Live, from Grand Rapids

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Gold Standard

I want to let you in on a little tid bit on me. You'll probably be seeing more of this because I'm on a quest. It's a journey that I'm not sure will ever end and I'm in search of the best. It's my 'Gold Standard' by which I measure all others.

I'm looking for the world's best Turkey Reuben sandwich.

Sometimes called a California Reuben or a Rachel, but who has it? Where can it be found? Is the bread just right? How about the slaw and dressing?

So if you ever care to share a meal with me, you'll probably find that I order a Turkey Reuben. Saddle up, join the tastetastic adventure!

Yesterday I went out with my girlfriends from lunch and experienced 'The Best'. We were at the Schnitz. I never order anything else from them, because...why?

So, any good recommendations?

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Just Do Something

I just read a new book, this one:

It's about discerning the will of God, or not. This is a progressive post; I'm writing as I read so I can have a place to put great quotes as I come across them, and then share them with you!

'We may have the best of intentions in trying to discern God's will, but we should really stop putting ourselves through the misery of overspiritualizing every decision. Our misdirected piety makes following God more mysterious than it was meant to be.'

My fear is that of all the choices people face today, the one they rarely consider is, 'How can I serve most effectively and fruitfully in the local church?' I wonder if the abundance of opportunities to explore today is doing less to help make well rounded disciples of Christ and more to help Christians avoid long-term responsibility and have less long-term impact.

She didnt mean to have bad theology. But instead of just saying 'Im not interested' or 'I dont like you' or 'Quit stalking me' or something, she went all spiritual on him. 'Ive been praying a lot about you...and the Holy Spirit told me no.'...Poor guy-he got rejected, not only by this sweet girl, but by the Holy Spirit. The third person of the Trinity took a break from pointing people to Jesus to tell this girl not to date my roommate.

...dont assume that the relative ease or difficulty of a new situation is God's way of telling you to do one thing or the other. Remember, God's will for your life is your sanctification, and God tends to use discomfort and trials more than comfort and ease to make us holy.

God does not tell us the future, nor does He expect us to figure it out. When we dont know which way to turn and are faced with tough decisions in life, God doesnt expect us to grope in the dark for some hidden will of direction. He expects us to trust Him and to be wise.

And after you've prayed and studied and sought advice, make a decision and dont hyper-spiritualize it. Do what seems best...That's the way of wisdom...The way of wisdom is a way of life. And when it's a way of life, you are freer than you realize.

Finally, pray less that God would show you who is the right husband or wife and pray more to be the right kind of husband or wife.

In one sense, we trust in the will of God as His sovereign plan for our future. In another sense, we obey the will of God as His good word for our lives.

We're covering this book as a young adult class at church. We've had good discussion which I hope will continue in the weeks to come!

I'd encourage anyone to read this book; if for nothing else to have a thought roll around in your brain :)

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

A Memorable Memorial Day

Two 'jeans days' (aka the Best Days Ever) in a row, crafting, and brunch with friends was how my fantastic Memorial Day all started! And the following is how it continued and ended -

Put Fran on a leash...

Found an Awesome Michigan t-shirt...

Went to a parade with friends...

Took a long bike ride...

In the in-between there was a lot of hanging out with friends, playing frisbee, delicious eating, movie watching, Skipbo and catching up on sleep!

I just love me some BOYNE! :)