We love good beginnings. They are filled with hope, optimism, and joy. Some of my favorite new beginnings are newfound love, babies, weddings, faith, and a new favorite place to go for rest and renewal.

Warm Beach Camp is a place of new beginnings in faith, relationships, and personal growth. Life changing decisions are made that alter the direction of a life forever.

New beginnings also serve as reminders to those who have been down the road a ways in life, to go deeper and further. Watching “new love” can remind us to tend to the love of our life. Seeing a couple get married can remind us of the covenant love we made in marriage. Holding a new born baby can spark the need to keep cultivating love and attention with our children and grandchildren of all ages. Finding a new favorite place for rest and renewal reminds us of the significance of tending to our own soul. What once began as new, challenges us to go deeper and further in life and faith.

Warm Beach Camp encourages people to go deeper and put down roots that grow deep into the soil of Jesus. Paul wrote to the church in Colossae with this exact encouragement: “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your life be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

I was a junior in high school when I made a significant decision to be a follower of Jesus. I remember that decision. The day is a reference point as clear today as it was the day I made it. When I see people make new faith decisions at Warm Beach Camp, it reminds me to go deeper and further in my life with Christ. Paul gives two images:

1. Deep roots in Him: You are planted in Jesus – let the core of your life go deep into the soil of Jesus. He is filled with life-saving and life-giving nutrients.
2. Build on Him: The most stable and strong life is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

When we live this way, there is one more thing according to Paul: We will overflow with thankfulness. It is a joy being around people who are thankful.

Celebrate the good start. Then, go deeper and further in Jesus. Let Him fill your heart with overflowing thankfulness.

Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center