One of the main points of this sugar fast has been to run to Jesus when the sugar cravings hit. Or when I'm feeling stressed and want to eat, I go to the Word rather than the fridge. Rather than building up the idol of busy and distraction when I feel the desire for food, I should spend some time in prayer. Running to Jesus and his Word rather than running to the Idols in my life.
This morning, I woke up early. I've been able to spend some time thinking about some of the things I've been reading. And I was struck by a rather simple idea. Why don't I deliberately start my day by running to Jesus rather than waiting till I'm tired, overwhelmed, stressed, upset, struggling.... to turn to him. Of course I know that turning to Him in those moments is good! And I'm confident that there will still be many of those moments when I have to remind myself and make myself turn to him, rather than one of my Idols.
Recently, I've been having a hard time sleeping. Sometimes, I'm wise enough to spend that time in the Word and in prayer. Yesterday, I started my day being encouraged and filled with reminders of why I'm doing this, what the big picture is. And yesterday was a good day. I still struggled, I still had to repent and turn away from my sin. But I just felt more,,,, confident.... content.... encouraged.... filled with His love....
I have two more weeks left in this fast. And while I would say that in general, I'm fairly good about having time in the Word and in prayer, I'm going to focus more on making those things the first things I do in the morning. Before I run. Before I get the day going. Before I snuggle with the kids. Maybe even before coffee (!!!!). I'm going to work on making sure that I am turning and running to him every morning.
And you know what still, after decades of being a Christian, still amazes me? He's there. Waiting to meet with me. Waiting to fill me. Waiting to commune with me. Because he's good. And faithful. And loving. He's my Father.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12
Friday, April 29, 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
More thoughts from the 40 day fast
I am now over half way done!
The 3rd full week brought unexpected challenges. Turns out I didn't quite finish dealing with all the idols that I thought I had dealt with. Also, turns out sugar isn't so much of an idol in my life as food is.
Bummer.
This past week felt very similar to week 1, where I just really MISSED eating sugar. I've been having the most vivid dreams about sugar, dreams in which I devour donuts, cake and icecream. Sometimes I wake up unsure if I really "cheated" or if it was just a dream.
This past week has been full of reasons why it's okay for me to eat tacos and queso. I've slipped back into the habit of justifying what I'm eating. And even though I'm still following the guidelines that I set for myself, I'm not in the Word as much, praying as much and justifying unwise food choices.
This past week has also been a rainy week where baseball was cancelled, swim team practice was limited due to newly enforced rules and we played GUBs. I found myself spending less time with people (excluding the little people, of course. I spent LOADS of time with them!) and being highly irritable and edgy. I'm afraid that this edgy, grumpy mom came from a lack of busyness, which is a clear sign that the Idol of Busy is still going strong in my life.
This coming week, I have two goals. #1 Face the Idol of Food and Busyness head on. No more justifying, no more giving in, no more substituting. #2 BE IN THE WORD!!!! Isn't that the point of all this?! Yet here I am, taking another lap around the desert like the Israelites, needing another reminder of God's mighty hand, mercy, commandments and provision.
Here's what I've been reading and how the Lord has encouraged me.
From "Crazy Busy" by DeYoung
"The first danger is the busyness can ruin our joy... When our lives are frantic and frenzied, we are more prone to anxiety, resentment, impatience, and irritability. "
"The third danger is that busyness can cover up the rot in our souls... The presence of extreme busyness in our lives may point to deeper problems - a pervasive people-pleasing, a restless ambition, a malaise of meaninglessness."
"Jesus understood his mission. He was not driver by the needs of other, though he often stopped to help hurting people. He was not driven by the approval of others, though he cared deeply for the lost and the broken. Ultimately, Jesus was driven by the Spirit. He was driven by his God-given mission. He knew his priorities and did not let the many temptations of a busy life deter him from his task."
As a family, we're working through a read through the Bible in a year program. Though we're behind, I'm thankful for where we are right now., in Deuteronomy. God is preparing the people...the stubborn, idol building, blind to God's goodness people... to go into the Promise Land.
"And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today." Deut. 8:11-12
We're also in Luke, during the time of Jesus's ministry. And what did Jesus do?
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night be continued in prayer to God." Luke 6:12
The 3rd full week brought unexpected challenges. Turns out I didn't quite finish dealing with all the idols that I thought I had dealt with. Also, turns out sugar isn't so much of an idol in my life as food is.
Bummer.
This past week felt very similar to week 1, where I just really MISSED eating sugar. I've been having the most vivid dreams about sugar, dreams in which I devour donuts, cake and icecream. Sometimes I wake up unsure if I really "cheated" or if it was just a dream.
This past week has been full of reasons why it's okay for me to eat tacos and queso. I've slipped back into the habit of justifying what I'm eating. And even though I'm still following the guidelines that I set for myself, I'm not in the Word as much, praying as much and justifying unwise food choices.
This past week has also been a rainy week where baseball was cancelled, swim team practice was limited due to newly enforced rules and we played GUBs. I found myself spending less time with people (excluding the little people, of course. I spent LOADS of time with them!) and being highly irritable and edgy. I'm afraid that this edgy, grumpy mom came from a lack of busyness, which is a clear sign that the Idol of Busy is still going strong in my life.
This coming week, I have two goals. #1 Face the Idol of Food and Busyness head on. No more justifying, no more giving in, no more substituting. #2 BE IN THE WORD!!!! Isn't that the point of all this?! Yet here I am, taking another lap around the desert like the Israelites, needing another reminder of God's mighty hand, mercy, commandments and provision.
Here's what I've been reading and how the Lord has encouraged me.
From "Crazy Busy" by DeYoung
"The first danger is the busyness can ruin our joy... When our lives are frantic and frenzied, we are more prone to anxiety, resentment, impatience, and irritability. "
"The third danger is that busyness can cover up the rot in our souls... The presence of extreme busyness in our lives may point to deeper problems - a pervasive people-pleasing, a restless ambition, a malaise of meaninglessness."
"Jesus understood his mission. He was not driver by the needs of other, though he often stopped to help hurting people. He was not driven by the approval of others, though he cared deeply for the lost and the broken. Ultimately, Jesus was driven by the Spirit. He was driven by his God-given mission. He knew his priorities and did not let the many temptations of a busy life deter him from his task."
As a family, we're working through a read through the Bible in a year program. Though we're behind, I'm thankful for where we are right now., in Deuteronomy. God is preparing the people...the stubborn, idol building, blind to God's goodness people... to go into the Promise Land.
"And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today." Deut. 8:11-12
We're also in Luke, during the time of Jesus's ministry. And what did Jesus do?
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night be continued in prayer to God." Luke 6:12
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Thoughts from the 40 Day Sugar Fast
Today is Day 10 of my Fast. I am a quarter of the way done!
Physically, I'm in a really good place. I'm thinking about sugar a lot less, I'm not craving it as much and I'm not nearly as sad about the whole situation as I was just a few days ago. I do feel better, and I'm pretty sure I've lost a little weight, though I'm not weighing myself because I don't want this to be about the physical. This is not a diet. I'm not doing this to lose weight. I'm doing this to grow spiritually.
The beginning of this week was tough. We were challenged to go deeper into our fast to push ourselves and spend more time in prayer and in the Word. I fasted till lunch on Monday, and was really able to spend a lot of time in prayer and in the Word, as I had hoped. But by the end of the day, I was a wreck. I spoke with one of my sisters, who is also doing a version of the Sugar Fast, and she said that it really sounded like sin was being revealed, that spiritual growth was happening, which would explain a lot of the feelings I was having. Monday evening I was able to talk and cry with Curtis, who graciously encouraged me where I was at while pushing me to see the big picture of what was happening in my life and in our marriage.
I imagine there will be times when I want to reread and think over some of the scripture and other things that have ministered to me.
"And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ"
Physically, I'm in a really good place. I'm thinking about sugar a lot less, I'm not craving it as much and I'm not nearly as sad about the whole situation as I was just a few days ago. I do feel better, and I'm pretty sure I've lost a little weight, though I'm not weighing myself because I don't want this to be about the physical. This is not a diet. I'm not doing this to lose weight. I'm doing this to grow spiritually.
The beginning of this week was tough. We were challenged to go deeper into our fast to push ourselves and spend more time in prayer and in the Word. I fasted till lunch on Monday, and was really able to spend a lot of time in prayer and in the Word, as I had hoped. But by the end of the day, I was a wreck. I spoke with one of my sisters, who is also doing a version of the Sugar Fast, and she said that it really sounded like sin was being revealed, that spiritual growth was happening, which would explain a lot of the feelings I was having. Monday evening I was able to talk and cry with Curtis, who graciously encouraged me where I was at while pushing me to see the big picture of what was happening in my life and in our marriage.
I imagine there will be times when I want to reread and think over some of the scripture and other things that have ministered to me.
"And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ"
"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in thrust shall be your strength.' Yet you were unwilling..." Is. 30:15
Monday, April 11, 2016
40 day Sugar Fast
A week ago, I started a 40 Day Sugar fast.
For several weeks now, I've been struggling with feeling dissatisfied by my weight and how I was doing physically. I knew I could diet and lose weight. I could exercise and lose weight. But I couldn't understand how I kept getting back to the point of knowing that's what I needed to do.
I realized it was probably something more than just diet and exercise. But I didn't know what.
Then one day on Facebook, I saw a call for women to join a 40 Day Sugar Fast. The goal isn't weight loss. The goal is to tear down the idol of sugar in my life. I thought about it, prayed about it, and decided to join.
My previous experience with fasting has been much different than this. I've fasted from food for a day or two (usually in conjunction with a call from the session in a church wide fast). In high school, I participated in Lent.
As I prepared for the fast, I quickly saw how I was going to try to justify certain foods. "Diet Coke isn't sugar, it's a sugar substitute so it doesn't count." "That's a natural sugar, so it's not a problem for me to eat that." I realized that I wasn't really ready to break down those idol, I was just looking for ways to go through the motions of this fast. So with Curtis as my accountability, I set the guidelines for my fast. No added sugar. No Diet Coke. No desserts. I wasn't going to try to substitute my sugar cravings with natural sugars, but I wasn't going to totally refrain from natural sugars (that mainly being fruit).
As I start Day 8, I've had a chance to reflect on the experience so far. I also had a chance to really reflect spiritually yesterday in worship. The biggest thing I learned last week was that I'm so quick to build up other idols. As I worked to tear down the sugar idol, Curtis had to remind me to be careful not to build other idols in it's place. The Idol of Control. The Idol of Self Righteousness. The Idol of Busy. The Idol of Salt (who knew Pringles could be so tasty???).
This weekend, I found myself struggling in my marriage. I wanted to gripe and vent about my husband rather than speak highly of him to my friends. I only saw our differences rather than the ways God has used our difference to grow each of us. I was choosing to be petty rather than moving past minor annoyances. I was choosing to be unforgiving rather than being forgiving and gracious. All these feelings and emotions led to a restless night of sleep.
As I got up this morning, I was was planning how to basically be a bratty wife to prove to him what a lousy husband he was. But then a video, made by the woman who started the fast, popped up on my news feed. She talked about how at this point in our fast, it might be easy to let other sins that have been magnified (isn't that one of the goals of a fast??..... I don't know why I was caught off guard by it this weekend) take control. I clearly saw that was what was happening with Curtis and I.
So obviously, I have some work to do. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to do!
For several weeks now, I've been struggling with feeling dissatisfied by my weight and how I was doing physically. I knew I could diet and lose weight. I could exercise and lose weight. But I couldn't understand how I kept getting back to the point of knowing that's what I needed to do.
I realized it was probably something more than just diet and exercise. But I didn't know what.
Then one day on Facebook, I saw a call for women to join a 40 Day Sugar Fast. The goal isn't weight loss. The goal is to tear down the idol of sugar in my life. I thought about it, prayed about it, and decided to join.
My previous experience with fasting has been much different than this. I've fasted from food for a day or two (usually in conjunction with a call from the session in a church wide fast). In high school, I participated in Lent.
As I prepared for the fast, I quickly saw how I was going to try to justify certain foods. "Diet Coke isn't sugar, it's a sugar substitute so it doesn't count." "That's a natural sugar, so it's not a problem for me to eat that." I realized that I wasn't really ready to break down those idol, I was just looking for ways to go through the motions of this fast. So with Curtis as my accountability, I set the guidelines for my fast. No added sugar. No Diet Coke. No desserts. I wasn't going to try to substitute my sugar cravings with natural sugars, but I wasn't going to totally refrain from natural sugars (that mainly being fruit).
As I start Day 8, I've had a chance to reflect on the experience so far. I also had a chance to really reflect spiritually yesterday in worship. The biggest thing I learned last week was that I'm so quick to build up other idols. As I worked to tear down the sugar idol, Curtis had to remind me to be careful not to build other idols in it's place. The Idol of Control. The Idol of Self Righteousness. The Idol of Busy. The Idol of Salt (who knew Pringles could be so tasty???).
This weekend, I found myself struggling in my marriage. I wanted to gripe and vent about my husband rather than speak highly of him to my friends. I only saw our differences rather than the ways God has used our difference to grow each of us. I was choosing to be petty rather than moving past minor annoyances. I was choosing to be unforgiving rather than being forgiving and gracious. All these feelings and emotions led to a restless night of sleep.
As I got up this morning, I was was planning how to basically be a bratty wife to prove to him what a lousy husband he was. But then a video, made by the woman who started the fast, popped up on my news feed. She talked about how at this point in our fast, it might be easy to let other sins that have been magnified (isn't that one of the goals of a fast??..... I don't know why I was caught off guard by it this weekend) take control. I clearly saw that was what was happening with Curtis and I.
So obviously, I have some work to do. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to do!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 16
Month of LOVE Day 16
This month has been crazy. I feel like every part of my life has been non stop. Curtis's work, homeschooling, church activities, traveling, basketball... it's been mostly good things, but crazy non the less. A couple weeks ago, I crashed out of total exhaustion. This past weekend, I was just ready to have some fun. Lucky for me, friends came into town and we were all able to hang out and take a break from reality.
We tried an escape room for the first time. In an escape room, 8 people are locked into a room and you have to follow clues to figure out how to escape. We had an absolute blast!! And we escaped with 6 minutes to spare.
Month of LOVE Day 15
I love when my kids are sweet to each other.
I love when they have fun together.
I love when they help each other.
I love when the laugh together.
I love when they make memories together.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 14
Before I left for GA, the boys told me that they were going to miss celebrating Valentine's Day together as a family. After our plane landed in Houston, we headed to dinner with our friend Morgan. On our way home, we stopped at Wal Mart so that I could stock up on a few supplies.
And Monday morning, just a day late, we celebrated Valentine's Day together.
Day of LOVE 12
While Elizabeth and I were in Atlanta, Micah and Benjamin had a Regional basketball tournament in the Dallas area. I was SO disappointed to be missing their games! But I had moms, Curtis, and Twitter keeping me updated on scores and big plays my boys made. I'm thankful that there were so many people willing to keep me updated, love on my family, congratulate my kids and make m time away not feel so hard.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 11
We are currently in Atlanta, visiting my sister and her family and celebrating the arrival of my new niece four weeks ago.
It's always fun to spend one on one time with the kids. But this is different. This time it's just me and Elizabeth, buying coffee and candy in the airport, flying across the country and loving on a baby. Though it's not as if we're simply hanging out together, we are really enjoying loving on my sister and her family together. I truly feel like you grow closer together when in service together.
We arrived in Atlanta last night, and fly home on Sunday. 3 more days of loving and serving and fun with this sweet girl!
Month of LOVE Day 10
Now that the boys are 9 (almost 10!), 8 and 6, I know my matching outfit days are numbered. So when they humor me, like in the picture above, I know it's because they love me. They know it's a fun thing for me. They know it makes my momma heart happy.
I really love the way these boys show their love for me.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Monday, February 08, 2016
Day of LOVE Day 8
Between the three boys, I got 2 pairs of pajamas, 2 character hoodies, 3 short sleeved shirts and 9 long sleeved shirts for just under $75!
I also love that my kids were just as excited about my purchases as I was. Elizabeth exclaimed, "Wow!!! You didn't even hit $100! That's impressive for Target."
Indeed it is!
Sunday, February 07, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 7
I love these friends.
I love the memories that we have with them for the past 17 years.
I love that they've shared some of the best moments in life with us.
I love the way they've walked through fire with us.
I love that our kids have friendships with each other.
I love that we're all missing watching the Superbowl or chick flicks with each other right now.
I love that we get to see them next month!!!
Saturday, February 06, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 6
I love watching my kids play sports.
Sure, there are days when I wonder what the heck we've gotten ourselves into. Between the practices, the games, the traveling for away games, the washing of jerseys, the coordinating of carpools, the texting.... whew!!! It's enough to wear a girl out.
But it's worth it.
I love seeing how sports help my kids grow and mature. I love seeing how they learn life lessons through sports. I love seeing the friendships they form. I love seeing them succeed. I love being the one to give them pep talks and hugs when they fail. I love to show them how they are winners even when the score board doesn't say they are.
I recently read an article about "why I don't pay for dance". Basically, it was about how as parents, we don't pay for dance lessons (or sports) but for the opportunity that dance (or sports) provides. That is EXACTLY how I look at it. I don't just pay for sports for the sake of watching my kids play. As a family we do sports because of the life long lessons that the kids learn when playing.
Sports is more than just a game and a score. And I love seeing my kids have the opportunities that sports provide.
Friday, February 05, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 4
I love hearing the sound of my kids playing together. Goodness knows there are moments when laughter turns to frustration and anger. But more often than not, the kids are friends and not enemies. More often than not, there's laughter and not tears. More often than not, I'm enjoying what I hear.
These moments of pure joy are fleeting, I've been a parent long enough to realise that. And from my understanding, one of these days my home will be quiet. Though there are times when I b wish for some quiet, I'm deeply thankful for the sweet sounds in the backyard.
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 3
I love waking up to the smell of coffee.
And on mornings when I wake up and haven't slept well, or wake up feeling overwhelmed by the day before me, I especially love waking up to the smell of coffee that I didn't have to make!
Today was extra special because Curtis had cold coffee to take to work and didn't need to make a fresh pot. But he did. Because he loves me. And he knew I had a busy day and hadn't slept well. I so appreciate and love those daily acts of service and love!
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Month of LOVE Day 2
I love Timothy!
To be totally real for a moment, let me explain that this little guy was the one who sent me into my frantic praying yesterday. This little guy is why 1 Corinthians 13 came to mind during my time of prayer. And this little guy is making me CRAZY. I don't understand the way his brain works. I don't understand his words (or lack of words!). I don't understand his actions. I don't understand what motivates him. I don't understand his heart or how to discipline and get to his heart.
At first Curtis and I decided it was just a phase. We have now decided that this is not a phase but rather a steamy hot mess.
I'm struggling with how to show Timothy Christ, the gospel and grace. And then 1 Corinthians came to mind. Love is patient, kind and not easily irritated.
Of course I love Timothy! But now the challenge is to show him my love even when he's being unlovable.
So happy birthday, Timothy! I hope this year that I will be able to show you how much a love you, even when you're making me crazy.
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