumped out at me a couple of years ago when I was caught up in being frustrated that I seemed to always be the one "crushing" and no one ever "liked" me....God showed me through this verse that He chose me! I didn't start this relationship...He had a "crush" (if you will:) on me first...He pursued me. What a revelation that was!"...

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) Honestly! Can ya get any more romantic than that?

"For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth." (Is 54:5)

"...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Is 62:5)

The book of Song of Songs is said to be an analogy of the relationship between us and God: "My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me." (Song of Songs 2:10)

Really- the Bible is full of romantic phrasings and analogies. Slight bunny trail: It is a misconception in our culture that God wrote the Bible focusing primarily on the men. God is the One who gave women romantic hearts. He did this not only so we could connect with our husbands, but first and foremost so that we'd have a special, intimate way of connecting with Him. So throughout the Bible you can find many passages where He is speaking to the woman's romantic heart. When I realized this I thought that maybe God had "ripped off" the guys...but then there are also a lot of battle stories in the Bible as well (probably to speak to their hearts and to keep things fair ya know; )

The way I see it... God is asking everyone (but esp. the singles): Will you be MY Valentine? Will you be MY sweetheart?

So perk up and take advantage of the time you have with just you and the Lord. One very special practice I was introduced to last year is that of going out on "dates" with Jesus. I've gone on several and they were all very meaningful times with just me and Jesus....sometimes we go to a coffee shop and sometimes we drive out of town a little to a safe spot where we can marvel at His creation....It's just one idea....

These are just some of my thoughts regarding Valentine's Day....I think that it is not just for the couples...it can be a very special time to remember how in love we are with Jesus and vice versa.

BreAnne - 21 yo