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!