February 14 and one word pops into our mind, HEARTS. Each of us relates and responds in unique ways to Valentine Day. Carnations, cards, candy, dinner out, or perhaps an extra hug or kiss. This morning, I slipped into the kitchen and shortly a new creation for me was ready to pop into the skillet. Yes, those of you who follow my Ransom Ramblings know I am not a cook, but I love to experiment with various food creations.
My original plan was to surprise my friend with a breakfast of pancakes. The batter was ready for cooking when my eyes spotted something on the counter, an extremely overripe banana. Hum! I should throw that away, but while reaching for it, another idea popped into my head.
Somewhere, at some time, I had heard of banana pancakes. That would be an extra surprise. I had no idea how a recipe might direct the preparation, but no time to go on-line and inquire. I just chopped off a third of the blackened banana, smashed it with a fork, and stirred it into the batter. While pouring the batter into the sizzling skillet, another idea popped up.
When returning the pancake mix to the shelf, I spotted a large bottle of ‘sprinkles’ that we never seemed to use. Why not? Why not put some on the top of the banana creation? A teaspoon of colored, sweet bits was ‘sprinkled’ on, and my delicacy not only had a surprise in the batter, but a cheery topping. My heart sang just a bit as I munched away.
A friend later inquired if the pancakes were in the shape of a heart. As replied ‘No,’ I thought to myself, ‘Self, why did you not think of that?’ My mind then switched from pancakes to love, hearts and the Lord. Turning to Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), I focused on Solomon’s words. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” A ‘healthy heart’ is essential, both physically and spiritually.
Love and heart go together. We focus on what we love. Solomon continues in Provers 10:11 (NIV), “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” If we desire to have a spiritually healthy heart, the words popping out of our mouth must reflect kindness, love, and truth. Angry tones, misinformation, self-centered reactions, or hurtful comments do not reflect God’s love in our hearts. Our light for Christ will shine more brightly as we frequently focus on His kingdom and share how He loves, directs us, and brightens our lives.
My Gift To You Today — A Simple Recipe for a Healthy, Spiritual Heart
Read and Share His Word with a Friend.
Snack on 1 Corinthians 13 — It begins,
“If I speak in the tongues of men or angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal”.
Kathryn Ransom 