ISSUE 01 | SUMMER 2022
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Table of Contents 04 Where It All Began 04 A Note from the Founder 06 HISTORY 08 Pearls of Wisdom 09 Anchor Moment 10 HOPE 12 Entering the Home 13 Style Spotlight 15 HOME 22 Hosting Tip 23 Recipe 24 HOSPITALITY 16 How to Live Anchored 17 Anchor Truth 20 HEART 26 Reflection & Notes 26 HONING IN 3www.theanchorgathering.com
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN HISTORY 4
IT STARTED WITH A STORM. Katie Robertson, founder and executive director of The Anchor, faced one of life’s greatest storms after losing her daughter to a 5-year battle with cancer. In the midst of this loss, Katie held firmly to the Anchor of her faith, Jesus. She knew she was not the only woman experiencing the trials of life — her heart broke for the women in her community facing storms without any anchor at all. She felt the urgent need to share the message of the hope we have in Jesus to encourage and anchor one another in faith and friendship.
LEFT: A photo of Katie's daughter, Karina, whose legacy lives on through The Anchor
Together, Katie and her friends wanted a space where women could gather to hear about the hope that faith in Jesus brings while growing a community of new and old friends alike. After much prayer and dreaming, The Anchor officially began in March of 2012 in a net shed on the water-front in Gig Harbor, AfterWashington.outgrowing the net shed in two years, The Anchor relocated to the Gig Harbor Yacht Club. Word of The Anchor and of the stories of Jesus' safe harbor began to spread. Women began gathering in several locations all over the state of Washington and by 2019, The Anchor had grown to 12 cities in the Pacific Northwest.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented a huge challenge as in-person gatherings were not possible. It was divine timing that the new website and blog (with currently over 100 articles) launched in April 2020 and shortly after, the first virtual gathering in May 2020.
The Anchor continued to share messages of hope and faith throughout the pandemic with the Anchor at Home which airs monthly on YouTube. Our “Anchor Women” host Watch Parties in their homes, gathering friends and neighbors, to share the good news. These virtual gatherings have been a springboard to grow The Anchor across the country, providing momentum to build a national ministry. The Anchor is currently in 38 cities across the country and growing.
www.theanchorgathering.com
The Anchor YouTube channel has over 55,000 total views and counting. Living anchored to the truths of Jesus has allowed Katie to endure the biggest storm of her life and helped her to live strong — even amidst the grief over the loss of her treasured loved one — to this very day. She has a compelling desire to share this hope she has that is firm and secure. Gathering together to be anchored in hope, faith and friendship: come be encouraged.
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A NOTE FROM THE HISTORY
May this first issue of Anchored Living lead you to a peaceful place where you may experience God’s presence and promises.
With hope and light, Founder & Executive Director of The Anchor 6
A while back, I noticed a theme among some of my favorite magazines — Coastal Living, Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living, Country Living. Each issue featured and focused on living a certain way of life, and I had an epiphany. I thought what we really need is a way of life and inspiration for Anchored Living — the lifestyle that promises peace, calm, and security. When a boat is anchored, the water is calm and glassy and it sparkles like diamonds when the sun hits it just right. It is a sight to behold and the most spectacular place to be. This is a place of rest and freedom from the anxieties and cares of the world. I find being anchored to Jesus and His truths brings a similar sense of peace and a quiet rhythm of life that allows you to know rest and contentment as you would on a boat anchored in a cove. I want everyone to experience it!
FOUNDER
“WE HAVE THIS HOPE [JESUS] AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL, FIRM AND SECURE.” –HEBREWS 6:19 FOUNDING VERSE 7www.theanchorgathering.com
JEREMIAH 29:11 8
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
HOPE
OFPEARLSWISDOM
Pearl of Wisdom: The best investment in life is time in God’s Word, the ultimate pearls of wisdom! The more time spent with God, the more peace and wisdom you experience.
WRITTEN BY MARILYN SMITH
Raise your hand if you find yourself running throughout the day with commitments, duties, distractions, errands, devoirs, engagements, projects, etc. My hand is raised… So there we are filling our days with doing and more doing! There are consequences to this lifestyle, but by God’s grace, there is another direction to live in the state of repose. We need to carve out time for “me” — a clean sweep of your soul, with something remaining, fully experiencing God’s presence, just for this moment with God’s Spirit and the fullness thereof, thereupon. Being whole takes time and commitment to be in the presence of God and at peace, quiet enough to hear God speak to you. This takes TIME! You must ask yourself: “What do I want to invest in?” Whatever gets your attention, gets you!
HOPE Wise sayings and pieces of advice coming from others who have forged the way ahead in life, inspiring us on how to adorn our lives with that which brings beauty and confidence.
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MOMENTANCHOR
BOOKERNICOLEROSA is the author of The Monster in My Room, a novel, and Tot’s Big House, her first children’s book. Rosa is excited to share written story and live discussion around surviving mental health awareness, which is the theme of both books. She is Phoenix born, but a Seattle Southend kid in truth. Her parents brought her up in the Rainier Valley area where she continues to work and volunteer with nonprofit organizations and small businesses. She is given sanity through her love for Jesus, her husband of 13 years, their 11-yearold son, and 7-year-old daughter. Rosa and her family attend LifePoint Church of God, where her husband is Lead Pastor.
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ABOUT ROSA’S FAITH JOURNEY:
TELL US ABOUT AN ANCHOR MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE: “I can't think about an anchor and not think about my step-dad. He was in the Navy and it's hard to think of the Navy and not have nautical imagery pop up in your mind. For me that is an anchor. He has been an anchor in my life for all the time that I had him through supporting me and teaching me things that I didn't know were important at the time. As kids we fight those bits of wisdom our parents have the opportunity to impart on us. I did a little bit of digging about what an anchor is and what it does, and found that as it's dropped down into the sea or body of water, it digs itself into the seabed. As the ship starts to move it causes resistance, and the anchor digs deeper creating even more resistance. It forms a suction at the bottom of the seabed and holds tightly and firmly to the vessel that is above. I just couldn't have that imagery and not think of how I'm anchored to Jesus. No matter how resistant I am, no matter how much that I move and struggle and fight, he's right there saying, “I am unmoved. I will not be going anywhere as long as we're connected.” I also came to find out in my research that the little crossbar at the top of the anchor (which makes it look like a cross) is what holds the anchor upright. I find that true for my own life — Jesus holds me upright.
“I have always had Jesus in my life as far back as I can remember, but due to some childhood trauma that I experienced, I haven't always had the happiest relationship with God. For me, that meant this 20-year long conversation where I just talked and talked and talked and talked. About 20 years into that conversation, I said, ‘Hey, well here's an idea; what if I just listened?" I spent the ten years after that just really listening and hearing from God, and with the release of my novel I came to have an understanding of the sacrifice that He made for my life for me.”
HOPE An Anchor Moment is a time in a woman's life when her faith has truly anchored her, inspired her or directed her decision making.
PSALM 39:7
As I mentioned an anchor reminds me of my dad and his struggle with cancer. The last few months that we had him with us I remember going to the hospital and being so afraid, so nervous, and unsure about what was going to happen. Because he had such severe pain, they had him on several medications that were supposed to allow him to rest. Instead, he was awake so he was saying things that didn't seem like himself. At the foot of his hospital bed was a clock, and the clock was ticking — tick, tick, tick, tick. As he watched it he said, “Come on Jesus, one more minute. Jesus, one more minute.” As a minute passed and the clock ticked to twelve, he would say, “Oh thank you, Jesus.”
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A lot of the people in the room said they didn’t know what he was doing; the medication must be making him loopy! I sat there a little longer and said, “No I don't see it that way. This is what it means to never cease praying.” My dad was really taking the opportunity to be thankful for every single minute of his life. So many of you have heard the phrase “come to Jesus with childlike faith.” It doesn't necessarily mean as a child but instead with a pure heart, and I really believe that I saw my dad do that that day. It allowed me to have more time with him as he was transitioning and more time to receive his wisdom even in his final days. I was able to see my dad at peace at his final resting place, and that allowed me to be at peace.
HOME “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” PROVERBS 24:3-4 12
WRITTEN BY KATIE ROBERTSON
ENTERING THE HOME
(Revelation 3:20)
HOME
(CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE) 13
In the Bible, Jesus says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends”
It is a privilege to welcome Jesus into the home of your heart. By inviting Him in, you can come to spend time with Him, know Him, love Him, and experience His calmness, grace, and peace. He comes into the darkness and turns on a light of hope and joy. To have Jesus at home in your heart brings the promise of His protection, provision, plan, and the ultimate home of heaven forever (John 14:3). Have you opened the door of your heart for Jesus to come in? www.theanchorgathering.com
ABOVE: Guest writer and author Ruth McKeaney's Hillside Farms Barn front door
ABOVE: Guest writer and board member Carla Berg's front door at her home in Cle Elum, WA
The heart of the matter of anchored living is to have Jesus at home in your heart. Jesus longs to make his home in every heart. He knocks at the door of our hearts, desiring to come in and lovingly know us in a personal way (John 14:23).
This is a short, sweet song my daughter, Karina, wrote as a little girl about welcoming Jesus into her heart. Jesus, Jesus, come into my heart today. Jesus, Jesus, come into my heart to stay. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you. KARINA'S SONG
COME BE ENCOURAGED. HOME The 2021-22 season of the Anchor at Home was our biggest yet resulting in over 55,000 views on our YouTube channel! If you're interested in being a Watch Party Host for the 2022-23 season, sign up online at theanchorgathering.com/anchor-at-home Do you find yourself reaching out to Jesus to be more present in your heart and home? If so, how? 14
When there is less clutter, it is easier to see those special things that are worth lingering a moment on before moving your gaze elsewhere; this is how you anchor a space. I am including a few photos here of curated areas of the home that draw the eye in. What areas of your home could use some reworking to showcase your treasures? In our next issue, I will be sharing my ideas for how to display your cherished (or just accumulated!) collections. Until then, live simply, faithfully, beautifully. www.theanchorgathering.com
POINTSFOCAL
WRITTEN BY CARLA BERG
HOME You know when you run into a friend, new or old, and your eye is immediately drawn to her beautiful necklace or her simple but beautiful tailored dress or her cherry red shoes worn with a simple denim dress? These focal points draw your eye in, letting you know what you should immediately focus on. When we have too many layers of clothing or jewelry on, it can be hard to focus on just one thing. The same rule of thumb applies to your home décor. You want to draw your guests’ eyes to a colorful and expressive painting, a beautifully set table or maybe your husband’s new 75” television!
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EPHESIANS 3:17 16
HEART
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
2. The anchor must be properly set. It is very important to think about where to set the anchor. Set the anchor of Jesus and His truths in your heart. The Bible tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart for out of it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is where life starts, so anchoring your life on God’s truths will bring you life. Have you taken these truths from head knowledge to your heart? On a scale of 1 to 10, to what extent do you feel God’s truths are set in your heart?
Anchored Living: we use the terms "anchored living" and "living anchored" not just to discuss this publication. We strive to live each day anchored in Jesus and the hope he brings, but how do we do this?
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Using boating as an analogy for life, we have some tips and tricks on how to live — and stay — anchored in Jesus.
WRITTEN BY KATIE ROBERTSON
1. You must have an anchor. It is required by law that every boat has one. What is your anchor? What do you tend to place your hope, confidence, and security in?
HOW TO ANCHOREDLIVE HEART
3. Anchor in the calm before the storms hit. It is important to anchor before the storms come, and much easier to drop anchor in the calm of life. We need to have an anchor for our lives to keep us from being swept away, emotionally and/ or spiritually, in any of the seasons of our lives. We have to set that anchor firmly and begin to live and believe the truths of God’s word. It’s best to anchor in the calm but never too late to anchor in the storm! Are you currently experiencing a time of calm right now, or a time of storm? In what ways are you experiencing this? (CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE) www.theanchorgathering.com
4. Check the anchor. We call this the “anchor watch.” This is a term that boaters use and it is extremely critical in bad weather — you need to make sure your boat doesn’t move. And, it is equally crucial to check for drifting once you are anchored. What or whom do you have that encourages you in your faith journey, especially during the storms of life? Do you have someone who holds you accountable, or with whom you can check in? Do you have a community around you (family, friends, church, Bible study, etc.) that can help keep you encouraged in life? We hope these boating tips and tricks can help remind you how to stay anchored in your own life: Jesus is your anchor, set God's truths in your heart, anchor in the calm, and rely on Jesus as your anchor in life's greatest storms. 18
IT’S BEST TO ANCHOR IN THE CALM, BUT NEVER TOO LATE TO ANCHOR IN THE STORM! “ 19www.theanchorgathering.com
The word “cast” in 1 Peter 5:7 means to “throw forcefully.” You can throw all of your worries and anxieties on the Lord for He cares and loves you deeply! When you give your worries to the Lord, He will lighten your load and fill you with peace. You can come to Him with anything in prayer and then hold on to the truths and promises in His Word. It is not always easy, and it often comes down to a choice. Let the words of Jesus in this verse sink deep into your heart: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
HEART 20
Do you really believe these words? Ask the Lord to help these truths be set deep in your heart, and begin to live anchored no matter what you face in your life. Remember: the Lord always hears you and cares for you. Out of his unfailing love, the Lord wants to hear your every need and cry of your heart. His listening is an act of care. Watch and believe, and wait in expectation as He answers you. Sometimes God doesn’t answer the way we want. His plan for us isn’t always what we think it should be — our Father knows best. His plan is way bigger and better than what we can imagine!
ANCHOR TRUTH : GOD HEARS YOU Living anchored on God’s truths, letting them sink deep into our hearts, and really believing in them brings a peace that surpasses all understanding. Resting in the promises of God and believing in them brings a true sense of calm no matter what life brings. These are amazing truths that, once set in our hearts through belief, will help us live life to the full and be encouraged to live strong in this world!
Read more: Philippians 4:6-8, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 6:9, Psalm 28:6-7, Psalm 66:19, Matthew 7:7, Psalm 116:5
WRITTEN BY KATIE ROBERTSON CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU. –1 PETER 5:7
SCAN THE QR CODE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE 5X7 PRINTABLE AND FREE CELL PHONE LOCK SCREEN FEATURING OUR "GOD HEARS YOU" ANCHOR TRUTH! 21www.theanchorgathering.com
HOSPITALITY “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” HEBREWS 13:1-2 22
www.theanchorgathering.com
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A HEART HOSPITALITYOF HOSPITALITY
WRITTEN BY JOY ZORN
“ FLOWERS AND FOOD ARE ONLY A BACKDROP FOR THE HOSTESS! ”
In anticipation of hosting watch parties, board member and Anchor leader Joy Zorn shared about how hospitality is an attitude of the heart. Jesus modeled the heart of hospitality; He has invited us in and loves us. Now we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
Joy reflected on the times she experienced good hospitality and noticed that she always felt seen, heard, cared for, and sensed that the hostess enjoyed her company. Here are her hospitality tips: When hosting or inviting friends into your home, what are some ways you make them feel seen, heard, and cared for? Are there things you have experienced as a guest that you'd like to add to your hosting repertoire?
Know yourself: be realistic with expectations and comfortable with your hospitality style. Know your guests: consider their needs and what would make them comfortable. This can include providing dietary options for everyone or simply praying for them as you prepare. Be prepared, but be ready to be adaptable and flexible and enjoy your time together!
LEFT: serve with crackers, bread, or anything else you like to dip with! 24
INGREDIENTS
NORTHWESTBYINSTRUCTIONSCAROLBUCHAN,COOKING
1 ½ Tbsp. of honey
LEFT: serving the spread in a ramekin as pictured makes it not only delicious, but beautiful, too! 25www.theanchorgathering.com
Garnish Garnish with some lemon zest, a drizzle of honey and a sprig of thyme or lavender. 4 oz goat cheese, softened for at least 15 min.
AFLOAT
Lemonnorthwestcookingafloat.comandhoneygoatcheese
spread capitalizes on the yin and yang of lemon and honey. It took just one little taste of goat cheese infused with this magic combo to win me over. I believe simple is best and a recipe that only needs three ingredients is pretty close to perfect.
GOAT
LEMON HONEY CHEESE SPREAD HOSPITALITY
Combine Ingredients In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese, lemon juice and zest, and honey. Dish It Up Spoon it into a ramekin and smooth over the top with a spatula.
1½ Tbsp. lemon juice zest of 1 lemon
HEART p. 17 What is your anchor? What do you tend to place your hope, confidence, and security in?
REFLECTION & NOTES HONING IN
p. 23 When hosting or inviting friends into your home, what are some ways you make them feel seen, heard, and cared for?
p. 18 Are you currently experiencing a time of calm right now, or a time of storm? In what ways are you experiencing this? What or whom do you have that encourages you in your faith journey, especially during the storms of life? Do you have someone who holds you accountable, or with whom you can check in? Do you have a community around you (family, friends, church, Bible study, etc.) that can help keep you encouraged in life?
p. 14 Do you find yourself reaching out to Jesus to be more present in your heart and home? If so, how?
HOSPITALITY
Have you taken these truths from head knowledge to your heart? On a scale of 1 to 10, to what extent do you feel God’s truths are set in your heart?
HOPE
Have you had an Anchor Moment in your own life?
p. 10 What about Rosa's Anchor Moment resonated with you?
HOME p. 13 Have you opened the door of your heart for Jesus to come in?
Are there things you have experienced as a guest that you'd like to add to your hosting repertoire?
REFLECTION & NOTES HONING IN JOIN US FOR THE ANCHOR AT HOME! God offers us a life filled with His grace and peace. Join us this year as we explore the theme of what that looks like in our busy lives. On the first Thursday of each month, October through June, watch the Anchor at Home on our YouTube channel and be encouraged with music, stories, and messages. Visit theanchorgathering.com/anchor-at-home for more information.
@theanchorgatheringThe@theanchorgatheringkatie@theanchorgathering.com+1theanchorgathering.com253-732-9920AnchorGathering
