You could say there has been a major re-think in progress in my life ever since I went on vacation to the Northwest and attended the YAK Camp in late June.

I’ve been working very hard on being someone that encourages others, has positive input on things rather than focusing on the negative, and trying to pass on the blessings the Lord has given me in my life. All of this is possible due to an increased focus on God’s Word, and a more focused prayer life.

A friend recently told me in passing they felt that I have a gift of writing and public speaking, and they felt it was a gift the Lord had blessed me with. As such, they said, the gift should be used to glorify God by speaking kindly of others and fostering unity in the body of Christ.

Which brings me to a couple of major points:

- You will notice recently if you scroll through the archives of my site that I have grown much less opinionated of Christianity, church, etc. I will vent my thoughts from time to time, but before posting in the future I have made a pledge to ensure I take the time to think things through before I write them, and that what I write has a positive effect on those who read it. Sure, I still have a major disdain for James River Assembly, televangelists and overspiritualization of practical problems in church — but if I write about these things I need to make sure people understand the spirit in which I write them, which as of late has been a more constructively critical one.

- You will also notice that I have completely abandoned political discussions. I see no point in them — thinking that I alone have the power to change someone’s mind on an issue is to think rather highly of myself, and I don’t want to be that kind of person. Plus, given my loathe for the bickering and fighting that goes on between the two major political parties, it is clear that emotionally charged political discussion will only serve to divide people instead of fostering unity, as spoken of above. The Bible clearly states that we are to unify as believers in word and deed, and if we focus on what divides us, we are sinning.

All in all, a kinder, gentler Chris Brewer has been made possible by the Lord’s great work in my life. All it took, I have realized, is a willingness to lay down my hard-headedness and pride for a spirit of submission to the Holy Spirit. It’s a daily process and it’s not easy, but already my mental and spiritual state of being is clearer.

I am so very thankful to the Lord for continuing to change and develop my faith. Even someone at the age of 25 who grew up in church all his life can have a refreshed and renewed life in Christ, learn new things and enjoy the fullness of Christ’s love by fully committing to the fruit of the Spirit — and for that I am grateful.

It is my prayer that this blog continues to be a reflection of the Lord’s work in me.