~LOVE~

As Valentines Day approaches I am reminded that we are blessed with so many people to love and to love us. I am so grateful that this is the case in my life... Life can be challenging at times and it is truly the love that I receive from so many family members and friends that pushes me through. The bible teaches us that Love is the greatest gift of all...  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:13 

I am a huge fan of talking about love. Like many I have studied the concept of "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, it was life changing for me and I share it with anyone that seems to want to listen ;) So for those who are unfamiliar with the concept it is simply the way that you communicate and receive "LOVE". The 5 Love Languages are: Gifts,Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.... personally I am a Quality Time and Words of Affirmation girl ;) I just "love" to spend time with the people I care most about and "love" to encourage and compliment them, it's how I feel most full :) In return if you want to make me feel loved I respond best to love being communicated in those same ways. Not to say that if the other languages are spoken to me I will feel unloved, it's just that those two send me over the moon ;). 

I of course am interested in applying this concept to my family and friends and try to tune into what makes them tick... I think my husband is a major Words of Affirmation guy... it has taken me a very long time to figure this out because he is pretty low maintenance... As far as Claire goes, I am still honing in on what makes her little heart feel full, but I intend to figure that one out soon.  

I want to be a more effective friend so if you happen to know what your "Love Language" is leave me a comment telling me what it is... I want to bless those around me by truly knowing how to love on them. 

 As our country and families face uncertain times it's so important to focus on what we do have, and for me that is amazing friends and family... I am rich in all the ways that matter... and more thankful for what I have than ever!!!

I am posting a few pictures of Claire receiving a gift from a very close and wonderful friend who communicates love with giving gifts... and let me tell you she has mastered that Love Language ;) Thank you Lara for your sweet and loving Valentines gift for my baby girl!! 

Leslie~