Love sparked like a fire or planted like a seed taking time to grow, calls to our hearts.

We look for love, often in the wrong places, with the wrong people or at the wrong time and find ourselves discouraged or broken – again.

Several of my friends have found that special someone and marriage on the dating websites.  Others have given up due to frustration.

The dating websites are numerous and offer screening buffers.  For the most part, members are honest.  At the same time, others can easily hide the truth behind the screens.

So many people are looking for a relationship leading to marriage.  But, how many of us are truly spending the time to invest in ourselves to understand what the best relationship is for us in order to find “the relationship”.

Does the dating scene, online dating services or loneliness have you to the point where you might consider sending a photo?  Don’t give in so easily.

Take time to invest in yourself, discover what you are looking for and what you offer to others.

Most of all know that you are loved, just as you are.  You are, first of all, deeply loved by God.  Graham Cooke explains this so well in, “The Inheritance“.

Take time to reflect on advice offered by those who understand healthy, strong relationships.  Pastor T D Jakes, suggests 10 different things single people should do.

Deepen your relationship to God – the emphasis is relationship, honesty, trust.

Seek a whole life as a single person – you are a whole person, complete.  Don’t wait around looking for someone to make you complete.  Another person should compliment you.

Develop interests beyond work, home, school, church – develop new interests beyond yourself.

Exercise your body and mind – take care of yourself for longevity. Read and learn more.

Avoid people who seek to control and silence your personality – domineering people who seek to manipulate, control and smother you won’t let you breathe and be yourself.

Respect marriage – you reap what you sow, do not cross the line with a married person.

Live and budget within your means – stay out of debt.  Debt effects your personality, decisions, contentment and happiness.

Set a guard on your heart – it is the wellspring of life.  The peace of God will keep your heart and mind.

Manage your sexual appetites – don’t go or put yourself in places or situations you should not be.

Try not to make decisions that complicate your life – keep it simple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_eIRGg6Q1I

Seek good resources to help you understand and build healthy, strong relationships.  “Boundaries in Dating” and “Safe People” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.

Boundaries may seem confining, but they can be freeing.

What is a safe person?  Are you a safe person?

Most of all, give yourself to love.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16 KJV

Looking for a life of love?  Then, give love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!