Random Thoughts For Valentines's Day

     Like all holidays, Valentine's Day can be such a wonderful, positive, upliting day filled with love and candy and flowers and, yes, even Valentines! But at the same time it can be lonely, depressing, difficult and just one of those days you want over and done! A lot of that depends on attitude, BUT also on the experiences of your life and what you may be facing at that particular time in your life.  I don't think there is a person on earth who truly does not wish to be happy, secure and loved by someone! And many are, for sure, but even they have gone through, are going through or will go through difficult times! And when those difficult times fall on holidays that are supposed to be filled with love and happiness, it makes it even harder! It can even be devastating for those who so desperately want to be loved and have not had that in their lives OR have had it and lost it for whatever reason. In many instances it is so hard to understand if you have never been faced with that experience! And also in a world today that is running rampant on defintions of love that really have nothing to do with love it can be very confusing.

     So are there any solutions? Is there any way to deal with these issues no matter where your place in them is? Is there someone who can magically make all your problems with love disappear and make it all right? Is there really a cupid that can do that? Well, sort of, maybe, not really, but kind of!!! Nice answer, huh?

     What I am trying to say is that IT IS possible, but it is NOT easy!!! Why? Because in this life we are meant to face problems and issues to help us learn and grow. Doesn't really make it any eaiser to deal with, but we have been told how to work through things and as long as there is a plan that we don't give up on, eventually we can find peace, happiness and yes, some forms of love to see us through to the end.

     What is the plan? Well, the Lord has told us in many different ways that we need to "walk by faith", "be of good cheer", and "caste  thy burden upon the Lord"! You will notice that a lot of this has to do with attitude...having the right mind and heart set.  And, no, it is not easy, but it is so worth it. It has also been proven scientifically that it works So one of the times that science agrees with the Lord!?!?!?

     Again, I want to emphasize that it IS NOT easy! It requires effort and consistent work every day, especially for those who find themselves in very difficult circumstances. But for each effort you make, for each attempt you strive for, for every stumbling, staggering step forward the Lord will be there for you. You may not feel Him or recognize Him at first, but as long as you do not give up and you keep going through it all, you will succeed. And that success will bless you with love, patience and kindness for yourself which will reflect on your relationships with others! And thus you not only build and bless your life, but you build and bless others. And that is really why we are here! That is really where the love comes from! That is really what makes Valentine's (and any other love-filled holiday) what it is! 

     So IF you are at a good spot in your life right now, PLEASE do all you can to build on that and bless others! If you are at a bad spot in your life right now turn to the Lord, focus on the good around you, get positive help from others and remember that "this too shall pass", and just keep going because you were not sent here to fail!!! And you are ALWAYS loved by your Heavenly Parents and your Savior Jesus Christ on Valentine's Day and every day of your life!!  And I love you, too!!! May this Valentine's Day be a step towards greater love of self, others and your Heavenly Family is my prayer for each of you!!!