During the early days of our marriage, Ryan and I decided that except for birthday and Christmas, we would just exchange cards, no presents. It was getting out of hand to have to have a gift for every occasion - and we were constantly budgeting and trying to think of things to suggest to the other as gifts. Now, 5 years in, I think it was one of the best decisions we made.

Yesterday being Valentine's Day - we exchanged cards over a quiet dinner at home. As I read those sweet, tender words my husband had written, tears rolled down my cheeks. The thought came to me, " words matter."

As I kept thinking about that phrase throughout the evening, I thought how profound that statement is. Harsh or soft, sweet or mean, uplifting or degrading, words matter and affect us deeply.

I made this page to exemplify that statement. I attached the sweet card my husband gave to me yesterday and used one of our wedding photos.