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An Ice Cream Trip: What Do You Really Want? (Step 2)

By Bonnie Gray • April 5, 2010 • 32 Comments

I was standing at a wall of ice cream flavors, with a Take-A-Ticket number in my hand.

Yep. I was at one of those local hang outs, where people crowd into a small ice cream parlor. Just to get a scoop of something homemade.

Hmm… What flavor?

Well, I could go with Chocolate Mint Chip – my ol’ standby.  Maybe I should try something new?

When they called my number, I decided to go all the way.  Chocolate-chocolate-chip-fudge.

I got my scoop of dark, sweet, and gooey, and ate away.  So good.

What Do I Really Want?

I’m trying to simplify my life right now, to zone in on the things that give me joy.

What is it that I really want?

I’m jotting a list of those things this week.  It’s like choosing between a wall of yummy ice cream flavors.

God’s sayin’, “So, whaddya want, Bonnie?”.  He’s paid for my scoop already.

Focusing On The Freedom

Sometimes, I think we forget that everything God did on the cross, was for our freedom, so we could truly live.

Yes, we live for Christ — reflecting Him through our uniqueness.

We forget that the Garden of Eden was originally made for Adam and Eve to enjoy — all the fruits of the trees.  Not just about that one tree that was off limits.

Because of the Easter we celebrated yesterday, our joy is no longer under the curse of mistakes or our sinfulness.

We can focus on that freedom.

I’m remembering that God is sovereign and He gave us the freedom of choice.

Predestination and free will.  It’s the utlimate debate to end in heaven.

Both are acting forces. Our new nature is shaped by the thoughts we choose to nurture — and actions we chose to take.

I’m taking steps to enjoy more chocolate-chocolate-chip-fudge choices in my life. Who would’ve guessed, what a simple trip for ice cream could remind me about faith.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free
Therefore, keep standing firm and
do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.”
~ Galations 5:1

What is it that you really want?

[ p.s. This post was inspired in part by a real ice cream trip to Marianne’s Ice Cream shop in Santa Cruz, California with two wonderful faith friends, Holley Gerth from Heart To Heart and Sarah Markley from The Best Days of My Life. ] [ This is an original post to Faith Barista, where Christian writer Bonnie Gray serves up shots of faith for everyday life. ]
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32 Comments

  • Reply Rachel April 5, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    I’ve been waiting for permission to go all out and get that triple-scoop with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This is a reminder that I already HAVE permission! Thanks so much.
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..I never thought I’d be a Yankees fan. =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 5, 2010 at 4:02 pm

      Oh, yeah! Go ALL out, Rachel!

  • Reply Kristine McGuire April 5, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    “We forget that the Garden of Eden was originally made for Adam and Eve to enjoy — all the fruits of the trees. Not just about that one tree that was off limits.”

    Wow this is so true. We do tend to do that. I wonder why?
    .-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Get Up, Get Dressed! =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 5, 2010 at 4:04 pm

      I think it’s mistrust. Sounds too good to be true. We doubt that we could be so free. It really is the Good News.

  • Reply uberVU - social comments April 5, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Social comments and analytics for this post…

    This post was mentioned on Twitter by TheBonnieGray: New Post — An Ice Cream Trip http://bit.ly/aU7KFP What Do YOU Want?…

  • Reply Kevin M. April 5, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    “Sometimes, I think we forget that everything God did on the cross, was for our freedom, so we could truly live.” AMEN!

    Christ died so that we could have life and life to the full!
    .-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..Sermon Synopsis 4/4 – What if Jesus didn’t rise again? =-.

  • Reply Melissa Brotherton April 5, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    What do I really want? Change!

    I want to start moving forward in the calling God has placed on my life and my husband’s life. I want to see huge strides forward in the areas of my character, behavior an attitudes that I’ve been struggling with for years. I want to see my spiritual walk bear fruit instead of just being knowledge and self-gratification.

    An inspiring (and scary) post, Bonnie. If God isn’t the one who’s been holding me back from this, what is?
    .-= Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..Under the Surface =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 5, 2010 at 9:17 pm

      It’s seems scary, doesn’t it? It’s like experiencing anything beautiful in life. I think of snowboarding down a fresh snow, and looking down the mountain. Your mind almost tells you to hesitate. But, your heart says, “Go!” Or maybe that first kiss with your true love. 😉

  • Reply Brett Barner April 5, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    I know this sounds weird, but I make these type decisions by not focusing. If I focus, I get stuck with second guessing and the “what ifs”. If I unfocus and let what I really want to bubble over in my subconscious, I can make the choice that I really want. Now the question is, do I truly desire the uncharted freedom in Christ or the comfort of religion?
    .-= Brett Barner´s last blog ..MMH5 – Five Ways to Help Marry Off Singles in the Church =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 5, 2010 at 9:18 pm

      I can take that advice to the bank, Brett. It’s like an open heart. The first word I thought of reading your comment was, “To have faith, like a child.” That’s why everything is exciting to a kid… Oh, that last question. Now, THAT will be a GREAT blog post.

  • Reply Barbie April 5, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Nice to meet you! Debbie over at Heart Choices told me about you! I live in the East Bay. We are practically neighbors. Looking forward to more shots of faith from you! Blessings!
    .-= Barbie´s last blog ..He Is Risen!!! =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 5, 2010 at 9:19 pm

      Hi Barbie! We are neighbors! Hasn’t the weather been just glorious? … but, now the spring clouds might be drifting back. So happy to have you! Any friend of Debbie’s is a friend of mine!

  • Reply Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms April 6, 2010 at 1:59 am

    I needed to read this tonight.

    It’s been one of those weeks when I’ve been down more than up, flesh more than spirit. THANK YOU for reminding me of my choice to nurture thoughts and actions that move me toward freedom! Doing the opposite gets me in trouble. I have power in Christ and I’ll keep standing firm!

    Hope your Easter was BLESSED!
    .-= Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms´s last blog ..It’s Simple Get Together =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 8:56 am

      We’re sharpening each other… when we’re up AND when we’re down (esp. then, don’t ya’ think?) 🙂 Hugs.

  • Reply Dee April 6, 2010 at 5:05 am

    Now…you’ve got me hungering for some Berry Berry Good at Coldstone Creamery. I would choose freedom in Christ. Playing church is really boring…growing and evolving keeps me on my toes and digging deeper, learning more. I love the relationship I’ve developed with Abba. He is always there even when the road gets tough. Just religion…that’s kind of dead isn’t it?

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 8:57 am

      Yes- playing church IS boring. But, so easy. But, dead.

  • Reply Southern Gal April 6, 2010 at 5:44 am

    I’m hungering for discipline. Discipline to keep a schedule that will benefit my family. Too much wasted time. Not enough quality time. I’m working on it. Thanking the Lord for his mercy and grace.
    .-= Southern Gal´s last blog ..Wait!! What happened to spring?? =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 8:57 am

      Me, too! 😉 Will share thoughts on this soon…

  • Reply Susan April 6, 2010 at 7:02 am

    Bonnie, girl, you’re wearing those joy shoes beautifully. How mired we can get in the details, the distractions, diversions…often the comfortable, the automatic, the thoughtless reflex… and miss the sweetness?! Thank you for a beautiful reminder.
    .-= Susan´s last blog ..Easter Shoes =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 8:58 am

      Thank you, Susan!

  • Reply Cassandra Frear April 6, 2010 at 8:01 am

    Last night before falling asleep, this was my last thought. It was more of a question.

    The morning after, I read this post. God has used you to remind me. Thanks.

    I think you will enjoy reading about the new challenge in my life this week at the Moonboat Cafe. I have no idea if I can do it. This is not a good time to set up ambitious goals. But I think I am supposed to try anyway.

    Another thing I’d love to share with you is Tuesdays devotional post at Light For My Lamp. (http://www.lightformylamp.com) It’s my retelling of the story of breakfast with Jesus. Just thought you’d like it.

    Blessings this week to you, Bonnie
    .-= Cassandra Frear´s last blog ..From Hobby to Story =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 8:58 am

      Trying is living.

  • Reply Jennifer Adams April 6, 2010 at 10:10 am

    I want stability! I’m learning that stability comes not in stable circumstances, but a stable foundation. And I have that 😉

    P.S. My Easter was wonderful! Hope your’s was too!
    .-= Jennifer Adams´s last blog ..Leaps of Faith or Baby Steps =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 2:52 pm

      To keep walking with life’s bumpy everyday turns is like balancing, with faith as our center of gravity.

  • Reply Tracy April 6, 2010 at 11:14 am

    Wow. I am asking some of the same questions right now. In order to be free, we have to simplify. I think that it does start with accepting that light yolk. Freedom is so close to us. Thank you for your words.

    Blessings.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 6, 2010 at 2:53 pm

      Yes, everyday, I try to keep stuff from crawling on my plate, to do the things God drops on it ! 😉

  • Reply Kathy April 7, 2010 at 4:20 am

    This was a very timely post. After a weekend of wonder ~excitement~ preparing, cleaning, shopping, prepping for Easter I was so excited. I wanted to be the cheerful giver, to serve with a servant’s heart, to know he has RISEN for me with all my imperfections.

    But I wasn’t.

    I wasn’t going forward cheerfully.

    I was feeling over whelmed. Stressed. Too much to do with out any help.

    What I wanted was some one to say, “What can I do to help?” {I never got it}
    I guess my tension built and then I didn’t enjoy what I was doing any more.

    I want a “Do Over”. I would approach my day differently. I would try to experience it all with a new attitude and perspective. I want to be a servant and serve cheerfully.

    Thanks for letting me share. 😉

    • Reply Bonnie Gray April 9, 2010 at 1:24 pm

      @Kathy: We’ve all had one of those days.. or weeks.. What’s awesome is your heart.. It’s hard to catch ourselves sometimes, but it’s freeing to know He catches us each time and always with open arms.

  • Reply Risky Business: Changing Negative Character Traits (Step 3) | Faith Barista April 7, 2010 at 11:49 am

    […] Don't miss out out on my next post: Baby Step #2 in Recapturing a Life of Joy Series! Be sure to catch the previous posts on the series on Finding Joy: Step 1: After The Rain: Say Yes To Joy Step 2: A Trip For Ice Cream: What Do You Really Want […]

  • Reply 10 Ways To Make Rest One Ambition (Step 4) | Faith Barista April 14, 2010 at 12:10 am

    […] to catch the previous posts on the series Say Yes To Joy: Step 1: After The Rain: Say Yes To Joy Step 2: A Trip For Ice Cream: What Do You Really Want Step 3: Risky Business: Changing Negative Character Traits Step 4: 10 Ways To Make Rest One […]

  • Reply The Tipping Point: Why We Watch American Idol (Step 5) | Faith Barista April 14, 2010 at 12:14 am

    […] to catch the previous posts on the series Say Yes To Joy: Step 1: After The Rain: Say Yes To Joy Step 2: A Trip For Ice Cream: What Do You Really Want Step 3: Risky Business: Changing Negative Character Traits Step 4: 10 Ways To Make Rest One […]

  • Reply Take The “What If” Challenge (Step 6) | Faith Barista April 29, 2010 at 12:05 am

    […] to catch the previous posts on the series Say Yes To Joy: Step 1: After The Rain: Say Yes To Joy Step 2: A Trip For Ice Cream: What Do You Really Want Step 3: Risky Business: Changing Negative Character Traits Step 4: 10 Ways To Make Rest One […]

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