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)

Yet To Be #16

Believe without doubting

Jesus saith to him, “if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9 verse 23

Believe means:

to accept that is true

without doubting

to have faith/trust in someone

to all is possible or expected.  Lord Jesus give us unwavering (firm, lasting) faith.  (Vicissitudes of Life, 2007)

Yet To Be #15

he would supply all our needs

…as having nothing, and yet possessing all things…I will be your God and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6 verse 10 and 16

Jesus told us that he would supply all our needs. We know that “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills”. Jesus is Lord ( Vicissitudes of Life, 2007)