Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope LOVE was in the air for everyone today since it is Valentine's Day. =o)

Whether or not you were the recipient of a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or fine dining, I hope you felt loved one way or another. Now our family, we didn't give Valentines out to each other this year, but we did have a very lovely home-cooked meal. We all ate together around the dinner table and enjoyed good conversation and laughter. Then we all had heart shaped cupcakes for dessert that we made earlier in the day. It was all very delicious. I admit, John did come home and surprise me with 2 of my favorite candy bars and my favorite soda. Perhaps not very romantic to some, but I appreciated it. ;o)

I know I didn't post anything for New Year's, but I hope everyone had a great time ringing in the new year. I know we did. My daughter and son-in-law stayed with us for about a week and were able to celebrate with us. It was a good time.

I was having a little trouble with my New Year's resolutions. In the end, I decided to just keep it simple. I was also in a very reflective mood. 2010 was a difficult year for me on many different levels. I had to work through some emotions and put things in its proper perspective.

This last little while I have to say, I've felt very restless. I'm not 100% sure why. Have you ever felt lost in a crowded room? Almost invisible? That's how I've been feeling. I've had to put so many things on the back burner to take care of other things, that I think I've lost my way a bit.

My health was at its worse in December. It controlled everything and in a way, I suppose it still does. I have loved ones I care about going through difficult trials and I've been trying to be there for them. Also taking care of my family's needs. I can tell I've withdrawn inward, if that makes any sense. Like I've told friends at church one Sunday, I've felt like my insecurities were blaring in front of me on a jumbotron. I've just felt so unsure of myself and my talents and my purpose. Why? What on earth is causing all of this?

As I've been trying to work through these things. I think I've realized that as I've been so busy dealing with all these other things, I've lost a part of myself. Or rather forgotten who I really am. Now it's time to recreate myself. Really become who I want to be.

I can't help but feel that this restlessness that I've been feeling is an inward knowledge of change. I just have this feeling that change is in the air. I don't mean moving or anything like that. But I think it's perhaps more of
a change in myself. I need to be ready for it. Can I do it? I suppose it will come whether I'm ready or not. ;o)But hopefully it's more like there is Someone who knows I'm ready and it's His spirit that I feel preparing me for that change. I would like to think so. =o)

As this Valentine's day comes to a close...it's already tomorrow on the East coast...know that love doesn't have to be between you and a significant other. It can be the joy in your heart because today was a beautiful day. Someone made you smile. You found $5.00 in a jacket pocket you forgot about from 4 months ago. You got an A on a test. Anything! It doesn't matter.

What I'm trying to say is no matter whether you are alone in a crowded room or life just seems to be going your way and nothing can stop you from your dreams, you are beautiful, special and most of all loved...by your family, friends, pet, or even me and most of all by Someone greater than us all.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Love, Cheryl