My Ode to Romance Countdown to Valentine’s Day

Attraction means a person or thing that draws, allures

#6 of 14 Attraction

Romantically speaking, a person can be attracted to another person by the way they look, how they move, how they smell, what they say and even how they say it. For example, when meeting someone for the first time, the senses are immediately invoked and heightened, leading to the creation of either a positive or negative assessment. 

Attraction means a person or thing that draws, allures or entices and scientifically speaking, there is such a thing as an magnetic force where opposites attract.

“Draw me, we will run after thee.” Song of Solomon 1 verse 4

My Ode to Romance Countdown to Valentine’s Day

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

#5 of 14 The Love Song

Troubadour’ Entry – Jakob Emanuel Gaisser

Love songs express the emotions felt by the writer or singer to the one they love.  One such song can be found in Song of Solomon ( 22nd book of the Bible)

Also called Canticle of canticles.  It is a song or a chant known to be written by King Solomon approximately 930 BC of the old testament Bible.  The song tells of simple love between a husband and his wife, emotionally, spiritually and physically.  Metaphorically speaking it is also a relationship between Christ and his bride, the Church. 

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” Song of Solomon 6 verse 3

My Ode to Romance Countdown to Valentine’s Day

A kiss is the touch or pressing of one’s lips…

#4 of 14 – The Kiss

“Let him kiss me…” Song of Solomon 1 verse 2a

‘A kiss is the touch or pressing of one’s lips against another person or object. ( Wikipedia -English 2021) And can express the sentiments of love, passion, romance, affection, respect, greeting, friendship even betrayal among other things, depending on the context and culture.’

side view of romantic couple kissing while standing amidst plants against sky in park during sunset - black women kissing white men stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

My Ode to Romance Countdown to Valentine’s Day

as the lily among thorns so is my love among the daughters.

#3 of 14 Language of Flowers

In the Victorian Era, flowers were used to express emotions that cannot be spoken.  For example, a flower given by the right hand meant a “yes” to a question and if the flower was handed over with the left hand, it meant ” no”.

Flowers, plants and herbs have meaning as well.  Blackeye Susan’s means justice and mint means virtue.  The rose is a symbol of love but the colour of the rose has different meanings altogether.   

  • White rose – purity, innocence, reverence a new beginning, a fresh start
  • Red rose – love, I love you. – great for that one true love on Valentine’s day
  • Deep, dark crimson rose – mourning
  • Pink rose – grace, happiness, gentleness
  • Yellow rose – jealousy, infidelity
  • Orange rose – desire and enthusiasm
  • Lavender rose – love at first sight
  • Coral rose – friendship, modesty, sympathy

(The Old Farmer’s Almanac )  

A bridal bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath is an collective expression meaning “I love you purely”.  Likewise, a flower in the button hole of the groom is an extension of the Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady’s colours declaring his love and their relationship.

“As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters” Song of Solomon 2 verse 2

Lily = happiness or unconscious sweetness

My Ode to Romance Countdown To Valentine Day

Chivalry is still alive today

#2 of 14 Chivalry

“Love suffers long and is kind” 1Corinthians 13:4

Tristram and Isolde, 1916 - John William Waterhouse
Tristram and Isolde by William John Waterhouse- 1916

In medieval times, acts of chivalry were used by knights to demonstrate commitment, respect, compassion and trust as well as to show noble bravery to a lady when pursuing an honourable relationship with her. 

Chivalry is still alive today and can be seen in acts of kindness such as opening a door, pulling out a chair or as simple as returning a warm greeting.  Valentine’s Day supports a somewhat chivalrous behaviour by the giving of flowers, chocolate, having a candlelight dinner or showing love and compassion to others in kind words and deeds.

My Ode to Romance countdown to Valentine’s Day

Thou hast ravished my heart.

“Thou hast ravished my heart.” – Song of Solomon 4 verse 9a

#1 of 14 Romance

Romance is defined as an emotional attraction towards another person and the courtship behaviours undertaken to express these feelings ( Wikipedia 2021) Romancing someone can be expressed by giving gifts, spending time together or saying special words of affirmation.  These could all be examples of courtship, which is a period where a relationship develops.  (The Five Love Languages – Gary Chapman)

Yet To Be #19

The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will neve forget any of their work. Amos 8 verse 7

Who has wronged you? Who has caused you pain? The Lord said that He would never forget.  He will make it right in His own time and in His own way.  (Vicissitudes of Life, 2007)

Yet To Be #20

How easy it is to wish another evil

Seek good and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.  Amos 5 verse 14

How easy it is to wish another evil especially when we are hurt. How about that promotion that should have been yours? How about the paper that you know was worth an “A” but you got a “B”? Did you receive that than you for a work will done? Did not our Lord receive evil for good?  Did He not say forgive them? When are we going to stop saying it is hard, when we know that He is there to help?

Yet To Be #18

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  Psalm 91 verse 1

Secret place is a personal relationship with God which guarantees full and complete insurance coverage – “He will hide me, safely hide me in the shadow of His hand”. The name of the Lord is a strong tower.

Yet To Be # 17

God of the impossible

And Jesus saith…”with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10 verse 27

God is the God of the impossible.  He is the creator, all things belong to Him.  (Vicissitudes of Life, 2007)