I’ve had a few times that I’ve fasted from all forms of sweets for different lengths of times….this has really helped me in my relationship with god because every time it gets tempting to break my commitment I just remember “I’m doing this for God!”. A few times I’ve done it for a specific person and situation and that has also helped my relationship with God and my self-discipline because I think about this person and talk to God every time I do and say a prayer for that person.
And, like you said Brady, it helps me be more thankful for the things I have!!
Love you and yur family! Tell them hi! Tell them to visit my blog!

I think for me, the giving up of things (like your sanity) you’re use to is part of the attraction on chaperoning a youth event and I’m serious when I say this.

Those of us who have been to Bible Camp or on youth trips know that as adults, we give up our schedule to be on theirs.

This might be a reach but it was the first thing that came to mind when I thought about your post.

The person who was supposed to bring donuts forgot and that was the major topic of discussion. One of the class members was asked to write down prayer requests and he said, half-jokingly, “How can I be expected to pray on an empty stomach?”

Now, I’m no Bible scholar, but it seems to me that prayer and fasting go pretty well together.

I could vent more but my point is this: sometimes I think we need to give something up to A) help us focus on other things and B) give us a greater appreciation for what we temporarily sacrifice.

I’m going to encourage my class to give up donuts for Lent.