Tag Archives: Flowers

Forget Me Not

Posted on March 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAxT9kpXak

Myosotis sylvatica, a member of the borage family, consists of a light blue flower regarded as a symbol of friendship.  As Spring showers bring May flowers, Forget Me Not arrangements are a popular gift.  Despite their beauty, time will cause the most gorgeous flowers to fade.  Likewise, absence can cause anyone to forget an important anniversary, birthday or relationship.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you,” Isaiah 49:15.

Distance, distractions and neglect are primary factors which lead to forget.  Work hours may cause a father to not spend enough time with family.  Misguided priorities can steer someone off course, resulting in poor choices and wasted opportunities.  Finally, a state of busyness can lead faithful followers to fall away from God, gradually slipping away by missing church, godly fellowship and quiet times praying and reading the Bible.

If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. – Psalm 137:5

Psalm 137:5 acknowledges that even God’s chosen people were vulnerable to a short term memory.  Thus, to avoid this from going any further, this servant of God asks to lose their gifts and talents rather than abandon the Lord.  Today, one careless decision, lazy day or rut can break God’s heart.  While Valentine’s Day is full of Forget Me Not cards, one prayer from heaven rains down to earth daily, hoping God’s children will not forget their heavenly Father.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Distorted Love

Posted on February 15, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Saint Valentine served as a Roman priest in the days of Emperor Claudis II, living during the mid to late second century.  While multiple sources can’t agree on the exact year of his death, all point to February 14th as the day he was beheaded.  For what you may ask?  When Claudis made a decree to ban marriage, Valentine secretly married young couples to keep the covenant of marriage alive.  After receiving a beating similar to that of Jesus, a sword placed in the hands of a gladiator ended his life.

If this is true, how did Valentine’s Day evolve into what it is today?  My researched revealed a pagan festival of love known as The Feast of Lupercalia.  Ancient birds in Rome began to mate every year in the middle of February near a cave bearing the same name.  This annual migration inspired pagans to participate in carousing, drunkenness and sexual promiscuity.   The distortion of this day is likely due to the blending and mingling of Valentine’s values on marriage with festivities of Lupercalia.

Therefore, tonight as you and your loved one celebrate a special evening together, don’t believe what you hear or see on television.  While the candy, flower and jewelry commercials are uniquely crafted, you don’t have to go to Jared to display your love.  When I proposed to my wife, I don’t have a ring; what I had was much more sentimental.  I placed the twist tie, from the first care package I received when Leanne and I were dating 8 hours a part.  When I finished these chips, I placed this in my car, a symbol of her love for me,  waiting for the perfect time to say I love you forever.  When you don’t have anything to spend, the best gift you can give is yourself!

by Jay Mankus

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Still Standing

Posted on March 13, 2012 by expressyourself4him

The beginning of Isaiah 40:8 highlights  the fact which occurs every fall, the grass withers becoming dormant until Spring.  As a Christian, sometimes I allow myself to tune out, flipping the off switch, until I feel like being active again.  If we want to be effective, sticking out like a beautiful green grass yard, Christians need to fight off the urge to become dormant as seasons change.

The middle of Isaiah 40:8 illustrates the temporary state of flowers, fading quickly after their full bloom.  As the East Coast enjoys an early Spring, new flowers are popping out of the ground every day, appearing out of nowhere.  While their smell is sweet and beauty breath taking, flowers are fragile.  In a few weeks, these gorgeous flowers will wilt back into the earth, making room for the next perennial to spring to life.  As I reflect on my own life, my energy fades quickly when I trust in my own strength.  However, as I lean on Christ, I am able to go for hours, like a spiritual 5 Hours Energy Drink, Philippians 4:13.

Finally, Isaiah 40:8 ends with a spiritual truth, the Word of God stands forever.  Hebrews 4:12 helps people understand why its important to keep reading the Bible, “its living and active.”  Even if you read a book or the entire Bible every year for the rest of your life, circumstances, situations and times change, giving us a new and fresh perspective.  Although, the media attacks, makes false claims against and twists the truth of the Bible, one champion remains standing, the Word of the Lord!

by Jay Mankus

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