For Valentines Day

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (English-NIV)

1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10
but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

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Keith and I chose this passage to be read at our wedding over 20 years ago. There are so many lessons within this scripture, that a pastor could easily make a whole sermon from each of the 13 verses.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

He’s never been much of a sweet talker, but I don’t doubt that he loves me. He doesn’t write poetry or effuse to the world that I am his soul mate and his one true love. I am the only one who needs to hear that. Some times in relationships, these words are shouted out to the world. “ I love her so! Look at how wonderful I must be because somebody loves me!” Love, doesn’t need advertising to be verified.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

To me, this says, that although I may do some wonderful things for my hubby, I don’t brag about it, I don’t tell all the world, “Look at me, I am a great wife because I did this that and the other”. The only one who needs to know, is the one I do that special thing for.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

“ Its her fault, she started it! “She’s always picking on me.” Remember that line from your childhood? How many adults do we know who still use this line, though maybe not in these exact words? A loving, secure man/woman, is able to acknowledge when he/she screwed up. Each can also accept that her anger and frustration is warranted and allow their partner to vent frustration. He/she won’t call it verbal abuse in order to ease his/her own ruffled self-image. Which leads to….

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

This passage says to me that God knows our hearts. He sees deeper than the image we present to all others. But with enough time, we can get to see a persons true colours. Just as when we get to heaven we will only then come to fully know God.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

……and because of that love, whether in the romantic sense, the brotherly sense, or the familial sense……we can look past each other’s short comings, insecurities and false fronts. With love we are capable of understanding those traits in each other. Love is what allows us to forgive, and prevents us from becoming bitter. When faith and hope may wane, love is what keeps us going.

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So my friends, I hope you all have love today. God’s love, and a love for each other. And lastly, love for those you feel may have wronged you. Because that’s where real love is tested. And that is where true peace of mind comes from.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Dog Gone


He was one Cool Dawg.

Spring 1991 - Feb. 13 2006

Just a note to tell you that Coppers gone.

He was a good and faithful dog, a friend and a very real member of this family. Last night and this morning, he was unable to walk and was refusing food and water. He just had got to that point where it wasn't worth going on any longer. So this morning we took him to the forest one last time. Carried him to the car and then carried him thru the trails. Andrew and I sat on the bench with our old boy laid across our laps. He looked around and spent his final hour in his favorite spot. Then we took him to the vets. He was given a little injection, then he peacefully fell to sleep as we stroked him. Andrew was there. He is taking it very well. These last few weeks helped us prepare, but it is still heartbreaking to watch my son saying good bye to his 'brother" I think I was crying as much for him as I was for the dog. Little Binzen greeted us at home with perky bounces and lots of wags. He doesn't have a clue what has happened. Maybe he will realize Copper is gone when he doesn't have that 2nd food dish to polish up tonight.

Love Susan