Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 

John 21:9-14 NLT

Dear Friend,

When I think of Jesus making breakfast on the beach for his disciples, his treasured friends, it brings me to tears. That’s us — out in the waters of this world, struggling to make things work, and often facing wave after wave of uncertainty. Just like the disciples, He loves us so deeply. He calls us. He wants to nourish us, care for us, and meet our deepest needs. He invites us to lean in and learn more about who he is. He encourages us to listen to his teachings, discover what He’s called us to do, and — even when we’re unsure — to walk forward in it. 

One Sunday morning, God reminded me that the circumstances of my life — the deeply hurtful choices that others have made as well as my own sinful actions  — don’t disqualify me from living in His resurrection power. He gives us the ability to live with courage, confidence in Christ, and compassion for others. We can live in with eternal hope and in deep intimacy with Him because of Jesus. He’s given us the ability to learn, grow, and become aligned with who He calls us to be.

Yet when we've been hurt, broken, and scarred by this world, it can be hard enough just to make it through the day.  

That's why On the Beach With Jesus is here.

This is a place to help us find the rest we need in God, start living in the depth of His love, and begin taking simple steps forward.

God continually invites us into relationship with him with infinite tenderness. He’s ready to treat our wounded hearts with the type of kindness and gentleness we’ll never find anywhere else. And He encourages us through an ocean of grace to grow as we walk with Him. 

I still have a long way to go. Slowly, sometimes painfully, I think God is revealing a version of myself that’s more aligned with the woman He created me to be. As God calls me into a deeper walk with, one that's filled with more sweetness than I can imagine, I start to see something emerge. I can see pieces of a woman leaning in to Him instead of running away…

It’s in taking time to enter into the decision-making process intentionally with God, even in the small things. It’s in creating space to process my thoughts and feelings with Him. It’s in the jog down the dirt road listening to worship music. It’s in a Lectio Divina on a Saturday morning. It’s in the sound of scripture playing all night long when I can’t sleep. Sometimes it's in the laughter that breaks free when I least expect it. 

It’s in taking a small step I feel the Lord placing before me, even when I’m not sure of the outcome. 

It’s in taking a breath to see — to stop and notice — what God is already doing in my life. Breathing in how He’s showing up to hold my tears, provide a gentle breeze, and send whispers of encouragement. 

It’s in seeking His heart in scripture, community, prayer — and  so often — in the silence. 

It all comes through his gentle invitation. When I spend time with the King of my heart, that’s when the tiniest bit of growth begins. It starts when I stop trying to do everything alone and decide to grab His hand or let him wrap me in His love instead.   

Join me as I explore what it means to find real rest for our souls, live in authentic relationship with an infinitely loving  God, and start taking simple steps forward leaning into Him. Explore devotions, prayers, and ideas for spiritual practices and pauses to find rest and step into hope. Discover tips, tools, and resources to help learn you learn to see yourself as Christ does and live in His love and resurrection power.

Love,
Amy