A love worth celebrating

Valentine's day is a funny sort of holiday.  Meant for expressing love, it stands out in my mind for other reasons.

Many years ago, before I met my hubby, his Dad was diagnosed with cancer....on Valentine's Day.

1973, when Mike was six years old, he was diagnosed with diabetes...on Valentine's Day.

2007, standing in the wrapping paper aisle at Wal-Mart, I got the call we were moving to Texas...on Valentine's Day.

2011, while out running errands I received a call that my sweet friend Tami had been diagnosed with breast cancer...on Valentine's Day.

Connor mentioned yesterday that he'd just like to skip this day all together.  I honestly don't blame him.

On the other hand, in each of these instances we have seen God's love in miraculous ways.  We've seen bodies healed of cancer, lessons learned through living with a life long disease and a wonderful new life in a new place.  While each situation seemed devastating at first glance, each has become something He has used to mold and shape us in His image.  Each one became an expression of His love for us as He guided us along the path...His perfect path. 

So as we celebrate a day set aside for "love" I am reminded of a Saviour's love for me.  A love that took Him to the cross.  A love that pursues me.  A love that envelopes me through each struggle, reminding me that no matter what news today may bring He's already there.

That is a love worth celebrating.

Forever friends

Six or seven years ago I met a lady through my blog.  We began following each others blogs, corresponding and sharing prayer requests all through the miracle of technology.  She prayed for me through my struggle with depression.  Every time she saw a cardinal (which thankfully was often), the LORD prompted her to pray.  Yep, the Internet is amazing.

What's even more amazing is that I just got to spend two days with this sweet friend IN PERSON!  She flew from Michigan to Dallas and spent the first two days with Edie (another blogging friend) before the three of us met for dinner.

We laughed that night...a lot!  Despite having just met in person, we were connected...we were instant friends because of our connection through Christ.  She doesn't drink coffee (gasp!) or wear flip-flops - two of my favorite things, but I think we were able to work through that.  She does at least like chocolate.  Whew!

After dinner Karen came to stay at my house for a couple of days.  We lounged, we chatted, we took silly pictures of crazy haired ladies, we ate ice cream and we talked some more.  We shared our hearts.  When it was time to say good-bye we parted as forever friends.  Notice I said "forever friends", not "old friends"...there's a big difference! 

I'm truly thankful for what the LORD worked over the miles and how He knit our hearts together.  Looks like I may be visiting Michigan some day...but NOT in the winter!  Snow and flip-flops just don't mix.