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.

Lucky Man (Evening Prayer)

Sometimes I find my inspiration for prayers in the songs I hear. My prayer tonight comes from the words of a popular "country music" song "Lucky Man" made popular by Montgomery Gentry. I have slightly altered the words to make it more personal.

I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
And last Saturday when the Sooners lost
Lord, it put me in a bad mood

I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got

Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call 'em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swears a "saint"

Yea I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can

My Yukon's still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kids' dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man

Beard Trimming

"No Shave November" has come and gone. This trend during the month of November appears to be growing (pardon the pun) in popularity. The purpose of not shaving (or in my case not trimming) of the facial hair varies from person to person. Some do it for personal reasons, while others are attempting to raise awareness of some good cause.

For me I made a vow to God that I would not trim my beard for the entire month. During this time my desire was to increase my own awareness of the need to pray for people who are fighting diseases such as cancer. I wish I could say that the experience was an incredible success, but alas my truthfulness gets the best of me again.

The truth is after about a week into November, I had fallen back to business as usual. Yet, it was not without its moments. in the last week people have began commenting on my beard. Everytime I was offered the chance to share with them why I was letting it grow. This reminder served me well also.

And so a few moments ago the beard trimmer came out of its cave, and much of my hair has been removed. My prayer is that one day soon, cancer will be able to be removed with such ease.