Love Is An Action Word~ AValentine To You All~

As Valentines Day approaches I have been reflecting on a memory or two. When I was a little girl, I remember that we made Valentine cards at school for every one in our class and then gave them out to one another. Usually they were homemade paper hearts.

We would decorate a  box for these special Valentines to go in. I was always excited to bring my box home to show my parents my beautiful cards.

I remember one year that my dear father bought me a Valentine Story Book Doll.That doll and a few other story book dolls are very precious to me.

Another fun memory was on Valentine's night we would take our homemade cards to our neighbors and friends. We would drop them on their front porch, stamp our feet or ring the door bell and then run and hide. Sometimes, we would play a trick on our friends by having a string attached to the Valentine. We would hide and pull the string as they went to pick the Valentine up. Of course, we  were caught and we all had a good time laughing and enjoying the moment. The Valentines cards always had the word "Love" on it. However, 
love really is more than a paper heart. President Gordan B. Hinckley said the following; "Love is  the very essence of life.It is the pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow.

Yet it is more than the end of a rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arches across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home. It is the peace of old age, the sunlight of home shinning through death.  How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, church friends and neighbors. Love is a sought after gift of God."
On a daily basis, I have been able to watch and participate in Love In Action. I have observed and experienced gifts of love within our family as they have served  one another. I have felt the frustration of helplessness, but have been warmed by the love of many when I or a member of our family has suffered trials, illnesses, and other struggles of life.There have been many acts of kindness and love given freely to our family.
As a Hospice nurse I have witnessed many instances of love unfold in the winding up scenes of death. Bonds of love have been strengthened and tender loving moments experienced among the family members.
I know the pure joy of love when bringing forth a new born child.
I have felt the loneliness of son's and daughter away on two year missions. When letters from them would come I  could see the evidence of their growing love for the work. These letters would warm my heart. Then of course the  welcome home of these dear children to our loving arms again. 
I have experienced increased love for our children's spouses as they have married and started families of their own. These added sons and daughters are loved deeply as though they were born to us. What joy; what love as we have held each of our new born grandchildren and great grandchildren. Love just keeps increasing as our posterity grows.
Each of these loving experiences have helped me stretch and grow in my love for others and especially deepened by gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The basic need in the world today is for people to be taught true principles of love. True love is the exact opposite of the present philosophy of selfishness that seems to permeate the  world. True love is based on personal unselfishness. Love extends beyond convenience; It's going the extra mile in our relationships. Ceasing to be concerned with what we can get and more concerned with what we can give in our relationships. 
Seek for this priceless gift of love. Our Savior, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father wants us to love one another as they love us. Filled with this love we are prepared to take upon ourselves the cross of our daily lives and experience those unique feelings of love in our everyday relationships.
Through the years I have felt my love deepen for my family and my dear husband. I have many loved ones, friends, and blogging friends that have blessed my life with their love. I find it amazing how on a down day I will receive a call from a loved one or read a blog post from a friend that has lighten my burden of care with their love. Countless times when I am on my knees seeking peace of mind I will feel the spirit testify that my prayers are heard and I feel the warmth of the Savior's love for me. May we all seek to love one another as our Savior and Heavenly Father love us. Remember Love Is An Action Word.

Today I am sending you all a Valentine with the words; "I Love You".