7: Day 17

Well, today is Pi Day here in math class and my tradition is to have some challenges/competitions and then indulge in delicious pie that my students bring in. You know how I hate to break traditions. I'm having an inner battle right now. Do I participate in a sacred math holiday (also Albert Einstein's birthday) or do I participate in something really sacred (a re:fast). Tough call.

7: Day 2

Quite possibly the worst day of my life. That might be an exaggeration but it was a very painful day. Given that I usually have a lot of caffeine each day my headaches were out of this world. Plus, I haven't been eating like I usually do so my energy is at an all time low. I was dragging all day, especially after school. I was ready to get in the fetal position for the rest of the night. I'm hoping the headaches go away soon and my body adjusts.
This is good for me. I just don't like it.

7: Day 1

Today was awesome. I felt so great. One of my weaknesses (spiritually and otherwise) is saying "no." No, I can't go to that game. No thanks, I don't want any pie. Not today, maybe some other time. I have a hard time saying "no." I really believe that this exercise in saying no will be good for me and our small group.
So if you're joining late and you didn't watch the Jen Hatmaker 7 video earlier this month here is what we are setting out to do. Our small group, while reading through Jen's book 7, is practicing what she is preaching (or in reality following in her footsteps). We are fasting from the excess that is all around us (here in the US). We are so rich that we throw away our leftovers many weeks because we want something different that night instead of eating food that is a day or two old and has been sitting in our stainless steel refrigerator. What? How many folks around the globe are dying because they don't have enough. They don't have enough rice and beans. Or whatever they can afford or beg for.
I'm hoping this exercise really helps me become more aware of those that suffer. Those that go to be hungry every night. I'm hoping God uses this month to change me. I know that He can if I will just be open to change.
So here are my 7 foods for the month (28 days). Yes 28 days. And yes, only 7 foods.
Chicken (prepared with Olive Oil and salt and pepper only), Peanut Butter (needed another protein and something I could snack on), Biscuits (I really think they will be so good with anything), Broccoli (my favorite since I was a kid), Carrots (great raw but not so great cooked - maybe I'll get used to them), Apples, and Potatoes. Again any cooked can only be cooked with Olive Oil and salt and pepper. And my drink for the month? Water. Yes. This might be the hardest part for me. I literally drink 3-4 diet sodas a day. If not a soda then I get some sweet tea (especially at lunch).
Good luck to the rest of my compadres as well: Erin Harsh (gluten free already so she gives up so much now and gonna go without her sacred coffee as well as giving up sugar), Hong and Kurt Davis, Emma and Chris Troupe, and Lonnie and Beverly Latham (just adopted a baby boy so they will have some meals delivered for the next week or so and then start 7 late).