Dear Sibs, whilst riding the train one evening reading an inspirational book I glanced up to check which station I was at when I noticed on the lady's rucksack opposite were the words 'Live without Limits'. This struck me! Struck me to the point that I realised I was staring: staring hard and so did the lady. So, I gently smiled and looked back down on the page I was at pretending to read. What was striking about these three words was the realisation that I was living my life with limits. Now, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, that even though you may profess the words, 'I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me' that sometimes our actions and words do not fully back that up. Finance is a classic example. You know, you're a bit strapped for cash and your already prudent spending turns to robbing from the tithes and offerings. Whoa....I'm not talking, taking money out of the collection basket; I'm talking about not all the money reaching there in the first place. We claim we are trusting God for our break-through but holding that little something back, just in case he.....forgets....is too busy....can't be bothered? You see if we are in Christ and Him in us there are no limits to what you (and I) can achieve. Until next month Chantal       February - the month of romance; the month of love!     For years, couples have exchanged gifts and made other grand romantic gestures in celebration of their love. But where did this really come from? It is believed to have been taken from the pagan festival of Lupercalia. This involved an animal sacrifice followed by the ritualistic slapping of young women by strips of the animal skin and blood to enhance fertility for the coming year. After which, the women would place their names in a large urn. The men would select a name and the two would join in marriage for the year. This selection process was seen as being un-Christian. So in the 5th Century, in the hope to ‘Christianise’ the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius declared 14th February as St Valentine’s Day. The actual person who this name derives is uncertain as there were many Valentines during this time. One Saint Valentine, a defiant Roman priest, lived in the time of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius required his army to be away from their families for long periods. They grew homesick which was seen as a weakness. So Claudius banned marriages. Father Valentine rejected this and married couples in secret. This was discovered by the emperor and Valentine was put into prison. It is believe young couples who he secretly married visited him and passed him flowers and notes through the bars as a sign of their gratification. Another Saint Valentine, who also secretly married Christian couples was said to have fallen in love with his jailors daughter. On the day of his execution, 14th February, it is believed he passed the girl a note which was signed ‘from your valentine’. The modern Valentines Day has evolved from this and is one of the most celebrated days in the calendar. Whatever the origin St Valentine’s Day is a day when love is shared. The Bible overflows with verses about love, with passages that speak of divine love, brotherly love and romantic love. Song of Solomon 4:10 - How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice! Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Probably the most memorable and significant verse is John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. So, whatever you do this month, whether share gifts or other romantic gestures do so, in remembrance of your first love - Jesus Christ. Peace & Love Chantal