Day 14: He's Sweet I Know!

Psalm 119:102: I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I'm so grateful for this fast. 

When I started it 14 days ago on July 18, I asked the Lord to help me specifically with focus and clarity. I have a lot going on with juggling working full time, school, and an internship. I also host a spouse loss support group and host a podcast, "Just a Widow Talk: Voices of Spouse & Partner Loss."

I have always loved writing, but I've gotten away from it. In fact, I've gotten away from several things, opting instead to use my free time to mindlessly watch TV and snack.

I chose to fill myself with food (mostly carbs and sweets) rather than working on things to further my purpose. And when I did try to do those things, I was physically full, or sapped of energy, lethargic from the toxicity of sugar swirling through my veins. 

Now, I choose to make conscious, good healthier choices for my body: Better nutrition. Movement. Water. Sleep. Prayer. 

And I honestly, truly feel good. The daily readings are building discipline for me to get in His word. His word gives me life (John 6:63).

How sweet is our Lord? Try Him and see for yourself. 

O Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8

He's sweet I know, He's sweet I know
Storm clouds may rise, strong winds may blow.
I'll tell the world wherever I may go.
That I've found a Savior, and He's sweet I know. 

Hymn: "He's Sweet, I Know" by A. Jackson

Day 1-Day 10

My name is Teresa and I'm a recovering sugar addict. 

In this initial post, I'm logging what I've learned so far. Most of the posts after this will be fairly brief. 

I started Wendy Speake's The 40-Day Sugar Fast on Monday, July 18. I can't explain why I decided to do this except to say I really didn't have to think about it. My spirit was longing for something like this. My aunt showed me the book and said she was going to do it, and before I could give it a second thought, I blurted "Oh, I'll do it with you!"

I knew I had been spiraling. A couple weeks earlier I weighed in with my trainer and was horrified at the number. My ankles ached when I walked. I enjoyed exercise but my joints ached. I was tired. The woman in the mirror looked older than me, yet there I was. 

I was somewhat relieved to read about similar symptoms in the beginning pages of the book. Words from the Day 1 reading resonated with me: "I needed transformation...sugar is everywhere. But so is He." 

I can't kick the sugar habit in my own strength. Heck, I can't take a breath in my own strength. Apart from God, we can do nothing. I appreciate this book because it is a tool to help me draw closer to my Lord Jesus. In and through Him and His strength, we can do all things! (Philippians 4:13)

My drug of choice has been sugar for a long time. I've allowed it to be my go-to for any and everything.  But I'm learning that this does not have to be. I can pray and I can ask the Lord to help me to be more disciplined, to make better choices for myself. 

The sugar addiction stops here. 

As for the fast itself, it hasn't been the worst thing in the world. The cravings are real, but not impossible to overcome. You have to be purposeful and creative with what you eat. Aim for little to no added sugars. You are detoxing, so flush your system with lots of water. 

And remember: Progress, not perfection. Don't condemn yourself if you slip up. Just try again. 

It is important that I leave you with this: I am not blogging this experience to praise Wendy Speake.  However, I do believe the Lord is using her book to reach a lot of people who have made refined sugar their fix. 

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for this book and this tool to help many people get clarity about the place that food and refined sugar has in our lives. We draw strength from You, our source. And we are the better for this fast. In the name of Jesus, Amen.