I hope you had a fabulous weekend! As you may already know, Tim and I have decided to try out a different restaurant every Saturday. This time, we made a visit to Hopdoddy, a local burger bar that serves fresh, all-natural, local ingredients alongside an impressive selection of beer on tap. The meat comes from local ranches, is hormone/antibiotic free, and is ground daily on site. Just look at these boards...I knew I had just walked into something amazing..
Yes yes..I had to take a picture of my bottles of love. Do you like how they're centered in the collage? Yup...they're that important. They clearly know what they're doing, offering sriracha as one of the condiments ;). I like!
That lovely drink is Socosweettea - House-infused lemoncello, fresh brewed iced tea, served with a sugar rim. I ordered a buffalo burger and Tim got the classic cheeseburger. We shared an order of perfectly cooked and seasoned fries, hand-cut from Kennebec potatoes. I didn't know what they were so you bet the Curious George in me came home and looked it up. I'd love to discuss my findings, but I have a lot to talk about in this post, so I'll leave that up to all you curious foodies out there ;). But take my word..they were mighty tasty!
We had a marvelous time! Tim said this was a life-changing burger and couldn't stop talking about it for the rest of the day. These are the simple moments that I cherish.
And to top it off, right when we were about to leave, I ran into my high school friend whom I haven't seen since graduation!
She was pregnant with her second child! We exchanged numbers, and I can't wait to catch up with her soon!!
Now that I've shared my marvelous eats, allow me to share with you what challenging marvelous things are happening to me spiritually!
Last Thursday, our church held a vision night to discuss the details of the upcoming building project. To give you a brief background, our church, a church plant, first opened its doors back in 2007 with just a handful of members. Services were and still are held at a local YMCA. Since then, our church has commissioned 3 churches to be planted throughout the city and has multiplied to 600 members attending on any given Sunday. Praise the Lord! But as you can imagine, we are busting at the seams when it comes to space.
After many months of careful research, planning, and praying every step of the way, our pastor and the elders brought forth a plan about 4 months ago to purchase land on which we as a congregation voted and gave the thumbs up. Although it's been a brief time, it's clear that God's hands are all over this project. Just to name a few of the miracles - The new building will be strategically located in the center of a new developing residential area which is projected to be the town center years out from now, the landowners are generously asking for $2.50/sq. ft rather than $4.50/sq.ft (what?!?!) and extending the sewage line free of cost from an elementary school that's miles away. I was thrilled to see the layout of the new church and just the fact that we're moving into a building of our own! You see, setting up and tearing down every Sunday can be quite a daunting task.
However, then came the part that I wasn't prepared for - the building fund campaign, which consists of two parts. 2 years will be devoted to the land purchase starting this October, and after a short break, a separate campaign for direct building costs will continue for another 2 years.
Our pastor walked us through the necessary steps to take as a family in deciding how much to contribute. Tim and I sat down, went through our finances, and discussed the logistics of how much we can give and what we can cut from our expenses. To start, we talked about getting rid of our gym membership, DVR, and cable. At first, I had a sudden panic attack. I can't live without any one of these..I NEED them! Some thoughts that instantly ran through my mind, "I'm going to lose what little muscles I worked so hard to get..what if I can't record my fav shows? Wait, never mind I can't even watch them!" Then I thought, "oh I'm sure there are plenty of "well-off" families who'll contribute, so no worries."
However, as I continue to pray, God's slowly opening up my eyes and mind to see that these things that I'm hiding onto for dear life are not necessities but rather luxuries that the Lord has generously allowed me to enjoy. I'm not making a sacrifice, rather I'm simply giving them back to God. Also, it's not about how much I'm contributing because what God really wants to know is where my heart is.
In all honesty, I'm a lil' scared. No! I'm terrified! I can't imagine giving up anything that I have right now. But what's more important than church? Church is where I find the purposes God has for me - worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism. I don't want to be just an attender of a church. I am a member! That means I am committed to contributing and sharing the responsibilities of the church.
Tim and I will continuously pray throughout this process and see where and how God transforms our hearts and leads us into action. So for now, bye bye group classes and "Giuliana and Bill". There're so many areas in which I can cut back. I don't need to spend $20 on a shampoo or browse around Amazon and purchase something bc it's free s&h. It's a marvelous feeling to know that I can give back (even though it's so tiny compared to what the Lord's given me) to respond to God in love, faith, discipline, and surrender.
myhealthyohana says
I'll be praying for you and Tim as you make these hard decisions! I know God will bless you and your church tremendously through this sacrifice and can't wait to hear how you are molded through the experience! It's so true that all God cares about is our heart...you convict me (in a good way), and it's making me re-evaluate where my priorities/treasures are. Thanks, MIn!!
Min says
Hi, Maura. I'm learning and growing in my faith! I feel that I'm no longer stagnant in my walk with God..I want to live to the fullest for the glory of God. I need to let go of my idols and place all my hopes and trust in our Lord Savior! I'm taking it one step, one day, one prayer at at time. 😉 He's seriously soo good to me and has blessed me with so much...It's time that I respond in faith and love!
Ellie says
awwwww I am in love with your hearts as an eternal treasures minded couple!!! 😀 I'm so touched to hear about what God's doing there, and for the submissive attitude that He gave you guys. Keep at it and keep us updated! I think a great congregation is always filled with people who are simply like minded and open vessels to the movement of Holy spirit.
Min says
It's all God humbling, challenging, and breaking us to store up treasures in heaven. I sure will keep you updated. I love our church, and I'm so excited and can't wait to see how the mighty Lord moves and works in every single one of our hearts during this time of transition!
afterdinnerdance says
That meal looks delicious! And it's amazing how hard it can be to give up what are considered "luxuries" to most people. You guys are so generous to make a sacrifice to help out! Such a simple yet inspiring action!
Min says
Hi, Caroline! I'm finding it easier and easier to let go of the things I held onto for dear life. It's such a rude awakening and a humbling experience at the same time. I'm excited to see where God will lead us and what he has in store for us!
Kailey says
That looks like an EPIC burger, if I do say so myself 🙂 I love that the two of you try out new places every saturday.
Min says
It was amazing! And trying new places every Sat is something that we look forward to every week! 😉
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
This is such a great post!!! I love your committment to God, it is absolutely wonderful to see! You are amazing 🙂 Hence, why I nominated you for the Liebster award 🙂
Min says
Aww! Thanks, Laurie for your sweet words of encouragement..and for the nomination!
Alex @ therunwithin says
I am glad you trust that all will work out. It is hard to find that ultimate trust in that God will take care of it, it is a tough one to stomach.
Min says
I have faith that God will see me through everything I do in life...I just hope that I can please and put a smile on his face with every step I take..
Khushboo Thadani says
This is such a humbling post, Min! I am so inspired by your openness and gratitude! We put such emphasis on little things that eventually won't even matter in the big picture, and it sometimes is nice to step back and re-evaluate! I have no doubt that the feeling that comes with giving back will be hugely rewarding!
Min says
I debated on whether or not I want to post this, but since this blog is my way of processing my jumbled up thoughts and chronicling my journey through life, I couldn't leave it out. You're right! We must focus and set our eyes on the big picture, which for me is Jesus Christ.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Beautiful post, Min! Thank you so much for sharing what's on your heart. Making sacrifices is one of life's toughest challenges; and so is trusting that God will fill the void with something bigger and better. But that's his promise to us! TRUST, have FAITH and you shall receive. Pretty amazing. Even though what we receive may be different than what we want or expect, it's ultimately perfect. Giving up material items that society tells us we "need" is so so scary. However, I know that through prayer, you and Tim will know what to do. <3
I totally just Googled Kennebec potatoes! As a girl who is semi-Idahoan, I need to know what the competition is for the good ol' Russet! 😉 I'll be on the lookout for these; they sound like the make PERFECT fries! Also, Hopdoddy is definitely a place I'd love. I've been enjoying lots of local beef and bison this summer!
Hugs! xoxo
Min says
Sara, you're such a beautiful and incredible lady! Amen to every single word you said! I like the way you put it..."trusting that God will fill the void with something bigger and better." Faith means believing without seeing..it has no place in the visible realm. I'm ready to put it into practice!
Haha! That's my girl ;). I don't know what I'd do without google...I'd die of curiosity. You know when I first saw the meat, I told Tim that I couldn't eat it cuz it's too pink. I always want my ground meat cooked all the way. But Tim assured me that at a place like this, there's no need to worry. I'm so glad I tried it!! Oh..so juicy and flavorful!
Can't wait to meet you soon..2 weeks!!!
Gabby says
How fantastic! Love how the Lord works in our hearts. You'll be in my prayers!
And ps - That burger looks so good - I've always wanted to try buffalo. Sometimes you just need a good burger in your life once in a while. 🙂
Min says
Thank you, Gabby! I need all the prayers I can get! Oh you MUST try bison meat! It's much leaner than ground beef, and It tastes heartier to me ;).
And yes, Tim would wholeheartedly agree with that statement!
freshlifefindings says
Love the post Min! That food looks delicious, nothing beats a good burger and fries 🙂 And that's so cool how you guys are sacrificing to support your church! We are trying to find one to get involved in since we moved, still looking 🙂 I'm glad that you enjoyed your weekend!
Min says
The Kennebec fries were really amazing! It's not that I don't like fries (I mean come on..they're so delish), but I try to limit my portions. Tim and I usually share an order..but I wished that I had ordered my own this time.
I'll be praying for you and the hubby that y'all will find a home church soon! We searched for a church for over a year, and those were really trying times.
freshlifefindings says
Thanks Min! I appreciate the prayers 🙂 Hopefully we will find something soon!
Corrie Anne says
Thanks for sharing about that. I know you think it sounds trivial to give up those things, but it's a sacrifice!! It is. And it's a blessing to hear about.
Min says
Yea..it is a sacrifice, but I'm praying that God will help me to see the greater joy in giving!
Brittany says
How exciting for you church!!! God is so faithful. Just know that however you sacrifice for Him, He will multiply this!! I love this, and I love your heart and how you are willing to sacrifice for the good of the Kingdom!
Min says
It sure is an exciting time! I don't even know how we all fit inside the YMCA gym! But where there's will, there's a way, right? God continues to stir and humble me beyond words... All glory to you, Lord!
IHeartVegetables says
Yay! I love trying new restaurants 🙂
My church is a church plant as well, so I totally understand how you're feeling. I feel really convicted sometimes, when I see what I "waste" money on!!
Min says
Hi, Liz! I didn't realize my extravagant spending habits until now. They're definitely not necessities but rather luxuries! I'm ready to become more frugal ;).
eatpraytri says
look at your awesome header!!! Did Maren design that for you? 😉
Those burgers look amazing and I am drooling over the sriracha as well!!
I have had that same struggle in the past about balancing personal pleasures and gifts to the Lord. If He is leading you though, you have the strength and courage to follow and know that He has your back!! He will provide and take care of you. The joy in that is better than any worldly comfort!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Min says
Thanks! No, Jenny did! Tim's still talking about that burger :). Amen, sister! Honestly, I thought of this building project as a huge burden on my shoulder! But it's amazing how God's slowly transforming my heart..I'm feeling this incredible stirring inside of me that I haven't felt in a long time. Thank you, Lord!
Courtney says
Great post, I need more spirituality in my life. 🙂 Have a marvelous day!
Min says
You too, Courtney! If there's anything I can pray for you about, please don't hesitate to let me know!
HealthyDiva (@HealthyDiva31) says
How awesome, you guys are beautiful people! Giving back is something that is marvelous and rewarding too <3 Hope it all works out!
My husband would probably love that burger, must be amazing if your husband said it was the best!
Happy Monday! <3
Min says
Thank you, Katie! It sure is! We pray that the Lord will continue to put our hearts in the right place!
Oh yes! He's really serious about his burger..even thinking about starting his own burger blog ;). He was blown away by this burger!!