I'm a consumer and I consume to satisfy cravings.  However, I'm learning that this type of consumption is not good for my health.

I've been working on losing weight recently so I have been paying close attention to what I have been physically consuming.  It's going pretty well.  Since mid January I'm down almost 30 pounds.  The process is relatively simple.  I need to consume less calories than my body will burn.  Simple math.  Create a deficient and you lose weight.  The trick is knowing what to eat.

Through this journey, I've learned that not all calories are created equal.  100 calories of chocolate and a 100 calories of salad look vastly different besides the obvious.  The main benefit to choosing the more healthy option is that I can consume more of it.  With the added benefit of it being good for me.  This is all fine and good but I've come to realize that I need to apply a similar process to what I consume with my mind and with my time.

So I'm going on another type of diet.  A diet for my time and focus.  Instead of playing games on my iPhone and/or iPad, I'm going to read a book instead.  Truth be told, I have plenty to keep me busy.  I did something similar a while back and was able to get through a couple of books.  It had a positive impact on my patience and overall mood.  Incrementally, I'm making positive changes and waiting for the results!

We're now on Day 4 and I'm still feeling strong.  But I'm a little hungry.

A selfish failure

I'm a selfish failure.  I guess a manner of explanation is in order.  I have for too long chased after my own desires for fulfillment.  Who better to know how to satisfy me than the one who created me.  Why chase after bread that spoils instead of the bread and wine that give true and everlasting sustenance.  Like Peter said "where can we go, Lord for you have the words of everlasting life."

I find myself going through cycles of "busyness and distraction".  These are great tools used by the enemy to keep us spun up and confused.  My wife remarked today that she noticed I have been playing games a lot more recently.  She has also noticed a change in my general demeanor and mood.  I seem drawn out and run down.  It's because I'm not filling myself from the true source.

A few months ago I went on somewhat of a distraction fast.  I spent the time I would normally spend playing games reading books instead.  I remember feeling good about the time I was investing and felt like I was accomplishing something.  Well, it's time to go back to that.

So, I'm back focused on the journey ahead.  This is now day 3 of my 40 day journey.  Stick with me.  It's starting to get good.

And so it begins

I've started walking with God. I mean, I'm literally walking with Him. For a while now, every morning, I have gotten out of bed, put on some clothes, and gone for a walk. Just me, God and my dog, Hank
. During these walks, I've been amazed to discover that although I am active, I am also still. It sounds a little strange, but it's true. I pray, I listen and I wait on God to respond. In the moments of quiet while I listen patiently for His words, I am serene, silent and at peace.

It has occurred to me now that I have been doing this for a while, how much I really need this time. Yes, I'm getting physical exercise. Yes, I'm outside and taking in fresh air. But it's much more than just those things. I am making a choice. I am choosing to spend time alone with God. I have chosen a designated time out of my "busy" schedule to make a date with God. Do you want to know the best part? He has never once stood me up. He shows up. Every single time.

It was during one of my walks that God impressed upon me the idea of writing this blog. It's meant to be a trip journal, so to speak. He wants me to share lessons I learn, images I see, words I hear, and wonders I experience. It is my hope that others who read this blog will do the same by leaving their comments. The Church needs to love, support, and encourage one other. I would like this blog to be a place where that happens.

This is now day 2 of my journey.  If you are just now joining in, welcome!  I hope you'll stay with me for the rest of the 40 day challenge!

One of our neighborhood deer!

The journey of 40 blog posts begins with a single word.

This morning during my quiet time, God challenged me to write a blog post a day for 40 days.  There is some background needed here.  You see, I'm a writer.  The problem is I haven't been writing.  I'm a Christian who believes and loves God but I haven't been spending time with Him.  This exercise is an attempt to do both.  I'm not sure what God is going to do, but I'm committed to following Him and finding out.

I liken it to taking a trip to a place I've never been.  Obviously, I'm nervous and excited.  Luckily, I have an expert Guide.  I'm sure He'll take me places I never knew existed.  He'll encourage me to do things I never dreamed possible.  I'll be pushed, stretched, and probably, at times, exhausted.  But at the same time, I will also be close to my God.  I can't wait to see what He shows me.

In the meantime, I'll journal the places I visit, the people I meet and the lessons I learn along the way.

I hope that you'll follow along by reading my writings and I pray that they will encourage you to either start or continue your own journey.  So, grab your walking stick and backpack.  I'll see you on the trail.  Don't forget the snacks.