As a young girl in elementary school the first of February officially opened a two week period of great excitement which culminated in the Day of Hearts, Valentine Day. I remember stewing and carefully reviewing each card to perfectly match each person in my classroom. Of course there was one particular boy and his card was even more carefully selected. My holiday preparations also included a very special valentine for my parents. Sprinkling with love dust, I meticulously cut the red paper heart while decorating the back of the card with a white paper doyley. As I received a special valentine from a boy, I felt my heart race; body temperature rise and my face turn a blotchy shade of pink. Thirty four valentine days have come and gone. Those innocent years of girly giddiness have also faded away. But deep within, the little girl is still sharing red paper hearts with the ones she loves.

Last February, I spoke from my heart to my true love while reciting His divine poetry. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24. God knows each of our hearts and what we hold inside is never hidden from him. I sincerely wanted God to search me from the inside out. The searching required the great physician to examine every detail of my spiritual and physical heart. God probed my spiritual heart and healing began to take place deep within the chambers of my soul. The eyes of my heart were opened and my ears were attentive to His gentle whisper. As I listened more closely, I knew in my heart it was time to re-examine my physical heart. Seven years had passed since my last heart exam, and I now sensed God’s urgent warning. Who would have thought that opening my eyes and ears to His gentle voice would lead to another open heart surgery? Four months have passed since he mended my heart. I now wake up each morning with anticipation, thanking God for allowing me to press on. I would like to give each of you a red paper cut out from my heart. This love letter will encourage, strengthen and increase your faith as you place your trust in Him.

Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ, I write this letter to you because I care about your physical and spiritual bodies. Jesus Christ can heal all physical and spiritual ailments and diseases when we put our faith into action. When we truly believe that Christ is who he says he is, we begin to experience divine healing in all areas. But, we must first put our faith into action by stepping out with confidence knowing that through Christ all things are possible to those who believe. Taking care of our physical bodies glorifies God. It is time to get a heart check up. See your physician and discuss with them any concerns you may be discerning. Next, do your part by preventing cardiovascular disease which includes a number of conditions affecting the heart; congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease and heart attacks. Be mindful that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and men.

How can we expect God to keep us healthy when we are living unhealthy lifestyles? Prevent heart disease by improving your cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, eliminate tobacco products, eat healthier and exercise daily. God expects us to put forth effort in all that we do so that He will be glorified. Our spirit may be aging more rapidly if we are not feeding it solid food from the word of God daily. God’s word is our strength and shield. Pay attention to what you feed your body and soul and make necessary changes that will impact your walk with Christ. Above all, set your thoughts and mind on Christ, love others and share your red paper hearts with those in need. I pray that God would open the eyes and ears of our spiritual, physical and emotional hearts so that we can better serve Him in all of our ways.

I hope you enjoyed the newspaper column I wrote a few months after my second open heart surgery!

Let me know what you think?
If you would like me to speak to your group about taking care of our Heart, just message me! http://www.shapedbyfaith.com/contact-us/

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