Dearest Friends,
We commemorate Valentine's Day by the exchange of valentines or love
tokens. To us, these represent something  more than pretty objects.
In giving a token, we hope it becomes a meaningful memento of what
lies deep within our heart; the esteem, affection and, in the case
of our dearest ones, the love we feel for them without limits. A
heart filled with such love, desires to make itself known.
Valentine's Day is a wonderful tradition of expressing in sweet and
sometimes fun ways our tender feelings of love. I believe as mortal
beings we feel within our hearts to express a love we once shared in
heaven. There, sharing is instantaneous between souls, and love is a
tangible power or essence which is felt in both giving and receiving.
When I met Jesus, he did not greet me with long-stemmed roses that
represented his love. I felt the real thing and knew the power of
his unconditional love for me directly. We can't duplicate that on
earth! But love can be shown in many ways so that its authenticity
and power are undeniable. This happens through the daily choices we
make in words and actions which arise from a true and loving heart.
So on Valentine's Day, how can we make our valentine tokens more
meaningful, more "loving?" One way is to perhaps skip the routine
(seemingly obligatory) flowers, card, and chocolates, and give instead
something simple of ourselves that hints at what truly lies inside
the heart. With imagination and a little time, something thoughtful,
surprising and sweet can be done that shows you did more than stop
at the local florist or card shop on your way home. For example,
something handmade, be it a card, small gift, or special treat. Or
giving something with personal meaning, such as a treasured item
from childhood, a framed image of the exact spot you first declared
your love, or a button from your favorite shirt, taken from the
place just over your heart. Something personal, exchanged for a
little thoughtful effort, holds your unique energy and is always
more meaningful than something exchanged for money. This is so
because it springs from the motions of your heart.
Words are powerful, too. I know that my handwritten love notes to
family and friends are treasured always, long after flowers fade or
chocolates are gone. Loved ones generally read and re-read love
notes (I know that I do) and never throw them away, especially when
they are handmade! How could they?
So perhaps if you are wondering what you can give this year, go
below the surface and "gift" in a deeper more personal way. Share
what is most treasured and of most value to your loved one: something true from your open heart.
There is another side to Valentine's Day not to be forgotten. That
is the expression of gratitude for being loved. As important as
expressing love for someone, is expressing thanks for someone's
love. How beautiful it is both to love and to be loved. We must show
appreciation for the magnificent gift of a heart freely given.
Live Valentine's Day every day. Now more than ever the world needs
the open sharing and exchange of the healing energy of love. Start
with the person most dear to you, and then, with intent to increase
your loving and giving spirit, widen the reach of your heart to many
others. This I know brings heaven to earth and a taste of Jesus's
love to our souls.
Happy Valentine's Day, and God bless you!
Betty
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Love 
The Greatest Commandment Is to Love. If we live true to the spirit we came to earth with, we can progress more quickly. We do that by expressing the love of God that is within us, and we do that by loving God, ourselves, and each other. It is that simple. The Awakening Heart,
p. 119 
