About the Heart

"A heart in every thought renewed And full of love divine,
Perfect and right and pure and good, A copy, Lord, of thine."
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

February is now upon us! The month is best know for Valentine's Day, except for those people who have birthday's in February, in which my sister does. Yes, there's some famous birthdays, and the famous Groundhog Day, in which I visited and saw where Punxsutawney Phil lives. There's also Mardi Gras Day. But I think Valentine's Day marks among the favorites in the hearts of people.

"God seems interested in little things . . . He makes much of little things--as much as He wants to . . . He probably wants more encouraging notes sent than books written . . That's good news for those of us who have only little things to work with . . . Or a word or deed so tiny it can't even be remembered--except by the recipient, who may never, ever forget." Sandra P.  Aldrich Y Bobbie Valentine, Heartprints

I loved these stamps that came out in 2007 in time for Valentine's Day. What goes better with love than kisses!

For so many years that I can't remember how many, I've made a habit of sending out 30 to 40 cards to friends and family, widows, those hurting and those forgotten on Valentines Day. I believe I was still in my single days, and had my share of broken hearts and decided maybe I could cheer other hearts on this special day.

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine De Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)

And it has become an annual ritual I look forward to doing each February. You can imagine how many Valentine cards I've purchased and created. One that I still believe is my favorite was created from a graphic in my friend, Karla Dornacher's book: The Blessing of Friendship, A Gift from the Heart, published by Countryman in 2000. I got permission from Karla to create it with the names of my friends in the heart. It was a labor of love. I tried to find the one I created but haven't yet, so this is the one in her book

My friend, Gail, and I, got to meet Karla at a retreat held in Western Maryland. What a joy and honor to meet a friend with a kindred spirit! What a fun time we had! Gail and I also suggested Karla for a WMU retreat and had the honor of picking her up from the airport and enjoying one-on-one time with her.

Thank you, Karla, for the many times my heart has been encouraged by your art, your books and the words you share on your Facebook page. You can find her on Etsy too. Her website is www.KarlaDornacher.com

This annual practice also helps to cheer me on Valentine's day knowing I may have brought a smile to someone else. The recipient and me smile together!

"The widest thing in the universe is not space; it is the potential capacity of the human heart. Being made in the image of God, it is capable of almost unlimited extension in all directions. And one of the world's greatest tragedies is that we allow our hearts to shrink until there is room in them for little beside ourselves." A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

I found this years ago, maybe on the web.  don't know who created it, but it certainly us a true statement from the Bible, found in John 3:16.

 

You have time to make a difference in someone's life this Valentine's Day. Just like an encouraging note, a Valentine's Day card cheers the heart and tells the receiver that they are loved. If cards aren't your thing, a call, a text, an email and any other new communication tool will serve the same purpose. What about it? Make a difference in someone's heart!

". . . I have you in my heart . . ." Philippians 1:17