Forced Reflection

I don't take the time to reflect on things as often as I should.  I journal, from time to time.  I sit and intentionally think about my life, my relationships, and my actions, from time to time.  I will spend time in reflection, but I'd like to make it more of a priority.  One way that I have been "forced" to reflect is when people ask how it's going or for an update on the church.  My initial response (in my heart, not in writing or out loud) is "do I have to run through this again?"  But then my better response (also in my heart, but also in writing or out loud) tends to illustrate how great these times of forced reflection can be.

For instance, just yesterday someone from our former church emailed me to ask how their women's group could partner with us here in Long Beach.  I immediately thought of a few ways, but more than just listing opportunities, I found myself considering (read "reflecting on") who and what our church is involved with in the community.  I got excited, again, about the doors that God has opened to us in this great city.  We have had and will have, Lord willing, many opportunities to seek the welfare of the city.  There are so many stories that come to mind.  I think of two particular families who have both, in the past few months, made significant progress in their lives.  By God's grace, they have their own homes, they have jobs, they have a church family who knows and loves them.  They are testimonies to the power and kindness of God.  I got to think more about those families as I responded to my friend's email.

Even this blog, whether anyone ever reads it or not, it's a place for me to reflect.  And since I have formerly complained about people who set up blogs and rarely post anything, then this blog (not wanting to be a hypocrite) is a self-imposed place of forced reflection. 

Good things are good things.  Even when they're forced!

Loved by God

Our church - Restoration Church of Long Beach -  has been studying Paul's letter to the Galatians this summer.  Throughout this letter, Paul is urging this young community of believers to live out of the gospel.  In other words, to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh.  To live according to what God has done and not according to what man can do.  To live by faith, not by works.  It's the difference between religion and the gospel.  One kills, the other liberates! 

In his book, From Orphans to Heirs, author Mark Stibbe writes:
“Our acceptance by the Father is the foundation of our Christian lives.  Before we do anything for God, we know that we are beloved by God.  By grace, we have brand new identities as sons and daughters, and we are brand new creatures. Being loved by the Father becomes the very core of our existence.”

What is the first thing that comes to God's mind when He thinks of you? 

How you (honestly) answer reveals whether you see yourself as an orphan or an heir. 

Surrender to Love.  And do it now!

A little late to the game

Now that blogs are no longer the hot new thing, I thought I'd finally start one.  As my blog title says, I just wanted a place to write.  I'm glad there are more than 140 characters.  Speaking of Twitter, I don't understand why anyone needs to let everyone else know that they are "on the way to the car" or "just getting over a headache."  Really?  Come on!  While I don't promise super meaningful things on this blog all the time, I do hope to never roll out the sort of things that make others a stupider version of their pre-"A Place to Write" reading selves.  Stupider is a word, by the way.  Okay, so there's something you maybe didn't really need to know, but I'm just looking for a place to write.  If anyone finds anything I write funny, helpful or otherwise not a complete waste of time, then I'll be happy.