Hey, Sweet Things!
Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you and, if you’ve got a romantic interest or a lifelong love, I hope he pays very special attention to you today. If he doesn’t, may he be stricken with a serious case of athlete’s foot before Tuesday morning. (I started to say chafing but then got scared it might mean something that I don’t.) If you’re not in love, well, maybe you can at least have a laugh on Siestaville today. Keith and I watched one of the Rocky movies for the gillionth time a couple of days ago. They somehow have a hypnotic effect, don’t they? It’s like you really want to turn them off but you can’t. It’s like Rocky won’t win this time if he loses you. It was the one where Apollo Creed goads Rocky into a rematch but Adrian refuses to give him her blessing and thereby smothers the heart of a champion right out of him. Just when it looks as though things could not get worse, Adrian collapses at the pet store where she works and is rushed to the hospital where she gives birth to their first child (with more hair than me) and then falls promptly into unconsciousness.
Of course, Rocky refuses to leave her side and, in a particularly poignant moment, unfolds a piece of paper upon which he has crafted a poem. He leans over her and reads as only he can:
“Remember when we was on ice skates
And I thought you were supposed to be great
But I kept giving you lip
And you kept trying to slip
So I could catch you
That was our first date
And after that, every day was great
So now I want you to know
That wherever you go
Atlantic City or in the snow
Don’t worry about a thing
Cause as long as I got this ring
I’ll always be there to catch you.”
And in no time at all, she wakes up and tells him to whip that scoundrel Apollo Creed. And up thumps the heart of a lion and he sprints to the gym with the eye of a tiger.
A classic.
The Jones and the Fitzpatricks and I had lunch together today after church and Amanda told us that, when she picked Jackson up from Sunday School, she saw a little girl give him a side hug (I loved that part) and hand him a Valentine. A mother to the bone, she could hardly wait to get the Valentine to the car and see what this darling girl-child had penned to her son. I mean, what would a five year-old have to say? Amanda tore off the envelope and, lo and behold, the child had written her ABC’s. It made me impossibly happy.
OK, tell us some funny Valentine stories. If you don’t have one, tell us about the worst date you ever had (if it’s funny in hindsight) but don’t you even think about giving his whole name…unless you married him. That’s game.
I heart every single one of you.
PS. For you in the Houston area, I am so jazzed to have Travis and Angela Cottrell and a big part of our Living Proof Live band with us on Tuesday night at HFBC to lead worship. Trav and Ang are coming in a day early and we’re having Valentine’s dinner together. Can’t wait to lay eyes on them. We’ll see some of you Tuesday night!
I don’t know that this is a funny story but will share anyway! I had an awkward time growing up, an “ugly duckling syndrome” of sorts. It has taken a lot of God’s healing and love to overcome it!
I hated holidays with a passion especially when there was no one around to share them with. I joined a Christian sorority and our flower was a white rose. So began the journey of me always receiving white roses on Valentine’s Day. They just arrived as I was reading this blog and sit prominently on my desk so that EVERYONE will know that my first valentine, Daddy, loves me. No matter how old I am.
Two best Valentine’s gifts from my hubby – a trash compactor one year and a leaf blower! Ha! And this year, he drove to his workout in my car and came home with a full tank of gas – be still, my heart! I married this man twice – must be true love!!
Jesus is my 1st Valentine, though – “The Lord 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.”
My husband of 27 years gave me a shop- vac when we first married. In a way it was very romantic, because he was really listening to me. I was doing a project in the back yard and made the comment that a shop vac would be really handy on that project. I did not mean as a Valentine present, but bless his sweet heart he really thought he was my hero because I said I wanted it.
Now my further attempts at hinting for granite countertops, jewelry, and trips to the islands have fallen on deaf ears.
Beth – I think YOU are a classic classy lady! A favorite date memory is from the autumn of 1974, when Gary (who became my husband) FINALLY kissed me. I didn’t think he was ever going to…we were seniors in high school and had been out six times – this was date number seven! Isn’t seven the number of perfection/completeness in the Bible? Hollerlujah…
The perfect gentleman, he asked if he could kiss me goodnight. I said yes (without saying it’s ABOUT time) and we kissed a sweet little mismatch attempt. I kissed the side of his nose and I think he made it to part of my lips. Then he turned around and promptly fell off my parents’ front porch and down the steps. I quickly stepped back inside the house and squealed! My mom asked what in the world had happened, and I told her. She wanted to “check on him,” and I said no…he’s fine, don’t embarass him any more than he probably already is.
I waited about 2 minutes and peeked outside just in time to see the tail lights of his 1969 Cougar turning left with the sequential blink blink blink turn signal that was so snazzy in that car!!!
This was the night he LITERALLY fell head over heels in love with me and vice versa. It wasn’t my lips he kissed that night, it was my soul! I love this man. This Valentine’s Day morning, a dozen pink roses were sitting on my desk at work BEFORE I arrived. The card says:
When we fell in love, I gave you my HEART.
When we got married, I gave you my WORD.
And as long as I live, I will give you my LOVE.
Much love to all my siestas on this special day,
~G.J.
Should be:
And as long as I live, I will give you my LOVE.
Ah, sweet laughter. I love knowing this about you and your man. ((hugs))
What a great story, Jan!!
“Hollerlujah” I laughed out loud!
Awww Georgia Jan, I loved your story. And how sweet of you, not wanting to embarrass him. Enjoy the day with your valentine. 🙂
Oh GJ – such a wise woman you are, ‘no he’s fine!’
What a great story! See men do stuff like this, maybe only in the south, but it happens!
Happy Valentine’s Day! The worst date I ever had was with my future husband 15 years ago on Valentine’s Day, and it had nothing to do with him! We went to this supposedly romantic Italian restaurant where they placed us right near the swinging kitchen doors. Our food took so long (must have been an hour) that we asked for more bread and the waitress had the gall to ask, “You want MORE bread?” disdainfully. Then our food finally came and it was cold and not quite the right order. The clincher was when we kept getting glimpses into the back kitchen where the chef apparently had reached the boiling point. We heard him yell “I quit!” towards the end of the night and pots and pans were clattering. I always laugh now but still feel mortified at the waitress looking down on us for daring to want more bread!
Isaiah 54:5
And the leaf blower came a few years later!
(I sent before proofreading – sorry)
This is a bittersweet Valentine’s Day for me and will always be that way. One of my dearest friends ever, Letha was killed in a car crash in 2008. That very day we spent time with another dear friend, the three of us had a wonderful lunch, did some shopping and ended our day with some chocolate delights and coffee. I hang on to those precious memories. That night she met Jesus. She is in glory eating all the chocolate she wants! She loved Godiva chocolates – I can’t wait to see she in heaven. Love you dear sister!
Dear Beth, Happy Valentines Day to you and your family. Every year I get the most romantic, beautiful card from my husband and I get the best cards ever from my kids. You see, my daughter is 10 and my son is 9 and every year they go shopping with dad and they each buy me a card and a little something. I still have all of my cards and as they are getting older, I look forward to getting my cards from the the 3 most wonderful people I know and love more than anything.
Worst Date –
My beloved grandmother and one of her best friends decided their grandchildren would be just the greatest match. Of course, she didn’t tell me! All I knew was that I was having dinner with Grandma & her boyfriend, Pat. So one evening, after a particularly hectic day at work, I left the office and headed to Grandma’s apartment. Upon arrival she told me we were going to Louise & Charlie’s…odd, I thought since my 26 year old self would then be having supper with two 80+ year old couples, but it was my Grandma & her best friend, who I also adored, so I figured I’d roll with it.
It wasn’t until Louise opened the door & said to me, “John’s in back.” that it dawned on me that I was to be on a blind date with Louise & Charlie’s grandson with our grandparents as chaperones. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Louise, having known me for the entirety of my life, chose to tell charmingly embarrassing stories about me throughout the dinner rather than share equally embarrassing stories about her own grandchild! When it was time for dessert, she suggested that we should take one of the two pies she had baked back to my apartment to “get to know each other better.” John politely declined his grandmother’s offer. Then, to my utter horror, Grandma suggested that we retire to the sitting room where Charlie could play piano & I could sing. I. do. not. sing. I sat in stunned silence trying to craft an appropriate response to her request. Blessedly, John spared us all that dreadful fate by excusing himself because of work.
My husband and I celebrated our first ever Valentines Day together in Auburn where we were both attending college…WAR EAGLE TO YA!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyhoo…for our first Val Day he bought me a beautiful balloon and a six pairs of socks. I was like…”oh thank you…they are so beautiful!!!! I will never forget this Valentines Day!” And sister, I haven’t. Many have come and gone, but that’s one I will NEVER FORGET!!! Socks???? And he doesn’t even like feet! So what in the world made him think of feet for a romantic gesture on Valentines Day??? I guess I will get my answer when I stand before my Lord and ask Him…And his purpose was????……LOL!!! Happy Valentines Day to all of you!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox from one sister to many others!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll have to say this year because…my 2 1/2 year old son went to the dollar store with me to spend his $3 valentine money. And with it he purchased a new toy motorcyle. so I said, you can still get two more toys, so he grabbed two more motorcyles and said one was for mommy and one was for daddy.
I thought I’d cry right there in the aisle with that generous heart of a child.
(husband? he’s usually the romantic sort, but not showin’ many signs of that as of today…sigh.)
I was asking my 6yo son and 4yo daughter just who they were planning to give a valentine to this year. My son spoke up first. “You, Mama!” I guess the delight in my face made him know he had said a good thing so he quickly added, “And if I had $100, I would take you on a date.” Almost moved to tears, I reached over to squeeze him good. At this point, he up’ed the ante even more, “And if I had $125, I would take you on a vacation to a beach you have never been to!”
Bless their little hearts Lord! I just love who You have made them to be!
Awwww….so sweet.
HA! Thanks, Miss Beth, for the Rocky poem–how utterly romantic 🙂 In my head I had your voice doing Rocky’s voice–which made it even funnier!
Well, here’s a Valentine’s story. Eight years ago my beau took me to one of the best restaurants in the city with all his courage mustered to get down on his knee right there in that place and propose to me. But then, right as we were finishing our steak and duck, down the NARROW aisle the hostess brought two very flamboyant men–enormous matching fur coats and big ole diamond rings…they were a sight! AND they seemed to know everyone around us and were chatting it up with everyone.
So, now my guy is thinking, “If I propose to her here and now, these guys are going to be all over it!” And somehow he was just nervous enough to NOT want the exuberant men joining in on the proposal in one way or another…(plus he would have had one of those blonde furs hanging right into him as he knelt)
So, I was not proposed to on Valentine’s Day, 2003. HOWEVER, on February 15th, Jim took me to a local shrine that has a life-sized cross atop a long set of steps, with marble angels flanking the stairs. And in the 7 degree air, standing in 15″ of snow, with a full moon cresting over the pines, at the foot of the cross, my dear man asked me to be his bride. Now THAT was the perfect proposal!!
I am actually flying in tomorrow to Houston from South Carolina just for bible study and to hear Travis and the gang. It’s a Valentine’s gift from my hubby (also a gift for having to spend a couple of weeks with his entire extended family for a funeral)I do have the most selfless hubby ever and I’m absolutely crazy about him. We’ve been married 28 years and although there have been some bumps, it truly just keeps getting better and better. Thanks be to God.
See you SOON!
On our first dinner date, my now-husband was so nervous he couldn’t eat a thing. I, on the other hand, ate everything on my plate and then asked him if I could have some of what he left on his. It WAS mexican food, after all. We’ve been together ever since. Some people know each other so well after so long that they finish each other’s sentences. Then there are some people who just finish each other’s dinner. That’s MY kind of love.
Nancy,
I loved this sentence so much that I posted it on facebook:
“Some people know each other so well after so long that they finish each other’s sentences. Then there are some people who just finish each other’s dinner.”
Thanks for the laugh and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dear Beth~
You absolutely crack me up. I am not sure if I am going to tell my husband you watched ‘Rocky’ because then he will be able to say, “see Beth Moore can do it, so can you”~lol. I am so thankful for you. You are coming to Washington state next month but I am holding out for January 2011 for the Siesta Memeory Scripture gathering.
Some friends will be there to see you in Tacoma so I will look forward to hearing about it. You are such a blessing in my life and the life of my family as you have truly been a mentor through your books, studies, and blog.
The Lord bless you and make His face shine upon you this day and every day to come:)
My worst date was a blind date that wasn’t supposed to be a blind date. A guy named “Bill” called me up and asked me out to a college fraternity formal. I said that I’d love to go with this Bill. Only… a different Bill picked me up. I knew two Bill’s and the one that picked me up was shorter than I was in heels! I never would have worn them… or even said yes, if I had realized that the Bill I was talking to on the phone was a different guy! hahahahaha… oh my.
But I survived an awkward dinner and even more awkward dancing, where the shoes somehow disappeared after “my feet hurt.” 😉
My husband was so pleased with himself because when he realized that a card would cost between $4 & $5 he could get me a Hershey’s chocolate XOXO for only $3 instead. It worked for me. He also noted that when I am displeased with him I type up my complaints, but when I write nice things in a card it’s in my scribbly handwriting and he can’t read it! It was all just too funny (and true). Jesus is the reason we are still in love this season! Praise you Lord, Robin
FUNNY Valentine’s! Well, the other night I gave my husband a Valentine pass. He does not typically buy me gifts for any occasion, and after 12 years of having my hopes that he would somehow understand my need of these little tokens dashed to the ground — I’ve given up on the hope. He has had moments through the years, but most often it is no gift, just sweet words.
He is sweet to me – don’t get me wrong. And, I don’t wish him a severe case of athlete’s foot if he fails to bring home stunning flowers or a box full of candy. A CANDY BAR would do my heart good for heaven’s sake. As long as it is my favorite and not his! 🙂
Anywho… So the other night we sat watching NASCAR qualifying for the Shoot Out over the weekend. A hot date – no doubt. I said, “You know – you don’t have to buy me anything for Valentine’s Day if you will agree to give me something sweet every Friday for the rest of the year.”
Now that was funny! He nodded and then looked at me with the funniest expression. His eyes narrowed and then widened as the relief turned to uncertainty.
I asked, “Do you not like my offer?”
He said, “There are a lot of Fridays left in this year.”
I laughed and he did, too. It was the sweetest moment when expectations fell to the side and we just made a funny out of what once was a very sore spot in our relationship. The conversation really ended there.
On a secondary note. Yesterday, we had family pics done with my mom and dad and all the immediate kinfolk in my family. It was grandparents, parents and baby grands. We had a high time. I reminded Scott that twelve years ago that very day we had our first couples portrait taken at the Wal-Mart Portrait Studio in Granbury, TX. He bought the whole package for me for Valentine’s day! SWEETNESS. These were our engagement pictures on down the road. It’s a sweet, sweet memory.
I’ve had several horrid dates, but one guy kept “slapping” my shoulder and saying, “Cool” about everything. I knew it was going to be bad, but it was the date that prompted me to never say yes, just because I felt too bad for the guy to say, “no, thank you.” It was the end of my “Mercy Dating.”
June, I had a terrible date who leaned on shoulder the whole date. A friend wanted us to double-date, but she failed to tell me he was a midget.
Years later, I met my husband and he 6 feet tall!
I am 25 and single on this valentine’s day…and have been for many in the past. Most singles I know get very sensitive on this day. I have been blessed with a set of loving, godly parents who have made me feel special every valentine’s day. I am 25 and my mother still gives me a present. The last 2 years I have had some wonderful friends to celebrate with.
The way I see it God has choosen this time in my life as a time to be single. While I could look at the lack of a boyfriend, I look at all the love that I have surrounding me and I have never felt so blessed.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day whatever season of life God has blessed you with.
a number of years ago i was dating *erik (name changed! lol) and he was so excited and determined to make valentine’s day special from sunrise to sunset. while all his attempts were really sweet, i don’t know if i’m just not THAT romantic or maybe b/c he wasn’t the right guy in the end, i don’t know. but he was kinda wearing me out a little bit :/ but very thoughtful. anyway. by evening i was SICKER than a DOG. so high a fever i couldn’t stand on my own two feet. so… he carried me -he was not giving up. he had transformed his dorm room into valentine’s land, every wall was covered with heart paper, stuff hanging from the ceiling, lamps, a pretty dinner table, candles, EVERYTHING. heart world. and so he propped me up at the table to watch him eat, and all i could do was throw up. he didn’t miss a beat. he just carried me over to this little couch he had brought in, in front of a movie. i sat there and slipped in and out of consciousness while he watched a romantic movie, until i finally started crying to go to bed. LOL. so he carried me upstairs wrapped in a huge blanket trailing behind us (raging fever) and put me in bed. i felt so horrible for ruining the height of his creative day for me :((( but it is the most ridiculous valentines story i think i’ll ever have 🙂
Oh Beth, I have so many awful first dates, but the two that stand out in my mind:
I went to PROM with a guy I was set up with…the limo we went in was the one his MOM drove for the FUNERAL HOME she worked for!!!
And the other bad one was when a guy took me out to eat at the restaurant he worked for…so he could get the discount!!! And he also warned me off the salad bar because the person running it that night was gross!!!
Now that’s funny!! :->
My Mom & Dad sent me a lovely bouquet today – across the miles. So my heart is full!
My husband, whom I love so much, wants a divorce.
And yet, my Heavenly Father continues to remind me that I am so loved.
DC, praying for you here in Charlotte today. May He so fill you with His love today! Also praying that He will bring your husband back to his senses and that a miracle of restoration will take place.
My heart goes out to you today DC. You are indeed ever so loved by our Heavenly Father, the Lover of our Souls.
Yes you are! You are loved! Praying for your heartache …
Praying for you today to find love and peace in your heavenly Father.
DC
Your words about your husband hit me hard. I’m praying for you. Stand strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power. Meanwhile may He shelter you in the secret place…
When I was in about the 3rd grade or so.. I liked this boy named Greg. On Valentines Day I gave him a Valentine and he kindly said… You spelled my name Grey.
I loved the poem! I could just hear him reading it to her and I haven’t seen that movie in many years. Thanks for reminiscing with us!
This could qualify for the funniest or the worst Valentine’s Day/date, however you look at it. My hubby and I had been married about 7 years and had two little girls and no money. My husband received an open-ended (spend whatever you want) gift certificate to the most expensive restaurant in town from a customer and was told to take me there for Valentine’s Day. We looked forward to this for weeks because we just rarely went on dates in those days and we had never been to that restaurant. My husband was so excited that he told his beloved uncle about it and his uncle said, “Well, you don’t mind if your aunt and I join you, do you?” Hubby was so stunned, he said, “No, that would be great.” Knowing deep down inside how disappointed we were not to have this special night to ourselves. (He apologized for weeks afterward). We decided to make the most of it. However, when the day came around, I had the nastiest flu bug of my life! I spent the entire day ralphing (sorry, I couldn’t think of a better word) and was so weak. Hubby called throughout the day and cheered me on. He said we had to go no matter what or they would be heartbroken (no Valentine pun intended.) I drove my pale faced, bed headed, sickly self to the restaurant by myself. After explaining my day to everyone at the table, uncle decided I needed a glass of red wine (he didn’t know I don’t care for it) and made a big stink in the restaurant, making everyone’s head turn our direction until I took a sip. He also took the liberty of ordering me a big fat steak.(This carnivore normally would love the big red slab of meat), but all this excitement left me with a huge headache and sent me hurling. We laugh about it to this day.
Bonnie – Marietta. Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NIV
Couldn’t help reading your story about the card and had to share one of my own, my 6 year old son got a card last week from a girl in his class……I will type it in her words…..melted my heart and reminded me how innocent children are, how sincere, and how simple love can be….
It read…
ethan youre are th colist frend and i like you wwen you wr in mi prescol clas i rile rile like you sow much and i theing (think) tata (that) you wr so fune (funny)…..
I was soooo impressed at how much writing this little sweet thing did for my son and told him for sure he would have to keep it, her writing filled a whole page!
Seven years ago today my hubby and I were married! And now we have been blessed with three beautiful children and our home is one filled with love and peace. Oh how our greatest Valentine loves us!!!
We have a Valentine’s Fairy that lives at our house. We also have a band-aid Fairy (she pulls off your band-aids while you’re sleeping so it doesn’t hurt…they never even wake up) The Valentine Fairy hung red & pink balloons from the ceiling, put a red table cloth out, and spread candy & cards all around.
My five yr old son thinks the Valentine Fairy needs to bring toys next time 🙂 LOL
Sweetness to share, all three of my boys decided to give each other toys from thier “special treasures”. Tears
My worst Valentines was my first with my current boyfriend. His mother bought him gifts to give to me (and it was quite obvious). He came to my apartment gave me the gifts and told me he would not being spending Valentine’s with me and was going home to hang out with a friend so he could figure things out…if he wanted to be with me or not. I was beyond crushed, but thankfully my roommate didn’t have plans for that night so we bought $40 worth of chinese food and watched Monster’s Inc. haha at 3 am in the morning I get a text from my boyfriend saying he screwed up and was in love with me and didn’t know what to do. He said he was driving back and asked if I could stay up and wait for him. So I did. Finally at 5 am in the morning he came stumbling back in, his friend had gotten him completely drunk and he was trying to eat a tastycake that was all over his shirt and not in his mouth. So I cleaned him up, put him to bed, and thanked him for coming back. Two months later he accept Jesus Christ as his savior and tomorrow is our 2 year anniversary. So although it was the worst Valentine’s Day, it was also the best because he had come back and later accepted Christ. He is now an amazing man of God and I would do it all over again if I had to.
Enjoy today ladies!
…at CVS buying some Lotrimin as we speak…:(
It’s a good thing Jesus will always and forever be my Valentine!
xxoo
I have no earthly valentine this year….haven’t had one in about 5-6 years. But you know that’s ok…I know I am loved and not with an earthly love that sometimes gets disapointed but a love so pure and perfect so eternal. I’ve realized through this “desert” that I am placed in that I have the only valentine I’ll ever need, my bridegroom, Jesus. Thank you Lord for your unending, undying and perfect love that will always love me even though I am not all that I should be! Happy Valentines to you all!!
OKay, I don’t really have any great V Day stories. I would like to tell how my man proposed to me- since it’s the day of romance. We had a tandem bicycle and were in crazy shape! We decided to do the Tour of Colorado (ON BIKES)- this is a 7 day tour with your only means of transportation being your bicycle. I mean, sleeping in a tent, showering in an 18 wheeler, roughing it! The longest day was 100 miles and the shortest was 50! This country girl had never even seen a mountain but there I was, all for the sake of love and wanting to join my boyfriend in something he was passionate about- treked up mountain pass after mountain pass. One evening he was very quiet and intent on getting me to the top of a mountain. Like obnoxiously intent. There was a beautiful waterfall falling from the side of it and he wanted us up close to that waterfall so much so, that we had to actually walk up the last half, there was no road or even trail. I was becoming very annoyed- and kept saying, “sweetie, it’s a beautiful waterfall. I can see it from here. Yes, it’s beautiful. Now let’s go back down.” He insisted we continue on and so we did. Finally at the base of this breathtaking waterfall, he bent on one knee and proposed. It was so beautiful. I am so glad he didn’t compromise and drop to one knee in the bushes- the sweat and work to get to that waterfall was worth it.
My baby-girl now 6 ft. tall and 28yrs old was conceived on Valentine’s 1982 born Nov. 5th…. do the math LOL
She is one of my greatest blessings from God!
Happy Valentine’s day Beth, Melissa & Amanda Love ya all!
Valentine’s Day has always sort of been a bust for me… only had one boyfriend before my husband, and he and my husband both are about as romantic as a box of rocks. 🙂 They are brothers, by the way. Long story.
Anyway, LAST year on Valentines Day I went to church for the first time in about 12 years, by myself, seeking God FOR myself, since my life and my marriage were pretty much toast. God lifted me up that day, set me on solid ground, wiped the ashes from my face, and healed my broken heart. And then said “NOW, darling, are you ready to follow me?”
God’s love has changed Valentines Day for me. Instead of chocolate and flowers, I got a saved life, a saved marriage, a saved husband, children who are flourishing, and a complete change in me. I’m not perfect, but a Savior who is perfect loved me enough to not let me go, for His glory. How I love Him.
I love this story!! Praise the One whose love is perfect, who rescues and redeems our lives from the pit! That is true love… While we were yet sinners, He being rich in mercy, loved and laid down everything of true value for us.
This year my husband bought me a brand new camper!! actually it was our gift to each other, but since I only work part time at a non profit, he is acutally buying it. Love that man!! and love to camp!!
My worst date:
It was a blind date. The one who set me up on this blind date was a boy whom I had turned down so many times that he moved on and found himself someone else. He offered to set me up with one of his friends and I told him the only way I would go on a blind date with his friend was if we could double-date. The night of the double date came to an end and because of the distances between us all we took the other girl home first, I then had to sit next to my blind date, whom I decided 5 minutes into the date that I would NOT be seeing him again, and watch my friend kiss his girlfriend goodnight. I realized at that moment that I was actually in love with him. I thought I had lost him forever, that he would never ask me out ever again. Well a couple of months later he had broken up with his girlfriend and asked me out again! We have been married for 26 years. So glad our God is a God of second chances.
Worst date I ever had:
My mother insisted upon setting me up on a blind date. I had NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to go, but she told me that it would be rude not to, since everything had been arranged.
Little did she know that I liked another guy at the time.
I brought him with me.
He brought along his best friend.
Turns out that the blind date guy didn’t want to be there, either, and had brought a bunch of his friends with him. We sat next to each other through a truly awful movie and didn’t say a single word. Not even in greeting or in parting. I have never seen this guy again, not even around town.
Did this stop my mother from trying to set me up?
Of course not.
About a year later, she tells me that this young coworker of hers is going through a rough time – his girlfriend just broke up with him and he hadn’t been living in the area for very long, so he didn’t know anyone. Would I please just get some of my friends together and introduce him? She’d make us a big meal!
Yeah, okay, fine. Whatever.
His name was Chris.
We’ll be married for 5 years on June 17. 🙂
Also, Ms. Beth!
I was at your taping in Dallas for Wednesdays with Beth.
I had a delightful time listening to you. You are so stinkin’ cute and are one snazzy little dresser. Not to mention, your love for us broken women just spills out of you. Thank you.
Happy Valentines, Siesta Sisters!
I have no incredible story, but one that is I love Jesus.
So, I revised “footprints in the sand” to “bloody footprints in the ground” …I know it sounds strange.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the path where the Lord was carrying the cross. Many scenes from his life flashed across my mind. In each scene I noticed bloody footprints in the ground. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of Jesus’ life, when Jesus was suffering from rejection, denial, and pain I could see another set of footprints that was not bloody.
So, I said to the Lord, You promised me Lord that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of your life there has been one set of bloody footprints in the ground. Why, when I need you most, you will not be here for me? The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of bloody footprints is when I shed blood for your sins, and I will die on the cross, then rise again in three days. I am doing this so you may be forgiven and spend eternity with me in Heaven. I will send the Holy Spirit here on earth until that time. The bloody footprints in the ground was for the blood I shed for you and the footprints that were not bloody is your footprints, because we will walk together forever.
I love you, Jesus
~joyce~
My worst date was in high school and I went to prom with just a friend, more of a pity date. I was having a terrible time and decided I needed to go home. So I told him I was not feeling well and he probably should take me home. (I know, I lied, I’ve asked for forgiveness) Anyway, it was pouring rain outside. He finally pulls in my driveway, after thinking I was going to die many times from his racing speed around the many curves in the road. He stops quite a distance from the front door. He obviously wasn’t pulling any closer. I said thanks and ran as fast as I could in heels through the rain.
After 5 months of wedded bliss 5 and a half years ago, me and my sweet husband ate a fast food dinner in the bay of our broke down FedEx truck that we owned with the dome light as our candle light waiting on the tow truck to come rescue us. We had finished delivering our packages and was on the way back to the terminal when our truck broke down. That has been one of the best Valentines day’s I have ever had! So happy God sent Mike for me to love forever!!!
~Molly P
My hubby and I have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. We have regular date nights, and he sends me flowers several times a year, so we really have never really set Valentine’s aside.
This morning I had to wake up at 4 to bake cupcakes for my son’s preschool class. I forgot because my daughter had a sleepover for her birthday that was supposed to be Friday only, but somehow turned into a weekend affair!
Anyway, needless to say, the morning was off to a not so great start – I was running late (can you believe it? 4am wake up and I was already late!), the icing wouldn’t set up, and I had also forgotten to make lunches on top of everything. As usual, my husband got up and made sure all three kiddoes were out of bed before he left at 6:30…he kissed me goodbye like every other day. Only, today…about five minutes after he left, I heard the door open again only to find him, with a sweet smile holding a card – a very sweet tender one at that! My grumpalumpy morning turned around instantly! Yep…he’ll be getting an extra special supper tonight!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!
Fourteen years ago, my husband asked me to marry him, but I would mark today as our most celebrated Valentine’s Day. Last August, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The past 6 months have put us through a spiritual work-out like none other. Still and yet, our love for God and for one another emerges like gold in the afterglow of the Refiner’s fire. Today, I told him to spare buying the chocolate on his own. Instead, we ventured an hour south to the closest Harry and David’s outlet. He asked me to “have at it” and I obliged!
Thanks be to the God for the marvelous gift of human love, which for me, mirrors Paul’s instructions to husbands in Ephesians 5:25. In fact, that’s what I’ve always called my man… my Eph. 5:25.
Sweet grace… marvelous understanding.
peace~elaine
My fondest Valentine Memory is from about 8 years ago. I was part of a House Church that was comprised of mainly mid 20’s to early 30’s singles with a few married couples. One of the members and a long time dear friend of mine, Carlos, gaterhed all the guys in our group unbeknownst to us girls. They put all the girls names in a hate and each one drew a name and was in charge of bringing a valentine gift for that girl. When we got together for house church the guys all brought in and gave their gifts. It was so very neat and then we made little Valentine bags and wrote encouraging notes to one another. I still have one of the notes. It was from my friend Ben and he said something to the affect of “I can tell that you value relationship and the truth. And I know Jesus looks at you and smiles.” There was more and I’m not sure that is exactly verbatim but it was and still is such an encouragement to me… especially that what I really value and hope to always value was being seen by others.
that was supposed to be “put all the girls name in a hat” not hate
Well, my man surprised me this morning with tickets to the TobyMac/Brandon Heath concert that’s coming to our town. He told me several weeks ago not to make any plans because our Valentine’s Day was going to be celebrated the weekend after V-day. When I found out the concert was that same weekend, I kept asking questions about what day and time so that I could figure out how to do both his surprise for me and the concert. Imagine my excitement when he presented those tickets to me this morning, even though it’s not really his thing…he’s going for me. Love him! 😉
My worst date:
I had decided this guy was “not the one.” During our few dates previously, he had showed me he wanted to marry a traditional southern lady. Being raised in Michigan, I was far from “Scarlet O’Hara” he wanted. He was rebounding from his past relationship where they were “pre-engaged” – I never got that?
I started to pull away. When he noticed, he asked me to come see him. I brought a friend with me because I knew something odd was going to take place.
We went to TGIFridays. He handed me his old girl-friends ring, with a small diamond in it and said “This can mean whatever you want it to mean?” <—-WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?
My friend and I laughed all the way back to my house. I childishly put the ring in his mailbox a few weeks later and never saw him again. That was not nice of me at all. I regret the way I acted about the ring. Sometimes, I wonder if he really was asking me to marry him or what?! I still laugh at the situation though.
My husband is difficult to buy gifts for. He leans towards practicality rather than luxury. He’s been that way since we were dating. For my husband (then boyfriend) and I’s first Valentine’s Day I knew I was going to have to get him something practical or he would wrinkle up his nose and say something romantic like “REALLY!?!??” He had been requesting a toaster for months and as a practical bachelor, he couldn’t just go buy a $10 kitchen appliance (please note sarcasm), so ladies, I bought a toaster for him for our first Valentine’s together. I thought I had bought him the perfect gift. Something he could use, something he needed and something of quality and would last. When he opened it, he wrinkled up his nose and said “REALLY!?!??” Of course after my disgust that he didn’t see the genious in this gift, I told my girlfriends who responded very similar to him. I eventually realized that I had given him the worst Valentine’s gift of all time! We still joke about it and a couple years ago I found a card that had a toaster on the front and something about a hottie written on the inside. My favorite Valentine’s moments are times when we get to laugh together. May you all find a love who you can laugh your head off with!!! God bless!
This morning, my sweet baby girl (well she is 5, but will always be my baby girl) sprang into our bedroom wishing me a Happy Valentine’s day. She and her big brother were over the moon with their homemade Valentine’s cards and small treats. Their thankfulness was too precious. Oh how I pray they will always have such tender hearts!