Story of St. Valentine
"The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian Martyr. The emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentinus.Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.
During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentinus for lessons. She had been blind since birth. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.
"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.
"Yes, my child, He hears each one."
"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"
"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.
"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!" She knelt and grasped his hand.They sat quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiant, Julia screamed,
"Valentinus, I can see! I can see!"
"Praise be to God!" Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.
On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world." For more information, go to www.olrl.org/lives
Monday, February 12, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Finding Love in Unexpected Places on Valentines Day
Finding Love in Unexpected Places on Valentines Day by Stefanie Zizzo
"To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness." --Robert Morely
Falling in love with yourself, learning how to love who you are right now, today, is an essential first step in creating a happy life. For when you are coming from a place that is already wonderful, you are allowing more well being and joy to flow to you, effortlessly.
So how do you fall in love with you?
Your Body
Admire It If asked to think about our bodies, I venture to guess that most women would find it fairly easy to list your perceived imperfections - that which you believe is too big, too small, too flabby, too low, too high.... Why do we find it so difficult to admire our own bodies for the amazing creations that they are? Right now, take a look at your beautiful body, searching for everything that you love. Maybe your eyes, your dimples, your hands, legs, arms, fingers, toes, hair, smile, nose, elbows, knees, ears.... Your energy, stamina, flexibility, posture, ability to walk, see and hear. Sure some of these areas you may wish were different, but I bet there are many that are great just the way they are. Could you see that? Feel that? What if you now took all those parts of yourself that you love and see them outweighing those perceived imperfections - seeing your whole self as one of beauty? I know you have heard this before, and may not believe it, but beauty does come from within. The more you love your body, truly love yourself for all of your wonder, perfections and imperfections, the more you radiate that love outwardly for the world to see and most importantly feel.
Treat it well on the inside and outside Our bodies need nourishment for us to feel great, move well and live long lives. How are you nourishing yours? What choices are you making each day to build good health? During the holidays I noticed a big difference in how I felt after eating many sweet and rich foods, and how I now feel after choosing healthy foods all day long. As I write this, I just called to schedule a massage for this week. What is often seen as an indulgence is just one of the many ways I care for and love my body on the outside. Other ways? Taking a hot bath, walking in nature, strength training, aerobic exercise, caring for my skin... How many ways can you think of to treat yourself well?
How will you honor and care for your body today, and every day?
Your Mind
Use kind words We can all find the harsh, often hurtful words we use when we talk with ourselves. Some call this our inner critic, some call it our gremlins, whatever the term, we are harder on ourselves with our thoughts and words than anyone else in our lives ever is. Would you use those same words every time you were speaking with another loved one? My guess is no (sometimes in anger, but not usually on a regular basis). Yet, we do it all the time with ourselves. So, begin to pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Are you kind, gentle and loving? If not, how can you be? What words do you want to hear that uplift you? What words are you always wishing your partner would say to you? Well, start saying them to yourself, right now, today.
Focus on your abundance Abundance is everywhere in your life. (define) Just look around you - in your home, your family, friends, colleagues, community. If you truly looked at your entire life from that perspective, I know you would have a long list of everything that is already wonderful in your life, right now. What role do you play in the abundance you have? This may be hard for some to accept right now, but everything you have - everything you are, is something you created or chose to be there. Remember that... you can choose abundance always. Your Spirit
Know your gifts Each of us has gifts and talents that make us who we are. This is our way of being in the world, what we are known for, what we share and what is often effortless. Are you the one who is full of energy, igniting and motivating others just by your presence? Or maybe you are someone who has great empathy for others, listening to them as if they were the only person in the world at that moment? Your gift may be one of expression, with written or spoken words, paint, or movement. Each of us has these gifts, how well do you know yours?
Ignite your passions Schedule time for yourself each day, week, month and enjoy an activity that brings you joy. Not sure what that is? Spend some time experimenting with things you always wanted to try but were afraid to - step out of your comfort zone and you will discover limitless boundaries!
Daily Ritual
Every morning when you wake and right before you go to bed, stand in front of a mirror and look deep into your own eyes. Stand there for one minute, complimenting yourself on your beauty (inside and out), your accomplishments for the day, your gifts, the small moments of joy you experienced, and how grateful you are for your body, your mind and your spirit.
About the Author
Stefanie Zizzo is a Career and Life Coach who works with people ready to stretch out of their comfort zones and add more excitement and joy to their lives. With 12 years combined experience in career counseling and life coaching, she has helped hundreds of people to focus on what they want in their lives, think and grow beyond their current beliefs and fears, and take purposeful action to make things happen. For more information, visit www.stefaniezizzo.com.
"To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness." --Robert Morely
Falling in love with yourself, learning how to love who you are right now, today, is an essential first step in creating a happy life. For when you are coming from a place that is already wonderful, you are allowing more well being and joy to flow to you, effortlessly.
So how do you fall in love with you?
Your Body
Admire It If asked to think about our bodies, I venture to guess that most women would find it fairly easy to list your perceived imperfections - that which you believe is too big, too small, too flabby, too low, too high.... Why do we find it so difficult to admire our own bodies for the amazing creations that they are? Right now, take a look at your beautiful body, searching for everything that you love. Maybe your eyes, your dimples, your hands, legs, arms, fingers, toes, hair, smile, nose, elbows, knees, ears.... Your energy, stamina, flexibility, posture, ability to walk, see and hear. Sure some of these areas you may wish were different, but I bet there are many that are great just the way they are. Could you see that? Feel that? What if you now took all those parts of yourself that you love and see them outweighing those perceived imperfections - seeing your whole self as one of beauty? I know you have heard this before, and may not believe it, but beauty does come from within. The more you love your body, truly love yourself for all of your wonder, perfections and imperfections, the more you radiate that love outwardly for the world to see and most importantly feel.
Treat it well on the inside and outside Our bodies need nourishment for us to feel great, move well and live long lives. How are you nourishing yours? What choices are you making each day to build good health? During the holidays I noticed a big difference in how I felt after eating many sweet and rich foods, and how I now feel after choosing healthy foods all day long. As I write this, I just called to schedule a massage for this week. What is often seen as an indulgence is just one of the many ways I care for and love my body on the outside. Other ways? Taking a hot bath, walking in nature, strength training, aerobic exercise, caring for my skin... How many ways can you think of to treat yourself well?
How will you honor and care for your body today, and every day?
Your Mind
Use kind words We can all find the harsh, often hurtful words we use when we talk with ourselves. Some call this our inner critic, some call it our gremlins, whatever the term, we are harder on ourselves with our thoughts and words than anyone else in our lives ever is. Would you use those same words every time you were speaking with another loved one? My guess is no (sometimes in anger, but not usually on a regular basis). Yet, we do it all the time with ourselves. So, begin to pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Are you kind, gentle and loving? If not, how can you be? What words do you want to hear that uplift you? What words are you always wishing your partner would say to you? Well, start saying them to yourself, right now, today.
Focus on your abundance Abundance is everywhere in your life. (define) Just look around you - in your home, your family, friends, colleagues, community. If you truly looked at your entire life from that perspective, I know you would have a long list of everything that is already wonderful in your life, right now. What role do you play in the abundance you have? This may be hard for some to accept right now, but everything you have - everything you are, is something you created or chose to be there. Remember that... you can choose abundance always. Your Spirit
Know your gifts Each of us has gifts and talents that make us who we are. This is our way of being in the world, what we are known for, what we share and what is often effortless. Are you the one who is full of energy, igniting and motivating others just by your presence? Or maybe you are someone who has great empathy for others, listening to them as if they were the only person in the world at that moment? Your gift may be one of expression, with written or spoken words, paint, or movement. Each of us has these gifts, how well do you know yours?
Ignite your passions Schedule time for yourself each day, week, month and enjoy an activity that brings you joy. Not sure what that is? Spend some time experimenting with things you always wanted to try but were afraid to - step out of your comfort zone and you will discover limitless boundaries!
Daily Ritual
Every morning when you wake and right before you go to bed, stand in front of a mirror and look deep into your own eyes. Stand there for one minute, complimenting yourself on your beauty (inside and out), your accomplishments for the day, your gifts, the small moments of joy you experienced, and how grateful you are for your body, your mind and your spirit.
About the Author
Stefanie Zizzo is a Career and Life Coach who works with people ready to stretch out of their comfort zones and add more excitement and joy to their lives. With 12 years combined experience in career counseling and life coaching, she has helped hundreds of people to focus on what they want in their lives, think and grow beyond their current beliefs and fears, and take purposeful action to make things happen. For more information, visit www.stefaniezizzo.com.
Finding Your Soul Mate with Online Matchmaking Services
Finding Your Soul Mate with Online Matchmaking Services by David Kamau
Online matchmaking is hot. The continual growth in popularity of online matchmaking services has even some its harshest critics take a step back and say, "Well, looks like it works after all."
Indeed, the advantages of online matchmaking over other tried-and-not-so-true methods of meeting a mate, such as singles bars, blind dates, supermarkets and so on are undeniable and varied. These advantages include:
1. Matching: On many matchmaking sites you answer questions and specify what you are looking for in a mate. You can be very specific as to what you like and dislike, what you must have and what you cannot stand, and anything in between.
2. Convenience: You can search and communicate with prospective candidates at any time of the day or night.
3. Numbers: There are millions of people from whom to choose, of different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions and geographical locations.
4. Interacting: While some people can say the right thing at the right time, some of us get the right ideas long after the fact. In online matchmaking, you have all the time to create opening lines or think up appropriate responses.
Exchanging email, instant/text messages, chatting, and phone calls help further in finding the right match as well as weeding out those who are incompatible to you or with whom you are uncomfortable.
5. Put Your Best Foot Forward: In online matchmaking you can broadcast your best talents and qualities by creating a profile that touches on all the interesting elements that make the real you.
6. Privacy: Online matchmaking services provide easy-to-use features as well as an environment that lets you communicate while maintaining your anonymity. You can remain anonymous until you are ready to reveal more about yourself to the right person.
You also get to check out any number of potential mates without their ever knowing you took a peek.
7. Familiarity: You get to "know" the people who seem promising before meeting in person. This eliminates the awkwardness of first introductions. You also have an idea of what your prospective mate looks like, as you will have exchanged photos.
8. Minimizing risk: Meeting strangers in bars, clubs and other similar places carries an element of risk. Though risk cannot be entirely eliminated in online matchmaking you can maintain safety with caution and commonsense. The fact that you have been communicating with the person for some time minimizes risk as you already know the person to a certain extent.
All in all, online matchmaking services offer many advantages over other dating methods. A reputable service can offer you a way to meet lots of compatible singles who are also looking for serious partners. Reputable matchmaking sites offer free trials.
About the Author
David Kamau reviews dating sites at http://e-datecentral.com Find reputable matchmaking sites at http://e-datecentral.com/personals/online_matchmaking_services.htm
Online matchmaking is hot. The continual growth in popularity of online matchmaking services has even some its harshest critics take a step back and say, "Well, looks like it works after all."
Indeed, the advantages of online matchmaking over other tried-and-not-so-true methods of meeting a mate, such as singles bars, blind dates, supermarkets and so on are undeniable and varied. These advantages include:
1. Matching: On many matchmaking sites you answer questions and specify what you are looking for in a mate. You can be very specific as to what you like and dislike, what you must have and what you cannot stand, and anything in between.
2. Convenience: You can search and communicate with prospective candidates at any time of the day or night.
3. Numbers: There are millions of people from whom to choose, of different ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions and geographical locations.
4. Interacting: While some people can say the right thing at the right time, some of us get the right ideas long after the fact. In online matchmaking, you have all the time to create opening lines or think up appropriate responses.
Exchanging email, instant/text messages, chatting, and phone calls help further in finding the right match as well as weeding out those who are incompatible to you or with whom you are uncomfortable.
5. Put Your Best Foot Forward: In online matchmaking you can broadcast your best talents and qualities by creating a profile that touches on all the interesting elements that make the real you.
6. Privacy: Online matchmaking services provide easy-to-use features as well as an environment that lets you communicate while maintaining your anonymity. You can remain anonymous until you are ready to reveal more about yourself to the right person.
You also get to check out any number of potential mates without their ever knowing you took a peek.
7. Familiarity: You get to "know" the people who seem promising before meeting in person. This eliminates the awkwardness of first introductions. You also have an idea of what your prospective mate looks like, as you will have exchanged photos.
8. Minimizing risk: Meeting strangers in bars, clubs and other similar places carries an element of risk. Though risk cannot be entirely eliminated in online matchmaking you can maintain safety with caution and commonsense. The fact that you have been communicating with the person for some time minimizes risk as you already know the person to a certain extent.
All in all, online matchmaking services offer many advantages over other dating methods. A reputable service can offer you a way to meet lots of compatible singles who are also looking for serious partners. Reputable matchmaking sites offer free trials.
About the Author
David Kamau reviews dating sites at http://e-datecentral.com Find reputable matchmaking sites at http://e-datecentral.com/personals/online_matchmaking_services.htm
Valentines Day Wine And Food Ideas
Valentines Day Wine And Food Ideas by John Maier
Once again Valentines Day is here and even though it may not be official holiday it is a very important day for that special women in our life. So while we have some time lets plan ahead for the big even and make it a great day for that special someone.
There are many different ways to celebrate this special day from the simple method just buying flowers and maybe some candy to the much more involved level of not buy the above items but also other items like jewelry. It will very depending on how you feel about this holiday after we all don't celebrate it. But below are some good ideas that you can try this year and that will help make this day special.
Lets start off with a simple plan for Valentines day start off by buy some flowers usually a Roses are nice but you cant mix them with other flowers as well along with a nice vase if you don't already have one. The next step is to get some candy and wine because in this step we are going to do some pairing of wine food. When pairing wines with chocolate, your best bet is to match lighter, more elegant flavored chocolates with lighter bodied wines and likewise, the stronger the chocolate, the more full-bodied the wine should be. A good example is a bittersweet chocolate tends to pair well with an intense California Zinfandel now a more subtle white chocolate ends to be mellower flavor, making it an ideal candidate for a Sherry. This could make a very interesting and unique Valentines Day. Of course you might not need the chocolate candies at all depending on what your mate likes a good wine can be by itself can be nice way to celebrate.
Another good idea plan is to go with more then just the flowers and candy plus but you add a romantic dinner with wine. Something about a candle light dinner with that special someone and if by chance you have children find a baby sitter after all it is pretty hard to set a romantic setting with your children playing with there food. If you feel like making the dinner yourself then go for it you can find lots of great recipes on our website listed below as well as others. Now if you don't feel like cooking then order out from a good restaurant which I would recommend you do ahead of time well before that evening.
Another good idea plan would to plan a get away possible to nice bed and breakfast in Wine country. Not only is this a great way to spend time together for this holiday but it can also be a great way to celebrate other special events. There is nothing like getting away from it all and relaxing in the country and enjoy local wine food matching. Of course this idea you need to plan ahead for the event and make sure that you get your get your plane tickets and reservations at the bed and breakfast and I would suggest calling at least 4 to 6 months head of time depending on where you plan on going.
Hopefully these Valentines Day ideas will help you this year or at least give you some new idea's for that special day. Of course with any special day remember to have fun and enjoy each others company and maybe dance the night away with each other.
The most important thing to remember as you celebrate trying new wine food matching is to have fun and enjoy yourself with your family and enjoy the food, wine and conversation.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that you will take the time to visit our site listed below.
About the Author
John Maier is an experience wine and food and part time cook. His wine experience comes from being raised in a small American town that had multiple wineries and with a Europe style and has traveled the world. For more information go to: http://www.wine-food-matching.com or © Copyright2006
Once again Valentines Day is here and even though it may not be official holiday it is a very important day for that special women in our life. So while we have some time lets plan ahead for the big even and make it a great day for that special someone.
There are many different ways to celebrate this special day from the simple method just buying flowers and maybe some candy to the much more involved level of not buy the above items but also other items like jewelry. It will very depending on how you feel about this holiday after we all don't celebrate it. But below are some good ideas that you can try this year and that will help make this day special.
Lets start off with a simple plan for Valentines day start off by buy some flowers usually a Roses are nice but you cant mix them with other flowers as well along with a nice vase if you don't already have one. The next step is to get some candy and wine because in this step we are going to do some pairing of wine food. When pairing wines with chocolate, your best bet is to match lighter, more elegant flavored chocolates with lighter bodied wines and likewise, the stronger the chocolate, the more full-bodied the wine should be. A good example is a bittersweet chocolate tends to pair well with an intense California Zinfandel now a more subtle white chocolate ends to be mellower flavor, making it an ideal candidate for a Sherry. This could make a very interesting and unique Valentines Day. Of course you might not need the chocolate candies at all depending on what your mate likes a good wine can be by itself can be nice way to celebrate.
Another good idea plan is to go with more then just the flowers and candy plus but you add a romantic dinner with wine. Something about a candle light dinner with that special someone and if by chance you have children find a baby sitter after all it is pretty hard to set a romantic setting with your children playing with there food. If you feel like making the dinner yourself then go for it you can find lots of great recipes on our website listed below as well as others. Now if you don't feel like cooking then order out from a good restaurant which I would recommend you do ahead of time well before that evening.
Another good idea plan would to plan a get away possible to nice bed and breakfast in Wine country. Not only is this a great way to spend time together for this holiday but it can also be a great way to celebrate other special events. There is nothing like getting away from it all and relaxing in the country and enjoy local wine food matching. Of course this idea you need to plan ahead for the event and make sure that you get your get your plane tickets and reservations at the bed and breakfast and I would suggest calling at least 4 to 6 months head of time depending on where you plan on going.
Hopefully these Valentines Day ideas will help you this year or at least give you some new idea's for that special day. Of course with any special day remember to have fun and enjoy each others company and maybe dance the night away with each other.
The most important thing to remember as you celebrate trying new wine food matching is to have fun and enjoy yourself with your family and enjoy the food, wine and conversation.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that you will take the time to visit our site listed below.
About the Author
John Maier is an experience wine and food and part time cook. His wine experience comes from being raised in a small American town that had multiple wineries and with a Europe style and has traveled the world. For more information go to: http://www.wine-food-matching.com or © Copyright2006
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