The Gospel of Jesus, More Like Marriage, Less Like Formula

We listened to a lot of podcasts on our drive to Florida and back (about 28 hours each way). Enjoyed plenty of John Ortberg, Rob Bell, Andy Stanley, Bill Hybels, Dave Ramsey, and others. The one that stood out to most to me was a talk by Donald Miller (of Blue Like Jazz fame - a great book, by the way!) that he gave at Seattle Pacific University called "The Gospel of Jesus, More Like Marriage, Less Like Formula". It's available free on iTunes - just search under Donald Miller. It's about an hour long and really forces you to think about what the Gospel really is and how evangelism works (and sometimes doesn't work). It was phenomenal! I strongly urge you to listen to it. Highly recommended!!

Back in Minnesota

Finally back in good ol' Minnesota after a week plus trip to visit family and friends in Florida. Had a great time swimming with my boys in my dad's pool, catching up with friends, and visiting my two favorite restaurants in the world (Demetrio's Pizza House in Bradenton and El Adobe Mexican Restaurant in Sarasota)!

The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to sit in on part of the taping of the Dave Ramsey Show. My brother-in-law, Brian, works for Dave and our family was privileged to be able to meet Dave and sit in the studio as he taped the show. Dave was just a friendly and genial in person as he is on the radio. I was awestruck and just tried to keep from making a fool of myself by saying something stupid. Afterward, of course, I thought of thousands of things I could have asked him! It's a humbling experience to be in the presence of a person whom you admire and respect so much. Dave is a hero to me in many ways and I am so grateful for the way his 'ministry' has changed our lives. If you're not familiar with Dave Ramsey, head over to www.daveramsey.com or download the podcast of the show on iTunes (commercial free)! Best of all, pick up his book, The Total Money Makeover. The principles in it will change your life if you follow them.