HEART LOVE

Road to Lower Brule. Lower Brule is just behind the buttes.

LOVE!!

Heart designed by one of the Sunday School girls.

I read many years ago why the traditional heart that is so used around Valentine's Day is a symbol of love. That particular author stated that the traditional heart design is the blending of two human hearts (which are in actuality shaped like half of a 'love heart'), and it depicts the idea of two hearts meeting and knitting together. It makes sense, and I'll accept it as an explanation. 'Love' has so many connotations that it is used widely and loosely. The Bible states that God is the essence of love, and all there is no love apart from God. God is not a depiction of love, a definition of love, a representation of love; but He is love. There is never any love without God. I have seen relationships used as vehicles to make one of the persons (or both of them) appear better to others, or to gain profit in some other manner. I have also seen a relationship used to meet the emotional needs of one or both of those involved, including the need for importance, or the need for a social status. True and complete,unselfish, and pure love is rare in a sinful world. Her little heart is special, too.
We have been studying the life of Christ in Sunday School, and Jesus has set the precedent that we are expected to follow. Because Jesus loved His Father completely, He passed his test by satan in the wilderness, received His Father's voiced approval at the time of His baptism, and worked miracles without expecting special treatment in return. Jesus never accepted popularity, though it was offered to Him. Only true, unassuming, undemanding love will echo the love of Jesus to a hating world, and we are required to give this to everyone we meet. This is the pure love of God in our hearts, and every true Christian will possess it at all times.

Speaking of love, we were so happy to host the Spring Creek Camp Rally here at Lower Brule last weekend, and we enjoyed mingling with missionaries and Native American Christians who live love every day. We have attended these rallies since we moved to South Dakota in 1991, and we have never left a rally without a sense of love for these people. They truly enjoy getting together, and the refreshing conversations and light bantering are healing for the emotions and the soul. These are people who are authentic in their love for God and others. Jordan Satterfield, missionary at Little Eagle, SD, was the speaker; and he spoke from his heart. Everyone took part: some shared bits of their lives, some sang (all of the Lakotas sang a hymn for us), some brought wonderful dishes to share, and some just brought a smile and a handshake. Thank you for sharing your love by showing your interest in the work here in Lower Brule. May God bless you!