Still busy, but settling in....

It's hard to believe that two months have passed since my second son was born.  It's been over a month since I have updated.  

As of my last posting, I was ending a fast and about to take a week off.  Well, I allowed myself to indulge in some chocolate, but discovered something unpleasant.  I'm exclusively breastfeeding my son, and chocolate upsets his tummy.  It was a little disappointing and I fought with myself about it.  On one hand, I felt I deserved to enjoy some chocolate, but I hated seeing him cry and squirm as he experienced a tummy ache.  So I actually did not indulge as much as I planned, which was probably a blessing in disguise.  

After my week off, I began again on September 14.  I did not have a sense of needing to add something else, so I kept with no chocolate/sodas/candy.  I have one week left on this 40 days and it is very interesting to me to see how my attitude has changed.  During this 40 days I have had chocolate three times.  So yes, I did break my fast.  However, each time was not a result of weakness.  I wasn't faced with a temptation that I could not stand.  I could have said no each time.  And interestingly enough, I did not feel guilty after indulging.  It has definitely gotten easier to say No.  

That being said, this past week I have become aware of cravings I am having for sweets, chocolate included.  I am reminded of the verse about staying alert so that I will not fall into temptation.  I have enjoyed some success and I'm seeing a lessening of the hold of those things in my life.  But I must not become prideful, lest I fall back into old ways.  

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith..."  1 Peter 5:8-9

 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."   Matthew 26:41

Praise God for His faithfulness to me.  He has brought me so far during this year.  I'm so thankful that He continues to work in my life, giving me strength to withstand temptation and offering ways of escape.