Dear NLS Family and Friends,

Valentine’s Day is drawing near. The sentiments of love and affection are often displayed through the giving of cards, flowers, candy, dining out, jewelry and so on. It is estimated Valentine’s Day 2015 will bring 18.9 billion dollars into the economy. Retailers love, love, love this time of year. It is estimated those who celebrate will spend an average of $128. Men spend and average of $166, while women spend $90.

Personally, my spending is on the low end. It must be the millionaires out there that help balance these figures out!

If you don’t have an extra $128 laying around the house, there are less costly ways to show your affection. Take a walk with your Love. If you enjoy nature, there are parks, hiking trails and the sandy beach of Tybee Island. If you are more of a city slicker, Savannah is a romantic city with moss canopies stretching from oak to oak, beautiful historical homes and park squares. If these suggestions aren’t your style, at least make a homemade Valentine. Write out the sentiments of your heart. Your Sweetheart will be thrilled with it!

Spiritually on Valentines Day, we look upward to the One who loves us more than we could ever fathom. He displayed His love on the old rugged cross. His freely gave His love, without pretense or price tag:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… (John 3:16 KJV).

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold… But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot… (1Peter 1:18-19 KJV).

We can show our love and affection to Jesus, not by offering expensive gifts, but by presenting the “Valentine” of a steadfast, loving heart. He will be thrilled with it!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Pastor JS Hartman
New Life Sanctuary
Bloomingdale/Pooler, GA