Why Can't it be Valentine's Every Day?

   

I know this is backwards...oops, but I made "Love Coupons"
for Dan. So easy and fun. Handmade gifts are the best gifts.
I love crafts!

     Heart decor in shades of red and pink, chocolate, flowers, statues regarding "Singles Awareness Day," movies, dinner dates, and love; it's that time of year... er, it was a week ago. I apologize I'm posting a Valentine's-esque blog almost a week late, but the more I think about it, the timing of this blog entry is absolutely perfect with what I intend to say.

     My Valentine's Day was nothing outrageously extravagant or over the top expensive. It was simple, but ...perfect. My boyfriend, Daniel, and I exchanged little gifts, got some dinner, and went to see the Vow. Now I'll have you know, I was definitely one of those silly girls who had been squirmin' and squealin' with anticipation to see the Vow for months and months. Although, I must admit it wasn't what I thought it'd be. Sure, it was a pretty good film. There were cute scenes and sweet "awww" worthy moments; but at the end of the movie I couldn't help but think, I had been so excited to see this for so long, expecting it to be the greatest chick flick of all time and one of the sweetest love stories. Why didn't it have the same incredible "wow" effect on me as it did on other women? I've come to one conclusion...

Daniel and I before going on our date :)

...because I know a greater love.

     The more I learn about Godly love, the more I understand that true love takes sacrifice and sometimes because we're all human, frankly, it can hurt. Though the Vow isn't one in particular to really glorify "effortless love," I must say, true love, Godly love isn't quite as effortless, perfect, and lovely as many films often depict it to be, but I'm learning it's worth it. The Vow was sweet; a cute date movie, but the greatest love of all is so much deeper, more powerful, and true. That's the love that our hearts truly long for. The only love that never fails.
     Another thing I realized this past Valentine's day was that amidst the excitement of dressing up all pretty, chocolates, rose, going to dinner, the Vow, and love-is-in-the-air feelings, my favorite parts of the night were really just the moments spent genuinely talking and laughing with Dan; holding his hand, sneaking peeks at him throughout the movie and just thanking God I get to date my handsome, silly best friend, just being with him. The kind of moments I can have with him every day, regardless of how sharp we look, the amount of money spent, or gifts given. Let's not get so wrapped up in the material things or a specific holiday, but continually appreciate and honor the genuine love we have in our lives, because it's there every day. 

To the Point

     Hey ladies. I don't know where you've gone today, what you've done, what you've said, or who you've seen. I speak for myself in saying this as well, but if you compared yourself at all today or wished you looked like someone else, this if for you: Snap out of it. You're beautiful too.

image source

Made Differently

     A couple weeks ago I attended a good friend, role model, and leader's bridal shower. I'd been to baby showers before, but this was my first bridal shower ever. From leaving funny advice for the bride and groom with my comical roommate, Sarah,  eating delectable desserts that cost me a good workout (so worth it), and winning a big bag of peanut M&M's in a silly game, I had a blast.
     My favorite part of the night was a marriage devotional led by Sara Groves. Although i'm not married, I was still able to take away a lot of relationship advice. One point in particular has really stuck with me over the past couple weeks. Sara used an analogy that described us all as individual avatars - different people with very distinct personalities. Many times conflicts arise in relationships because we don't understand why or how someone could react in a particular way (because we obviously know the best way, right? ...think again). I was instantly reminded of a time where I became really frustrated with my boyfriend, Daniel, because of the way he reacted to a situation. I remember thinking and asking him, "Why would you not just do this?"(what I thought was the right way to handle it).
     Truth is, Daniel, my family, my friends, my professors, and my coworkers, as stated before, are all different individuals with distinct personalities. We will react in various ways during given circumstances and situations because we think and are made differently. This is crucial to remember and take into account in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Such a good reminder that God made all of our minds differently and that's something to appreciate. It's not all about us.

Sara Groves giving devotional at Steph's Bridal Shower
Photo taken from Morgan Miller