Ephesians 4:32 – Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.

Gratitude 714

While the rest of the world is promoting the Super Bowl, the Olympics and love this weekend, I’m turning to kindness.

Yep. Kindness.

Why? Because kindness never goes out of style. Kindness is what happens when someone wins and someone loses. It says we care for each other more than we care about ourselves. It is deeply connected to love because what is love if kindness is not included?

Whether it’s being kind to others or kind to yourself this weekend, here are a few suggestions on how you can do this. Yes, sometimes we just need to be kind to ourselves. Care for ourselves. Slow down and take moments that fill our hearts and souls. I pray you find a little something here that will help you be kind to yourself and others.

Why? Because kindness never goes out of style.

Listen to this CD of hymns. The artist’s name is Brent Cobb and the CD was recently released. It’s called “Now Let’s Turn the Page.” Almost all of the songs on this playlist are hymns. They just might be arranged a bit different than you are used to. Turn up the volume and enjoy them while you are doing your normal Saturday things today.

This Lent Study Guide. It’s written by Kate Bowler as a companion guide to her new book that she wrote with her friend Jessica Richie, Good Enough. I have not read the book, but I have downloaded the FREE Lent Study Guide. You can read the Lent Guide with the book … or just use the free guide during Lent. Lent starts March 2^nd. I know this is a couple weeks away but just in case you want to get the book, I’m sharing the free guide today. I plan on using the free guide during Lent this year.

Just buy the flowers. For yourself. Or for someone you care for.

Yes, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fresh flowers in the house. A number of years ago, I made the decision that I will give up other things so I can regularly have fresh flowers in the house. They just bring me joy. I know this may seem crazy, but it’s the truth. I LOVE walking into the house and seeing those happy little guys on our island or on the table or in a little container on a table. They just make me feel good.

Most of us are probably aware that there is a holiday on Monday that speaks of love. It’s a popular day to send flowers to someone that you care for. If this is something you enjoy doing, please do so! Bring joy to someone else this Valentine’s Day!

Now, if you are thinking to yourself, “No one will send me flowers … I wish someone would,” do one simple thing. Go buy yourself the flowers. Seriously. Trot on down to your local florist (like I did) or the grocery store and buy the grab and go bunch already put together. The ones ready to cash and carry out of the door. Honestly, these are the flowers I purchase most often. Sometimes, I’ll pick out a couple extra greens or pretty little flowers to add to the grab and go bunch. This costs just a little bit more but makes them almost look like a florist arranged them.

Then, go home, put them in a vase or vases (adding the flower food that usually comes with the bunch) and put them in a place where you will see them often. Enjoy. Smile every time you see them. I dare you to try and not smile.

You can do this for a person you care for as well. Honestly, I bought these flowers for myself because, well, I’m not sure Hubby Rick even knows Valentine’s Day is Monday. As a retired guy, he just doesn’t keep track of the days. (Oh, please let’s make this our little secret that I ratted him out.)

I brought them home, grabbed some containers I had (think outside the box for what you can use as a vase) and in 10 minutes had this cute little arrangement on our table. I put the remaining flowers in a standard pitcher I use as a vase that often graces our island. These flowers will bring me so much joy in the next week. I am already over that I bought them for myself.

Just in case you want to give a little something besides flowers to someone special, check out these 7 suggestions. It’s not too late to do all of these. They are easy, fun and super simple. I promise.

This photo. So. Much. Truth. Here.

I often say that everyone has something going on in his or her life that no one else may know about. As much as we would like to think we can handle things on our own, sometimes it is HARD. Can we just be kind to each other? Even if we don’t agree? Or see life differently? Can we give each other just a little extra grace today and tomorrow?

Sometimes, days like Valentine’s Day are hard for people. It’s a reminder of a loved one no longer here. Or someone feels like everyone else has a special person and they don’t. So, just be kind. To the people you know as well as to the strangers you simply cross paths with. They may have something going on in their life right now. Kindness goes a long, long way.

Have a fantastic weekend … enjoy all the stuff going on … and be kind!

For the opportunity to be an ambassador of kindness this weekend, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Lord God – we often take note when someone is NOT kind to us. May we be the ones who go above and beyond to grant kindness to someone else this weekend; whether we know them or not. Thank you for your never-ending loving kindness. Now, may I extend kindness to myself and others because it never goes out of style. Amen.

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