Christina M. Eder, Encourager. Lover of Handwritten Notes. Outreach minister.
That’s what’s printed on my business card. I have a 40-year work history and letters behind my name that identify educational credentials. I have people who know me best who provide kind references. I do what I do because of who I’m designed to be.
As an outreach minister, people ask if I’m an independent contractor. No way. I find when I depend on myself, I end up weak, restless, crabby, and poor. Instead, I accept jobs that are in-dependently contracted with God. I consider God as Higher Power, Creator, Spirit, Universe, Someone greater than myself. My FROG brand represents Fully Rely On God.
I’d like to regain endless hours I’ve spent on careers that provided large paychecks but minimal satisfaction. During those job seasons, I’d use non-scheduled time to create soul art that helped unclog the effects of job drain. I’d bake, handwrite and snail mail messages that encouraged, celebrated, and thanked people. I’d call friends and family with inspirational quotes or leave uplifting voicemails. I made Crochet and Pray scarves, table runners and blankets for wedding, new moms, Christmas, and special occasion gifts.
People are curious about how I spend my time as an outreach minister. Most of my “duties as assigned” come from word of mouth. People who received my soul art I’d been giving away, started asking me to bake, write, teach classes, and lead retreats. Event planners invite me to their gatherings to speak about something they’ve read in my books. I’m hired to handwrite thank you cards, invitations, and address envelopes.
Every day is new, and sometimes scary, because of business ebb and flow. Yes, I grow weary and overwhelmed because I see many hurting unacknowledged people. My vocation as outreach minister is sometimes the hardest, longest “job” I’ve ever worked. However, to me, a day without opportunities to generously encourage is a day without sunshine.
For internally overcast days I read Psalm 62 from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson. I’ve highlighted Psalm 62: 1, 5-6: “I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not?” “God, the one and only-I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul….” (Ps. 62:1, 5-6 MSG).
Christina M. Eder, Outreach Minister. Encourager. Lover of Handwritten Notes and Snail Mail. Fellow pilgrim, I hope this message shines light for your journey.
Christina, In-Dependent Contractor
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P.S. My book descriptions are listed here. Hip Waders: A Naked View of My Soul and Felicity’s Diary are set to publish in 2023-2024. Meanwhile, Tom Clark at Passion Spring Media is crafting my new website. I’ll update you with that address when the Christina M. Eder website goes live.
“I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I needs comes from him, so why not?” “God, the one and only-I’ll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope comes from him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul….” (Ps. 62:1, 5-6 MSG).