Sunday, February 14, 2010

my best valentine's present

dear emily,

you are not going to believe what i got for valentine's day!

hans sat our youngest daughters down and told them a story
about  a family he had watched on TV.  the family kept
getting sick, but they could not  diagnose the illness.  while
the older children and parents' immune systems could fight
off the assault, their little two year old sister became weaker,
eventually needing an oxygen mask to breathe.

it turns out their home was emitting a poisonous gas that
most of them could fight off, but which the youngest was
just more vulnerable to.  once they opened all the windows
and fixed the gas leak, she recovered beautifully.

hans went on to say that life is full of negative, destructive,
and often invisible forces that come against us continuously.
the lies include "you're fat, you're dumb, you could never do
that..." many of the deceptions are insidious and sneak up on
us when we are most vulnerable.

some of us are naturally optimistic and more immune to those
lies, but others are especially susceptible.  he told them that it
was important that they recognize a lie when they hear it and
to not 'breathe' it in.

instead, hold fast the truth, and surround themselves with
positive, good influences to counteract the negative ones.
moreover, the stronger ones need to help the weaker with
occasional 'oxygen masks.'

spending their time with wholesome, encouraging friends,
reading their bible, listening to "whatever is good, noble, and
pure" will build them up.  (phil. 4:8)  it will also protect them.

so what is my unbelievable present?  a husband whose heart
is completely given to us, protecting us, and continuously
encouraging us.

love,
lea

ps....and a teeny, tiny porcelain vase of red roses!

16 comments:

Single and Sane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Single and Sane said...

Sorry, I was a little too repetitive in the first post - I must be getting sleepy. Let's try it again...

It always amazes me to realize what incredible people we grew up with. You and Hans are prime examples. =)

Joan Elizabeth said...

That was very wise counsel.

Jeanne said...

...but no man can tame the tongue. James 3

A Godly husband is such a blessing isn't it? Especially on Valentine's Day :)

Thank you for the nice words on my blog yesterday. I shall enjoy hearing more of your wise words to Emily now that we've met!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful discussion to daughters. It is such a struggle raising girls with confidence. Your husband is a wonderful father.

Thanks for visiting my scrappy blog. Have a beautiful day!

Joyce Marie

The Cole Family said...

I am so glad to have found your blog! Thank you for commenting on mine. I think what you are doing for your friend is remarkable. I need a friend like you! Where in Oklahoma are you?

Blessings,
Cindy

BonjourRomance said...

BOnjour,
I just found you blog via a comment you left on Tish's blog, A Femmee d'Une Certain Age.What a fabulous idea, your letters are so full of wisdom. I love what you said about a good husband, how true.
I'll be following along and will be back soon.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

What a lovely entry!!! :-)

Aunt Amelia

Vee said...

Such a good word! Very important for young women and older ones, too. In fact, know someone with whom this will be shared today. Thank you!

Rita said...

hi Lea,
thank you for visiting my blog and lettingmeknow you've been there so that I could find yours.
What an amazing blog you have and an incredible source of wisdom. I'm your newest follower as I do not want to miss what you'll be up to next. great post - a true pearl of wisdom and integrity - and your DH must indeed be a marvelous person.
fondly
rita

Anonymous said...

hi lea! what a wonderful husband, father, and cheerleader! that alone is a great valentines gift! thanks for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment! i hope you visit again soon! i will be back!

Dawn said...

a beautiful letter... and a beautiful love!

Lea - the other one!!! said...

That was a great analogy. May I use it?
Loved the whole story

myletterstoemily said...

of course!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Yes, your husband is a wonderful "present" to you and your family...

Blessings & Aloha!

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

This is just the best! Words to remember and to hold close. We are all given gifts. Thank you for your gift.

xo
becky