I had hoped to post at the beginning of the fast, but between taking down Christmas and packing for a trip to see the grands (and daughter and her husband), the days slipped by. So I’m writing this as we drive.

I also started an online class by Bible Project on Genesis 1-11. It is my intention to read through the first five books of the Bible at a slower pace this year and Bible Project launched their new classroom program. It’s about 40 hours of instruction with video discussion, notes, and checks for understanding. So far I’m loving it. But it does create the challenge of balancing learning with my writing.

Back to the sugar fast. I’ve been reading out loud to my husband Wendy Speake’s daily devotional from her book. She provides much needed refocus and encouragement.

For traveling we packed apple slices, trail mix, and veggies for snacking. We also have easy to heat up lunches and dinners along the way (the benefit of traveling with our camper). It was a challenge to by pass the rolls when we ate at Texas Road House with friends. But we managed. I find it much easier to stick to the fast with my husband doing it as well. I’m less tempted to cheat because I don’t want to have to tell him I did. Road House menu does provide a good selection of combining a protein with lots of veggies. Thankfully our daughter is on board with the healthy eating reset which making our sugar fast much easier during the visit.

What am I missing most this week? My creamer. I love my morning cup(s) of coffee with Bliss vanilla or carmel creamer. It’s like a cozy hug. Instead I’ve been using unsweetened almond milk with vanilla extract to flavor it. Sigh. But in the spirit of Wendy’s encouragement, I’m trying to let Jesus sweeten my morning and be that which I’m thirsting for.

How are you doing? Have you started? Do you plan to start? I would love the hear. Drop a comment and share your challenges and struggles.