Belated Valentine

Valentine's Day was a nice break from all the things that have been keeping me so busy (and which also caused this post to be belated). I didn't have to work (I'm a supernanny), and I didn't have any rehearsals (I'm playing Grace in a production of "Annie"). I did take time to hit the gym, and later I took my little sisters to see The Muppets at the local dollar theater. I must admit, the movie left me misty-eyed, and feeling warm and fuzzy. (For the record, any time people burst in random musical numbers I get misty-eyed, warm, and fuzzy, so that's not saying so much.) And Amy Adams singing "Me Party" felt very Valentine's Day appropriate. ;)

I also squeaked in some time to do my hair, makeup and throw on something decent (this usually doesn't happen on my day off). I wanted to dress for the occasion without being holiday-ish or wearing the typical red blouse. So I opted for a loose knit top in horizontal stripes and threw on a light coral scarf for a little touch of Valentine.

What I'm Wearing:

• Striped Top by DEB - hand-me-down
• Skinny Jeans by Old Navy - hand-me-down
• Boots - from Famous Footwear
• Jewelry by Accessorize
• Silk Scarf - gift

I hope you all had a beautiful day... and I'd like to see pictures of what you wore! Have a lovely weekend.

-Amanda

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My Love is Requited

I haven't been crazy about somebody in a long time.

It's a rather comfortable place to be. No drama. No fuss. No wondering if your affections are returned. No feeling tongue-tied. No sudden blushes. No drowning yourself in tears, pounding the pillow, or wondering if he even knows you exist.

Besides the fact that it is so comfortable, I have come to realize life has plenty of drama of its own, without the additional complications that a major crush brings.

And yet, I am desperately, daily, head-over-heels in love.

And in this love there is no drama, fuss, or wondering if my affections are returned. I love someone who loved me long before I knew of His existence. I don't ever have to feel tongue-tied, because I can tell Him everything, without fear. I am too comfortable in His love to blush. And ok, I will admit that there have been times I've drowned myself in tears over Him, and pounded the pillow. But I have always known, without a doubt, that He knows that I exist... and that I am never alone.

When I am flipping through radio stations in the car and hear one top 40 hit after another, I am struck by how much other people are missing out on this. Almost every song I hear is about love: forbidden, young, old, broken, renewed, and you can hear how very desperately everyone wants it.

There is truth in the words "all you need is love," but it goes so much deeper than that. The love of a human being will never be perfect. It will disappoint, become fickle, start to fade, and sometimes be lost completely.

But His love.... that is a different matter entirely.

It is a beautiful thing to know you are loved perfectly, and to carry it inside of you, no matter where you are. Each special love song on the radio is meant for you. Nothing can separate you from that love; not death or life, or anything inside or out of this world. That's pretty romantic.

It makes me smile. It makes me want to roll down the windows of my car and turn up the volume on the stereo. It makes me want to read all the letters He wrote to me; over and over, until I know them by heart. And it makes me want to tell everyone else about Him; He who loves me so perfectly.

He loves you, too. Just as completely. Do you know His name?

Today, I am fulfilled and at peace. Because my love is requited.

-Amanda

P.S. I meant to get this up yesterday (I'll have another post coming soon, as well), but my Valentine's Day was so busy (and fun!) that I ran out of time. How was your day? I would love to hear about it! :)

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Be My Valentine

I usually don't post three times over the course of the morning, but I just wanted to share this little video that brightened my heart. I hope it does the same for you. :)

P.S. You can download this lovely song for FREE by clicking the link in the video description. I think I'm going to be playing it all day. :)

-Amanda

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Romantic Inspirations

Some things I like today...

Roses (even though they are definitely overrated ;)...

Little reminders...

A getaway vehicle...

God is...

Red. Especially on clothing...

Memorable quotes and yummy treats...

Little accents...

These two...

Spying on the "Twitterpated" and words that make you think...

A private, high fashion tea party...

Sugar, icing and beautiful place settings...

Sharing the little things in life with someone special...

The wisest bear in history...

For more inspiration and things I like, visit my Tumblr page. Be sure to browse the archives!

What inspires you today? Please share! :)

-Amanda

Images: Most are from my Tumblr. Others will open to the source page when clicked.

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You Are Loved {republished}

This post was published last Valentine's Day on a blog that I started for more "serious" writing but eventually abandoned. Since AmandaBeth is now a place for much more than just fashion, I decided to republish it here (with a few little tweaks) for anyone who missed it.

Today is a special day known as Valentine's. It's a holiday meant to celebrate love, romance and, of course... sell lots and lots of themed merchandise. Couples everywhere look forward to this day; a set time to spend with their special someone. Everywhere you go, romance is in the air. In your face. Impossible to escape. If you aren't watching guys buying roses for their girl, or listening to your best friend's dinner plans, you're thinking about your own prospects for the holiday.

For some of us, there isn't a whole lot on the schedule. 

And, for me, that's ok. 

I have never had a boyfriend. This was not because I couldn't get one (just to clarify that important point ;) but because I do not intend to enter into a serious relationship until I have found the man I intend to marry. At present, I don't feel ready for that chapter of my life... and he is yet to make his appearance. ;)

That means that I will not have a date on Valentine's Day. 

I'm 100% fine with that.

This may sound terribly corny, but I do like to say that Jesus is my Valentine... my beginning and my end. He is the one who holds my heart and satisfies my soul in a way that no human being ever could. He walks with me, listens to my endless talking, and holds my hand. He's the best dance partner in the universe.

As if that wasn't awesome enough, there is my family, both biological and in spirit. It is impossible to be alone on Valentine's Day when you are swarmed with great friends and a gazillion super siblings. In fact, I am a firm believer that this holiday is not just for couples. It is about so much more than romantic love. It is meant to be shared by best friends, siblings, cousins, parents and their children... and the list goes on and on. Who says we can't take this time to show our love to everyone around us, instead of just focusing on one person? If we did, I think it could be even more beautiful.

For those of you who have anticipated Valentine's as little more than "Single Awareness Day," for those of you who are lonely, for those of you who are hurting, for those of you who are broken hearted... know that you are loved. 

If I could, I would give each one of you a hug myself... but Jesus is always waiting for you with open arms. He will never abandon you, let you down or break your heart. In fact, he's the only one with a glue gun big enough to repair the damage that has already been done. His hands are healing and His words are love.

So maybe, just maybe we should take time today to share His love with others, regardless of who they are or where we might be. Instead of just focusing on ourselves, let's think about reaching out to others who may be lonely on Valentine's Day... whether it's a neighbor down the street or an older family member who has lost their spouse. Taking the time to brighten someone's day can only end up warming our own hearts in return.

Remember, if romantic love is what we are looking forward to as our ultimate fulfillment and end, we will never be satisfied. Jesus is the only one who can truly complete and content us, and when He is the first love of our life... everything else will fall into place. :)


-Amanda


Image: Tumblr

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