Monday, January 30, 2023

A Rich Valentine's Day for Writers


by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

Valentine’s Day for writers can be wonderful regardless of our marital status. Perhaps no earthly person cares about our audience and us. God cares. Jesus cares, and so does the Holy Spirit. God’s call on my life as a speaker, writer, and coach demands I care about the Trinity.

I want to be a role model not only for clients but also for loved ones at home and those with whom I come in contact.

Valentine's Day for writers and God the Father

As a single person, I choose to tell God the Father I love him and the audience he gives me. A friend of mine says, “God, thank you that you’re large and in charge.”

Another friend sent me a Happy New Year message and wished me a good flight #2023. I thought it meant my heavenly Father God would send me to countless hurting women to offer them hope and healing through Jesus Christ. I dusted my suitcase, washed the velour travel blanket, and strolled through the house with that spinner wheel suitcase to pack it.

So far, I’ve been to the drugstore twice for medication for a stubborn sinus infection and a stuffy nose and to the grocery store again for more organic chicken bone broth and organic unsweetened coconut to kill the taste and smell of the bone broth.

The Names of God

When I meditate on God’s names in the Bible, my understanding of his love for me, my audience, and others grows. I thank God he is:
  • Jehovah Nissi, the Lord My Banner
  • Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who Heals Me
  • Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides

How much time do you devote to God on Valentine’s Day to meditate on his names, tell him how much you love him, and introduce him to others?

Valentine's Day for writers and Jesus the Son of God

How does Jesus care for my audience, me, and my loved ones? According to the Bible, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17 NIV).

I confess it’s easier to share in his glory, but I must also share in his sufferings. On Valentine’s Day, I thank Jesus for what he did to make me a princess in God’s family.

The Life and Teaching of Jesus

Through the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, I’ve grown in my faith to trust and obey the Lord. Thomas, one of the disciples, said he didn’t know where Jesus was going so how could he know the way? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV).

Statistics show many leave the life and teaching of Jesus during or after college. On Valentine’s Day, I consider how blessed I am to have believed after college.

Jesus my High Priest

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 14-15 ESV).

Thank you, Jesus, that you are my high priest. You sympathize with my weaknesses, but you are the perfect ultimate sacrifice without sin or blemish. You know about my struggles with perfectionism, an empty email box by dinner, and the completion of my daily speaking, writing, and coaching goals. 

Through your strength and grace, I will celebrate Valentine’s Day first with you. 

Valentine's Day for writers and the Holy Spirit

How does the Holy Spirit fit in with Valentine’s Day for writers?

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me” (John 14:26-27 NASB).

Thank you, God, for the Helper, the Spirit of truth. When I face reality, I don’t rush through Bible reading, prayer, and meditation. That makes Valentine’s Day a special occasion.

Defense from the Holy Spirit

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12 NIV).

Thank you, Holy Spirit, I’d rather not worry and stress. 

Hope from the Holy Spirit

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV).

Thank you, Holy Spirit, by your power I abound in hope, especially during a time of darkness and a high suicide rate in our country. When reminders of presentation deadlines and a social media platform attempt to monopolize my thoughts, may I focus on joy, peace, and an overflow of hope.

How will you make Valentine’s Day wonderful?

TWEETABLE

Yvonne Ortega walks with a small footprint, leaving a giant imprint in the lives of those she meets. Within this power-packed package is a professional speaker who offers encouragement, support, and accountability. Her calling to help women who face challenges move forward and live the abundant life through Christ has endeared her to thousands. As a gifted instructor, she helps those who speak and write make connections and find community. In addition to being a multi-published author, known for her Moving from Broken to Beautiful Series, she has degrees in Spanish and English and a master’s degree in education in counseling from the College of William & Mary.

You can find Yvonne at 

7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful reminder for Valentine's Day. Thank you.

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    1. Anonymous, you're welcome, and thank you for stopping by.

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  2. Your post overflows with encouragement, Yvonne. Thank you for blessing my heart today.

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    1. Beth K. Vogt, you're welcome. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.

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  3. Great thoughts about Valentine's Day for writers, Yvonne! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Julie Lavender, you're welcome. Thank you for stopping by.

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  4. What a hope filled post, friend. Thank you!

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