Love is as Strong as Death: A Valentine's Day Post
Dearest Blogworld,
[Sigh]
It's Melissa over here on the other side of the World Wide Web.
Do you even remember me?
It has been FOREVER.
I’ve missed you.
So, what have you been up to?
I’ve been translating Hebrew. And Greek. And more Hebrew. And then even more Greek. And so on and back again. For now, since it is LOVE weekend, I want to tell you about my Song of Songs class that I recently completed. Without a doubt, my Song of Songs class was one of the most fascinating courses I have ever taken. I spent the bulk of the second half of last semester preparing for this class alone. Why the bulk of my time? Well, because the Song is composed of 9.2% Hapax Legomena. Hapax Legomena are words that are only used one time in a given corpus. This means that about one in every ten words used in the Song have never been used anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible. This makes translating the Song of Songs, well,
By the way, Hapax Legomena would be a really fun phrase for you to throw around on a date. Super dorky and dorky can be super attractive, right? I wouldn’t leave you without some dating advice on Valentine’s Day! Grin. Anyway, since several of you have been asking me to share some of what I am learning, I thought I would take the chance to walk you through a segment of the text I translated for my final paper.
So let’s just get right to it. If someone hasn’t broken the news to you yet, the Song of Songs is what most Scholars call "erotic poetry". For some of you this is quite a thrilling thought, for others it is crude and crass. For those of you in either camp, what do you make of your own personal reaction to the Song’s place in the Canon? Or maybe this is a better question: do you think there are any significant theological implications that could be derived from the inclusion of erotic poetry in the Bible?
Rumor has it that ancient Israelites were forbidden to read the Song unless they were thirty years old or married. Oh and by the way, if you are either offended or irritated by me right now, will you please do yourself a favor and close out this blog immediately? I don't want to upset anyone on Valentine's Eve.
Now that I am dealing with the remnant, let me tell you, when you slow down enough to really dwell on the metaphors in the Song, things get super heated. I once had a Professor at Moody Bible Institute teach the Song of Songs with a garbage bag over his head the entire class period. He had cut out little holes for his eyes and mouth. Now I know why. Anyway, as I’ve been translating the Hebrew through this class I’ve literally had to fan myself on several occasions. I wrote my paper on the intersection between the erotic poetry in Song 8.1-7 and wisdom literature, like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, for instance. I won’t bore you with all the technicalities but I do want to share with you part of the message of the passage I worked on. Here is my own English translation of a segment of the text from the Hebrew (vv. 3-7)
It has been FOREVER.
I’ve missed you.
So, what have you been up to?
I’ve been translating Hebrew. And Greek. And more Hebrew. And then even more Greek. And so on and back again. For now, since it is LOVE weekend, I want to tell you about my Song of Songs class that I recently completed. Without a doubt, my Song of Songs class was one of the most fascinating courses I have ever taken. I spent the bulk of the second half of last semester preparing for this class alone. Why the bulk of my time? Well, because the Song is composed of 9.2% Hapax Legomena. Hapax Legomena are words that are only used one time in a given corpus. This means that about one in every ten words used in the Song have never been used anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible. This makes translating the Song of Songs, well,
__Fill ___in___the_blank__with__your__own__Adjective__.
By the way, Hapax Legomena would be a really fun phrase for you to throw around on a date. Super dorky and dorky can be super attractive, right? I wouldn’t leave you without some dating advice on Valentine’s Day! Grin. Anyway, since several of you have been asking me to share some of what I am learning, I thought I would take the chance to walk you through a segment of the text I translated for my final paper.
So let’s just get right to it. If someone hasn’t broken the news to you yet, the Song of Songs is what most Scholars call "erotic poetry". For some of you this is quite a thrilling thought, for others it is crude and crass. For those of you in either camp, what do you make of your own personal reaction to the Song’s place in the Canon? Or maybe this is a better question: do you think there are any significant theological implications that could be derived from the inclusion of erotic poetry in the Bible?
Rumor has it that ancient Israelites were forbidden to read the Song unless they were thirty years old or married. Oh and by the way, if you are either offended or irritated by me right now, will you please do yourself a favor and close out this blog immediately? I don't want to upset anyone on Valentine's Eve.
Now that I am dealing with the remnant, let me tell you, when you slow down enough to really dwell on the metaphors in the Song, things get super heated. I once had a Professor at Moody Bible Institute teach the Song of Songs with a garbage bag over his head the entire class period. He had cut out little holes for his eyes and mouth. Now I know why. Anyway, as I’ve been translating the Hebrew through this class I’ve literally had to fan myself on several occasions. I wrote my paper on the intersection between the erotic poetry in Song 8.1-7 and wisdom literature, like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, for instance. I won’t bore you with all the technicalities but I do want to share with you part of the message of the passage I worked on. Here is my own English translation of a segment of the text from the Hebrew (vv. 3-7)
3 His left hand is under my head,
and his right hand embraces me.
4 I charge you daughters of Jerusalem,
Do not awaken or arouse love,
until it desires
5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness,
leaning on her lover?
Under the apple tree I aroused you,
there your mother conceived you,
there she conceived you, she gave birth to you.
6 Place me like a seal on your heart,
like a seal on your arm,
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy as severe as Sheol.
Its flames are flames of fire,
An almighty flame.
7 Floods are not able to extinguish love,
nor can rivers sweep it away.
The passage begins as the main female character, the Shulammite, describes her lover's embrace in v. 3. She says, "His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me" and then out of nowhere she gives the daughters of Jerusalem (and us, the reader!) a warning:
There is a timeliness to love, she says. A right time and a wrong time. We must not prematurely awaken love. We don’t know what the consequences entail but we get the feeling there are indeed consequences. As the woman and her lover are walking away from the countryside from their private rendezvous toward the city they pass by a tree and the woman says, “Under the apple tree I aroused you; there your mother conceived you, there she conceived you, she gave birth to you.” That the woman has awakened her lover’s desire at the same place he was born hints that she has been bound to him all along, ever since he was born.
You are so loved.
Melissa
like a seal on your arm,
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy as severe as Sheol.
Its flames are flames of fire,
An almighty flame.
7 Floods are not able to extinguish love,
nor can rivers sweep it away.
The passage begins as the main female character, the Shulammite, describes her lover's embrace in v. 3. She says, "His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me" and then out of nowhere she gives the daughters of Jerusalem (and us, the reader!) a warning:
I charge you daughters of Jerusalem,
Do not awaken or arouse love,
until it desires.
There is a timeliness to love, she says. A right time and a wrong time. We must not prematurely awaken love. We don’t know what the consequences entail but we get the feeling there are indeed consequences. As the woman and her lover are walking away from the countryside from their private rendezvous toward the city they pass by a tree and the woman says, “Under the apple tree I aroused you; there your mother conceived you, there she conceived you, she gave birth to you.” That the woman has awakened her lover’s desire at the same place he was born hints that she has been bound to him all along, ever since he was born.
But having been bound to him from the past is not enough, for she commands him next, “Place me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm”. In the ancient world seals were pressed down or rolled across soft clay to make an impression and that impression signified an association with or even an ownership of the object being sealed (Tremper Longman, Song of Songs in New International Commentary of the Old Testament, 209). When the woman commands the man to place her like a seal over his heart she is seeking to possess the man, or as Longman says, “to allow her to own him, but not in any cheap kind of commercial sense; she wants him to willingly give himself to her” (210). The seal imagery also suggests finality, for once her seal is placed on his arm and his heart, the impression is for good. She is seeking an everlasting love, one that has encompassed the past and promises the future as well. She gives the reason for her command in the next verses which are arguably the most famous in the Song:
Notice that she is not saying that love is a victor over death but that love and death are equals. She is not saying love is stronger than death but that love is as strong as death. Moreover, love and jealousy are allies in this verse, not enemies. This is strange, right? Not a line you would expect in a Hallmark greeting card. Love is compared to some dark images here. Indeed, some of the darkest images that the Ancient Israelite could have imagined: death, Sheol (the abode of the dead), flames, and even chaotic waters. The mightiest waters, the most chaotic cosmic forces, cannot extinguish love’s flames. What do you make of these kind of images and metaphors?
I don’t know about you but I can truly resonate with the woman’s desire to possess her man with a seal. When I was engaged I remember having this fear about what would happen when all the desire and anticipation started fading. It made me sick to my stomach to even think about. I would hear married women speaking about how it was an “act of worship” to be intimate with their husbands and I would literally feel ill. I would think to myself, is it really going to be that hard?! I had such a fear of the intensity of our desire fading that it made me dread marriage in a sense. I wished that I could have pushed some kind of imaginary hold button and frozen the intensity of our yearning for one another for the rest of time. Love is not only powerful in its budding but it is powerful in its fading or even the fear of its fading. To feel love and passion at such extreme heights is like being on a drug and to sense it fading even a notch is like a crash. Human love, like death, is mortal to its core and mortality is fickle. Colin might wear a wedding ring but my name isn’t inscribed on his heart and I have no promises that I will be the object of his desire for the rest of my life. Yes, I know what you're thinking, I have his promise that he will remain married to me for the rest of time. I hear you. But I don't have the security of knowing that I will forever be his one and only desire. And let's face it, we're just human beings. We're human beings who are surrounded by a whole lot of men and women who have broken these same promises. It's frightening stuff we're talking about here. But, like the poet says, love is like death. And death is scary. Sexual love is one of the greatest triumphs of the human experience. Yet you and I both know (*or ourselves are*) people who have been scarred and marred by the tragedy of sexual love as well.
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy as severe as Sheol.
Its flames are flames of fire,
An almighty flame.
Floods are not able to extinguish love,
nor can rivers sweep it away.
I don’t know about you but I can truly resonate with the woman’s desire to possess her man with a seal. When I was engaged I remember having this fear about what would happen when all the desire and anticipation started fading. It made me sick to my stomach to even think about. I would hear married women speaking about how it was an “act of worship” to be intimate with their husbands and I would literally feel ill. I would think to myself, is it really going to be that hard?! I had such a fear of the intensity of our desire fading that it made me dread marriage in a sense. I wished that I could have pushed some kind of imaginary hold button and frozen the intensity of our yearning for one another for the rest of time. Love is not only powerful in its budding but it is powerful in its fading or even the fear of its fading. To feel love and passion at such extreme heights is like being on a drug and to sense it fading even a notch is like a crash. Human love, like death, is mortal to its core and mortality is fickle. Colin might wear a wedding ring but my name isn’t inscribed on his heart and I have no promises that I will be the object of his desire for the rest of my life. Yes, I know what you're thinking, I have his promise that he will remain married to me for the rest of time. I hear you. But I don't have the security of knowing that I will forever be his one and only desire. And let's face it, we're just human beings. We're human beings who are surrounded by a whole lot of men and women who have broken these same promises. It's frightening stuff we're talking about here. But, like the poet says, love is like death. And death is scary. Sexual love is one of the greatest triumphs of the human experience. Yet you and I both know (*or ourselves are*) people who have been scarred and marred by the tragedy of sexual love as well.
On Valentine's Day, a "holiday" some of us love and some of us pass off as a silly day driven by Greeting card companies, we are supposed to celebrate the gift of human love, especially romantic love. And I ain't gonna lie, I am a sucker for romance. Have I mentioned that Colin's and my two year anniversary is on Tuesday?! You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun. Romance is an incredible gift from God. Its power is true mystery. I'll spend some serious time thanking God for the love of my life tomorrow.
But above all else, I’ll thank God for Jesus Christ because I know of only one feeling that is greater than being wanted and loved by my man and that is the rest and peace I have found in Christ’s scandalous love for me. The flame of his love for me can never be quenched. His desire for me is never dependent upon my youth or my (fading!) sexual allure. I don’t feel threatened but thrilled that He loves my beautiful female neighbor as much as He loves me. I don’t sense the panic to mark Him with any sort of seal because at last, He sealed me first. This isn't about Colin's love falling short in any way, shape, or form. This is about needing something more than any human being on this earth could offer me. Some folks call it a divine romance. I don't have words for it. All I know is His refrain has been reverberating since He came in the flesh several thousand years ago to save this world He loved:
“You are my beloved, and I am yours.”
The mystery is great-
But I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the Church (Eph. 5.32)
And although you have not seen Him, you love Him. (1 Peter 1.8)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Melissa
P.S. Here are some semi-recent photos of Colin and me!
Remaining Photo Credit goes to Leigh Germy Photography...
posted by Melissa @ 1:33 PM
264 Comments
264 Comments:
Very moving blog-well written, thanks for sharing!!!
I just got engaged and I found this post truly helpful, raw, and insightful. Yet so exciting! I love truth.
thank you.
WOW! i have only been mature enough to read this recently, and still have issues in mixed company..bless that professors heart with his garbage bag!
Congrats on your two years!! i just love you all so much!
I love that even this book is inspired by God, and that shows a beautiful piece of HIS heart..we need to heed the warnings as well.
Happy Valentines Day..you are loved SO much
That was absolutely beautiful, Melissa! Thank you so much for the reminder of just how much and deeply Jesus' love for me, as well as others, is. I needed that so much, especially this Valentines Day weekend.
I am all alone with no man in my life and have been reminded of that fact over and over this weekend. But, the reality is that I am not alone and never will be alone with Christ. I am His princess bride. He is my valentine. :)
Happy Valentines Day!
Cindy
Thank you! This is such beautiful imagery of love.
Beautiful pics,too!
I love your post. I love the photo of your silhouettes and the one of you looking off and laying your head on his chest! So good! And he got your Stargazer lilies?! What a man? Definitely a keeper. Happy anniversary and v-day!
Wow, Melissa, your post is moving, and like being in class with you. Thanks for sharing your mind and heart. I was just finishing the post from your mom on insecurity, and then read this and am piecing them together right now. "How wide, and long and high and deep is the love of Christ", Eph. 3:18 the only lasting security is in Jesus. amen. (bless you on your anniversary) it gets better each year. going on 29 years. love, Pam in San Diego
"scandalous love"...gave me chills!! Your photos are beautiful, and so is your writing. Made me feel all giddy lovey dovey!
I like that verse where the author says that love is like death, is just as powerful as death. In my own experience, I've had to wrestle down my own pride in order to really show my love to my boyfriend. And also in loving Christ, we must die to ourselves. I'm getting baptized on Valentines Day, which I'm so excited about, and the symbolic image of me falling back into the water makes me think of dying to myself for Christ. Love really is in a sense like death... but in a very good and freeing way. :)
wow! So glad you shared that with all of us! Beautiful. Amazing. I think I am going to print this out for the time when my daughters hit their teens and start to get confused about life and love.
Thanks so much.
Happy Valentines Day! Beautiful flowers!
Thank you so much for the beautiful message of Valentine's Eve. Ellen
Thank you so much Melissa for writing that post and for the reminder about how Jesus is our lover FOREVER, REGARDLESS of whether we are lovely or not. Thanks again.:)
Kimberly
What a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing it. I love thinking about the enormous, never ending, unlimited love of Christ. Mind-blowing love. We cannot even fathom. Happy Valentines Day!
OH- and I love the pictures, too! :)
i LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog post! so well put, melissa. i just can't get over how much i enjoyed reading this and how much i could relate! i remember wishing i could seal my husband and be sure that he was always and forever mine alone. thankfully, the Lord has given me a man who tells me daily, "i will never leave you! you are mine and i love you!" i don't know what i'd do without him. now as we wait our first child, we're learning another level of God's love for us. we learned part through our marriage and now we're learning even more about God's love as we watch our baby grow and we wait for its birth. God is so good and so loving! i'm so glad He's our love teacher.
-Lisa
Melissa,
You are incredibly precious!
With love,
Yolanda
You probably have heard the song, "You won't relent"...but it uses the phrases you explained today in this post...great song...I always imagined the Jews quoting this scripture as the Germans stole their lives...but today you made me see another perception. Thanks.
A beautiful reminder that Jesus is our forever love.
Beautiful message on love...human and divine! Thank you for reminding us that God is the author of love and, as precious as my husband is to me, I belong to Jesus!
Also...what great photos of a beautiful couple! Enjoy your lover this Valentine's Day...and always!
I always love hearing from you Melissa. You always cause me to think differently about something. Or maybe to think about something I've never thought of. I like that.
Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!
Congrats on the anniversary. The pix are just beautiful and you both look like you are still in love as ever.
Hugs from TN,
Fran
For the past month or so, I've been listening to Mark Driscoll's Song of Songs series on the Mars Hill website. (Please tell me you've heard these, Melissa.) WOW! To say God is speaking to me through this most erotic of books is an understatement.
In many ways, I wish I had understood more of these truths before I was married. For example, the admonition to not awake love/desire until the right time; why do we only preach virginity as if its the end-all, be-all? I wish the church had told me to protect my heart as well as my body.
God's Word is amazing to me. Thanks for sharing your research.
Wow! Love the depth of what you shared! LOVE the visual! And the incredible reminder of our Savior's seal and His everlasting undying love for us!
P.S. Your pictures are beaUtiful!
Hapax Legomena sounds like an action figure my son would play with... *;) Great post. Aloha!
Okay Melissa.....when you and Colin are ready for a break, come to Montgomery and enjoy a baseball game. My husband's team has MANY more games and hopefully...one day....we'll have a warm, pretty weekend to sit, watch, and even enjoy the upcoming spring season. Open invitation.
Blessings,
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
having just finished your mom's book--and now reading this post...wow! Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus!
This. Was. Awesome!!!
Wylie
Love those lashes on that last picture girl...well done.
As a single woman still trying to "get it", I thank you for sharing this. I'm speechless.....
Oh, Lis. This is a fabulous post. Stirred up so many feelings in my soul. Beautifully said. Almost haunting. Makes me love my man more...and long for Jesus even more.
You have a gift.
Melissa,
Being a woman who is divorced, I really loved what you wrote at the end:
"The flame of his love for me can never be quenched. His desire for me is never dependent upon my youth or my (fading!) sexual allure. I don’t feel threatened but thrilled that He loves my beautiful female neighbor as much as He loves me. I don’t sense the panic to mark Him with any sort of seal because at last, He sealed me first"
All I can add to that is thank God for loving me first. If it were not for that kind of love God has for us all, I wouldn't have made it through my divorce.
It is indeed a sacred romance and I just come to the point to accept it, receive it and lastly this is what God showed me today in His Word, Isaiah 62:5, As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride so God rejoices over you. This just makes me smile.
I don't understand why God would love us with a scandalous love but I am glad He did or does.
Thank you for this post and sharing your pictures!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love,
Patty
Love the pictures...so unique, so beautiful.
I think you should write a Songs Bible study, Melissa. What a blast that would be to facilitate!!!
Leah
AND one more thing. I do so DEARLY love that man of yours. I was just staring at him in those pictures, wishing you guys were sitting here at the dining table with Yours Truly, your own "Little Doods."
Very insightful perspective into this particular book of the Bible.I will read it through different eyes next time. Sad that we lose so much in translation from the very descriptive Hebrew and Greek words to the not so abundant English.
OK, this is my last time and I'll shut up. (I'm temporarily bored and I'm really into this post.) To The4Leegirls, would you believe those lashes are real? Amanda has them, too. She just does not feel the need to put on a ton of mascara like Lis and I do. I think it just comes with having thick, course hair.
Y'all are so fun.
love,love your posts Melissa
I am taking a seminary class also and love the way you put things into context. This is first time for me to take a class like this, and it is easy to get caught up in the technical (?not sure that is the word I want to use).
Anyway...beautiful blog and beautiful pictures
I bet you make your mama proud!
Mom, I loved that you posted three times. Makes my day. Wish Colin and I could go on a double date with you and the Piab tomorrow. Who knows what kind of fun that could entail. We love you madly, our very own sweet little nugget.
Beautiful post, Melissa. I will celebrate my 25th anniversary tomorrow - yes, on Valentines Day!
I have been praying about a devotion I have to give on Monday night and felt the Lord leading me to Ephesians 1:13 about being sealed with the Holy Spirit. THen I came here and you talked about the seal and what it means. What a beautiful confirmation from my precious Savior! THank you!
In Him,
Beth Herring
Thanks!!! After listening to several friends wax philosophical about Valentines Day and all its evils...it was refreshing to "hear" a loving look at it!!
I LOVE the pics!!!!
Rhonda - Lima OH
I love it! So beautifully written and so true. You are truly gifted Melissa and can't wait to see what God is going to do with you! What an awesome God we serve!! Love the pictures too!
Melissa..one more thing...i love to read your findings while studying...since your first post! love love love it!
Beth, you are cracking me up! girl what you want to do to kill that boredom..i colored my hair red(er)...feeling the red thing! Hahahaha
How I love when I learn something new and definately I have never heard of Hapax Legomena before...
Can't wait to use it on some unsuspecting person someday...lol
Such a great post...I just love it. Beautiful and mysterious too. How I love poetry and I think it is so cool that this little book is tucked away here in Scripture.
Thank you for the great lesson Melissa.
I hope you post again soon!
(And the pictures are just beautiful.)
Blessings,
Michelle in VT
Melissa,
The pictures you posted speak volumes...your message reveals the heart of a very mature young woman.
I thought of your Mom's post written on her 31st anniversary...went back and read it. You come from good stock!!
Happy anniversary on Tuesday...and many many more.
Would love to hear more on your study of Song of Songs. I've never heard anyone speak on the book. Except my husband who tried one year to use it as poetry for Valentines Day. It didn't quite come off like I think he would have hoped. We actually laugh about the gesture now.
Love is so important to the Lord. He speaks about it all the time yet in our world where we have perverted love (emotional and sexual) to the extreme I must admit I don't know if I truely know what God's love looks like or how to portray that to the world and to my own husband. We are afraid alot of times to think that God is loving and passionate at the same time. Some think its creepy because the word passionate brings up alot of wrong thinking from our own past wrong experiences. Hope that makes sense without being to graffic.
Anyway. Someone needs to write about this more and since you've just studied it.....
Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing this post and these beautiful pictures!
Melissa,
I wanted to sit and relish this a second time but now my man is calling my name or I'd sit right here. I plan on doing so the first thing in the mornin' with my first cup of coffee.
Looking forward to coming to Atlanta in April for the Insecurity teaching.
Much love,
Yolanda
Hey Gang, it's Miss Laura, again ! Earlier today, I was trying to write a piece on my blog for Valentine's Day. When I read this, I saw not reason to; I just re-routed my followers here. Melissa, your words are from the very heart of God Himself ! Bless you for you obedience to the Holy Spirit ! You have no idea how this writing has helped heal me and so many others. Your entire family is truly touched by God ! SO GRATEFUL !
Dearest Melissa,
Thanks for sharing...I usually post my name but this time shall remain anonymous. I am thinking I may have met the man I am going to marry and am happy to say I can proudly wear white dress with pride. It's been a long time waiting...(smile). God has done a wonderful healing in my heart of the 8 yrs of sexual abuse I endured as a child. I am praying that if I do marry I will be able to know how beautiful a sexual relationship can be just as God intended as you so beautifully expressed here...Blessings to you.
and one day, when I grow up, I will learn how to spell..... LOLOL!
Beautiful blog Melissa. I so loved the poem and how it reminds me of how deep our quest for "true love" is. I know, after 24 years of marriage, that the highs, the lows, the disappointments and the heartaches will come and have come for us. But the passion is still there and even though we are going through some family issues now, there is no one that I would rather have by my side than my husband.
But the truth of the matter is the only one who can meet the needs of our marriage is our one and only Savior. When all else fails we seek out our Lord, he never fails us! Thanks for the beautiful study of Songs and the reminder of how much we are desired by HIM!
By the way, you and Colin are just beautiful together. Love the pictures. Happy Valentines Day - Sister!!!
Lori
Thank you for re-focusing Valentine's Day for all of us who lack the present temporal love. Thanks for reminding our hearts that True Love is about so much more. What a blessing you have been this eve. Thank you.
Good stuff, Melissa.
I have to admit I'm one of those girls who has always avoided the Songs. My mother raised a prude so all that melon talk is just too much for me. :)
Beautiful. Thank you for your insight. I loved your words on how love is AS STRONG as death, not stronger. And how jealousy and love are allies. And that Christ sealed me FIRST. This entry was very fitting for our Valentines weekend. Love the black and white photo of you two. Your eyes are stunning. And the ones of you two kissing are very romantic and show your deep love.
Great post, Melissa.
When my hubby and I got married, it was my wish to read the Song of Songs before we consumated our relationship. It is one of the most precious memories I have from those first few hours of marriage. We will be celebrating 13 years together on June 7.
I love that this book has been included in the canon. It gives such a beautiful picture of human love, and at the same time, an amazing picture of God's love for us.
When I was in Bible college, our chorale sang a song based on the passage you quoted called "Set Me As A Seal." It was hauntingly beautiful. I can still sing it.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Mary Lou
Young America, MN
Melisa,
Thank you for sharing so eloquently. Your blogs always so exciting and insightful.
Your description of God's love for us is deeply moving.
You have a very special gift...like your Mom. Continue sharing your gift with the Body.
Happy Anniversary!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for your insightful comments. We do miss you!
What's up with me? Interestingly, I have just read the first chapter of your Mom's book on Insecurity and logged in to the blog site to re-read her instructions for the study. How it tugged at my heart to read your fears about desire waning, etc. -- ironically, some of the issues your Mom is addressing in Chapter 1. I loved your pics -- you are a lovely young woman and your hubby is a fortunate fellow!
I most certainly remember you, Melissa, and have missed you as well. I love your posts. (I love your Mom's posts and Amanda's posts, too. I love that each carries your unique perspectives and personalities and insights. I think I must be inspired by the word "love!")
I'm still trying/praying to grasp Jesus' love for me. A young couple in our church lost their precious 9-month-old boy, their only child, tragically last summer. They are sharing pieces of their journey of grief in a very moving and beautiful blog. They are shattered by the loss of someone they still love so deeply. (Please pray for them.) What keeps striking me as I read their posts is that this is human love - so deep, so great, so full...so broken. How much greater is God's perfect love for us?! How can that be?! Could it be true that if we were lost to Him like that precious little baby, He would/could grieve as much for us? For me? It seems impossible to grasp so deep a love from One so pure and holy and majestic and eternal.
And on the heels of praying for them and considering their deep parent love for Micah and God's immense Father love for us, comes your post that adds a Lover's love to that Perfect love. It's too much to take in. But I so want to and need to.
```
I let out an audible gasp when I first caught sight of that black and white photo of you and Colin - those eyes of yours! God did a fabulous job when He fashioned you in your mother's womb.
When I saw the silhoutte of you and Colin, him leaning back laughing, it first struck me as a perfect photo for your post - a sweet, intimate moment that we got to catch just a glimpse of - and then it reminded me of Isaac and Rebekah, when Abimelech caught a glimpse of them laughing together. I love that image in Genesis - the relationship it portrays - just like those pictures do of you and Colin. You are blessed.
Thank you for all you shared.
Happy Valentine's Day!
What a great post! You've really set my "wheels turning" thinking about it. I am so working Hapax Legomena into a conversation this week. ;)
Stephanie, congratulations on your baptism! What a perfect day for it!
What a fantastic post, Melissa the scholar! You write well, think deeply and say much worth hearing(reading). Keep studying hard and teaching much.
The pictures are wonderful....you are a beautiful couple. Celebrate LOVE on Tuesday ~~ blessings, J
PS at my little boys house we do a lot of Haphazard Lego-mania LOL
That was great! I got that! Thank you for taking the time to explain that to us. I love when something is shown to me that I have never seen.
O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO!
Our 1 year anniversary is tomorrow...I'm speechless over how fast our first year has gone by.
May the steadfast love of our 'I AM' flood over all of you ladies today, married, widowed, singled, or engaged.
He loved us first....What a thought!
Thank you Melissa. Very insightful and well written post, and so interesting!!!!!
Happy Anniversary...(ours is 15 years this month :) and thanks for sharing the pictures, Beautiful.
Thank you for having the "courage" to even touch on the Songs. Beautifully done and like Alisha said, we need a study on it and since you have done such a great introduction to it on your blog ????
The photos of you and Colin are simply beautiful. I pray that as the years pass and bring challenges that your faith and obedience to Christ will bring you and Colin even closer to one another even as you grow and change. My husband and I have been married almost 29yrs and with Christ's love and mercy guiding us every step of the way, our marriage and commitment to one another just gets better and better.
God Bless you and Colin. Happy Anniversary and keep these posts coming Melissa, they are wonderfully insightful.
Melissa,
I love it when you post, especially when it involves some Hebrew translation. This was a great one. Your photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them.
Thank you for sharing your studies- I always enjoy your new insights! Yes, it IS amazing and more than I can take in to know how much I am (and you all are, too) loved by Jesus.
I am so grateful to keep such wonderful company with you, Amanda, Beth, and the Siestas on this blog.
Love you all,
Fran
Very cool, Melissa. I'm kind of passionate about helping married couples keep the flame burning.
Happy Anniversary!!
I love hearing from each of the Moore women! It's a blessing to read every perspective - honest and real and from the heart. Just love this blog community! Happy heart day and THANK YOU for the really excellent post. Now I'm going to figure out a way to casually use 'Hapax Legomena' in a conversation with my husband.
Thank you Melissa for a beautiful post! Even those who are happily married need to be reminded that Christ loved us first and that he is passionate for us.
I'm new to this blog, but not to Beth studies. I'm looking forward to experiencing the Insecurities study with all of you!
Thank you for this post Melissa. I am a 33 year old woman who will be spending her first Valentine's Day WITH a boyfriend tomorrow! And I feel so blessed. The other night, he said to me that one of the things that made me attractive to him in the beginning is that he knew he would never be number one in my life, that Jesus would always come first. So that has become our goal, love Jesus more so that we can begin to love each other too. We know that this only comes from Him, and I think we are both grateful.
I'm doing the scripture memory on my own this year, and I am currently memorizing 1 John 4:19, which isn't a long verse, but I recently saw your mom speak about it on Life Today, and I loved the idea of telling God, I love you too. To know that I only love because He first loved me. It makes tomorrow way more special - actually every day.
Thanks again for posting! Your pictures are amazing. I need to convince my man that we need to take some self-portraits!
So, when is your book coming out?? You are amazing and that was some very beautiful pictures. :)
Oh Melissa, so nice to hear from you! I love to hear details of what you are studying, especially in the original languages. I think it's fascinating to dig into Scripture, the deeper, the better. If you have another blog or venue where you share more of what you are studying, let us know.
I usually hate Valentines Day, mostly because I’ve been alone for so many years. That’s also the reason I don’t spend much time in Song of Solomon, even though I try to see it in reference to God and us.
I have such a hard time accepting God’s love. Right now I am working on an exegesis paper on Eph 3:14-21. I specifically chose that text because I was hoping that soaking in that passage would help. I remember your mom teaching that if we don’t grasp God’s love for us we will never feel worthy of getting out of the pit.
At the SSMTC, I got a pic with MamaBeth on Saturday, and every time I see that picture and her outfit, I think “chicken nugget.” Lol
If you are insecure about your marriage, I hear there is a new book out on insecurity.
Happy Anniversary to you and Colin! May God continue to bless your marriage.
Thanks for sharing. Great pics!
Michele M
Liverpool, NY
Beautiful pictures Melissa!
I love this post. I'm not offended at all! :)
Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your wisdom, I look forward to reading your insightful and thought provoking posts!
Blessings to you and Colin and congratulations on your second anniversary! Yay!
Beautiful, beautiful, and thank you. You have given me much to think about. (PS: You two are a gorgeous couple!)
Michele, I am so happy to see your new screen name. Thinking of you as you work on your exegesis paper and trusting the Lord will meet you there. Love, Melis
My best friend and I just read this together as we cheer for the Volunteers- thanks for such a beautiful exposition of this text (relatively PG for SoS!!) and beautiful reminder that even us single gals have a lot to celebrate on the day of love.
What a beautiful post! I am currently in a study of John and just last week we discussed How Much Jesus loves us. Oh the love of Jesus for His children. What a perfect love story, love reminder for Valentine's Day. I am so undeserving and definitely not worthy of His wonderful love. Thanks for posting this. I think I may have to go back and read it again.
Well written and thanks for the insight Melissa. I love learning about the Bible more in depth. It's great when people like you spend so much time studying it and then can share with the rest of us!
I like the kissing picture! Very romantic!
Cyndi
What more can I say that hasn't been said?! Incredible...beautiful post! Thank you! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE hearing all that Hebrew/Greek translation stuff....it gets me so excited! A SONGS Bible Study would be amazing! Thank you again for sharing!!!
Wow. Thank you Melissa. Beautiful.
I love it when you get a chance to post something here. We love you!
The pictures are BEAUTIFUL!
Love,
Anne
Dear Melissa, I could be your grandmother, age 60- you are a delight and one of the amazing hopes for those of us (my age)to hand over the "baton"- I was a drill team captain, so I do like the idea of handing over the baton-Can't believe after all these years and more impressive accomplishments( I have graduate degrees for Pete's sake!)- I am sending this "baton" message- However, I know you are a brilliant woman who will change our world on behalf of our Lord. Thank you for following your heart and passion- Lots of love and appreciation, Kathy,An Aunt Siesta from Austin
Thank you. I never comment on this blog, but your message was so beatiful that I just had to thank you.I have been maried 20 years and I want and love him just as much now, (actually more) as the day our pastor married us. Our pastor and his wife just celebrated 47 years and they love each other more now than ever. Love is good, and God is so good!
You make me want to go back to school....and major in Theology or something. Hey I might be a stay at home mom of two right now - but never say never!
Awesome, girl.
I love it when you post.
Beautiful pictures by the way!
Blessings and love,
Kate :)
Ha ha. Melissa... I'm laughing about you calling your mom a nugget. You guys cracked me up at the SSMTC event talking about the nugget outfit.
WOW!!!
You are going to find this I don't know weird, but I could never step foot in the book of Song of Solomon...until recently it would gross me out...I had issues you might say and was really surprised God made it a part of his Word...
Melissa you did a fine job! I read the whole blog...my, well written
And I love the pictures especially the one in Black and White!
Happy Valentine's Day...My hubby surprised me with a very expensive gift...a laptop computer...I can't wear it on my finger or put is around my neck, but who cares :O)! I LOVE IT!!!
Loved the pictures and the insight!!!
The Lord has allowed memories to flood my mind and all I can utter before Him is mercy/unfailing love. No one comes close to Him. No one holds a candle to Him. He has allowed me yet again to look over my life and see just how He tenaciously persued me in the midst of me being dead in sin. He is the uncontested love of my life. He is my life and the length of my days.
I love my husband and my daughter fiercly as well. You are so right though about the false securities that can not be our bedrock.
Also, I am so glad your title wasn't the Ed Hardy "Love kills slowly." Not a big fan of those shirts.
I got lost in pride and prejudice last night and had to remember that in a sense we are all Mrs. Darcy in Christ...yet better.
Happy Anniversary! your pics are stunning and totally romantic!
This Valentines day I am saying "So Long Insecurity" and thrusting myself upon Jesus.
Thank you for your beautiful and thought provoking post. Happy anniversary! Beautiful pictures.. I am so happy for you in your love. Thank you again for sharing.
The garbage bag made me laugh!
It is truly a blessing 18 1/2 years later to say that I am my beloved's and he is mine. Amen.
And you are just flat out beautiful (hear that in bold and with italics), Melissa--inside and out. That is all.
Shelly, this gave me chills : "May the steadfast love of our 'I AM' flood over all of you ladies today, married, widowed, singled, or engaged. " Woo!
Love the post and the pics! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Melissa! So great to hear from you!! I've been wondering how you are and how all the studying is going...I feel so out of the loop these days because I felt like I was asked to take time away from Facebook and Twitter and spend more time on the things that I need to be doing. It's been interesting, finding out how much time I was just wasting while playing around on there.
The part that stood out to me was this: I charge you daughters of Jerusalem,Do not awaken or arouse love,until it desires.
There is a timeliness to love, she says. A right time and a wrong time. We must not prematurely awaken love... Being a single girl who longs to be married, it's hard to NOT jump into something for the sake of FINALLY having what I most desire. I have often said, and mean most sincerely, that I would rather be single than married to the wrong man. I have seen too many dear friends end up in awful marriages, or heartbroken when it ends in divorce, all because they jumped into something that they weren't ready for. It doesn't mean it's easy...heck, there are some days when I get to the point of being so lonely that I'm just like, forget this waiting for Mr Right, send in Mr Right Now. But those moments are fairly rare and often I can boil it all down to my lack of time with God and who I am spending time with.
Thank you for your beautiful post...it was exactly what I needed to hear/read! And I didn't feel the least bit offended...although, I did think of some friends who I can't wait to call and bust out with, "Did you know the Bible has Erotic poetry in it?" Lol! I can just see their faces now! Thanks Melissa!
You're pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I hope you and your Man have a wonderful anniversary on Tuesday! Can't believe it's already 2 years! Congratulations!
Love to you and your family!
Nikki
OH MY! Power of theology, followed by the most amazing and beautiful photos - Melissa, thank you for this deeply honest and thought provoking post. Haven't seen my man in 2 weeks, he is literally expected in about 30 mins and I think I'll knock him down at the door!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do so want to encourage you Melissa as that was a wonderful post. I love to learn and any morsels you want to throw at us I for one am very eager to digest. I also want to know when your study of the Songs will be ready!
Your pictures are beautiful,thank you for sharing.
I seriously enjoyed your blog, especially the part you expanded on about not awakening love early. I have yet to find my Valentine, and that section of scripture is very encouraging. All in God's time! Your photos are lovely.
Blessings,
Suzanne :)
Great post. As one who is about to celebrate 12 years I needed the reminder. Beuatiful pictures.
Very deep! Love the beautiful pics!
Dear Melissa,
Thank you so much for being who you are! Growing up, I never really had a role model that I wanted to be like, but as I've learned about you through your mom's sweet anecdotes and now on the blog, I just think you’re the coolest thing. I feel completely lame sharing something like that, but I wanted to add to the voices letting you know how much you are appreciated and admired. You do have a gift, and we are all blessed for the sharing.
I really enjoyed being updated on the Word of God. Thank you for sharing. I have been married 28 1/2 yrs and never had the thought of my husband falling out of love with me. I have never had that fear. I can't explain why. I have never even had the thought of not loving him at some point in our marriage. Our marriage is definitely a work in progress each and every day. I have come to realize that over the last several years not to expect from my husband the love that only God has for me.
Your photos are truely wonderful. Congratulations on 2 years of marriage and may you have many, many more.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL.
Just lovely. The words AND the pictures.
Melana
girl, you have some amazing hair
OMG!!! That coat in the first picture is sooooo cute!!!
I know I should be saying how much I loved your deep insights, and I did, but the girl in me just has to tell you that you two are adorable!
:)
Melissa,
Thank you soooooo much for sharing! Wow - that was an awesome insight - thank you, thank you, thank you:)
Thank you, Melissa. I'm so glad I did not close the browser because I desperately needed to read the part of God's unyielding love for me. Do not misunderstand, I know that He loves me, but when 30 is approaching faster than you'd like and you're struggling with the unmet desire of marriage and children, faced with unemployment, and distance from family and friends, it's easy to feel worthless, especially on the eve of the day where everyone's celebrating love. BUT, your words reminded me that I AM loved and God's love for me isn't based on my physical appearance, my marital status, social networks, or economic position. He loves me simply because I am His and He is mine. He is my forever True Love.
Thanks, again and God bless you. Oh, and by the way, the pictures of you and Colin are beautiful. Happy Anniversary!
Beautiful post Melissa! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I also loved the pictures of you and your hubby. I am so excited that I will be coming to Atlanta to hear your Mom in April with both of my daughters. I can't wait!!! Love & blessings from NC!
Oh how beautiful! You did so well to translate the verses of Songs! Especially with all the misconceptions of the book. There is indeed a message within the book that God intended for us to read. Thank you for the insight!
As always, very well said.
Thanks for posting,
Tami
"The Beach Bug"
Melissa, you are so amazing.
You make me crave theology like no one else I know (and I don't even really know you. That's freaky). You definitely have your mom's prolific writing gift. Not to mention, you are drop-dead gorgeous! I am so honored to get to read your stuff on this blog!
Oh, and I met your mom at B'ham the other day! I was one of the more quiet ones. I think all I said was I was one of her siestas. It shocked me too, but I felt so weird trying to talk to someone I had never met or talked to in real life but who God had used PROFOUNDLY to light a fire in my heart for Him and His Word. I caught it from her. She has been like a mama to me in the faith. Please tell her I am so sorry I didn't get to tell her all of that, oh and that she is super cute! (That hair is even bigger in real life!) I'm tearing up right now as I realize how much that woman means to this one little life.
You Moore women are extraordinary people, thank you for being faithful to your callings...you will just never know this side of heaven...
Love, KT
Great post. I'm in my second semester of Hebrew and last semester we talked a little about Song of Songs (didn't translate it). SO AWESOME to hear your thoughts because my prof. was more set out to make the Bible look ridiculous for including erotic poetry than to do it justice.
We're starting to translate Ruth this week! I'm always interested in hearing more about what you're learning.
Dear Melissa,
I LOVE this post. I think the Song of Songs has a crucial place in Scripture. It God's song ofn love for His people AND it shows that sexual love is of GOD.
Pope John Paul II and now Pope Benedict have both tried to spread this teaching of the Theology of the Body and that God's love is both agape and eros. It is powerful stuff - I am still trying to wrap my head around it. And of course, they quote much from the Song of Songs.
My favorite passage from the Songs is this:
"I found him whom my heart loves,
I took hold of him and would not let him go."
Have a happy Valentine's Day!
blessings,
Sister Lynn
Lookin' good, Girlfriend!!
By the way, DANG!! What a post!! You are waaaaaayyyyy to mature for me! How young/old are you?? Wise beyond your years! Very insightful on your post.
I remember when my mom and dad did a study on the Song of Songs. They were ALL over each other after that! I was embarrassed but at the same time I LOVED it!! GOD IS SO ROMANTIC!!
My beloved man asked me to marry him 18 years ago on Valentine's Day. I remember hearing my older married friends talk about never making love to their spouses except on special occasions. I was thinking. "What, are you nuts?!" Well, 18 years later the sexual part does fade a little but the love is stronger than ever!! We have had our share of ups and downs and to be honest there were times I wanted to throw in the towel. I just couldn't because I knew enough about the importance of a vow. Man am I glad we stuck it out!!
Yes, we love because HE first loved us! Love is strong. I just want to encourage all of my Siestas....
If it has been a long time since you and your husband have come together as one - just go for it!!!
If it has been 1 month, 1 year, or 1 decade, just go for it!! You will be so glad you did because it will bring you both closer together.
Maybe the warning of not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together doesn't just mean the church family!! Think about it!
LOVE YA and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL YOU PRECIOUS LOVES!!
you are beautiful, inside and out! thank you for sharing a bit of what you've picked up. no, you are not forgotten, ever! i have thought of you each time i read a posting from either your mom or sister. keep on, keeping on! God bless and happy valentine's day!
Ahem, without sounding shallow (btw, I loved your insight, Melissa), I could only think of one thing as I read the portion of the seal of love stuff......
My four children left that seal on me. My doctors call it an EPISITOMY. Thankfully, it is a mark (I mean seal), that no one on earth--besides my doctor or husband--will see or inspect.
Case closed. End of story.
You are so adorably beautiful, Melissa. Great job!
Humbly,
Becky
oh my goodness gracious....one more shallow comment:
I HAD NO IDEA THOSE WERE YOUR REAL LASHES! You lucky, blessed thing!!!!!
Thank you, Jesus, for the gifts you give to others. (Trying not to stir jealousy.)
Seriously.
Teach us more!
Love,
Geri
I love Song of Songs and think it is rich in theological value. It actually disappoints me that it is rarely talked about in the church, and when it is, it is merely referred to as a book describing the way God wants sex to be for us. After reading The Shack and listening to my pastor talk about books he's read talking about the relationship within the Trinity and the idea that God created us to be part of that relationship, I started to rethink Song of Songs. I now tend to see it more as a poetic glimpse of the relationship within the Trinity, the relationship that we are called to be part of, and that God created sex to give us a glimpse of that relationship. I think it is a beautiful book and one that I read to deepen my relationship with God.
God bless and happy Valentine's Day!
WOW, how beautiful!
I am just now, beginning to even
get a glimpse of Christ's LOVE!
It's enormous!
I was engaged at age 22, and I
just didn't understand. I called
off the wedding, and have lived
with regret all these years. I believe
I sabotaged.
:(
However...
17 So that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith. And I pray that
you, being rooted and established in love,
18 may have power, together with the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep
is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love
surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled
to the measure of all the fullness of God.
--Ephesians 3:17-19
Thank you Lord for loving us so fully,
so completely, so earnestly, and so
gently.
We love you Lord fully.
Love,
Michele
Oh my. Oh my. I just love me some Song of Songs. The Lord used this book many years ago to knock my socks off with His love for me and when I find myself in a dry place, this is one of the surest "refresher" spots in the Good Book to let the water of the Word pour over me.
Oh. I do so have to share this. FIve years ago next month, I was in bed, about to drift off to sleep when I sensed the "tug" of the Lord (voice/unction/you-know-what-I'm-talking-about) to wake back up and read SOS (this is what I love to call it b/c this is so what this book has been in my life).
I read it through, letting the words fall on me like rain, and when I got to 6:4, I felt so impressed to write in my journal and to ask God to speak these words to me. I wrote, "Lord, I want to hear You speak these words to me."
(SoS 6:4 "You are beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as troops with banners.")
What, exactly, did I mean by that? I'm not even sure now; I just felt the strongest inclination to ask to hear Him speak these words from 6:4 over me.
One week later to the day my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. It was a huge celebration for us because our marriage had endured some extremely dark, dark days. But in the midst of the darkness, God came in and set us all free. It's way too long a story for a post on this blog - even though this is Siestaville and I know we all love a good yarn.
God had mercifully, miraculously saved our marriage and I can assure you we - and everyone in the near vicinity - and quite a few in the not so near vicinity - were grateful beyond words.
So out we go to have our anniversary meal and after dinner and before dessert, my husband presents me with a large, wrapped gift. I opened it and discovered a matted, framed wall hanging with "I love you" written in one hundred languages (incl the language of Middle Earth just in case I ever decide to love Tolkien enough to read him, not just watch the nine hours worth of movies).
At the bottom of the framing was this:
"You are beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem..." Song of Songs 6:4
Can you believe how sweet God is? My husband had commissioned this piece of art weeks earlier. I had no idea. He had no idea. But our Lover in the Song knew just what we needed.
Thanks for listening to my story.
Shout outs to Valentine-loving Siestas!!
Warm in Alaska.
(Warm and Chubby in Alaska - b/c I ate virtually all the leftover sugar cookies that I made from SCRATCH - yes, you read that right - for my daughter's 4th grade class. And does everyone know - except me until this past Wednesday - how divinely delish cookies made with CRISCO are??)
(Goodness. Anymore of those cookies and I'd need to rewrite SoS 7:2b from, "Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies," to "My waist is like a container of Crisco encircled with frosting.")
(Aright. That's enough. I really do have to start a blog one of these days...)
You are just like your brilliant Mom, my dear!!!! Absolutely incredible!!! We've been married forty-two years and never heard anything so compassionate as what you wrote. God has bestowed upon you a gift definitely..a commentary author gift! Wow! We will celebrate love, warmth, romance, all the years of touch, what I call being in and out each other's skin (radically in love!!). You three women "Moores" radiate love in all its magnitude! Thank you, Melissa! Perfect pictures! Whoa!!!!
Thank you for this. This season of my life is finding out what true love is. Broken and lost by the enemy I'm on a journey with Jesus to restore love and how it is met to be real love. Thanks for sharing this I enjoyed it have a blessed day
Oh Melissa,
Thanks you so much fo sharing your insightful reading from SOS. I absolutely loved it. My husband and I are going through "the 7 year itch" as they call it and as I am trying to find words to write in his Valentine' Day card I stummble upon your post. I ask you siestas for your prayers for my marriage.
Love the post! I must say, that last pic of you two...Colin has got the best look on his face! It's "yeah, I know she's gorgeous and she is ALL mine, and keep your hands off" look all rolled into one!!
Happy Anniversary to you guys!
Melissa, Happy Anniversary! This post is both thought provoking and wonderfully emotional. It is so properly timed in light of our discussion on insecurity; only Christ's scandalous love for us provides us the security we need to deal with the rest of our relationships...even the ones we treasure the most.
Melissa - first, GORGEOUS photos. Second, thank you.
Interesting blog and great photos. I really liked the sunset kiss and the B&W.
Melissa,
Beautiful Pics of you both. I love the one with y'all laughing :)
Thanks for the insight... One of my memory verses was SOS 7:10 "I (Holly) am my beloved and his face (desire) is towards me."
Although i made the age "cut" i didn't make the married one, but I loved you telling truth, and allowing us to see deeper into the Word, cause yes, His is the most amazing love, and I am so blessed to be "sealed".
Happy Valentines Day to you both!
Melissa,
All I can say is wow and you have a gift of writing. Maybe one day the Lord will open the door for you to write Bible studies too.
I was wondering if this quote, "We love you madly, our very own sweet little nugget" meant anything at all. You posted it under the comments.
I will be the first to admit I am more than likely reading more into it that what it seems like.
Just wondering!
Terrie
Wow, sweet girl that was an amazing message. This Memaw is moved and excited about that old Pepaw in the other room and in tears thinking of our sweet Jesus. It is so wonderful to know our next generation will have a great teacher like we all have in your Mom now. May God bless you and
Col1n.
Wow, sweet girl that was an amazing message. This Memaw is moved and excited about that old Pepaw in the other room and in tears thinking of our sweet Jesus. It is so wonderful to know our next generation will have a great teacher like we all have in your Mom now. May God bless you and
Col1n.
Amazing, powerful words Melissa. So beautifully written that I am in tears reading about God's love for me. Thank you for the reminder. Happy Anniversary to you and Colin. You are a beautiful couple!
Well said, Melissa...have a fun-filled, blessed day with your man (as your Mom would say :-)) and Happy Anniversary!! Love you....
Terrie, I told my Mom she looked like a chicken nugget one day in reference to what she was wearing and we were joking about it at the Siesta Scripture Memory Weekend.
My best,
Melissa
You can teach. I was hanging on every word. You should open for your mom at an event. Good stuff!
LOVED this post! It's that
"divine romance" that will give us the strength and creativity and grace to have beautiful, lasting earthly romances with our mates!
Melissa,
MmmmMmmmMmmmm. This post is a "Selah" moment about love.
Happy Valentines to you and your man!
::Taylor
It's Valentine's Day and I'm sick in bed...I sent the guys to church without me, but have read your blog which lifted my spirits immensely!
I opened "Song of Solomon" and read the introduction to the book which said,"As you read this book, rejoice not only in the love that can exist between a man and and woman,but also bask in the warmth of a personal love relationship with Christ."
It has taken me so long to accept this true love relationship with Christ. I'm also blessed to be married to my husband of 16 years! What a long-suffering man...he loves me despite my flaws!
Enjoy your day with the love that God has blessed you with.
Happy Valentine's Day! You two look so happy together!
Awesome! thank you for sharing
love your insight. can only be from God himself.
I appreciate you all so much
Happy Valentines Day
God Bless!
Jackie
LOVE this post. Thanks! And gorgeous pix!
First let me say that it will be a loooooonnnnnnggggg time before your allure is fading! You are not only stunningly beautiful on the outside, but your are amazingly attractive on the inside!
I want to encourage you, as a 47 y/o female married to the love of my life for 25.5 years, our physical love is so much more than an "act of worship"! (I never heard that said before this post) There are times when it is sweet and tender and times when it is wholly passionate, but it is always an act of intimacy that brings us emotionally closer together.
It is something we work at, but it certainly is never a chore!
Revel in your youth,love completely, and it will only get deeper and better with time.
Be Blessed!
TerriMike
You two are a gorgeous couple; love the pictures. I love your deep insight on the scriptures. I hope you both have a wonderful Valentines day.
I truly enjoyed this post, I have always thought Song of Songs was a beautiful book...apparently I have a lot more to learn about it as well! Thank you so much for being an encouragement to us all, Collin and you are a precious couple, I loved the pics!
I would love to hear about how you guys met, unless you have already posted that somewhere! It might be a nice post for all of us ladies who are trying not to wake love before it so desires.
I have always loved the Songs of Songs - I'm drawn by the mystery of it all. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us - that will feed me for the next few days. love you're photos too - blessingsx
Thanks for such a beautiful post, Melissa! I'm always so intrigued by what the original Greek and Hebrew say and how, in their ancient form, they still speak so loudly from the Word to us today. Just loved this! Thank you!
And, wow, what beautiful pictures. I need to find someone to take pictures like that... time passes so quickly and I feel like so many moments haven't been captured as they've gone by. I think it's great that you're taking advantage of remembering your young, sweet love! Happy anniversary and you've been missed, too!
Melissa and Colin, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Anniversary!
Love to all of LPM this Valentine's Day!
I love Song of Songs and it means so much to me as I am waiting on God in my marriage right now. Melissa, it is so hard today to put all of our trust in our human lover, even Christ didn't put his faith in any man (John 2:24-24).
But I love the freedom I have to put my trust and faith in God and to experience the security I have in Him and His Word.
I have clung to so many of these verses from Song of Songs. I AM my beloved's and HE IS mine!
6:3a (KJV) -
I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine:
8:7a (Message Bible) -
Flood waters can't drown love, torrents of rain can't put it out.
Lifechanging words are in this book when we allow Him to speak to our hearts. I see "me" there, I see my "Jesus" there, I see the "church" there, I see my "Jewish brothers and sisters" there, and I see my own earthly "lover" as well as my eternal "Lover" there.
I pray that God will allow me the honor of being used by Him to help heal my husband's deep hurts. I am trusting my Eternal Lover to heal my Earthly Lover.
***Pray for me to be
strong as well as giving...
wise as well as innocent
through this time of deep healing.***
I love the pictures and pray for God to surround you two with His Love and His Cloudy Pillar of Protection, Presence and Divine Direction. Jesus Never Fails!
Thanks for taking the time to write that all out- wonderful! The photos are fantastic!
I have read this post over a couple of times to let it sink in. I love how this blog is such a mixture of fun, deep, delightful, searching, etc., stuff.
Thanks for sharing Melissa. I have been trying to learn the Hebrew alphabet, and my brain is having a hard time retaining THAT, I think it is amazing hearing about your studies!!
Blessings to you all,
karen :):)
Lovely pictures Melissa, my sister's husband is terminally ill and they are going through the hardest and yet most bittersweet time of their lives. They have been together for 37 years, she was 14 and he 15 when they fell in love. Death so powerful and dark looms over them and they feel the power of it, but the depth of love and the level of TRUTH they are living is amazing. As she has said it is a gift in itself. Shalom
I know you're not going to like this, but I didn't read your post yet, but OH. MY. GOSH. Those pictures are stunning! I love the black and white with just you looking at the camera. Just beautiful!!
My mom bought 'So Long Insecurity' for me for V-day. I love her.
Heather G
Charlotte NC
Oh, we have missed you, too, Melissa!! So good to hear from you!Thank you for such a lovely post.
When my now 10 year old daughter was 9 she had started reading her Bible in the mornings before she came down to breakfast. One morning she came down wearing a disturbed expression on her face and warned us, "Don't read the Song of Songs if you are allergic to kissing." From the mouths of babes. :0)
My daughter called this morning to say she was engaged just the night before. Very appropriate for the season of her life. I will pass it along. Thanks and what photogenic you Moores and company are!!
Just a quick clarification about my story: it did not involve my daughter pictured with me. That girl will LOVE the Song of Songs IF I ever let her read it. GRIN. She's my little romantic.
Happy Valentine's Day to all you wonderful Siestas!!
Wow girl, you are deep! I do have a college degree, but whew you are a smart one! Thanks for all the explanation and understanding, it's the most I have ever learned about the Song of songs. Enjoying a day with my man, NOT. . we've all had the stomach bug, now he has it. Oh well, maybe next Valentine's Day? Enjoy yours!
Wendy
Melissa - beautiful post, and your Mom is right, you have a gift, and I for one am thankful you are using that gift for the Kingdom (and for us bloggers)!
My man and I went to a marriage retreat several years ago, and the speaker used Song of Songs. It was great, appropriate, and the retreat was good.
However...what I remember most about his use of the Song of Songs was this crazy recording he had where different voices and sound affects were used for the text.
The Daughters of Jerusalem sounded exactly like those little aliens in the movie Toy Story when Buzz Lightyear gets caught in that game...for the life of me, I could not get past that...it was hilarious!
So...thank you for redeeming Song of Songs for me! I mean it. I loved what you wrote about the SEAL - beautiful - just beautiful.
And your pictures are beautiful too. The thrill of young love - you and Colin are stunning - and yet so precious.
And I'm thankful that old love is precious too, because as II Corinthians 4:16 says:
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."
Fine line minimizer, anti-wrinkle whatever, my "outward" doesn't look the same - but my "inward" is so much better than it was when I was a young bride.
Too bad I can't have my 52 year old "inward" and my 25 year old "outward." I'm just saying. God knows best - He didn't make it that way...
After 32 years together with my sweet valentine, I'm telling you, it just gets sweeter and sweeter.
Happy Valentine's Day sweet girl,
you are so loved.
Mrs. Jan
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
"Oh love that will not let me go.."
Happy 2nd Anniversary!
Love,
Jenny from VA
Well, Melissa, coming from one of the "remnant" few, you nailed it right on the head. I am guessing you to be in your early 20's, which is when I first read the Song and realized it's erotic overtures. And "scandalous love" very nice touch! It is so refreshing to see your generation noticing things and not being afraid to be truthful about them. I have three sons in their 20's and I wish they were as open and honest as you are. I'm sure your mom is extremely proud of you. And the most important point you made is that the Song is truly about Jesus' love for us. I think a lot of people have a hard time dealing with that fact. Well, seems like to me, they better get used to it, because, after, all He is our Husband and we are the bride of Christ! Glory!!!
Mischelle
Greater Nashville, TN (area)
divorced and very insecure about herself and life
46
My gosh, you and your husband are the cutest!! Your love truly inspires me!!
Thank you, Melissa. I think today I really needed to hear what you had to say. On this day I'm feeling sad and not so special but rather a little unloved and unappreciated by the man who should love me the most--my husband!
You remind me that we are mere mortals and our love does wane and fade and not always shine as bright as it did when we first fell in love. But God's love for us never fades, and he loves us very much! He loves us and cares for us more than anyone!
Bless you, Melissa.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thanks for the great theological "inside" with those verses. My husband and I had a trans-atlantic relationship and engagement prior to getting married and those were a few of the verses where we felt God speaking to us - especially about how the vastness of water (or a really large ocean) could not and cannot quench our love. Love from God is the most immeasurable joy and it just keeps growing deeper. Amazing.
My current bible was a gift from my ex-finance...in it he highlighted several verses for me that were special to him...SoS 8:6-7 being one of them... when i ask him for an explanation to why these verses where special to him he said that it was to him God's plea to him...pounder on that for a moment...imagine God telling you, "Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is stronger than death, Jealousy is as sever as Sheol;(I proved this with the cross.) Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised. (And this is why our love is so despised I have done so just for you.)
You and Amanda are the proof that you can "Break Free" and leave insecurity behind. I can tell that your Mama is so proud of you. You two girls are the apple of her eye and it is a privilege to have a glimpse into your lives. Thanks so much for sharing with us. It is just the "shove" we need to leave some "stuff" behind and to seek true freedom from captivity.
Blessings Abundant!
Nancy
Tennessee
Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing and btw...the pictures are fabulous!
Melissa,
I loved this post! Ahhh, divine romance indeed! I think one of the day-to-day ways the Lord romances us is through music and your post reminded me of two songs out right now that just speak to this post, and personally to my heart! I'm terrible at keeping up w/ “who's-who” on the radio, but I know the lyrics... one of them is: "When I don't amount to much in this life, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ" and the other: "It’s more like falling in love than something to believe in." OH! Those just sing romance to my heart and make it flutter like a young girl in love! In love with the Lord, with my man, and with our darling little girl... and FIVE dogs-- all angels in disguise of course!
Happy Valentine's Day!
And Happy Anniversary!
Monica
Ok, this is yet another post I've got to copy & paste in a Word doc so I can keep it, study it, reflect on it. Melissa, you do have a gift. I love how you can take us to the depths and it be so fresh and real, not stale. Please do share some of that Hebrew & Greek. Some of us siestas just eat that stuff up!!
I'm going to be celebrating 25 years with my husband this coming August. I want you to know that it is possible to be crazy about your man, long after the honeymoon. This year we each bought each other cards that spoke of the other as their best friend. I thought to myself, "Isn't our God so good that He even has us buying the same kind of cards for each other". We really do think alike - well, not all the time. Grin. There's still a bit of mystery don't ya' know.
And your pix?? Well ya'll should be on the cover of a magazine - a classy one mind you! Love ya' and happy, happy anniversary.
ok so duh, does Colin have a brother older than 30? Geesh, he is a precious thang, and I mean that with all due (or is that "do"??) respect...I promise!
Ya'll are adorable and your post is wonderful!
Have a great Valentines!
--and I mean that about Colin having a brother...send him to Alabama if so!! Hee Hee
Melissa, I am far from offended or irritated--I love that you posted on the Song of Songs. How fitting that today you elevate possibly one of the church's most ignored books of the Bible, yet to me one of the most intriguing. (Maybe congregations and pastors alike could all don the bags were it to be preached on Sunday!) In response to your question regarding the theological implications, I find it personally fascinating to consider the allegory of Christ and the church--and yes, Christ to me! And don't you find it indeed offers practical advice as well. As the mother of teen girls, I find a wise warning to them in the admonition to not "awaken or arouse love" before its time. How easily prematurely awakened desires can lead to disastrous choices....I'm sure y'all know where I'm headed with that one. As for your question (and I'm surely hoping you were not speaking rhetorically!), "What do you make of these kind of [dark] images and metaphors," I rest in this:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39 NIV
Wow, I think I'm going to have to read this several times to fully get it. :o) Powerful stuff. I love knowing we are loved like that by our LORD. I so needed the reminder of that divine romance. :o) Now that is a Valentine I can happily hold onto.
BTW, I am so happy to hear from you! It sounds as though you are doing well and your photos are gorgeous. You two make such a lovely couple. Congrats on your anniversary.
May you have many, many years together.
Blessings to you & take care!
Anna
Thanks for sharing, Melissa! All so fascinating and inspiring. What a great reminder for young newlyweds like me to cultivate passion in our marriages!
I also enjoyed the paragraph at the end of your post about how we don't have to envy Christ's love for our neighbor! This week in my Law, Literature, and Culture class I brought up that very same point during our discussion of Dostoevsky's The Idiot. So much to unpack in those verses! Wish we could sit down over coffee & do just that!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Stunning pictures that truly capture your love for Colin and vice versa. Wish I had more pictures of when I was dating my hubby and our first two years together. But digital just wasn't out yet! And that was only 15 1/2 yrs ago!
Such beautiful photos of you and your love.
He is Cuh-yooot!!!
I annoyed my mom and sisters to death recently on a girls trip about how amazed I am to be married to "the love of my life". I actually started to get on my own nerves. Anyway, as much as my husband and I love each other, and as deep as that commitment is, there's always been a lingering sense of insecurity with respect to our future. How will I age? Just how fat will he get? What if Jessica Alba moves in next door? All I'm saying is anything can happen, and when you've got an overactive imagination it seems like all that anxiety can surface with something as trivial as a bad hair day. And then I come to my senses...eventually... It's so beautiful and calming to know how we are loved by our sweet Jesus, isn't it? And so gloriously backwards to only want to share that love with others...even Jessica Alba. Your post was a recent revelation for me so it really struck a nerve. Thank you.
Hapax Legomena,
Wait, I mean, Happy Valentines Day,
Sam
Love that last paragraph you wrote!!
thanks, melissa! i feel like i just met you! i'm a new enough siesta that i haven't really heard from you yet! so appreciated your work on the song of songs ~ HIS love is so truly extravagant. thanks for sharing! and for the pics! holy smokes, you two are flipping adorable!! :)
Melissa, thank you.
God has gifted you -- I too like another blogger stated, read and reread every word. Over the past 18 months, my man and I have been in a storm -- and so often your Mom's posts would just speak to me. God used her and this avenue to minister. I would print them off and read them over and over.
Now -- your post is going to be printed off and read over and over -- that scripture you translated -- powerful. Presently, I am reading a book with my 15 year old son "don't awaken love before its time". And I shared a bit of your post with him. How cool of God to have that connection -- of all of the passages -- again, God is using this blog site as a tool to speak to me and my family.
Thanks.
The photos are so real or as my son would say "raw".
Again, you have a gift -- I want to hear from you more often!
And about the yearing fading -- God - through HIM -- well, the yearing won't fade and the time together will get even better.
I can attest to that -- it has been some 22+ years! It may not happen as often as it did -- no, it actually happens more now than it ever did in our 20's -- !!
Probably because we did awaken love too early -- thank HIM for restoration!
Thank you again,
Michelle
Okeechobee, FLordia
Thank you for the beautiful post with applications for all siestas, lovely Melissa!! And, I'll bet all siestas agree with me --- we would never forget you! ❤
denise in NC
I have been married for 40 years plus and they only get better because of the Love of Jesus. Thank you for sharing this wonderful poetry.
How appropriate on this day,OH to know the love of Jesus!
Gayle
Hmmm, Melissa, great brain food as always!
I don't have a seal to put on my husband's heart. I wish I did. Some way to "mark my territory" to him against the world (of other women.)
What I do have is a seal on my heart to Christ. That IF EVER my husband's heart strayed from mine, Christ is my Eternal Husband and He would comfort me, hold me, carry me, provide for me, protect my heart and heal it. And only by His Grace, all while I kept my commitment to Him on my wedding day.
I felt called to marry my husband and he felt the same with me. I am SO GLAD because if I had chosen my husband, I would have surely leaned on luck, not God. So for times when ever I think about marriage being too hard, I remember my commitment is to God, not my spouse.
Sometimes, alot of times, we don't see our own growth. But I've seen mine where my marriage is concerned over the last year. I am bragging on God here, and by His hand, I did the work. I'm not saying we are immune, but we are intimate; a word that couldn't be used to describe us a year ago. Intimacy is a strong shield around marriage.
God, I've been single and I've prayed for single hearts. But today I pray for every wife on this blog; that Your Word in
Isaiah 54:4-6 would cover each heart here, whether struggling or strong:
"Fear not, for you will no longer live in shame. The shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood will be remembered no more. For your Creator is your Husband! The Lord Almighty is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel! For the Lord has called you back from your grief-as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband, SAYS YOUR GOD!"
AMEN!
Love God, love yourself, love your spouse, love your children. (I'm preaching to myself here.)
Heather G
Charlotte NC
RE: RETTA'S POST - Thank you for your recent comment. I wish this was set up to comment after certain other comments; We could start a real conversation, here ! I have just come through a very emotional time with someone, myself. He is a believer and has taught me a great deal about God's Word, even though our relationship did not work out to my "expectations", we are still good friends. A clear lesson I have learned recently is that we as humans (me) always want what we can't have, or can't reach. You also can't gently bludgeon someone into loving you. If it is not directed by The Holy Spirit, it's not worth the grief, no matter how good and Godly the person is. These verses speak very clearly about this and hit me right at home. I have learned to appreciate the great promises that God has spoken to me and look forward every day to seeing them come to pass - until the day I reach my Ultimate Prize !
Thank you so much for sharing! Awesome!
p.s. I didn't let Dailey Rae read this post but did show her the updated pictures. Her quote "Mom, she is simply awesome and Colin is cute too." Out of the mouths of babes!
Tracy L.
Richlands, NC
That was absolutely beautiful, Melissa! Happy Valetine to both of you love the pics speak word they do blink,blink time passes.
The love of God sweet words of truth to each of our hearts. With enduring love everlasting! Even death does not stop love, no never. As I have told you before of walking with a dear friend through the home going of her child, she asked one day in desperation will I forget him. No love for a child never through all eternity and that's God love for us. Joy will come in the morning, come Lord Jesus come.
I don't often comment here....just figure that there are so many comments that one less won't matter. :)
But I agree with so many of the comments....we would love to see a study on this book. I have been simply amazed that so many women I have talked to don't think that God wants to lead and guide them in their love life with their husband. And so if God put this book here to help us out...I think it deserves a shot right along with all those other books we are willing to study.
I don't know about anybody else...but I'd be willing to wear a bag on my head and teach a class on this book. :) So...are you willing to help your Mom write one?
Awesome post...Glad to hear from you again.
I too love your pictures, you both look wonderful...Your love for each other is captured in the pics.
Blessings, Kim
Hey Melissa!!! Of course we won't forget you! : ) I loved this post - what you wrote about and how you wrote it. Thanks for sharing the depth of insight. (Please don't ever hide how smart you are!) In church this morning I was thinking about how we need to know who Jesus is or we won't really care how much he loves us... we need to know He is our mighty, magnificent, holy, strong, faithful and true knight who's coming on His white horse to take us away someday... And then He reminded me of how much I need to remember who He is and how much He loves me. His love for me is overwhelming. Thanks for another reminder.
Happy Anniversary!!
I always love your posts! And the pics are awesome. Gonna need to read it a couple of times to let it all sink in.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Awwwweeee I missed you Melissa
Melissa you have such a gift for being able to express yourself so honestly and clearly.
It is frigtening to know that we can lose a love in our lives, whether married or single.
The passage "Place me like a seal on your heart" is really what I think we truly desire as you shared, but know it can only be God who could love us in such a manner. What a joy to know I will not fade away with "Him".
awesome pictures!
Have a wonderful day~
Louise
Melissa, I loved your insight and perspective, especially for Valentine's Day. Thank you!
And Happy Anniversary!!
So good to see your face/read your mind! Been missin' you.. :)
Shortly embarking on an empty nest venture and this is good food for thought.
Happy Anniversary.. you two rock.
How lovely, both the message and the pics !
I want to thank Miss Poppins for putting me onto this blogging thing. I met her in line at the SLI book signing in Franklin. She's darlin'. Melissa, may I say that I worried during my first years of marriage that that would be as good as it would get and I was dead wrong! That was most of what I had seen modeled, but praise God He has brought change in me through His Word that allows me to say after 20yrs, we're having more fun than ever--and I mean that on every level :) Heh, I didn't bring up SofS! But, thank the Lord you did. What a marvel--that He is smitten with one look of my eyes! Be still my heart. And as I hear you saying, it is that very heart that He continues to make whole so that I'm safe to love my husband well and not need a toxic level of anything from him.
Did I mention I learned that in many Bible studies by your mama?
Happy Valentines to each of you ladies and Happy Anniversary dear Melissa
Kathy from TN
You are BEAUTIFUL, inside and out! Thank you for such an amazing insight...
Happy Valentine's Day!
I loved your post, Melissa, and always learn so much from you. The pictures of you and Colin are beautiful!!!Thank you for sharing them with us.
Loving the new book, Beth! I bought 2 extra copies as Valentine's gifts for my mom and sister. We all love reading and studying what you have to say.
Blessings and much love to you all today!
Shelly
Portland, Oregon
your mama bragged on you at the bookstore last week, and just one look at this post and it's no wonder why. you DO have an incredible gift and ability to intellectually dive into a topic and communicate your findings through a beautiful Christ-centered heart.
you amaze me more with every post. so honored to know you and serve Jesus alongside such a sister. (and your hair is still amazing.)
I'll have to take the time to read your post cause I know it will be a thought provoking one. I did want to say that B/W photo of you and Colin is stunning! Allison
Thanks so much for sharing this Melissa. S of S is near to my heart. Your pictures are GORGEOUS!
I have done a Study on Song of Solomon twice. What do you think about this book being an allegory about Christ and the Church, collectively and individually? I know there are some graphic parts that could make the our hearts incensed to think of Christ as Solomon, but for me it is so much more about trust and developing an understanding of Christ's gentlemanly qualities. I know you don't have a ton of time to respond, but I would really be interested in what your thoughts are.
Happy Valentines to you too!
Jina
Dear Melissa,
I'm recalling a post you wrote right after you got married. You talked about how you still had a place in you that could only be filled by Jesus. I've thought about that often. Thanks for posting all the great photos. :)
Michelle, TX
Young..new...fresh love is so precious. Thanks for sharing. Your pics are wonderful. Be blessed.
eden,nc
Melissa,
Thank you for such a wonderful post on the Song of Songs, as well as on what have you been up to. I really enjoyed the mixing of theology on what the section of verses meant with your personal thoughts on sexuality, being in love and seeking love in relationships. Heavy writing, but not so heavy as to overwhelm. I hope you have the chance to write more things like this.
I really like the past paragraph as well: "...The flame of his love for me can never be quenched. His desire for me is never dependent upon my youth or my (fading!) sexual allure." In a culture where it is easy to feel stressed out about our looks, how wonderfully you pointed out that Christ has a passion for us - for ME! - that lasts for all time, that will never fade and is based on the TRUTH of who I am in him. That is the real beauty!
Thanks for sharing,
Heather
What a beautiful commentary Melissa. God is going to use you just as he uses your Mom to teach us. Thank you.
Wow! Yesterday I was listening to Susie Larson on the Family Life Today radio program explaining the need for women to really grasp an understanding of who they are in Christ. This post shows the confidence of a woman secure in who she is in Christ Jesus. I want to get there. Thank you so much for this post.
This was a precious written blog. Thank you for your hard work and sharing the fruits of your labor. Hope there is more to come from such a gifted disciple of the LORD!
Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Anniversary!
You make the Body of CHRIST JESUS shine all the more brightly!
lynn
Excellent post Melissa! This book has always intrigued me but I have been leary to dive in, because I had no idea how to study it or where to begin. You gave me a great starting point!
Beautiful pics of you and Colin....could the two of you be any more gorgeous?!!
Happy two years Tuesday!
Hey Melissa, good to here from you. The pictures are beautiful!!! thanks for sharing. Hope you had a blessed and happy Valentine's day.
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