Fasting from Dessert: Days 9-14 of 40

That is correct. I have not been posting the last few days. I'm not sure of all the reasons why, but to a degree I hesitated due to worrying that others may think I am posting for the attention. Perhaps somewhere down deep within I worried worse yet, that it was true. For this reason I took a few days off from posting to make sure. I have decided to only post when something hits me as having the potential to help others in their discipleship. Not that my previous posts were not, but perhaps I was trying too hard. The attention should not be upon me and what I am doing, but upon Christ. So I am not sure how many more posts will come along the way, but I hope what I do post will be a blessing to others.

Fasting from Dessert: Day 8 of 40

When we store up treasures for ourselves, do we show a lack of faith? When we are gluttonous and controlled by food are we afraid that food will not be available tomorrow? Can God be relied upon to provide enough for the world? When people starve to death, who is to blame?

When we have contests to see who can devour the most of some food item, while many in the world go without food on the same day, we might want to look in the mirror before we place blame anywhere else.

Fasting from Dessert: Day 7 of 40

"Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."

Fasting from Dessert: Day 6 of 40

Sometimes when you can't find or have what you really desire, you will try to fill the void with something artificial. The artificial neither satisfies nor contributes to life. Don't be fooled by the artificial, but seek that which is real. Nothing can replace the crucified Christ.

Fasting from Dessert: Day 5 of 40

After a few days without several of my favorite dessert items I enjoyed a nice "hot fudge" malt from Braum's on Sunday evening. The taste was "divine". The blessings of following the example of Jesus, who lived the best human life possible, gives us a foretaste of the blessings to come.

Monday provided a different aspect to share. This was the first day that dessert never really crossed my mind. I am not certain what this shows, but perhaps it is that the day of enjoyment before "satisfied" my cravings. Then again it could be that some days are just easier than others to be content with what you have. Thoughts?

Fasting from Dessert: Day 4 of 40

Over a month ago I began the Insanity workouts you might have seen on t.v. infomercials. A couple of my friends began this challenge at the same time, and both have served to help encourage me to "dig deeper" than I ever thought possible. I am now in my second month, where the workouts have become increasingly difficult. I am not sure I would have continued this challenge if it were not for these friends. There is power found in a group who are fighting through the same challenge.Although many decisions, activities, or challenges we engage in are of a personal and private nature, sometimes we find ourselves encouraged by knowing that others are experiencing similar challenges. It gives us strength to push through toward our goal.

As I refrain from eating dessert during these 40 days, knowing that others have and continue to fast from things to grow closer to God helps me focus beyond self and think of the greater good for others. Never underestimate the power found in community. The Church is there to empower one another in living out the will of God.

Fasting from Dessert: Day 3 of 40

Day 3 was not as full of temptations to eat dessert as the first two days have been, but instead I realized just how habitual activities can be. I came very close to eating a small dove chocolate last night because I almost forgot what I was doing. This reminded me how hard it is to change a lifestyle. Sometimes we come by things "naturally" so to speak. We are used to saying, acting, participating, eating in certain ways, and walk into trouble before we realize the situation. 

LORD help me to see such faults before I walk blindly into them.   

Psalm 119:33-40

33Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,

  And I shall observe it to the end.
34Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
  And keep it with all my heart.
35Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
  For I delight in it.
36Incline my heart to Your testimonies
  And not to dishonest gain.
37Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,
  And revive me in Your ways.
38Establish Your word to Your servant,
  As that which produces reverence for You.
39Turn away my reproach which I dread,
  For Your ordinances are good.
40Behold, I long for Your precepts;
  Revive me through Your righteousness.

Fasting from Dessert: Day 2 of 40

Jesus spent 40 days fasting in a desert. I am spending 40 days fasting from dessert. Making the decision to share this information openly was something I prayed and considered at length beforehand. In one respect I believe such times of "fasting" should be of a private nature. Further, since lent is not something I am accustomed to engaging in, it is likely I am not going “by the books”.  However, I have gained great encouragement from others who share their experiences as disciples, and it is my hope and prayer these short reflections will be beneficial to someone. 

Day 2: Valentine's Day...A day for which we show our love through candy, candy, and more candy. Chocolate is a particular favorite of many on this day. In fact, some would say chocolate is an essential element to the holiday. For the first time I can remember in my life, I did not have one piece of candy on this day. Some might question if they can live through a Valentine’s Day without some form of candy. I wondered this very thing, but found the answer to be, YES. You actually can survive the day.

My reflection from today’s experience -- Life went on without candy. Life does not go on without proper nutrition. As we live in our "land" of plenty, let us never forget the "others" who live in the "land" of need.

God please touch us who have plenty so that we might reach out to those who are in need. Forgive us this day where we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Through Christ, Amen.  

Fasting from Dessert: Day 1 of 40

Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert. This year during lent I have committed to fasting from dessert. One of my main cravings is ice cream followed closely by certain kinds of pie with a cup of coffee. Another favorite morning treat is candy (chocolate of course) and my morning coffee (can we see a trend, perhaps next year I need to give up coffee).

Today began my lent experience. It is my hope that when these cravings hit, I will be reminded how many in the world wish they had a real meal to sustain them, dessert not being in their wildest dreams.

 And so today it began. The day before Valentines Day (That's right, no candy tomorrow for me). But temptation struck much sooner than I expected. My morning coffee ritual was already difficult enough, and then I received a phone call from someone inviting me to eat lunch with them. I accepted, and they chose Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store. There I sat with my grilled chicken salad, fat free/light Italian dressing, and water, surrounded by pictures of the most marvelous looking "sundae's" one could imagine (speaking of Sundays when one gets to rejoice in the resurrection, I may be traveling to Braum's), I could not help but find my setting a bit humorous, yet the seriousness of the hurting and starving people of the world quickly erased the humor, opened my eyes, and changed me. Thank you LORD for this  first day.