Hey guys, I wanted us to be able to share some of the things God is revealing to us or that we are feeling convicted about during the fast and I wanted to be open to sharing my experience so far. I have become aware of some personal challenges and convictions that I want to share. First off, I have to admit that I haven't been praying as much as I had planned on but through His grace, God has been able to work in me regardless of my short comings and certainly, He has revealed that I have many but that He is always sovereign. One thing I realized is that, similar to Lee, I tried to create a sense of comfort but to the point of over-indulgence. I tried to see all the ways I could make this easier for myself so that I wouldn't view it as such a sacrifice. I ate everything on the list that I liked and tried never to go hungry. I ate more than I would normally eat to make up for the things I had to forgo. I met all my own needs as I could, taking this fast into my own control. The Lord made me aware that I hadn't given this fast completely over to him among other things and wasn't trusting Him to meet my needs. I actually focused more on food (what I could eat, when I could eat, where I could eat) then ever before as I tried to make sure I didn't feel the full sting of what I viewed as a huge sacrifice. I have been convicted not to view this as huge sacrifice but as an act of worship, given joyfully and without obligation. On the flip side, God is teaching me to count my blessings. When I have less to eat or less in general, I am thankful for more. Thankful for the things I can eat and convicted not to focus on what I can't. He has also given me abounding grace as I have been able to give up things I never thought possible. This is the first time I have done a fast such as this and I really didn't think id be able to do it in all honesty. I know without grace, I would have given in long a go. I hope this is an encouragement to those who can relate. God is working regardless of our inadequacies.