Well guys, perfume may not be a bad choice for a Valentine's gift.  Several scientific studies have indicated that women have a better sense of smell than men.  Findings also indicate that women consider smell the single most important variable in mate choice.

Certainly odour is a key factor when it comes to romance in the insect and animal kingdom.  Both animals and insects use chemicals called pheromones to send signals that stimulate romantic interest.  The chemical signals emitted by some species of male mice are powerful enough to actually promote sexual development in nearby female mice. 

While humans hopefully approach matters of the heart in a more thoughtful way, considering the moral and spiritual aspects as well as the physical, research indicates that in our case too, certain odours arouse interest more than others.  In one experiment it was claimed that men were more aroused by the smell of lavender combined with pumpkin pie, while women went wild over liquorice and cucumber.  While men were not turned off by any particular smell, there were certain odours that definitely seemed a turnoff for women.  Barbecue smoke was one such scent.

So next time you're planning a romantic Valentine's Day strategy, remember there may be a scientific basis for choosing perfume over steak.

MOVING BEYOND MATTER
 by Deborah Piggott

Just how do we send signals to others concerning our possible attraction?  There are kind gestures, thoughtful words, showing interest in what is important to the other person.  

A crying newborn sends a signal that is answered in the comforting arms of a mother or father and later our skinned knees are bandaged and the pain seems less when it is sealed with a loving kiss.  Iit would seem that we learn how to attract affection from an early age.

The second chapter of Genesis records how God brought all the creatures to Adam to be named, and no suitable mate was found for the man God had created.  So, God made a woman from a part of the man.  He designed us for each other in a such a unique way that He tells us we become one, when united in marriage.

It is touching to watch the interaction of newlyweds, or to observe the comfortable companionship of an elderly couple who have the ability to know what the other needs before any words are exchanged.

It is officially only one day in 365 but Valentine's Day is set apart as a time to remember and express our love for each other.  And that's a great reason to have a special day.

There is another day that stands alone as an expression of love.  Although our celebration of it may not coincide with the exact day, the events of that day set it apart.  The day is the one on which the Lord Jesus Christ finished the work He had been sent to do by His Father.

God demonstrated his love for us through the death of His Son then and He continues to send us signals of His love for us today.  Throughout scripture there are numerous examples.  In fact, the whole Bible speaks of God's love for his human creation.  From the first few chapters of Genesis, where God provides a fulfilling relationship for Adam and Eve, to the last few verses of Revelation, where God encourages man with one last invitation to come to Him for the free gift of eternal life.

These are the words of God, in Jeremiah 31: 3, as He proclaims His love to all of Israel and it tells of His faithfulness toward us.  We read, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness."