THE HEART OF THE MATTER
The heart of the matter is that Jesus calls you by name, desires to dwell in your heart, and brings hope, light, and the promise of your eternal home — heaven.
February is one of my favorite months of the year. I love Valentine’s Day, especially making Valentines for family and friends. February also means I will be celebrating my daughter Annika’s birthday on the 11th.
But what I love most about February is the symbol that best represents the month: hearts. Ever since I can remember, I have had a love of hearts. It probably started with my Scandinavian heritage, and it showed up bigger than life in my choice of decor when I was first married. Almost everything I chose had hearts — my dishes, the kitchen wallpaper, my cabinet pulls, our bedding, and even my outfits. 😊
Ron and me newly engaged
Ron, Karina, and me dressed in Christmas hearts
Me and Karina in heart attire
My first heart dishes
As I think back over the years, the word “heart” itself took on the biggest meaning when I was a young girl and I asked Jesus into my heart. Growing up in the church I had never heard about having Jesus living in my heart, and when I heard the news of the love He had for me, I was smitten. Having Jesus at home in my heart has truly made the biggest difference in my life and is the reason behind starting The Anchor.
I was fascinated to discover the word “heart” is mentioned in the Bible over 700 times and is included in many of my favorite verses. You can also be encouraged this month with our Anchored Devotional Calendar which focuses on verses including the word “heart”.
The heart of the matter is that I started The Anchor to share with others about the love relationship that Jesus desires to have with each one of us.
I have thought and prayed a lot about The Anchor and have come up with four principles (or should I call them Anchors?) that it is founded on.
God’s Valentine’s salutation to us is “Will you be Mine?”
1. The Anchor is all about HEART.
Sharing the great news of Jesus and His love for us is of utmost importance. He offers us the ultimate Valentine salutation: “Will you be Mine?” He wants to make His home in our hearts. Isaiah 43:1 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are MINE.” The heart is such a great metaphor in that it represents life — it is physically the first organ to form in the womb. As we ask Jesus into our lives and let the truths and promises of the Lord settle into our hearts, we will experience the abundant and anchored life He has for us.
2. The Anchor brings HOPE.
The Anchor was founded on Hebrews 6:19: “We have this HOPE [Jesus] as an anchor for the soul firm and secure.” Jesus brings us hope, love, light, joy, peace, goodness and so much more. In this stormy world we can rest in this hope and be certain He is in control.
3. The Anchor offers HOSPITALITY.
Hospitality means the friendly and welcoming treatment or reception of guests or visitors. The Anchor welcomes women to gather and experience fellowship, good food and the good news. Whether virtually watching or attending a watch party, all are encouraged and anchored in faith and friendship.
4. The Anchor is at HOME.
The Anchor has made the pandemic pivot by bringing gatherings into your homes through our virtual YouTube premieres on the first Thursday of every month. As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” The warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the home is the heart of the Anchor during this Covid craziness.
Jesus was often in others’ homes. Over fifty times in the gospels, Jesus is referred to as being in homes where intimate ministry occurs. The message of The Anchor is to bring the greatest news of the hope of our ultimate home — heaven.
Losing my daughter, Karina, to leukemia was the most difficult life storm I have had to face, and the promise of being with her again for eternity is the greatest hope and truth I hold onto. The hope of Jesus keeps me alive each day.
