Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Happy V-Day

H a p p y
Happy
V a l e n t i n e ' s
Valentine's
D a y
Day
Here is a little History borrowed from the Web.
Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.Special thanks to American Greetings.
Hope all of you have a good Valentine's Day.
God Bless. George.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

HEY GEORGE,

HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. MAN YOU ARE JUST SO FULL OF INFORMATION. YOU ARE LIKE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA WITH LEGS. I THINK YOU OUGHT TO CHANGE YOUR NAME TO BRITANICA OR SOMETHING. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM PRAYING FOR YOU ON YOUR APPEAL. I HAVE DONE THIS WITH AN INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE. IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF RED TAPE, BUT IT USUALLY PAYS OFF IN THE END. TAKE CARE MAN, HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.

PAUL S.

Anonymous said...

Brother,
Thank you so much for being honest. I have disscerned your pain the last few weeks in church. This Sunday I'm laying hands on, if you allow.
I don't think (this is just me-not the Lord) that you are being tested.We live in such a fallen world that disease and pain seem to come with the territory.
I will tell you, which I'm sure you know, that waiting until the pain is bad to take the pain meds is not the way to do it. You have to stay on top of the pain. Get ahead of it. I know this from personal experience and the fact that I work for a Chronic Pain Spe cialist. You will actually take less in the long run if you do it this way.
I love you so much and will continue praying because he is our greatest source of pain relief.
Margie