Image is Everything (or is it?)

I have begun to realize that I am vain.  I too like to look nice on the outside (even if my world is crumbling on the inside).  I like to think that people notice my cute little sweater (emphasis on little and NOT VERY WARM) and jeans.  I never thought I really cared, but this exercise is showing me that I care WAY too much. 

Do other people notice what I am wearing and care more or less about me because of what I have on or don't wear?  I don't think so.  I have a feeling other people are wrapped up in their own baggage.  Even if they noticed what I am wearing, I would hope they wouldn't care less about be because of the clothes.  It is time for me to begin embracing the words I have been teaching all these years... That it is all about Christ in us that makes us who we are and not the masks we wear on the outside.  Clothing has become a mask for me.   

I have gone over my word limit.  I am going to embrace my inner Johnny Cash and tackle the day!

11/26

Six days into the clothing "fast".  Here are the articles I am wearing this month:
2 short sleeved t-shirts - one black, one white
1 long sleeved t-shirt white
1 pair jeans
1 pair pants grey
1 cardigan sweater black
1 long sleeved over shirt black
(I seem to have a fascination w/black)

work out clothes:
1 pair running pants black
1 grey t-shirt UB Football
1 long sleeved pink capilene shirt

church
1 black sweater
1 black skirt

Have you noticed a color theme?  My jeans have a hole in the knee after three days of straight wear.  Am I allowed to change them out?I am also thinking this month may be harder than the last.  Who knew that I cared so much about my clothes?  Tomorrow I will write in 50 words or less what my clothes say about me or what I THINK my clothes say about me and does anyone really care besides me?

11/20 LAST DAY!

Today is our last day of this sugar fast.  I have been spending time looking forward at the next chapter clothing, but need to put this chapter to bed before I rush off to the next.

In light of the fact that it is Thanksgiving in two days, I am going to focus on what I am thankful for and what this fast has made me more thankful for.
1. I am thankful I am not a cake baker at Wegmans or anywhere else.  That would have been HORRIBLE this past month.
2. I am thankful for my kids.  They were so good and so strong through the entire 30 days.
3. I am thankful for my small group.  The laughter shared, recipes, victories and pains have made this 30 days go by quicker than if I had been doing it alone.
4. I am thankful for my health and will try not to take it for granted again.
5. I am thankful for challenge and how it refines me and makes me a better person.
6. I am thankful for Jesus and the fact that I AM NOT ALONE EVER.
7. I am thankful for my support group and the little things they did this month to lift me up and cheer me on.
8. I am thankful for friends who let me smell their pumpkin lattes.
9. I am thankful I am a strong, intelligent human being.
10.  I am thankful for my husband who is always by my side, supporting me in all the wack-o things I come up with.

Gal 5:22
 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

11/11

Well, we must be doing something right.  About half the group is being or has been attacked in some physical way.  Satan must not like where we are going and what we are doing.  Just proves we need to amp up the prayer coverage and soldier on. 

More than half way done.  Many of us are looking forward to the next month long adventure.  Before we put the cart a head of the horse , I think we really need to continue to take one day at a time and grow in our dependence on God.  Our relationship with Him is not a fast food, quick fix.  It is a life-long relationship that is ever growing and ever changing and we need to grow and change along with it.

So much of my life is grab a quick meal, a quick snack, a quick fix.  I am beginning to realize that I was looking at my relationship with God in the same light.  Our God is not a fast food, quick fix kind of God.  He is a life-time Lord and Savior.  Funny how it has taken me this many years to figure that out!

1/2 way

We are halfway through.  I am hoping and praying that the physical attacks don't continue for the next 6 months.  Bad head cold, crippling headache, Shingles!, nausea,  I don't think I can take much more.  Today has been the worst with the cravings.  I know that complaining is not a Fruit of the Spirit, but I am having a tough time today.  I WANT CAKE!  So much for being spiritual.  Today definitely sucked.

Nov 3

So I have been sick the last couple of days.  So much so I have had to accept help from my friends and neighbors because I haven't been able to do some things.  This is very hard for me to do.  Accept help that is.  I can give help.  That is what I do.  But I don't accept help.  I never need it.  Right?

What does this have to do with giving up sugar?  Not much really.  Except the whole accepting help thing.  Letting people in far enough and letting them help you.  Realizing I am not strong enough to do it all on my own.  I thin this is where I fail miserably with God.  I am ok as long as life is sailing alone rather smoothly.  Minor bumps I can hand over, but as soon as things get rough, I want to take complete control and try and fix it myself.  Why is that?  What am I afraid of?

I think if I would spend more time letting go and letting God keep the control, I might actually be more free.  Letting the folks in to help me the last few days did nothing to compromise who I was.  In fact it helped me and allowed me to feel connected and cared for.  Just imagine what it would be like if I or we did that and let God in a little bit more every day.