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Valentines from Heaven
How God reminded nine singles of his love for them on Valentine's Day
Since I'm single, I spent February 14 trying to concentrate on the fact that God is my valentine—though I did pray for something a tad tangible to confirm his love for me. We finally had a warm day here in Florida (I know, how unusual!), so I decided to go out to my condo's pool and get some sun. I read a Christian book for a while and prayed a bit too. But when I was lying down with my eyes closed, I heard someone say, "Jesu, um, guess he ran out of smoke." I was half asleep when I heard the same woman say, "Loves." I finally opened my eyes, and when I turned my head up to the sky I read the words, "Jesus Loves U!" Everybody at the pool was reading it aloud, "Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you." I knew right then that God had written that message just for me. I know it blessed many others as well, but to me it was my own personal valentine from Jesus Christ.
Karen
I wasn't looking forward to another Valentine's Day without anyone to express his love for me. I don't have a significant other in my life, just my two pre-teen girls. While I'd purchased valentines, little bears, and candy for them, I just couldn't seem to get into the holiday myself.
However, when I got up on February 14, the girls' first words to me weren't their usual complaints of "I'm too tired" or "I don't wanna get up." Instead I heard choruses of "Happy Valentine's Day, Mommy!" and "I love you, Mommy!" Then these two cuddly, bunny-jammied girls tumbled into my bed to start my day with joy and love. That evening when I was working as a nurse at the Assisted Living Unit, having left my daughters a surprise pasta dinner from our favorite restaurant, I received phone calls from friends, my girls, and our "family" from church to let me know they were thinking of me!
God pulled me out of my depressed spirits and let me know that, single or not, I'm not alone and not unloved. When I got home from work, my girls cuddled up with me, gave me homemade valentines, and together we prayed for all the others out there who might be struggling with loneliness. We prayed for them to know they are loved by a wonderful God and Father who knows our hurts and needs, who lavishes us with his love, and who's the best valentine giver of all.
Mollie
When I came home after a long day of work and school on Valentine's Day, there was a package of cookies and a card from my parents waiting outside my door. My dad (without any consultation with or prompting from my mom!) left work early and drove to my apartment from an hour away to drop off some goodies for me, even though he wasn't sure whether I'd be home. For a guy who isn't typically the "mushy" type, this was quite a statement about how much I'm loved. God sure is creative in his choice of messengers!
Rachel
Being single can sometimes stink on Valentine's Day, and to be honest, I was kind of expecting it to again this year. However, God had something else in mind. I went hiking in the morning on a trail behind my house, and I felt God tell me to leave the trail. He led me to an area that was almost like a movie scene—there was a fallen tree to sit on, river rock and a small area where the water drains down the slope, and trees to give the right amount of shade. When I sat down I couldn't see any houses; all I could see was nature. All I could hear were the birds chirping and the wind blowing through the tops of the trees. Sitting there taking it all in, I realized God was giving me peace. I'd grown really weary in the previous weeks, but in that moment alone with Jesus, he gave me rest.
When I got back to my home, I received a phone call from a friend wishing me a happy Valentine's Day. This was no ordinary message, it was musical! Who could ask for more? I also received e-cards from those I love dearly who shared their love for me in the most beautiful words. And I found flowers on my doorstep, given to me by a friend who said God told her to give them to me.
Something happened in my spirit and in my soul on Valentines Day. I am now a woman deeply in love with my Lord who's in love with me.
Melissa
I never look forward to Valentine's Day, and I felt like I was being tortured all day as I had to sit and listen to everyone else's plans for the evening while I had none. One way for me to cope is to do nice things for others, so the Sunday before Valentine's Day I gave my students candy and sent them cards.
But after work on Valentine's Day I felt a little restless, so I went to the mall. I asked God if I could get something for myself. Of course, I was surrounded by last-minute shoppers buying gifts for their loved ones. I felt like such a geek! Here I was buying a Valentine's Day gift for myself. But I went ahead and bought a bracelet. I figure I'll never have anything nice if I'm always waiting for someone else to do the buying.
I planned to go home and get some work done that evening, but instead I received a call from my cousin's husband. He was in town on business and asked if I wanted to go see a basketball game. I couldn't believe it! I was outta there like a shot. We weren't able to get tickets to the game, but we did go to dinner downtown. The food was great, and we had a good time.
Later on I was thinking that only God would do something like this. I cherish these times when God does things for me that are so tender and sweet. No one on this planet is more tired of being single than I am. But God is helping me deal with it day-by-day, and for that I'm so grateful.
Felicia
At my workplace there are mostly couples. In my family there are mostly couples. I'm surrounded by couples, and on Valentine's Day it becomes even more obvious. But this year one of my single coworkers invited me to her home for dinner. She'd prepared a lovely dinner for three of us—all singles. She made the occasion very special, and then we went to a movie afterwards. It felt good to be out for a change. It felt as though God knew how I was secretly feeling and worked all the details out for me. It was a great day, for which I thank God—and my dear friend, Michelle.
Lilieth
Like a lot of singles, I dread the big V-Day. When all the flowers start to arrive at work, a small part of me is envious. Who will be my Valentine? I wonder.
But when I arrived home on February 14 this year, I discovered a single rose and a box of my favorite chocolates on my bed. The note said, "Dear Mom, I just want to thank you for always being there when I need you. I love you so much. You're the best mom ever!"
My 19-year-old son gave me the best valentine I could ever hope for-a reminder of the precious love we have right within our own families. I've still got a smile on my face.
Susan
The night before Valentine's Day, I attended my church's Wednesday night service. In his closing prayer, our pastor asked God to bless and comfort those of us who are single and who might struggle with loneliness on Valentine's Day. As we prepared to leave the church, the pastor said to the singles, "Always remember who loved you first."
The next day was Valentine's Day, and not only did I not have any special plans to look forward to, but my entire day was extremely hectic and not particularly pleasant. After a long day at work and a long drive home, I exited my car in the parking garage and headed into my condominium lobby, desperately fighting back feelings of loneliness. I kept repeating to myself, "Remember who loved you first. God loves me even if no one else does."
When I opened the lobby door, I noticed that leaning on a small ledge against the wall was one of those little cards that usually comes with a flower arrangement. The card was blank except for the words "I LOVE YOU" imprinted in bold black ink next to a picture of a bouquet of red roses. My eyes filled with tears of joy and the loneliness fled. While the practical side of me argued that it was just an extra card left over from someone else's Valentine's Day gift, the spiritual side of me somehow knew it was a special message sent to remind me of the One who loved me first.
Karen
I purchased a beautiful 2-toned burgundy/gold pickup truck back in December. When I first saw it on the lot, I never dreamed it would be mine—but God has a way of spoiling me! The day before Valentine's Day, I was driving home from work and suddenly heard a loud CRACK. I knew that I'd taken my first rock and would probably have a horrible scratch on my vehicle. When I looked for the damage I found it on the windshield, just left and well below my field of vision. When I studied the hit, I realized it was in a heart-shaped design. What others may see as a fault is now an awesome sign to me—a reminder of my Savior's love. As I drive, I not only thank God for this wonderful truck, I thank him for this symbol he's etched in the glass just for me!
Maria
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