Jesus Center Joy

JCJ = Jesus Center Joy

 

"Jesus Center Joy" started when I used to go to a bible study that my siblings had started with Danny Cruden, who led the study. After he talked about how Jesus should be the center of our lives, I began to chant it in my head whenever I was afraid or nervous, and somehow it brought me peace. JCJ is what pushes me to my limits and helps give me the strength to do anything I put my mind to. It helps me remember that no matter what the situation is, if I have Jesus in the center of my life, I will find strength and happiness. This has gotten me through everything, from my toughest heats to all of the moments that make me feel more afraid than ever.

 

Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even the youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." This bible verse fits JCJ perfectly. It lets you know that if you trust in the Lord you will find strength to do the impossible and find joy in it all.

True Friendship

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

What happened yesterday was amazing. While this was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened on the WSL, it was amazing because God has shown the world true friendship put into such a terrifying scene. When Mick Fanning was being attacked by two great whites, he was telling his opponent, Julian Wilson, to go to the beach where he would be safe. But Julian made the choice to  paddle towards Mick to help him instead of going to the beach. This one choice has changed many lives. Watching the interview that Julian gave after, shows how emotional and terrifying this incident was and clearly how Julian feels about his brother in Christ. It has made us want to have people like Julian in our lives that will help us in even the toughest situation and has made us want to strive to be that person in the lives of our friends. Moments like these let us know that God is always watching over us. God has blessed us all with guardian angels that I know had been watching over them that day, and God gives an everlasting love to us no matter what.

"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11

Be Strong and Courageous

A few weekends ago was my first time surfing out of Florida. I was in South Carolina and there for an Atlantic Surfing Federation / Village Surf Shoppe / Herndon/Lebel Memorial contest. This contest was amazing to me because everyone came together and did a paddle out to honor all of our fellow surfers who have gone to a place where we can only imagine the beauty of. I was also able to hang out with one of my friends, Bree Labiak. Bree is an amazing friend and surfer. She has cystic fibrosis and is currently fighting a lung infection. Through all of this, she is always laughing and having fun out in the water with her friends. Please pray for Bree as she faces some difficult challenges so that she can keep charging it out in the water!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." Romans 15:5

"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

"Walk in the Light on Wednesday Night!"

Revelation 1:3 "God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

Last week I met with Randy Nolan, founder of FLOW Surfers, so that we could talk about how we can start up a bible study to try to help all of the groms come together to hear and learn about the word of the Lord. I feel that God has brought Randy and I together so that we could help all of these groms find their part in God's plan. The bible study is called "Walk in the Light on Wednesday Night". Please join us for our first bible study on June 3rd at 6:30pm at the Todd Holland School of Surf in Cocoa Beach. We'll have pizza and drinks, then start the study around 7pm and should finish up by 8pm. 

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! 

Giving Glory to God

 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:1-6

Bianca Buitendag (pictured above), Lakey Peterson, Nikki Viesins, and Bethany Hamilton are all great role models to me and have made a huge impact on my life. Like me, they all have a lot of faith in God. Today, Bianca got 2nd place in the Oi Rio Pro. When she was interviewed after winning her semi, she gave all of her glory to God. She is also putting all of her trust in God knowing that nothing can stop the amazing plan God has for her. Nikki is also giving her glory to God. She has really been an big inspiration to me for a while. She is true to God and also has a lot of trust and faith in Him. Bethany has given God so much trust. Even when she lost her arm to a shark, she knew that it was all part of God's plan for her and now that she has proven that she "can do all things through Christ who strengthens" her, He has given her so many opportunities to spread God's word to millions of people.

I pray that God is working through me and Groms for God to spread the word to those around me.

Happy Mother's Day

"Honor her for all that her hands have done." Proverbs 31:31. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there! What would all of us do without you? You care for us, love us, give us hope, and help us find God. Without you, we would be nowhere. Not only all of that, but you cheer us up, make us laugh, and teach us to love and be a light in any circumstances. Thank you to every mom for loving us no matter what. YOU ARE OUR LIGHT! And an extra special thanks to my momma! I love you!

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."~Anonymous

Finding Strength through God

This past surf contest, Pineapple / Lost Pro Founders Day, was hard for me. Starting out by narrowly making it through the first round, I wasn't really sure that would make it to finals. These are the moments that I really focus on putting all of my faith and trust in God. Thankful to take first in semis and go to finals, I knew that all I could do was try to focus on God and ask Him for the strength I needed to do good in that heat. So, like always, I prayed to Him before my heat, I asked for strength and courage because I knew how hard this heat would be. I went into the heat feeling surprisingly good. I caught a few good ones and was already satisfied enough with how I did because even though I wan't sure of how I placed, I gave it my all and tried to surf to the best of my ability. Later, finding out that we had to re-run the heat because two colors got mixed up, I wasn't to happy. Luckily, thanks to Mrs.Sky, I was calmed down and reassured me by letting me know that I got first, so that no matter what happened in the re-run finals heat, I would know in my heart that I won. Going into this next heat was not really something I looked forward to doing. I knew now that God was my strength and courage. Getting first in that heat meant a lot to me, but having the strength that God provided me with meant even more. I hope that everyone finds God and gets the strength and courage in which I know He will give you if you fully trust in Him. Isaiah 41:10