From: Coburn Larson
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 2:33 PM
Subject: Fasting today....2:20
I decided I was going to fast today. I remembered my decision after my drive to work- after coffee & cereal. I skipped lunch, had lots of water. It's been a while since I've "gone to bed for dinner." Seems like a good day for it.
What does it feel like?
There is a combination of light-headed euphoria and empty-stomach discomfort. A little nervous energy (metabolosm?). A llittle grumpyness. Not so easy to focus in conversation though mental capicity is not suffering too much yet.
What is my body saying?
Stomach is speaking- "Argh. What are you doing...are you nuts? I need food."
Mind is speaking- "Whoa dude I'm like spacing out, man."
Soul is speaking- "Right on, brother. Give a little something up for Jesus who gave everything for you."
NOTE: The soul is in charge of this day.
More to follow.
Followup: June 30
No break in the fast. Packing fruit for the day and I'm going for another. No coffee, no beer, giving it all up except fruit, veggies, and natural fluids.
For His glory and His temple.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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4 comments:
Update from Coby, 2:20 PM
I'm at 30 hours. Only fruit and juices since 8:30 yesterday.
Body is alternating saying: "You're okay. Eat. Okay. Eat."
Mind is saying: "you're strong. This is good. Keep going."
Soul is saying: "Thank you. Now take your somewhat altered state and "press in"."
Minding the soul is a tough one while juggling a work day.
Update from Coby, June 30, 9:30 PM
The fast broke this evening amongst the smell of kettle corn and my favorite local bluegrass band playing at Sonoma's farmer's market. I was weak and I've prayed for forgiveness- and here's the rest of the story.
I decided to ride with some Sonoma town locals tomorrow AM. That decision was selfish knowing that without food in my stomach the ride would be dangerous for me- calories are crucial for cycling and I had to eat before morning. I am comfortable that I ate after 34 hours with no food. It was not the homemade meatloaf pannini I ate that I am ashamed of (oh yes, it was terrific!). When I was asked by a handful of my old crew- not-Christians- "what was I thinking not eating?" (see below for details). I was not bold in my commitment to be fasting in faith. I've asked God for forgiveness for being weak and not being more bold in my faith.
Later I talked in more detail with my best friend of that crew- and she did not try to understand one bit. There is irony though that she could not believe that I went longer than 4 hours without food. She knows me- most times to not feed me is asking for a Coby-sized mean grizzly bear roaming the streets (referenced above- this fact is well known by those who know me best ;-) ). I told her that I was beyond myself in this food-less period- superhuman. She said "whatever" but glory to God it's true. I was barely grumpy and towards the end of the day today. I was calm, centered and feeling very satisfied in my empty stomach. I was even able to close my afternoon in bible study before heading to the market with the kids. I find strength in God...things are not just okay they are incredible.
Did I consider the hungry in the world during my fast?
Yes. What's more I remembered how blessed I am to "choose" to fast. Most people in the US can't fathom what it's like to really be hungry....literally starving and malnourished. I felt embarrassed in myself trying to even consider a parallel. Life here is abundant: this vessel- His temple- our body- often over-fed. What blessed stewards are we? Praise be to God.
I will need more spiritual food like this soon. Bring on those challenges, Dave. AGAIN!
You sad bastards. Just eat. What is wrong with you?
LOL. Fasting - when there is food all around us - must seem foolish.
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