A new start means trying new things...

So, excited is an understatement.  Coming off of such a great weekend (shoutout) has helped give me the perfect boost into this DOPE journey.  I've already tried new things and let go of old weights.  I'm reminded how important it is to physically change things in order to fully receive the newness we claim and deserve.  We have the power to reach that "NEW" level in Christ with work.  The will to change is what creates the newness.  Faith without works is dead (James2:17).  Having FAITH that something new will enter your life, without putting in WORK to change bad habits and mentalities is literally a DEAD feat. 

So I welcome the change.  Its been hard to let things go, specifically habits that we've grown attached to, but the reward is so great, and it just makes the work THAT much more worth it.  This revelation is evidence of the greatness that is happening as a result of this time of consecration.  See, the power isn't in what is subtracted (from my diet) but in fact, the power is in what is added as a result of their marked absence.  I NEED God all the time (obviously)... But without these other mini pleasures, like sinking my teeth into a piece of hot fried chicken (mmmm), I am forced to seek that same :mmmmmmmm: tasty moment by adding to my relationship with Christ.  I find my spiritual fried chicken and mac and cheese, and I am fulfilled more than the physical could even try to. 

Pause for the feeling of spritual fulfillment. 

As a treat, I've included pictures of my first two meals.  Yesterday, I had polenta cakes topped with sauteed spinach&mushrooms in a tomato, basil, and garlic sauce.  It was pretty delicious, I must say!  I was proud that I tried something different.  And eventhough my grocery bill was significantly higher, I chalked it up to the couple of times I would have gone out to eat for lunch or dinner this week.  When my family told me they were coming into town and we would venture to Carolina Kitchen, I was all types of frustrated.  But this is a sacrifice and if it were easy to resist, it wouldn't be a sacrifice.  So I went to Carolina Kitchen, and had theee most AMAZING salmon salad ever!  And no, I would've NEVER had that salmon salad had I not been on this fast, but I WILL be recreating it at some point!! 

Lunch-Polenta Cakes toped with Spinach&Mushrooms in a tomato basil and garlic sauce

Dinner: Salmon Salad&Balsamic VinaigretteDressing

And so... I'm happy :)

I'm about to go snack on my veggie crisps and hummus.

and I'll be just fiinnee

satisfied