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  • NOODLE ARMS

    NOODLE ARMS

    Every surfer has experienced the dreaded noodle arms after not paddling for a week or two. Surfing is one of those sports that if you don’t use it, you lose it. All that hard work of getting your paddle power can quickly disappear if you don’t keep it up. On one particular surf outing, one of my friends was having a session that made her reflect on the last time she had been out surfing. Her arms quickly let her know it had been a while.

    I noticed my friend struggling to get to the lineup. Although we were at a point break and there was a nice channel, the current from the swell was making it a difficult paddle. My friend was paddling with all her strength, and instead of making any progress, she was getting swept backward – away from where she needed to be. I caught up to her and told her to grab onto my leash. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to paddle us both out, but I knew I needed to do something to help. I was surprised to find myself strong enough to get us both out. Although it took me longer than usual and my arms were not happy with me, it was worth it to give my friend a chance to catch some waves. She was able to save her paddle strength for getting into the waves, and I was happy to share what strength I had. 

    I think we have all experienced times when we have felt like we have spiritual noodle arms. We don’t feel like we have the strength to keep paddling through the currents of life sweeping us backward. When we ask God for His strength, sometimes that strength comes from a friend helping us carry some of what we are being burdened with. We get to experience both the encouragement and endurance that Christ’s strength provides for us as we both receive help from our friends and are the helping hand to our friends in need.

    Today’s encouragement is to invite a friend into what’s going on in your life and lean on them for strength. If you see a friend struggling, find ways to build them up and be an encouragement. Sometimes, it can feel awkward not knowing how to be of service, but you don’t have to have all the right answers or know how to help out perfectly. Simply offering to pray, sharing scripture that comes to mind, or finding practical ways to be of service. Offering to babysit, a grocery store run, or mowing their lawn can go a long way. Whether you have noodle arms or paddle strength to spare, we all can grow in our strength in Christ by leaning on each other for encouragement and endurance to keep moving toward a life of faith that glorifies God.

    Romans 15: 1-2 states, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” It continues at verses 5 and 6 saying, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    Image by Solveig Jobbins

  • SEEKING THE FATHER

    SEEKING THE FATHER

    I’ve been dealing with a foot injury for several months, and I’ve had to limit my time surfing because of it. As it started to heal up more and more, I decided a little surf wouldn’t hurt it… I knew as soon as I got out of the water and started walking back to my truck that I was going to be paying for this session… and the worst part was we were going to have waves all week!

    I sat at the beach the next day, filming some buddies, thinking, “I should be surfing right now. This is ridiculous!!” As every surfer feels, when you miss a swell, you have this crazy desire to be in the water, doing what you love most. As I enviously watched them (but still got pretty good clips of them), I started thinking, “Man… When was the last time I yearned for The Father, the same way I yearned to be in the water surfing?” I can tell you, it’s been quite a while. 

    Maybe it’s because The Father has never been “taken away from me,” unlike surfing has been these past several months. Or maybe it’s because I’ve just grown accustomed to Him always being there. No matter the reason, as I watched my buddies surf, I started to pray, “Father, put a yearning in my heart for you, like I yearn to be in the water right now.” 

    May we yearn for nothing more than we yearn for The Father.

    Psalm 42:1: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.”

  • RHYTHM

    RHYTHM

    I often surf a particular break here in San Diego that has both very high-quality waves and is also extremely crowded. It is a spot that clearly highlights those who surf it often and those who do not. It is a shifty wave that moves unpredictably. For those who surf it often, it appears they have special powers to know exactly where the waves will be amongst the many people. It is the masterful art of being in rhythm with the sea. It is an awe-inspiring thing to witness a good surfer who is having an “in rhythm” session on a particular day. It seems that the waves just come to them as they take two effortless strokes to paddle in and beautifully utilize everything the wave has to offer with no wasted time or space.

    Although it seems so easy for them, it has undoubtedly taken years of beatdowns, hold-downs, being out of position, etc. to learn their spot so well. It is similar to our spiritual walk state with God. To see someone in rhythm with God is awe-inspiring. They seem to not be surprised by anything but rather be prepared for everything. In the same way as understanding a surf spot to perfection, so it is with the Lord. It takes hours, days, and years of showing up to meet Him in all conditions. We may never fully understand Him but with time spent near Him, we can learn to hear His voice more clearly and know where He is leading. If you feel that you are wasting time and space, not utilizing every moment to its fullest potential, consider getting back in rhythm with Jesus.

  • ONE WAVE AT A TIME

    ONE WAVE AT A TIME

    Growing up I did a lot of contests, anything from ESA to NSSA to USA Prime. My mom, knowing nothing about surfing, became the ultimate surf mom. Before every heat, she would always say, “One wave at a time.” Sometimes this meant one duck

    dive at a time because it was stupid victory at sea conditions, other times it meant forgetting the horrible wave I just had as I was watching one of my competitors on an absolute bomb. However, the overall theme of the statement was patience (which sometimes I took too literally and would only catch one wave until the last minute, sorry for all those nerves Mom). It is so easy for me to constantly want the next thing and not be satisfied unless I have it. I constantly battle with wanting my way and forcing situations to happen so that I feel satisfied. However, the Lord’s timing is perfect, and we can rest in that knowing He provides for our every need. Taking one wave at a time and not rushing into things or not forcing things allows us to honor God and trust in Him.

    Romans 9:22 says, “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.” How sick is it that God chooses patience time and time again, even when we constantly turn away and place our hope and trust in worldly things?

    We all have fallen into the trap of catching little inside waves because the next set is taking too long, only to do half a turn and see the best wave of the day out the back. This week I challenge you to sit and wait for that wave, knowing He will provide it when the timing is right, and you are ready to receive it.

    Ecclesiastes 3: 11-12.

    “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better than to be joyful and do good as long as they live.”

  • Cramped

    Cramped

    A recent swell had me so amped! It had been a long month of little to no motion in the ocean but all forecast models were saying the same thing – waves were on the way! 

    The storm passed and overnight the winds went offshore. High tide was around the same time as sunrise so a little coffee (a lot actually) hit the spot as I read my Bible and waited for the tide to fall a little. 

    Within a couple of hours, I drove down to the beach with my son to meet some friends. We surfed for nearly 3 hours before taking a break—so much fun. A quick lunch and a cup of iced coffee filled me up as we went back out to a hot spot to watch local rippers put on a show. 

    As we watched some friends walked up and the conversation about how good it still was got me back in a suit to paddle out to grab some more waves. 

    Soon into the session, I started to cramp in my triceps and lat’s but I stretched it out and kept surfing. The cramping in the tri’s and lat’s happened again. Another time in my chest muscles! What’s going on? I can’t be that out of shape!?! It was a horrible second session. Paddle power – weak! Pop up – struggle bus. When I got home it dawned on me why. I hardly drank any water that day. I was dehydrated. So I made myself a liquid IV and played catchup on the hydration my body needed. 

    It was funny but not funny. I starved my body of what it needed to function at its best. I missed out on what could have been another fun surf. 

    It reminded me of how I often do that to myself spiritually. Jesus is the living water that continually satisfies, quenches, refreshes, renews, and revives. When I “drink the water” Jesus offers I “will never be thirsty again” – John 4:13. Jesus also tells us in John 13:78 to “remain in me and my words remain in you” we will “produce fruit” and bring “great glory to my Father”. How often do I fail to spiritually hydrate? How often do I miss out on enjoying abiding in Christ? 

    We will either drink deeply and sweetly from the well that is in the Word of God or we will withhold from our souls the life-giving substance found in Jesus and settle for spiritual cramps (sinful choices) and lack of or unripe fruit (the full potential of the Holy Spirit). 

    Be still and drink deeply and regularly from the Living Water. 

    John 7:37-38

    On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

  • Right Where We Are Supposed To Be

    Right Where We Are Supposed To Be

    Why is it so easy to be brave in some areas of life but so difficult in others? Why is it that I can paddle out in waves the size of houses and not be afraid but ask me to stand up and speak in front of people, and I am petrified? 

    A great friend, mentor, and brother in Christ gave me some advice that, honestly, I’m not sure he even meant to. I would see him in the water on big outside days with just a few of us out, and he would always greet me with a head nod and a simple “good to see ya…. Right where we’re supposed to be.” It’s such a simple reminder to me that the things God designed us for and calls us to – fear is usually not a barrier. He has been preparing us for these things.

    But what about when it is something new he is calling us to? Something we may not be comfortable, experienced, or proficient in? It’s easy to be fearless when it is the thing we’ve been doing for a while. But it’s only natural to be fearful of something new, even if we have been preparing for it for some time. Being prepared does not necessarily mean we won’t have fear.

    In Joshua Ch 1, we can clearly see that even for a mighty man of faith – a fearless warrior in battle – fear can be a problem when stepping into a new calling. Joshua was being prepared to take over leadership once Moses was gone. Joshua was a fearless warrior, courageous and strong, yet over and over again, God reminds him to be strong and courageous. Just because he was strong and courageous on the battlefield does not mean that same courage and strength will translate into this new calling of leadership and leading God’s people into the promised land. But when God is the one who calls you into something, be assured – just as he spoke to Joshua:

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

    ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Image by Annie Souther

  • TRUE REST

    TRUE REST

    How important is rest? If you are like me, you find it difficult to put things down and truly give your mind, body, and soul the rest they need. Full disclosure: I don’t surf often, but hearing my husband’s stories after a week-long surf and serve, I find that the most common theme is “I need to rest.” I can absolutely understand how necessary this is, considering how exhausting it is for me just to paddle out in small Florida waves.

    For me personally, one season of life is coming to a close while another exciting season is about to take off. The Lord has graciously provided a time for me to rest from one season, which I truly believe is meant to equip and replenish me before the next season of life starts.

    As I’ve started studying scripture about rest, I’ve found that as ironic as it sounds, to accomplish rest, it actually takes action to do so. In Matthew 11:28 it says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” It takes the physical action of putting something down and coming to the Lord to rest with Him. On the other hand, we also trust that God is going to take care of things while we rest. Hebrews 4:10 says, “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” It’s comforting to know that the God we serve points out that He himself rested from his own works. He has called us to operate out of a place of rest, not to live in exhaustion, hoping for rest at some point. It’s simply a matter of whether we take the blessing of rest or continue relying on our own strength and ability.

    Image by Malia Abrahamian

  • Where’s My Waves

    Where’s My Waves

    I’ve surfed all over the world. It started when I was barely able to walk, yet my dad had me on the nose of his board in a life jacket. As a teenager, I refined my surfing in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. I only progressed from there, and the need for good waves grew. Fast forward to age 20, I found I was in a state of constant discontent. Always itching to go surfing, anywhere. Longing to get away from work, responsibilities, and my everyday life. When I would find time to go surfing, usually it was on a mission trip or a few day vacation with my family. There were always people with me.

     If the conditions weren’t near perfect, you better believe I wasn’t happy. “I came all this way for this?” I would think to myself. It would leave a sour taste with me the whole time. I was worse off than when I was at home longing to go. Especially when someone else caught a wave and I didn’t. I remember one fateful session, asking God (more like demanding)

    “God, where are my waves?”

    Still pouting, I heard two words

    “Your waves?”.

    That’s all it took, one deadly blow to my ego. Psalms 35:7-9 came to mind “7- How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8- They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your rivers of delights. 9- For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

     I was trying to get my enjoyment from something that wasn’t mine. I was trying to make my own joy when the Lord said that He is our joy. I was trying to find life in waves I could ride for about 3 to 5 seconds, instead of asking the Lord for a drink from his “rivers of delight”. From then on, my focus changed.

    Chasing after the joy of the Lord. Feasting “on the abundance of his house”, getting my fulfillment from Him. Yes, surfing is super fun, and I still love it. For almost a decade now, I bask in the goodness of God by just praising him in the water. So what if I don’t catch anything? So what if the conditions are crummy? They are the Lord’s waves. If I am seeking the Light of the Lord, all I will see is God’s glory. There, I will find some glorious waves.

  • Generational Promises

    Generational Promises

    We all come from different backgrounds. Some of our parents surf, some of our parents don’t even like the beach. Likewise, some of our family members are following Jesus strongly, and some of us did not grow up in Christian homes at all. 

    My family’s story is a unique one, but I love the story that it paints. Around 50 years ago, my dad was a typical Southern California teenage surfer in the 70s and 80s. I love seeing the photos of my dad’s shoulder-length blonde hair when he was in high school, all of the film photos of him and his friends going down to Baja on surf trips, and hearing stories of how my dad had to run past marines at Camp Pendleton to camp and surf for days at trestles. One day in Huntington Beach, when he was 18, he went to a surf movie night that was put on by a surf ministry group with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, and he gave his life to the Lord. Fast forward, he got married to my mom (who also surfs) and had me and my brother. I was so fortunate to have been raised close to the ocean, where we constantly had family beach days, did Jr lifeguards, body boarded, and when I was 17, I finally got the surfing bug and haven’t stopped since. But most importantly, my parents raised us to follow Christ, and as adults, my brother and I have both been involved with ministry in various surf communities around the world. Why do I share this story? In Joshua 1:5-6, God says to Joshua:

    “5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”

    There was a generational transition of the promise between Moses and Joshua. The work that Moses started, Joshua picked up and continued, and God renewed the promise to stand next to him through it all as they inherited the promise together. The beauty of the Gospel today is that even if you are the first in your family to follow Christ, you are now adopted into a family that has a legacy going back to the beginning of time. When you think of all that God has orchestrated, all of the hurt, pain, disappointment, redemption, sacrifice, grace, and love… all so that you can be adopted into his family and be a part of changing lives. It is a beautiful and wonderful thing that only God can design.

    Ephesians 1:4-6 

    4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved.

    Image by: Matthew During

  • Where Is Your Escape?

    Where Is Your Escape?

    Have you ever paddled out carrying a burden of anger, frustration, regret, guilt, or shame? I hate to admit it, but looking back on my history with surfing, there have been far too many times when I was going through something heavy and needed an escape. All I wanted to do was grab my board and beeline it to the sea. Surfers are drawn to the ocean because it’s mysterious, deep, untamed, raw, and remote. When you hop on a board and paddle out things start to fall off—time seems to vanish, the water sobers you up, the skyline takes you away into great awe and wonder, and you find yourself getting caught up in an uninterrupted moment of deep stillness. This is why I’m drawn to bringing my burdens to the ocean. I’m tricked into thinking that my burdens will get consumed by the deep blue sea. In reality, though, they don’t.

    Surfers aren’t the only ones who have made the ocean their escape, the Apostle Peter did too (John 21). In the gospels, we are told that after Peter denied Jesus three times, he quickly returned to what he thought would consume his regret, shame, and guilt—the Sea of Galilee. But instead of grabbing a surfboard, Peter took out a boat and fishing gear. Imagine what Peter was going through… he denied Jesus three times. Immediately after the betrayal, Jesus was put to death on a cross, buried, rose from the dead, and appeared to the eleven apostles. After all these traumatic events, Peter beelined it to the sea. Peter was likely wading through the unaddressed shame, guilt, and regret he had in his heart from turning His back on Jesus and thought maybe the ocean would help. But then, as the scene in John 21:1–14 describes, Jesus showed up and was waiting for Peter right there on the beach. Once Peter realized that Jesus was there on the beach, he dove headfirst into the sea and beelined it to Jesus. Peter immediately received from Jesus everything he needed—a fire to warm him up, fish to fill his belly, and forgiveness to set him free. Here’s the point: The power of the ocean will never be able to consume our burdens, but the power of Jesus always will.

    For each of us, Jesus is there waiting for us on the beach. Next time you paddle out, look back toward the beach and remind yourself that Jesus is there on the beach and has everything you need. Instead of beelining it to the sea when you are working through a difficult moment or situation, beeline it to Jesus. His grace alone has the power to warm us, fill us, and free us. Beeline it to Jesus.

    Image by: Solveig Jobbins