Hello and Welcome to the February edition of GloryMag!

Hopefully, you’re enjoying 2012 so far and are looking forward to what’s in store for this month’s edition.

We’ve refreshed our Minister’s Corner and have made the most of the theme of love and review a well-known passage about this topic.

This also extends to our recipes page, which includes a delicious meal that will be sure to tantalise your valentines’ taste buds. The fashion pages are bursting with looks and ideas that will see you through the working day, whether you shop online or on the high street.

Be sure to look at our other pages and let us know what your thoughts are on the articles and points this month.
Until next time, enjoy and Happy Valentines’ Day in advance!

Ruth Jacob
GloryMag Editor

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A look into the Books... Songs of Solomon

The book Songs of Solomon can evidently be described as the book of love. The book is also known as the Song of Songs and was written by King Solomon, son of David.

Songs of Solomon contains eight chapters and reads as a dialogue between King Solomon and his Shulamite bride. The chapters illustrate words of admiration, eagerness and love towards one another and a desire to be close, even when they are apart.

The origins of the word Shulamite is believed to be from the Hebrew language and is in reference to the name Solomon. Other personalities who are mentioned in the book include the Shulamite bride’s brothers (Songs of Solomon 1:6b and 8:8).

The overall tone of the book exposes expressions of love between King Solomon and his bride. The reader is taken on the journey from the inception of their courtship through to the wedding procession. In the passage 5:2-8, the Shulamite woman shows concerns of the distance that is between her and King Solomon, however, with a reassuring response, he encourages her in the following verses of 6:4-7:9 and also describes of his wishes to see her in 7:10-8:4).

Biblical scholars believe that despite King Solomon’s numerous marital relationships – he had 700 wives and 300 concubines – his marriage with the Shulamite bride was seen as an enriching, warm relationship that was enjoyed on many levels.

The love and unity described between Solomon and the Shulamite bride can be closely linked to the love that God shows for the church as detailed in the New Testament, (Ephesians 5:25). Similarly the passage of 1 John 4:8-11 also expresses the love of God and how this can be shown to others through Him. The extended passage of 1 John 4:7-21 also illustrate further details of the love of God.

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Minister's Corner: Love Like This

With the month of Valentines’ Day upon us, we take a look into the diverse subject of love. The passage of scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, depicts the many facets of love.

Other passages in the Bible also describe love as being the very nature of God, (1 John 4:8 & 16b) along with the well-known verse, John 3:16.

The early verses in 1 Corinthians 13 (v.1-3) detail different valuable attitudes and actions such as prophesying, giving gifts to the poor and even giving up your life for someone, however it also states that without love being a key motive or ingredient, taking such steps would be useless.

According to the passage of scripture, attributes that describe what love is, include not being puffed up, envious, selfish, rude or counting wrongs, (v. 4-7). Also, the passage points out that attributes of love are patience and kindness, as well as believing and hoping in all good things. Another key feature of love is that it never fails (v.8).

The final verse states that of the three attributes, faith, hope and love, love is the most important – and this surely is not limited to Valentines’ Day, but throughout every day of the year.

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What is... Hope?

‘My hope is in You …’ Psalms 39:7 (NKJV)

Hope can be described as a state of mind that remains positive. It is greatly encouraged in Christianity and is seen as an important trait to develop and maintain.

Similar to faith, hope involves maintaining a positive frame of mind and beliefs, even when circumstances may be on the contrary. Hope is a way to provide encouragement in a situation where despair is preeminent. Biblical passages that relate to hope include Psalms 119:147, Romans 8:24-25 and Hebrews 11:1&7.

Hope has been a source of inspiration from biblical times through to the modern day. In the mid-19th Century, artist Francesco Guardi produced a work of art based solely on the word hope. US President, Barak Obama, has used the word hope to bring about positive attitudes amongst audiences and even for one of his book titles.

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Fashion: Work wear Inspiration

Left to right: Belted check-tweed dress, £55; Grey cardigan, £49; Check-tweed jacket, £59 (All available from Littlewoods.com)

You don’t have to maintain the mundane when it comes to your working attire.

A dash of colour or some prints – either vivid or subtle – can be just what’s needed. We’ve selected a few items from Littlewood.com that do the trick to keep you looking chic from 9-5 and beyond.

Clockwise from left: Classic bootcut trousers, £23; Pink moleskin skirt, £32; Navy wide leg trousers, £35; Black pleated skirt, £40. (All available from Littlewoods.com)

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Beauty: Sweet Treats

Top row (left to right): Vicorian Heart Soap, £4.35; Pink Crysanthamum Soap, £3.75

Bottom row (left to right): 'knitted' Heart Soap, £3.99; Dark Pink Crysanthamum Soap, £3.75
(All from NotMassProduced.com)

Valentine’s Day has been a source of inspiration for the month and our beauty pages are showing no exception.

We’ve taken a look at some beauty buys that have literally been infused with love. A unique website, called Not Mass Produced, showcases some, fragrant bath fizzes, delightful soaps – with some fashioned into love heart, while others take on the shape of flowers.

For those who prefer a more traditional outlet, high street department store, House of Fraser has stocked beauty buys from the likes of Deborah Lippman or a rose-inspired kit, aptly named ‘Addicted to Roses’ with Korres.
However you chose to spoil your special someone this Valentine’s Day, you’ll be sure to find something great.

From left to right: Korres - Addicted to Roses perfume set, £20, Deborah Lippmann nail varnish, Ruby Red Slipper & Baby Love, both £14.
(All from House of Fraser)

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Travel: Florence in February

Whether you’re travelling for a romantic weekend or for weeks on end, Florence, the capital to the region of Tuscany in Western Italy will have just enough to keep you intrigued.

The city is steeped in culture and was the founding region of the Renaissance era in the 18th Century and previously the capital of Italy in the 19th Century. Florence was also one of the earliest founders of international commerce – coins for commercial use were first created in this city. These two elements have fashioned Florence into an area of great appeal.

You’ll find plenty to keep you on your toes, if you’re after culture, shopping and dining. Galleries galore await you in this spectacular city, which houses masterpieces from world renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Di Vinci and Botticelli. From the Galleria del’l Accademia to the Galleria degli Uffizi, one of the largest in the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Alternatively, museums including archaeological artefacts once belonging to the Medici family are ones to look out for, as well as the Museum of the History of Science. If after, you’ve worked up a thirst, then take a trip to the literary coffee shop Giubbe Rosse, which dates back to the 12th Century.

When it comes to dining, make sure one of the things to you dig into is the gelato, (ice cream). Gelateria dei Neri, Festival Del Gelato, Vivoli or Perché No, to name but a few, will provide you with something sweet to savour.

With Florence’s close proximity to other cities, you’ll also be able to enjoy day trips to other locations, for example; the city of Pisa, in which the famous leaning tower is located. For some spa therapy, you can enjoy the relaxing facilities at Impruneta’s Spa.

You can also take up the opportunity to learn skills that you can take back with you to savour the memories, such as glass bead making, cooking classes and even photography lessons. You’ll be creating your own masterpieces in no time.

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