Heaven is a Place on Earth

The past 11 months, I've committed my life to move. I didn't do this alone, for I was part of a class at my church called the School of Kingdom Living that addressed each movement and challenged us to move. I enjoyed this class very much, because I was able to discuss and experience struggles with others during the movement process. This blog is a reflection of the major changes I've made in my life regarding each movement. (warning, this blog is lengthy)

Movements: Upward - Loving God, Inward - Loving Myself, Inward - Loving Others, Outward - Loving the World

UPWARD: I realized that Heaven is not a final destination, but can be experienced on earth. Hence the title of this blog, Heaven IS a place on earth. Heaven is not a particular place on earth, even though relaxing with my toes in the sand while listening to the waves crashing wouldn't be a bad picture for heaven (unless of course you hate sand), but it can be experienced anywhere on earth. How is this possible? Well, let's look at the BIG picture of God's story. (thank you Brian for the repetition of circles :) Short version: The story begins with God creating the earth and man. Humans were able to experience the fullness of the Kingdom - LIFE (Genesis 1 and 2). Then humans chose the enemy which created a new kingdom - Kingdom of the World - Death - which separated us from the Kingdom of God. But God's Kingdom wasn't defeated, God had a plan to restore humankind back to life. He sent his son Jesus to earth, which now connected us back to the Kingdom of God. Jesus spent his life loving and healing people - a glimpse of heaven. We are currently in this stage where there is still hurt and death, but because of Jesus we can experience joy and life. One day, God will fully restore His people and the kingdom of the world will be no more. This is when we can once again experience the Kingdom of God full again. So why live life waiting for heaven when you can begin to experience it here and now! - This is a picture of living life to the fullest.

How do I experience heaven on earth? Let's "move" on.

INWARD: I used to think that I had to put God "#1" in my life, and I always fail at this. In other words, I thought choosing to do housework over reading my Bible was not putting God first. I had somewhat separated God with my life. Instead, I now incorporate God into my life. In other words, He is #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. Keeping an orderly home can glorify God just as much as reading my Bible.

I am also more observant of myself. I think it's quite easy to observe and judge others, but would never look at myself. I now question my own actions wondering if I could have handled situations better - instead of immediately putting blame on others. I also try to not live on auto-pilot, and live for the moments in the present.

How do I share the experience of heaven on earth with others?

INWARD: This could be summed up in two words: Love People. How do you love people - even strangers - well here are a few suggestions: pray for people, let people into traffic (still a work in progress), play Bingo with cancer patients, cook and share a meal with friends, resolve conflicts, communicate by actually listening, thinking, then replying, stop gossip, bring a friend on a picnic who had a rough semester, give food to a food bank, showing support to friends who are adopting a child, being patient with students, not judging others, not being bitter about having to share an office with the new employee - but being open and sharing my resources to make the "newbie" feel welcomed, donating money to a charity or a friend in need, sharing life, etc. This list could go on. What could I add to this list? How can you put these into practice? One thing I do know, I know the incredible feeling I get when someone does an act of kindness to me, so why not share that feeling with others?

OUTWARD: I must admit, that when I began learning about loving the world, I had no idea what God had in store for me in my future. To keep this one short, I'll quote some of my SKL notes: "We all have a unique role to play in loving the world around us, If God is putting something on your heart, and the timing is right, then do it!" So with that being said, in May 2011, I will be going on a mission trip with the Vineyard to Zambia, Africa for 17 days!

Thanks for reading my story and my current journey. I would love to hear what God is doing in your life and how you are "moving" so please feel free to share your experiences of heaven. :) And if you are not currently moving, then I challenge you to take a step and move!