MARDI GRAS MAMBO

Want to create a tablescape fit for Mardi Gras royalty? Taylor Bennett created magic with this beautiful centerpiece of eucalyptus, olive, snap dragons, limelight hydrangeas, yellow billy balls, yellow tulips and eggplant carnations from Carlstedt’s Monroe.

LA PETITE ABEILLE CARNIVAL CANDLES AND NAPKINS - MATERIAL THINGS; MULTI-COLORED WINE GLASSES - PARTERRE HOME; FLORALS - CARLSTEDT’S MONROE

I REMEMBER that when I was a young child, we gave many “Willyou-be-my-Valentine” cards to a number of potential “Valentines,” but as we grew older, we began to be a little more selective. Those initial “Valentines” had very little, if anything, to do with love, but those given in later years may have graduated to the level of “puppy love.” As we got even older and more mature, the number of our Valentines was narrowed down until, eventually, there was only one – the one we sincerely loved! Frequently that individual became the Valentine for life, or as our wedding vows declare: “til death do us part.”

The month of February usually prompts thoughts of love, but when we ask, “What is love?” we can get as many different definitions as there were Valentines in our elementary school days. So, how do you recognize love, in your own heart or in those relationships which you have occasion to observe on a regular basis? What is love according to the measuring gauge you have adopted?

Well, when it comes to what “love” is all about, we don’t have the right to adopt a private meaning, a meaning that suits us. Nevertheless, that is precisely what the majority of us do – we define “love” to suit what we want it to be with the result that our world is more characterized by selfishness instead of sacrifice. For too many, love has to do with how I am benefitted rather than being concerned with how I can make a positive difference in another’s life.

If we cannot define “love,” if doing so is not our prerogative, where are we to go to discover the real meaning of what Valentine is all about? I suggest that the place we should go to get the best, the right explanation of the sense of this wonderful thing called “love” is to the one who is Himself called by this name – “God is love!” (I John 4:16). God never fails to love and His love is lasting. Paul writes that there is nothing in all creation, including even death, that can ever separate us from the love of God. We, on the other hand, are not as

faithful, as consistent in showing love to our Valentines – nor to Jesus Christ, himself. And when our love for Him is weak, we are likely to become guilty of unfaithfulness. Just as we can slip into infidelity to our Valentine when our love is not as strong as it should be, we often do the same with our commitment to the Lord. So, what can we do to defend against letting our love weaken to the point of betrayal? The apostle John gave us a hint when he wrote, “We love Him because He first IF WE CANNOT DEFINE “LOVE,” IF DOING SO loved us.” (I John 4:19) When we contemplate the depth of His love IS NOT OUR PREROGATIVE, WHERE ARE WE for us and the manner in which

TO GO TO DISCOVER THE REAL MEANING He demonstrated His love, we are

OF WHAT VALENTINE IS ALL ABOUT? drawn closer to Him in gratitude that will strengthen our love for God. How has, how does the Lord show His love for His “Valentine,” the Church, and those who make up His Church? John expresses it like this: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” (John 3:16) He expresses His love by what He gives to us. He sacrifices for those whom He loves. In like manner, we show our love by our gift to Him. Well, just what is the gift, what does He want from us? The answer is found in something that Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Our Valentine gift to God is to be obedient to His will for us. If we owe Christ a love that is obedient to His will, what is our debt of love to the Valentine that becomes our partner in marriage? In brief, we should be committed to desiring the very best for the object of our love, and we ould make every effort to make that desire a reality. To help us in that endeavor, let us focus on how the Valentine whom God gave us has blessed our lives. And in gratitude, may our love be strong and true. May the Lord bless us with His love and may our love benefit others.

article by PAUL LIPE

opinion expressed is that of the writer

The Bayou DeSiard Country Club Cotillion was held on December 28, 2021. Nineteen young ladies were presented to the Club’s governing board and to family and friends. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Stewart Shelby. The Presentation Coordinator was Mrs. Terri Arthur. Special thanks to Ainsley Anderson Herlevic of Ainsley Events for décor and design, Rhyan Emery at Albritton Photography for the pictures, the governing board of The Bayou DeSiard Country Club and Board President Mr. Jared Walker.

Elizabeth Larkin Barham Texas Christian University

Frances Kathryn Barham Washington and Lee Univeristy

Jane Elizabeth Campbell The University of Mississippi

Caroline Wimberly Graham Louisiana State University

Cameron Alysse Lavespere Louisiana State University Ava Kennedy Dickson Louisiana State University

Taylor Grace Harris Louisiana State University

Sophia St. Clare Morstead Louisiana State University Laura Lynette Fincher Louisiana State University

Caroline Kay Hart The University of Mississippi

Lelia Hope Robertson Louisiana State University

Maly Marie Foote The University of Mississippi

Helen McLain Johnson Louisiana State University

Amanda Caroline Shelby Louisiana State University