In the Name of Love & Other Things {Part 3}

Valentines Day. Some of us love it. Some of us hate it. Some of us are indifferent. Either way, there is a day, and that day is focused on love. Today is the last day I will be sharing some thoughts of love.

Happy Valentines Day! This is the day we've all been waiting for either with anticipation or with dread. Tonight I'm going to see fireworks set to music over the frozen lake with my family {my true loves}. But first, today's edition will be focusing on the beautiful components of love.

• It brings out the best in people.
• It is inspirational.
• It is wonderful to experience.
• It is a blessing to watch.
• It teaches us about our heavenly relationship.
• It promotes peace and unselfishness.
• It grows healthy people.

We've already established love is sad and difficult, but it can be so much more and better than that. It can be our life motto. It can be our driving force. It can be the fruits of our labour. So whether you are living romantic love, family love, friendship love, spiritual love, or many more types of love, strive everyday to become better at loving. Because sometimes love is beautiful.

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In the Name of Love & Other Things {Part 2}

Valentines Day. Some of us love it. Some of us hate it. Some of us are indifferent. Either way, there is a day, and that day is focused on love. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I am sharing some thoughts about love.

Today's edition will be focusing on the unrealistic expectations of love.

• It is not all-fulfilling.
• It is not the reason for living.
• It is imperfect.
• It makes mistakes.
• It requires more forgiveness than we prepare for.
• It requires constant work.
• It will disappoint us.

Someone once told me that love and marriage are hard work, because if we don't work at it, we will lose it. This same person said that it is easy to love our children and work at those relationships. But as for our spouses, that love is not always easy. But Lord-willing, we strive everyday to become better at loving. Because sometimes love is unrealistic.

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In the Name of Love & Other Things {Part 1}

Valentines Day. Some of us love it. Some of us hate it. Some of us are indifferent. Either way, there is a day, and that day is focused on love. So for the next three days, I will be sharing some thoughts about love.

Today's edition will be focusing more on the sad parts of love in this world.

• When people sacrifice character or values or morals or beliefs in the name of love.
• When people feel negatively pressured in the name of love.
• When something that was once love can turn into something so closely resembling hate.
• When human love isn't enough. 
• When people feel unlovable. 
• When love isn't returned. 
• When love is conditional.

True love isn't attainable in this world. There I said it. We are human. We are selfish. We are imperfect. But Lord-willing, we strive everyday to become better at loving. Because sometimes love is sad.

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No. 179 - Valentine's Cookies

Let the LOVE MONTH begin with these delicious sugar-cookie-oatmeal-esque cookies I made for the Superbowl get together yesterday. My favourite part was putting the pink icing on the top.

Recipe:

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter, room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. rolled oats
Decorative red sugar, optional

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Place in a large mixing bowl along with butter, sugar, milk, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in oats. On a floured board, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes; decorate with red sugar if desired. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet and cool on wire racks. Yields: 2-1/2 dozen 3-inch cookies.

Disclaimer: Obviously, I adapted it a bit, but that is what baking is all about!

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