It’s been a busy week around Maul Hall. So today I’m simply sharing a few photos plus enough words to fill in the spaces between.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE: I’ll begin with Valentine’s Day, Feb 14th. It’s one of those celebrations that has been so “cheesed up,” and dressed in gaudy red costume, and exploited that a lot of people don’t want anything to do with it.

But, over the years, I’ve come to understand that no day is ever a bad day to celebrate the fact that I love Rebekah. And so this year it was a combination of three things she really enjoys. First, words, my words especially crafted for her. Second, sunflowers, and these came all the way from Connecticut. And, third, eating breakfast out together – always one of our favorite dates.

It’s the thought that counts, certainly, and Valentines Day takes a good deal of creative thinking to make it work.

SCRABBLE: Once in a while we’ll stow the electronics, pick out some great music, get out one of the board games, make a pot of tea (or two), and enjoy a quiet evening just enjoying one-another’s company.

Scrabble is always fun, but you know it’s going to be an extra special game when Rebekah starts laying down words like “Gryphon” and on a triple-word score no less.

It’s easy to lose one-another in the rush of life. If you haven’t enjoyed a low-key board game together recently, then I highly recommend it.

THE NEW RIDE: Once in a while (and it’s been ten years for Rebekah) you have to bite the bullet and purchase a new vehicle. Rebekah intensely dislikes the process, so here’s how it plays out. I do the research; the research is followed by the bouncing around of ideas; then it’s me heading out to a variety of auto dealers, reporting back, more research, narrowing down, negotiating the basics; and FINALLY bringing Rebekah in to test drive for herself before we wrap up the deal.

She has enjoyed her Santa Fe so much we shopped for another small SUV. That’s when I found the last of the 2012 model RAV-4’s on the Toyota lot, literally dripping with incentives. Bingo. New ride.

DANCE. DANCE. DANCE: Yes, Presbyterians have fun together. Saturday evening the CUPIDS (Couples United Prayerfully In Devoted Service) small group sponsored a “Post Valentine’s Day” dinner and dance.

I believe around 35 couples signed up.

There was great fellowship, a wonderful lasagna dinner, a “being married” talk by Peggie and Gerard Roy, serious table discussion, and then dancing.

This is what a faith community is all about. Encouraging one another, sharing our lives, having fun together, doing life with enthusiasm!

So there it is. Life is good. Church meets every Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00. First Presbyterian of Brandon. Won’t you join us? – DEREK