Silly Penguins
Image Generated by AI through Co-Pilot
Poem by Nadia Crane
Fun fact: Many penguin species present their mate with a pebble as a courtship gift — a sort of marriage proposal.
#February #Haiku #Penguins #Poetry
February Haiku
Tag: #Love
Welcoming Love
Affirmation
We welcome love. We open our hearts to its warmth and vitality.
Reflection
As January comes to a close, we have nearly completed the first whole month of 2026. Moving into February feels like crossing a bridge —
one that guides us toward a more authentic way of being. Slow. Steady. True.
January has invited us to slow down, to notice the sparkle, to breathe again.
To appreciate the small things life has to offer.
Now it invites us to open our hearts —to let love meet us where we are.
Not the perfect or polished version of us.
Just our honest, authentic selves.
Love is grand and has its own timeline.
Sometimes it comes softly —
in a kind word offered at the right moment, in a hand reaching for ours, or in the familiar comfort of someone who sees us as we are.
Sometimes it arrives loudly —
like a spark igniting a fire, full of sizzles, cracks, and pops.
What we do know for sure is that love shows up every day in the ordinary:
the warmth and joy shared over a piece of pizza,
the whisper of “I’m sorry,”
the courage to forgive,
the assurance that God is with us – always.
Love is God’s way of saying: You are held. You are seen. You are cherished.
Welcoming love means letting ourselves receive what we often give so freely to others. It means trusting that love is not scarce, not fragile, not earned — but offered. Again and again.
Prayer
God, teach us to welcome love — the love You pour into our lives and the love that flows through the people around us. Help us soften our words, calm our anxiety, and open our hearts to love. May Your love remind us that we are seen, heard, and valued. Amen
#Love #January #Welcome #NewYear #2026 #Affirmation #Prayer #Faith #Seasons #Reflections
Prepare Ye The Way
Advent is a preparation season
A season to prepare for the coming babe in a manger.
PREPARE
It is Christmas.
CHRISTMAS IS HERE.
TODAY.
It comes every year.
Whether we are prepared or not.
This year, let’s PREPARE.
PREPARE our hearts.
PREPARE our minds.
PREPARE our bodies.
PREPARE our homes.
PREPARE our spouses.
PREPARE our loved ones.
PREPARE to welcome THE CHRIST CHILD!
What Christmas has revealed to me this year,
is that we can’t ACCEPT the wonder and the awe of the holiness of God
UNTIL we PREPARE ourselves to meet the glorious king.
THEN, once we have PREPARED,
We will rest in God’s loving arms.
And WAIT.
We have a CHOICE.
We can be like the WISE women with the oil lamps or the foolish ones who are not prepared. (Matthew 25)
May the One who sent a babe into the world lead us back to love.
May the PEACE of CHRIST in CHRISTMAS bring you peace today and every day until the end of time.
If you need support from either a no contact or a low contact estrangement today, visit thepaisleyfrog.com for more information about the “8 stages” and you can read about the process of estrangement.
In the meantime, be with those who want you in their lives. And may the peace of Christmas get you through today.
WISHING YOU ALL A boatload OF JOY AND PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS.
#Christmas #Peace #Faith #Estrangement #Prepare #Holidays
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #8 Forgiveness
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Someone will forget to take out the trash.
Again!
A good partner says, “No worries,” instead of keeping score.
They know that love means extending grace, even when it feels easier to hold a grudge.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
— Colossians 3:13
Fun & Faithful
Forgiveness is the secret to a long-lasting partnership.
Not because mistakes don’t matter—but because grace keeps the love flowing.
Why?
Because Nobody’s Perfect
A forgiving heart is the gentle nod that says:
“Yup, you messed up. And I still choose you.”
It’s not about ignoring what went wrong.
It’s about letting go of the weight,
because holding on to it drags both of you down.
So, tell me:
What’s something small you’ve had to forgive this week?
Did your partner finish the last slice of cake you’ve been saving for yourself? Again?
Forgiveness is essential to the secret sauce.
It’s the tender smile instead of the sharp word.
The way you choose peace over being right.
The quiet strength to say: We’re human, and that’s okay.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I love you… mistakes and all.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #7 Thoughtfulness
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Thoughtfulness is more than remembering birthdays. Right?
But if your partner continues to “forget” vital dates regularly, maybe it’s time to dial it back a notch?
Thoughtfulness IS the little things as well as the BIG things – like birthdays!
It’s about paying attention to what makes them smile. What brings your partner joy?
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Fun & Faithful
A good partner knows the power of small gestures.
It’s the note in the lunchbox.
The extra blanket on a cold night.
The goofy meme you send when they’re feeling down.
Thoughtfulness doesn’t require grand gestures.
It’s the gentle reminders that say:
“I’m here, and I see you.”
So, tell me: What’s the smallest thing your partner has done that meant the world to you?
Thoughtfulness is a key ingredient to the secret sauce.
It’s the quiet ways we show up for each other.
The way we pay attention.
The way we care—over and over again.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I’m thinking of you… always.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #6: Flexibility
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Some of us are not as flexible as others. Right?
A good partner is ready, from surprise rain showers to a surprise birthday party. They know that life doesn’t always follow the plan.
Why?
Because plans change.
And sometimes the TV settings can mysteriously change, too.
The question is how flexible you can be. Can you pivot quickly?
When we’re faced with change, we have to roll with it.
We need to laugh through it.
We need to stay open – even when it’s a little uncomfortable.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4
Fun & Faithful
Flexibility isn’t about giving up everything—it’s about meeting in the middle. Even if it means watching that rom-com you said you’d never watch.
Think of a yoga pose. You need to stay nimble and flexible.
Breathe deep.
Bend a little.
Find your balance – together.
So tell me: What’s the most unexpected change you’ve rolled with lately?
Flexibility is part of the secret sauce, too.
It’s the way you compromise.
The way you shift.
It’s the smile that says: I’m here for the adventure – no matter where it takes us.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I’m willing to bend a little – for us.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #5: Faith
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Faith isn’t just for Sundays.
You want someone who believes in God, love, and maybe even your karaoke dreams—no judgment.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
Fun & Faithful
Faith shapes how you treat each other every day.
It’s the quiet strength beneath the laughter, the peace in the middle of the chaos.
It’s the prayer whispered in the dark, the gentle “Amen” after a long day.
The faith that says:
“I’m here and trust in something bigger than us.”
It’s not about perfect faith—it’s about growing together.
Praying together.
Dreaming together.
So tell me: What’s one small way you’ve seen your faith bring you closer to God and your partner?
Faith is key.
It’s the patient ear.
The steady hand.
The calm in your eyes that says: Through it all, I believe in us.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I’m here for you, no matter what.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #4: A Sense of Humor
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Life is serious enough.
A good partner knows when to crack a joke—especially when you’re about to cry over spilled milk.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” — Proverbs 17:22
Fun & Faithful
Humor doesn’t mean turning everything into a stand-up routine.
It’s about not taking yourselves too seriously—and finding joy in life’s mishaps.
It’s the inside jokes, the shared giggles, and the funny faces across the dinner table. It might even be tossing a dinner roll in the air.
So tell me: What’s the silliest thing you’ve laughed about together recently?
Laughter is key.
It’s the sparkle in your eyes.
The way your laughter echoes through the house.
It is the playful wink that says: We’re in this together—and we’re going to have fun along the way.
A sense of humor will get you through the tough times.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I’ll make you laugh when you really want to cry.
And I’ll be here for all of it.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #3: Patience
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Patience is hard. Right?
But don’t we all deserve a partner with the patience of a saint?
A good partner doesn’t mind waiting!
Whether it’s for you to finish your epic story about your day or to find your phone (that’s in your hand).
Or the glasses you are looking for that are perched on your head.
“Love is patient…” — 1 Corinthians 13:4
Fun & Faithful
Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about how you wait.
A good partner’s patience turns awkward silences into shared jokes. And maybe 45-minute outfit decisions into a runway show.
So, tell me. Which one of you takes longer to get ready?
Patience is key.
It’s the quiet smile.
The gentle touch.
The eyes that say, “Take your time – I’m here.”
It’s the little gentle stuff that says:
“You’re worth the wait.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Patience #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #2: Honesty
A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things
Let’s be real.
Honesty is the best policy. Right?
But if your partner’s “constructive feedback” sounds like a bad Yelp review, maybe it’s time to dial it back a tad.
Learning to tell it like is with love comes with practice.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15
Fun & Faithful
Honesty is about sharing your heart, not tearing someone else’s apart.
It’s about gently nudging each other to grow—like pruning a rosebush, not hacking it to bits.
It’s the warm voice.
The soft words.
The caring eyes.
It’s the gentle stuff that says:
“I’m on your team. I believe in us.”
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.
#Love #Kindness #Honesty #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections
I and Thou Reflections 