August 13: Midway Thru

Wow! I have had a crazy 2 weeks! Over the past few days I have had many thoughts about this challenge, but have been without internet due to moving to a new place.

Throughout this month, I have faced many temptations to have a "non-water" drink. However, each time, I remember why I have given it up. It feels good to know that I have made it this far! My body honestly feels WAY better without all the sugar and caffeine being pumped into it... Perhaps I should keep this scaled back for the rest of my life.

One of the hardest parts of this month has been serving at the coffee cart at church. My friend and I both help out with it...and are both doing this months challenge... On a normal week, we would make ourselves drinks which we can have for free since we volunteer. The first week of not being able to make a drink was really hard. I would have loved to make myself an iced chai or iced mocha. It was tough! Yesterday, the second week of this month, the temptation was not nearly as strong. I had a cup of water with me at all times...and the only time I was sad was when I had left over steamed soy which I couldn't drink! Lol. Other than that, I didn't miss it.

The other really challenging day was move in day! It was HOT...and I wanted something more than water. One of my friends kept saying we should have some Gatorade. The thought crossed my mind that I should have some. But after praying about it, I realized I did not feel peace about making this decision. At the end of the day, I was so glad I had chosen to stick with water (and lots of it!!).

I do walk by people drinking lemonade and want some. Or I buy a hot dog at Costco which comes with a drink that I fill with water. Or see someone making coffee and want it. Yet most of the time, I am content with water. Frankly, I think I am a lot better at keeping myself hydrated this month than I ever have been before. I thought when it started getting hot that this was a bad month to pick to have no drinks besides water, but in retrospect this was the best time to only have water. I keep myself hydrated!

Honestly, I can't say that I have had any huge revelation through this experience...any AH HA moment of what God's showing me. I'm not even sure I could explain in words what God is showing me. All the same, I know He is at work. The simple act of denying myself what I want when I want it brings me closer to God. So often I pout when I don't get I want. Yet through choosing to say no to something, it reorients my life so that I am not the center. God is drawing me closer to Him as He teaches me to trust Him. After all, HE is the LIVING WATER! I need to spend more time hydrating my soul on His WATER instead of filling it with all the other "drinks" in this world that "taste better." (Wow. That revelation came to me as I was writing. ;) )

I have begun to have an idea for September...but nothing for sure yet... One thing I'm DEFINITELY learning this summer is that God likes to work very last minute. For a planner, that's a bit hard to adjust to, but oh how freeing it is!!!

Anyone else doing this with me??

August 1: Start of Month One

Well, today is the day! I'm beginning an adventure that I have no idea how it will go or end! And man, I'm starting off with a bang--working both jobs and volunteering at church.

Now, what you've been waiting for! (Or maybe not...but I'll pretend :P) For the month of August I am giving up all drinks besides water. Basically, I will not be drinking anything besides water. This includes soda, tea, coffee, lemonade, etc. Non-water (sugary) drinks are often a way for me to "de-stress" or make a day better. Instead of turning to God for strength, comfort, and renewal, I find myself turning to Starbucks...or the fridge... This month, I want to, through God's strength, turn to God Himself for those things.

I've already faced temptation today: a coupon to Juice It Up (my favorite smoothie place) that expires before the month is over, volunteering at my church's coffee shop and being offered an ice mocha, and having a long day that makes me want caffeine. But stronger than all of those is the temptation to take this all into my own hands instead of living a life surrendered to God. That challenge is going to continue through the rest of the year... My prayer is that I remain faithful and do truly use this time to draw closer to God. I don't want to use this for attention, but that temptation is there as well.

Prayers appreciated!

P.S. I also love comments just so I know whose reading. ;) Not necessary, but I do enjoy them!