Eden Outreach #1

 *Yawn and stretch* I rub my crusty eyes and stumble out of bed and get ready for

another day serving with Eden out on the beach. Today is not a typical day for me, as

it’s my birthday. After my shower, I think “You could go back to bed, read all day, watch

your favorite movies, order in a pizza and relax. You deserve it. You work hard.”

Then I remembered “Ecclesiastes 5:4-7: "If you make a promise to God, keep your

promise. Don't be slow to do what you promised.” Joshua 22:5: “God desires people to

be fully committed to Him and His commandments .” So I decided to not be selfish and

get up and go serve others on the beach. You made a commitment.”  

How hard is it to keep your commitments, to God, others and yourself? Do you have

others in your life that hold you accountable?

I was dog sitting for my cousin so I had to pack up all my things because I wouldn’t be

returning after there when I finished. After I get the car packed up and take care of the

dog. I lay back down on the couch for about 15 minutes before I hit the road.

On the way to the beach my mind starts racing “Why am I out here?” “You are older

than a lot of these people especially by a decade. “These young people will accomplish

more for the kingdom than I ever will. “ Nevertheless I get there, park, walk down to the

beach and am greeted with many hugs and ‘Happy Birthday’ wishes. Later in the day I

am given some gifts and a card and sing to you, surrounded by thirty people. I also got

to meet one of my Aunt Sandy’s friends Shawnay which was neat. But while I am

surrounded by all these people (most of whom are younger) I am reminded that

community is made up people of all ages, with all different backgrounds and the thing

that brings us together is our mutual love of Jesus and us wanting to serve his children.

I also recently have realized how much Godly community can impact your life. Proverbs

27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.” I learned in life that without

having Godly community, it can take you out. I need people around me to sharpen me

because I am not good enough on my own!  

Who in your life has helped ‘sharpen’ you?  

We had a great day on the beach, filled with prayer, discipling, devotions, fellowship and

spreading the love of Jesus. I personally didn’t get an opportunity to share Jesus with

any strangers this day; but I prayed with believers who came up to the tent and I got to

have some great fellowship with others. I believe my role in this group is more to pour

into the younger folks than to be the person going out and I am OK with that.

After the beach we went out to have lunch at a local joint called La Tienda. I ate the best

fajita. Those veggies were so fresh! I realized during lunch how truly blessed I am to

have such a large community. I didn’t know any of these people a year ago and now I

am having lunch with 20-ish people who have come into my life and all genuine people

that are just real. On the drive home I broke down in tears because I was overwhelmed

by outpouring of love and support from this new group of family I have created here.

Which was a huge difference than 8 hours earlier driving to the beach. God knew I

needed to get out of Orlando and move to the panhandle of FL.  

It reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the

Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”

I for one am glad God’s plan is better than anything I could plan and I am a product of

grace because anytime I have failed, God has been right there waiting for me to repent

and come back! I am realizing more and more that God’s plans will prevail if you seek

his face. I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner. I also love seeing how God is

working in the lives of others I serve with on the beach.