Valentine's Day is NOT just for beginners!

To get you ready for Valentine's Day. :-)

"My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand. His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk, sitting beside a full pool. His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet smelling herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. His arms are rods of gold, set with jewels. His body is polished ivory, bedecked with sapphires. His legs are alabaster columns, set on bases of gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." Song of Solomon 6:10-16 ESV

Do you see your beloved in this way? Can you rattle off a list of things you find desirable about him? I want to encourage you to read through the Song of Solomon. As you read what the bride has to say, picture YOUR husband. Remember what it was like when you were first together. The rush and excitement of being together. How you longed for his company and his touch. How the sound of his voice was music to your ears. Oftentimes the longer we are married, and the more responsibilities we have, the more complacent we become in our love relationship. Sometimes it becomes almost rote. We don't put a lot of thought or enthusiasm into it. As we approach Valentine's Day, THINK about it!

Read through the Song, and allow yourself to see not just this young, royal couple, but you and your beloved. God includes this book within THE Book for a reason. While there are those that would say it is just an analogy for Christ and the Church, I would encourage you to read it as it is written ~ as a passionate love story. Use your imagination. It's okay. They were married and you are too. ;-) God created intimacy, and He desires for His children to enjoy it within the context of marriage. You may even want to read it together before you go to bed. We have found this to be very inspirational, and moving.

Create an entire evening of romance. We have a house full of children, so I will fix a *romantic* dinner of lasagna, homemade french bread, green salad, and sparkling juice for the whole family to enjoy. We will spend the evening enjoying each other's company ~ possibly watching an educational program or playing games together. After the children are put to bed, we will retire to our room and have tea and dessert *just for two*, and let things take their natural course.

Let your beloved know that you're thinking about him. Stick a valentine or love note into his suit or lunch box or someplace where he's sure to find it during his work day. If it 's appropriate, call him at some point during the day, just to tell him that you love and miss him and are anxiously awaiting his return. Put clean sheets on the bed, and make sure your room is tidied up. If he likes you with a little makeup, then put some on before he gets home, and do your hair in a special way. Think about him throughout the day ~ not as *Daddy*, or *Mr. Fix-it*, or *Mr. Bill-pay* ~ but as *LOVER*. And anticipate him coming home! Meet him at the door with a smile and a kiss and *welcome* him back to his family.

Have a blessed, enjoyable, romantic Valentine's Day!