I have become a pretty good baker over the years. I have had lots of people who are happy to eat it. Baking is my happy place. It is also where I get defeated.
I can hear cookies calling me from the freezer. I know some people who keep them in their car which is parked down the street. That is next level. I have never thought of that trick. Knowing me, that would not deter me. Cookies, here I come. Only two … ok, maybe three.
This Fall I started to fast every Tuesday. My husband Bill is an expert faster if someone can be that. He has done it for years.
I discovered when I was done with my day of no food, I would have an apple, Bill had told me to eat fruit first. So, I followed his advice and a few cookies also. After all, I had not eaten all day. I even made my love for cookies and things with sugar in them a matter of prayer as it has been quietly bugging me. Every Tuesday would end in defeat.
There is nothing wrong with cookies or sugar, but for me, I was using it as my comfort and the thing I would run to for satisfaction. I have said many times. I could do a Chocolate chip cookie diet as two cookies could keep me feeling fake full for hours. I have noticed the last few years I would sit nodding off all afternoon or evening. Now, I think I know why.
This past Tuesday I asked the Lord “what kind of fast should I do?’ I was surprised when he said, “a sugar fast”. He reminded me that this is what defeats me on a daily basis and like I said, my comfort.
I could not believe how much better I felt with no sugar!! I was not tired or hungry. I had some simple healthy food, made a decent supper, and had an apple for dessert. That is the first time in my living memory I have had an apple for dessert! And I enjoyed it!!
I liked having no sugar and was talking to a friend. She told me about a book by Wendy Speake called the 40-Day sugar fast and has lent it to me. I am on Day 4 of 40 days. One day at a time and with my focus not on sugar but on Jesus, I plan on succeeding. After 40 days, I will let you know how it goes. This is a first for me and so far, so good. She gave a list of suggestions of what you should rid your house of. I chose not to do that. I want to make a conscious effort to choose otherwise. And I have Bill here who loves my cookies. I want to be able to live in a world where there are sweets, and they are not my ruler or my comfort. Jesus is my comfort, not sugar.
n the daily reading, she mentions a verse that has stuck out to me, I have honestly never noticed it before. It is funny how that happens! Psalm 107:9 says, “ For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things”.
Perhaps you feel like you could have written this whole blog just as easily. Join me, for whatever is manageable for you! Let’s let God be the one we run to not the pantry!