Reflections of the Heart

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Before July ends, I will celebrate another birthday. I've chalked up a lot of experience in the years I've lived. As I looked in the mirror this morning, my reflection stared back. White hair, tired eyes, wrinkles and frown lines. Life mapped out on my face. Sounds depressing doesn't it. Until I look past the physical markings and see the cheeks my husband, children, and grandchildren kiss. The hair I still have. The eyes that take in the beauty of the natural world. I see hints of my mom and my dad, resemblances to my siblings. Years of worry and sadness are balanced by many more moments of joy and love.

Somewhere in the reflection, I recognize the love Jesus pours over me. The grace he offers freely. Even as I live on earth, I see Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 13:12, the apostle Paul talks about "a reflection as in a mirror," as in what we see now—today—here on earth. But "then we shall see face to face," not in a mirror but face to face. Jesus will return to take his followers, the believers, the obedient—and then we will see him face to face. Not just a reflection, but our true Savior will stand in front of us in all of his glory. What a joy that will be!

As I reflect on my life, I pray that my heart reflects the deep love I have for Jesus and the grace he's given me. I praise God for many years lived surrounded by people I love.

Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

A Rejoicing Heart

1 John 3:20-23
This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 

Sometimes when I try to understand the Bible, I make things too complicated. Several times in the Bible God makes his commands clear. Love him and love people. Believe in Jesus, love one another. But because I over think what I need to do each day I often stumble and fall. In other words, I forget to be kind. I fret instead of rest in his peace. I let negativity in the world steal my joy. I criticize when I should be thankful. You get the picture.

Thank goodness God speaks to me through his word. I love what chapter three of 1 John has to say. When I stumble and fall on my face because I'm not following Jesus' lead, my heart lets me know. Or as my Bible's notes say, my conscience speaks up. I believe this is the Holy Spirit nudging me and telling me to get it together. But when I am on track and following my Jesus with all I have, my heart sings. And that's the best feeling ever. That's when I know I'm being obedient to my creator. I pray before making a decision, I listen to the Spirit's lead, I garner courage to follow my Lord. A clear conscience equals a rejoicing heart. Praise God for Jesus!

Be Strong and Take Heart

That Sweet Old Valentine

I love old valentines. Whether cheeky art work or elaborate lace, the sweet sentiments warm my heart. My mom and I came across some valentines, circa 1910s-20s, that belonged to my grammy. Two of them were addressed to my great-grandmother from her sons and one is signed by Grammy as a child. 

Made especially popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, during the Golden Age of Postcards, Valentines have circulated around the United States since 1847. When Esther Howland, from Worchester, Massachusetts, made paper lace cards to sell in her father’s shop, the patrons embraced the holiday of love. The sentiments caught on and became a staple of American culture. First as penny postcards and now as a booming business for card sellers, artists still draw hearts and cupids to celebrate that special someone.

Have you received a valentine or sent one that you’d like to share?

Do you collect old valentines?

Happy Valentine's Day!