“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4: 16-18
How is your heart? With Valentine’s Day approaching, images of hearts abound. In our culture, hearts are synonymous with love; modern love mostly, paper hearts are fleeting, easily cut, easily broken. Real hearts pump blood and can also break down or fail. The Apostle Paul says he does not lose heart, but he is not speaking of paper hearts or heart failure. Indeed, though his outer self is wasting away, aging, failing him; his inner man, his hope and courage and faith in God is being renewed, gaining strength and momentum.
This verse challenges me. It reminds me that the things of this world are not to be my focus. I don’t know about you, but there are a lot of things occurring in the world right now that cause me to fear or despair or worry. There are heartaches and physical aches occurring in the lives of people I love that could cause fear, despair and worry as well. In fact, if my focus is on the tangible, larger than life elephants in the room right now, I might lose heart. Completely.
But Paul, through the Holy Spirit, who was experiencing way more discomfort and heartache and physical harm than I come close to, says he does not lose heart. Why? Because as hard as life truly was for Paul, he considered it light, momentary affliction compared to the glory God has prepared for those who love Him.
Paul sees beyond the daily struggle, the national crises, the international conflict and focuses on the eternal. He sets his sights on God and God alone. He recognizes that God is above all. He is loving and kind. He offers salvation and forgiveness and abundant life.
Paul encourages us to focus on that which will last forever, not that which is transient and fleeting. Most affliction, physical or emotional, does not seem fleeting in the moment, but beyond the affliction, retrospectively, its fleeting nature is obvious.
Let me encourage you to focus on that which will last. Let me encourage you to pray to the God of eternity, who holds your life in His hand. His plans for you are bigger and longer lasting than anything you are experiencing at this moment. Allow His Spirit to guide you through the fleeting hard, into the eternal life He has promised. Don’t lose heart.
Today’s recipe is an old one. Not eternal! but worth hanging onto. Follow the instructions carefully to achieve the proper consistency of these tarts. They will be stodgy if underbaked and dry if overbaked. Watch and test them with a toothpick or by pressing your finger into the tart. No imprint should remain.
Danish Tarts
- 2 cups Gold Medal flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup fruit jam, homemade raspberry works great! but your choice of flavor
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup confectionary sugar
In stand mixer sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is fine and crumbly.
In large measuring cup blend sugar and eggs together.
Add to the flour mixture and stir. Allow the stand mixer to run until dough forms into a ball. Dough may be a bit sticky but should be workable by hand.
Form 1 1/2″ balls and place into greased muffin pans.
Make a deep indent in each ball and fill with jam. About a Tbsp of jam or more per tart.
Bake for 12-16 minutes at 350*. Until set and lightly browned. Makes 15-18 tarts.
This is a recipe from a cookbook my mother compiled many years ago. I had the privilege of baking and enjoying these with her this week.