This year, during summer vacation, my entire family gathered in the Boston area for a week of fun and togetherness. I love when all fourteen of us can reconnect. The clan ranges in age from two-years-old to sixty-one-years-old so we plan activities for all to enjoy. But my favorite time came as we spent time around the firepit each night. We make s’mores while listening to all kinds of Christian music.
A Quilted Heart
We walked the Freedom Trail around the Boston historical sites. As we left the North Church area, I spotted something hanging on the wrought-iron fence. The item was a beautiful, quilted heart with a message pinned to it. The note read, “I need a home!” A group called “I Found A Quilted Heart” was behind this gift. And what made it extra special was finding it on our thirty-ninth wedding anniversary.
A Heart of Faith
The note attached to it to the quilt reminded me of Christ standing at the door and knocking. He calls to us because He wants to make a home in our hearts. We find this message in Revelations 3:20 (NIV); “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Christ needs our hearts for his home. All we need to do is invite him in and he will remain with us forever.
A Heart Community
I checked out the website (www.IFAQH.com) to find out more about my found heart. They explained that “the IFAQH community of volunteers place small quilted hearts around the globe to brighten the day of a stranger.” The pictures showed hearts of every shape, size, and color. All of them are beautiful. This group of strangers worked together to brighten the day for a person. How would our world be different if each Christian approached sharing the Gospel with this kind of love and dedication? We could share the Gospel without an agenda other than improving lives. We could share the deep, wide and high love of Christ with those who need it to change their lives to all people regardless of size, shape or color.
“17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”
Ephesians 3:17-18 (NIV)
Finding the quilted heart made me smile and I will treasure it. But, finding Christ brought me a sense of peach and joy that the world cannot understand. Philippians 4:7 (NIV); “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And accepting Christ into my heart will provide me untold treasure in my Heavenly home.
Jesus is telling each of us today, “I need a home.” Are you ready to give him your heart as a home? The process is as easy as when I found the quilted heart. Accept Christ into your heart and repent of your sins and he will give you the gift of eternal life with him.
Prayer
Dear Jesus. I know you are looking for a home in my heart. Today, I want to accept you as my Savior and to forgive me for my sins. Please, come into my heart and abide with me all the days of my life. I want to experience the joy and peace that surpasses worldly understanding. Thank you for hearing my prayer today. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
Oh my, you made me feel like Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch” today Ms. Yvonne as your words caused my heart to grow three sizes while reading your post. It grew to make more room for Christ in it. I sure would have never thought you would find this is Boston, but I was reminded that God’s light shines the brightest where it is darkest. Thank you for brightening my day ma’am.
Very welcome JD. It was certainly an unexpected God wink to find it. The heart brightened my day so wonderful to share. Blessings my friend
This is beautiful! The love of God shines through your heart. 🙂
And it shines through the hearts of those who made the quilted heart. Keep shining your love too Melissa. God bless.
The quilted hearts are a powerful reminder to those who care about helping orphans or the homeless or the infirm. Thank you for sharing, Yvonne!
Thanks so much Melinda. God bless you.
Your statement, “Jesus needs a home” spoke to me. We know that Jesus comes into our heart when we accept Him as our Savior, but your message reminds us that it is personal. “Jesus needs a home in MY heart (and everyone’s) and He gave His life for that quest. Thank you, Yvonne.
Amen Katherine. It is such a personal relationship and not just a corporate one. I accepted Christ into my heart many years ago. Thanks and God bless.
What a great story and what great encouragement for us to share the Gospel with the right kind of heart for others. Thanks, Yvonne. God bless!
Thanks so much Nancy. All we do should flow from a heart of love. God Bless
Yvonne, how lovely to meet you today, to hear this story. What a serendipity to find this little treasure just waiting. And what joy to find the treasure that is Jesus.
I look forward to getting to know you through your writing in the days ahead …
Thank you Linda. So wonderful to meet you too. It was a true little treasure and a gift from God. God bless you.
I so enjoyed my cityscape to Boston last year with just my husband. So much to see and do, including one of my favorites – the Freedom Trail. I enjoyed re-visiting through your story
Thanks Candyce. It was a fun trip. God bless
How beautiful. I love this. You never know how you will touch someone. One day I found a sweet not on my car and have no idea who left it, but it was the encouragement I needed.
I love it. It just is such a sweet little thing but brings so much joy. Thanks Jen. God bless
Wow, what a great story about your family trip. Glad you found the heart and your analogy to your heart finding Christ is so powerful! God bless, Yvonne.
Thanks so much Karen. It was an amazing time together. My heart is hanging in my room to remind me of all my blessings. God bless
What a precious idea in the quilted heart! Love this.
Thanks Jessica. Blessings
I enjoyed reading your beautiful story. Thank you.
I hope many will take it to heart. (Pun intended.)
Thanks so much Connie. I do too. May God bless you always