A new word got added to the Collins dictionary on 04/09/12. That word is ‘hangry’: the irrational irritation one gets when he or she is hungry. Not everybody succumbs to this irrational state; but it turns out, I do.
Watching people eat burgers and sausages at the graduation BBQ the last night was just about too much. Then today I got distracted cleaning and ended up waiting too long for lunch. My skin has broken out (which though may be unrelated, I’m blaming on lack of fruit and veg). I want a cup of TEA.
All of a sudden the ugly traits of hanger were upon me. I was irritated. I was hungry. I was angry.
And it was IRRATIONAL. My feelings were completely dictated by my stomach. I wasn’t starving, I’m not undernourished; I was just a little hungry, but I had completely abandoned my composure.
40 days and 40 nights Jesus didn’t eat in the dessert, He was tempted by Satan himself, offered the entire world and yet not once did he falter in His resolve. Jesus didn’t worship his stomach; he could look beyond himself to a bigger goal.
Food, comfort, pleasure; just a few more of the false altars at which I make a daily offering. Each to be laid down at the altar of my God; each to be consumed in the refiners fire.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
The Caffeine-free Chronciles.
I have been floating round the house with mugs of water in an attempt to trick my mind into thinking its getting caffeine. If you know me at all, you will know that I love tea. And coffee too for that matter. So as I reach half way through my Live Below the Line challenge it isn't so much the microwaved frozen veg or plain sticky rice that is making me countdown the days...its missing the comforting embrace of a nice cup of tea. But so far it has been going well;
Day 1 was spent in Belfast city for lunch and coffee with friends...which looked delicious for them but tasted like tap water for me. But I enjoyed my chocolate spread sandwich as soon as we left the cafe so all was okay.
I did feel hunger pangs by the time I had got home after walking around the city all day, so was thankful when David arrived for date night. Monday night is usually our big treat night; eating out or cooking great dishes and eating way too much dessert. This time, needless to say, was a little different but though the quality of food left a little to be desired I was just as (if not more) thankful to be provided with sustenance.
Day 2 I spent mainly at home which gave me a little more time to think about what the challenge is actually about. What is a sponsored week for me is reality for others and that hits hard over spoonfuls of plain cous cous. I read Acts 4 description of the early church where I'm told "they had EVERYTHING in common." There was not a needy person among them because each sold their possessions and laid them at the apostles feet so it could be "distributed to each as any had need." What do I have in common with my brothers and sisters living in poverty? Certainly not everything. Do our lifestyles reflect that we are part of one body? In the same way it would be strange for one person to be dressed in designer clothes and rags is there not a disconnect if Christ's united bride is clothed in both finery and rags whilst on earth? Surely the same needs that were present in the early church times still exist so why has the distribution ceased to continue? Day 2's prayer is that God might be revealing to me my role in distribution, and my role in meeting the needs of His beloved people.
Day 3 I was out and about for the whole day which really showed me how much I rely on eating out. So as to not get stranded with nothing to eat I had to prepare a sandwich and cous cous snack with plenty of bottled water in the morning to make sure I would have enough energy for the full day and was still glad by the time we made it home for a rice dinner...again...although this time I enjoyed my first piece from my much anticipated packet of bacon!!! Morning of day 3 was frustratingly slow without my coffee kickstart, but I eventually got out of the house and it was a good day.
Day 4 has arrived and I’m half way through, looking forward to Tesco value beans on toast for lunch! Its not so much that I’m feeling hungry as the boredom of the same plain foods that is getting to me at this point. And again social plans have had to change as the cinema won’t be accompanied by a meal out with friends tonight. BUT my morale has been boosted as sponsors are starting to come in. So far I’m almost at £200 that I know about which really helps it feel worthwhile. If you could sponsor me even a little please let me know! Thanks for following my updates, not long to go now!
Day 1 was spent in Belfast city for lunch and coffee with friends...which looked delicious for them but tasted like tap water for me. But I enjoyed my chocolate spread sandwich as soon as we left the cafe so all was okay. I did feel hunger pangs by the time I had got home after walking around the city all day, so was thankful when David arrived for date night. Monday night is usually our big treat night; eating out or cooking great dishes and eating way too much dessert. This time, needless to say, was a little different but though the quality of food left a little to be desired I was just as (if not more) thankful to be provided with sustenance.Day 2 I spent mainly at home which gave me a little more time to think about what the challenge is actually about. What is a sponsored week for me is reality for others and that hits hard over spoonfuls of plain cous cous. I read Acts 4 description of the early church where I'm told "they had EVERYTHING in common." There was not a needy person among them because each sold their possessions and laid them at the apostles feet so it could be "distributed to each as any had need." What do I have in common with my brothers and sisters living in poverty? Certainly not everything. Do our lifestyles reflect that we are part of one body? In the same way it would be strange for one person to be dressed in designer clothes and rags is there not a disconnect if Christ's united bride is clothed in both finery and rags whilst on earth? Surely the same needs that were present in the early church times still exist so why has the distribution ceased to continue? Day 2's prayer is that God might be revealing to me my role in distribution, and my role in meeting the needs of His beloved people.Day 3 I was out and about for the whole day which really showed me how much I rely on eating out. So as to not get stranded with nothing to eat I had to prepare a sandwich and cous cous snack with plenty of bottled water in the morning to make sure I would have enough energy for the full day and was still glad by the time we made it home for a rice dinner...again...although this time I enjoyed my first piece from my much anticipated packet of bacon!!! Morning of day 3 was frustratingly slow without my coffee kickstart, but I eventually got out of the house and it was a good day.
Day 4 has arrived and I’m half way through, looking forward to Tesco value beans on toast for lunch! Its not so much that I’m feeling hungry as the boredom of the same plain foods that is getting to me at this point. And again social plans have had to change as the cinema won’t be accompanied by a meal out with friends tonight. BUT my morale has been boosted as sponsors are starting to come in. So far I’m almost at £200 that I know about which really helps it feel worthwhile. If you could sponsor me even a little please let me know! Thanks for following my updates, not long to go now!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Mindless spending: thoughts as I anticipate the start of the live below the line challenge.
It was a thoughtful walk home from Tesco for me this evening. I had just completed my shop for the coming week, where my decision to do the 'Live below the Line Challenge' from the 9th to the 15th July will take effect. Seven days eating on a total budget of £7 lie ahead in an effort to open my eyes a little to the reality of 1 in 6 people worldwide who live below the poverty line on less than £1 a day. As well as looking to learn from the experience I will be receiving sponsorship to raise money for our tip to do missions in Romania next month. The challenge seems appropriate as a preparation for part of what we will be doing out there; a two night 'Bush Camp' designed to simulate living in poverty. This will include what we eat and where we sleep down to the fact we will be going shower and cosmetic free!
So I have bought my groceries, faced the embarrassment of having to pay then put a few items back on the shelf because they were over my budget, and this is what I could afford;
I am very excited that bacon was £1, and feeling confident that I will be able to make it. But note that there is no coffee or tea bags on that list so if you know me at all you might be praying for those who will have to spend time with me over the next week!
On a more serious note though, it did shock me that on a second receipt from the same trip you would see that I spent £7.55 on a picnic lunch for David and I tomorrow. That's MORE than the next weeks budget spent on one simple lunch. What does this say about the value I put on money? Am I being a good steward of what I have in my hand? As I walked home I thought about what will come of the money I save next week; will it make it into a tithe, or go towards my sponsor kids, to support missions or even simply buy a bunch of flowers to let a friend know they are loved? More likely it would get lost among other mindless expenditures; new summer clothes, entertainment, expensive shampoo. I never really considered myself extravagant with spending but I know at times I am mindless. But can I afford to be mindless when living on £1 a day is the reality for some?
(If you are able to sponsor me, it would be most appreciated; money will be going towards the cost of our teams trip to Romania and resources out there such as the children's bible club we will be running. Donations can be made online by following the green button on this page http://www.exodusonline.org.uk/teams/team-10-ex-change-romania-2014/ or I will have a sponsor sheet if you wish to give me the money in person. Thank you so much!).
So I have bought my groceries, faced the embarrassment of having to pay then put a few items back on the shelf because they were over my budget, and this is what I could afford;
I am very excited that bacon was £1, and feeling confident that I will be able to make it. But note that there is no coffee or tea bags on that list so if you know me at all you might be praying for those who will have to spend time with me over the next week!
On a more serious note though, it did shock me that on a second receipt from the same trip you would see that I spent £7.55 on a picnic lunch for David and I tomorrow. That's MORE than the next weeks budget spent on one simple lunch. What does this say about the value I put on money? Am I being a good steward of what I have in my hand? As I walked home I thought about what will come of the money I save next week; will it make it into a tithe, or go towards my sponsor kids, to support missions or even simply buy a bunch of flowers to let a friend know they are loved? More likely it would get lost among other mindless expenditures; new summer clothes, entertainment, expensive shampoo. I never really considered myself extravagant with spending but I know at times I am mindless. But can I afford to be mindless when living on £1 a day is the reality for some?
(If you are able to sponsor me, it would be most appreciated; money will be going towards the cost of our teams trip to Romania and resources out there such as the children's bible club we will be running. Donations can be made online by following the green button on this page http://www.exodusonline.org.uk/teams/team-10-ex-change-romania-2014/ or I will have a sponsor sheet if you wish to give me the money in person. Thank you so much!).
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