What joy to know Spring is "officially" here. After a very cold and snowy winter, everything seems eager for the warmth of Spring! Birds have been seeking nesting sites, tree branches are displaying small "bumps" where buds are preparing to emerge and raccoons, rabbits, and even a fox have shown their presence.  It is, indeed, a time of newness. Now, if the temperatures would only cooperate. I was reminded by a lady in the check out line at the local grocery store that it's sectional time here in Indiana, that means anything can go ... from the weather to tournament results. While it may be a bit cliche, it is true. So, whether it is a week or a month before temperature warm to "short sleeve" weather, one thing is for certain ... warmth, brilliant color, picnics and the busy sounds of the animal kingdom "multiplying," will be here shortly! That makes my cold bones very happy!!

As I prepare to tuck myself in for the evening, my heart reminds me how very blessed I am to live in this country. Oh sure, in this country we have our share of changes, disputes, differences of opinion; however, we are free to express our views. Somehow even with our various ways of viewing life situations, there is still a respect for each individual's right to express his or her's opinion. I like that! So, tonight my prayer is each of us remember what a privilege it is to live in this country and  to pray that gift  be given to everyone in this world. 

The name of the game is Balance! It seems whatever I confront each day, it is yet another opportunity to find my balance. I was in JoAnn Fabric's the other day and saw an interesting piece. It was a wall decor made of wood and on it were the words: "Life is like riding a bike, to keep your balance you have to keep moving."

Most of my life people have commented about how I do not seem to relax well. I always have to be doing something. Even when I watch TV I find my hands occupied with some kind of hand work. Knitting, sewing, filing my nails.....yep, I am definitely guilty of not simply sitting idle. What I have observed is if I am engaged in something action oriented there is less "head chatter." That is to say, it seems to be satisfied I'm focused on something. If I am not, my mind has plenty to say to me about everything! What I also know is movement helps me satisfy the need I have to accomplish something. Good, bad, or indifferent, it seems some sort of action keeps me in balance. 

Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is wait!  While this can often be the most difficult thing to do, it generally brings the best results. There is much to be said about taking the time to "hit the pause button" before jumping into a decision or responding to someone's words or deeds, especially when our emotions are high. Truth be told, it is the difference between "reacting" and "taking action." Think about that!

  Whomever your "sweetie" is, hug them, tell them something you are grateful for about them and ask if there is something you can do for them. That is my suggestion as a perfect gift on Valentine's Day; and, most importantly, every day. Ever wonder why only one day a year is set aside for such sweetness? Oh, do not get me wrong, there are many people who take the time to show their appreciation and gratitude for the "sweetie" in their life. 
  With that said, Valentine's Day can be a difficult day for many people who do not have a "significant other." I suggest we extend that definition of "sweetie" to mean anyone who makes your heart feel warm and cozy. It could be a favorite friend, family member, neighbor or even a family pet! I have a friend who's stepson suggested they send Valentine's cards to random people from the phone book. So, this year, I took that action as well. Of course, I pondered if the man or woman with whom I sent the card would be have some explaining to do if they had a significant other, but I thought it was worth the "risk." So, I simply wrote on the card it was a random act of kindness and wished them a happy heart. 
  Perhaps you would like to take such action? And you can't use the excuse "it's too late," because whenever that person receives the card it will be Valentine's Day! 

  It has been said that snow represents the dreams of Earth's inhabitants. If that is the case, dreams are plentiful here on Earth Mother! As I watch the whirling snow outside my window blowing a "fog" of white, I wonder what sort of dreams will be birthed with the arrival of Spring.       No doubt many on this planet at hoping for peace, change to occur and life to move in the direction of unity. Here in the United States we have much for which to be grateful, and yet, it seems much unrest is in the conversations of those with whom we encounter. At least, that is what I often hear.
  As snow fills the air with a white cloud of glittery sparkles, I wish for hope to return to everyday conversations. For people to be really listening to each other's words and not just thinking about what they want to say next. I wish for love and gratitude for living in a country where freedom abounds to be evidenced in the faces and conversations of those I see each day. 
  If we could just allow our busy minds to notice the abundant gifts put in front of us, and embrace the richness of not only our dreams, but the dreams of those with whom we come in contact with each day, our Spring would abound with great beauty. Ahh, the glistening sparkle of dreams evidence in the abundant SNOW ... what an beautiful perspective!

  This morning my thoughts are on the topic of "Courage." My son completed radiation therapy for throat cancer this summer. In November the doctor's completed a series of scans and reported he was "clean and clear," of cancer. On a return visit a few weeks ago they noticed a growth, so on Friday a biopsy was done to determine whether it was scar tissue from the radiation or "something else." Bottom line, it was cancer. They cleaned what they could with a laser; however, it was too extensive, and he is scheduled to have open surgery on his throat in a couple of weeks.
  Such "dark times" ultimately prove to shed light on those individuals who choose to find the "light" in every situation. Every single person confronts something heart-wrenching in the course of his or her life. It is the way in which we respond that shows our true character. We can become victims of our life circumstances, or we can choose to move through a situation with hope, determination and a will to confront what is in front of us. 
  My son sent a text message first thing this morning that he has begun a cancer-fighting food regime, complete with herbal supplements. I offered to join him with his food regime. We need each other; we need to see the power love offers in the healing of our world. Beginning within each of us, to our family and neighbors. It is easy to complain, ask "why me, my son, my father, etc," and quite another thing to ask, "How can I change the outcome."
  Without naming names, I want to say, someone who loves my son very much has been resistant to learning anything about texting. He/she tends to look at change and complain. I was told yesterday this person sent a text to my other son and asked if it was OK to use cuss words with texting. I am smiling as I write this, through tears of joy I see, hear, smell and feel in my heart the love this person is extending to my son. This is what love can do to heal a person, family, community, world on all levels. My heart is full of gratitude for all those that make the choice to be courageous and find the light in a dark situation! IF you so choose to assist, we ask for prayers of gratitude for the gift this will give my son to offer hope to others who confront such situations. 
  Courage, what a beautiful word to show what being loved can do, and how it, like a wave, it can sweep the shore and change the terrain to something else. Here's to shape-shifting cancer within an individual to help them BE an even more loving, heart-felt person who can, in return, change the terrain of his/her family, community, and ultimately the world!