It is a little past 11 o'clock and our church, Faith Community Church, is finishing up it's first day of our 40 day fast. I must admit the 40 day fast can be a tough one for me sometimes. Let's be honest, I'm sure it's tough for a lot of us depending on what it is you are going to fast. Notice I titled this blog, "What's Not on the Menu". It doesn't mean you have to fast some sort of food or beverage but for most of us that is what we'll choose. You see Kelli and I are fasting soda, while Morgan is fasting chocolate. Some people will fast one whole meal for a day such as breakfast or lunch or their are some who fast things like the computer or maybe even a hobby they are really in to. Whatever it was you decided to fast, I hope it was a sacrifice for you (not trying to sound judgemental).

I don't have to say this because most of you know it anyway but God paid the the ultimate sacrifice when he sent his only begotten son to die on a cross for us. Do we ever really stop and think about that enough. I complain about giving up some Diet Coke. I mean really? Don't get me wrong when you make it to the end of a fast you should feel some sense of accomplishment. You just did a great thing to honor God. Did we sacrifice though?

You see it seems like we live in a society where we can't go without anything for any extended period of time. For example, as we discussed what we were going to fast, Morgan had some ideas.

She said,
Daddy why don't you give up your cell phone in which I responded, Well that's the only
way people can get a hold of me, especially if there was an emergency. She then asked Kelli,
Why don't you give up the computer (insert picture of me laughing hysterically there) and Kelli
said well I use the computer for different things like paying bills, checking bank statements,
and church work, like editing photos and youth group stuff. Did we sacrifice? Maybe.
Was it enough? I don't know. (However if you ask Morgan, I'm sure she will say yes).

Fasting is personal and should be between you and God. It shouldn't be a prideful thing. It

should be a God thing. Here's another quick thought, we get so excited for the 40 day fast
but what do we do when those 40 days are up? Do we have a closer relationship with God
now or did I just give my kidney's a 40 day break from soda. Here's my last thought and
then I'm signing off. If you are allergic to peanuts, don't fast peanut butter and jelly

sandwiches.