FEBRUARY – The Love Month

My Word of the Day is FEBRUARY – defined in Webster’s dictionary as the second month of the year – ordinarily containing 28 days, but with 29 days in leap years. No big deal. How did FEBRUARY make my Word of the Day list? Because I’m adding a definition from Donna’s dictionary – it’s the month of LOVE!

Oh, I know for so many this is just another month of the calendar and, quite frankly, all the hoopla about Valentine’s Day and all that mushy stuff is just not on your radar – but just maybe – it can become the month of love for you, as it is for me.

There are several reasons I don't take this month lightly. On February 14th, 1961, my boy friend (and 5 years later, my groom) and I went on our first real boy-girl date, chauffeured by his dad and mom to my church’s Valentine's Banquet. At long last, at the age of twelve years old, I, OFFICIALLY, had a boy friend! LOL! This month has always been the "Love Month" to me, and though my sweetheart celebrates it in heaven, I still celebrate it here....with those I know and hold dear.

My dear sis-in-law and her husband will celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Another love-match made in heaven.

Then on February 14th, 2004, my precious mama got to go to heaven and celebrate Valentine’s Day with my daddy.

Of course this month generates thoughts to lovers and romantic relationships. But why don’t we take it up a notch and determine that February is a LOVE month for EVERYONE we encounter? Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routines, we forget to let those close to us know how much we love and appreciate them.

Love is as simple as smiling at someone walking toward us, someone in front or behind us in the checkout line or someone standing next to us in an elevator. Sounds innocent enough, but what we really can be doing is secretly telling them “I love you” with that smile. And, if they smile back at us, let’s imagine them saying “I love you” back to us. That silent exchange may cause feelings to emerge that could transform their day AND our day.
“What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love” – thanks, Dionne Warwick, for that reminder, but thanks be to God for His example of LOVE: “For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son…” John 3:16.

Since February is the month for love, how about we make a commitment to “give our love away” – maybe in a love letter to those people in our life who inspire us, support us, assist us, feed us, nurture us, care for us, pray for us, protect us, laugh with us and cry with us? They have shared the magnificent journey of our life with us. Let's purpose to pour on the love this month....and let me start by saying "I LOVE YOU.....my FB friends and family. You mean the world to me! You make my world such a sweet place to love. You put a smile on my face and you give me so many joys! May you know God's love in tangible and beautiful ways....not just this month, but ALWAYS!"

1 John 4:7 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

Happy Anniversary, Larry and Staci!

Day 7 of the Month of Love -- Happy 19th Anniversary, Larry Wallace & Staci Wallace​
Of course Day 7 of the Love Month would be the celebration of my kids' 19th wedding anniversary. I'm thanking God for them today! 19 years ago we had a wedding celebration of epic proportion. Larry & Staci Wallace were married in a Winter Wonderland (Staci’s dream from a little girl), with carolers singing, amid spruce & fir trees, street lanterns, bridesmaids carrying muffs, cotton batting snow all down the aisle and stage, and a castle in the background that conveyed their hearts that “dreams do come true”. Indeed all the planning and preparations had come together for an amazing production (literally). The only thing remaining, which we had no control over…..but God did, was for there to be REAL snow outside. And, indeed it did snow – just another confirmation of this match made in heaven. Yes, it was a winter wonderland, inside and out.

The pre-service began with carolers in scarves and mittens, singing and leading the congregation in triumphant praise and worship songs. Sharon Daugherty sang "Somewhere It's Snowing", and recorded music of Englebert Humperdinck singing "Winter World of Love" ushered in the candelighters and grandparents.

Larry and Staci had prerecorded a message telling the story of how they met (in a gym) and fell in love. It was hilarious -- to say the least -- especially since Staci had vowed to be the next Mother Teresa. Staci had written and recorded a song called "Jesus is the Reason" that was played while the wedding party entered. The song explained the signficance of how their friendship grew to love and that love was wrapped in purity and unity. Escorted by her proud and loving Daddy, Staci came down the aisle to Natalie Cole singing, "Unforgettable". She was an unforgettable sight to be sure, wearing a glimmering hooded cape over her gorgeous wedding gown, which of itself, was a blessing and dream-come-true. I remember the day we were "dress-looking" and when we saw THE ONE, with a dream-come-true price tag on it, we knew God's faithfulness -- even in the details.

My dear husband, Ron (Staci's Daddy) was so thrilled to speak the Father's blessing over their beautiful union and two pastors, Billy Joe Daugherty and Carlton Pearson, officiated the wedding. Pastor Carlton with his light-hearted sense of humor and Pastor Billy Joe's gift of evangelism that gave the people attending an opportunity to receive Jesus as their personal Savior, made for the perfect "God sent" ceremony. Later Staci and Larry both said the best part of their wedding was knowing that "their day" was about the birth-day of so many who attended who committted their lives to Christ.

Staci seranaded Larry as she sung "I Believe in You and Me". They both shed tears as the words of the song described the way they felt about each other.

Staci and Larry had refrained from kissing until their wedding day because of a covenant Larry made with God five months prior. So needless to say, when the moment came..."Now you may kiss your Bride", the congregation cheered with excitement -- not to mention the two of them, with no holds barred....locked in the biggest and longest KISS ever! LOL! After their wedding, and for many months and years following, they were asked to come to churches and organizations across the country -- where they shared their "purity" love story. Thankfully, their wedding, and the marriage they have to today, has continued to touch young people and old, with the sanctity and beauty of a marriage founded and based on God's love being the #1 priority in their lives.

Larry and Staci, I'm celebrating your lives, your love and all that you have meant to me and the shining light you have been so to so many others. Thank you for the gifts of your love -- my Payton Wallace​ & Alexia Wallace​ who are following in your footsteps in their love for Christ and His church. And, thank you for being such beautiful examples of all God gives when He is our FIRST priority! Love you both so much! Happy Anniversary!