Friday, March 21, 2025
“No Sugars In Food or Drink”
Arggh! This Friday, the Lenten Challenge is literally for the birds. Birds are happy with unpolluted drinks, but not me. If I can’t get my sugar and caffeine, I’m likely to be a little edgy. Thankfully, caffeine is okay today, as long as I don’t add any sweeteners. Dad gum! No Mountain Dew!
I’m not convinced that this Challenge is good for me. Natural sugars are okay, which should be helpful. Orange Juice is fine because the sugar is natural. I suppose one could say that honey, molasses, and the like are okay, but brown sugar and maple syrup are illegal. The real point of this challenge is for me to pay attention to how much sugar and artificial sweetener I put in my coffee, how much Mountain Dew and Coca-Cola I drink each day, and how often I choose sugar-added foods and drinks at restaurants.
Thankfully, this Challenge only lasts for 24 hours. Since I haven’t consumed any sugar since dinnertime last night, I only need to make it to about 7 pm tonight before I consume sugar. Essentially, by the time dessert is served tonight, I should be in the clear. Of course, I gave up sweets for the entire Lenten Season, so dessert isn’t going to help. At least I’ll be able to have my normal morning drinks tomorrow morning. No big deal! I’ll make it!
Today’s Lenten Challenge is to remove sugars and sweeteners from our diets today. No Mountain Dews, no sweetener in your coffee, and if your normal creamer is filled with sugar and artificial flavors, that’s illegal, too. Be smart. Be creative. Do something for God. No matter what you do, God will honor it.
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” (Revelation 4:11, NIV)
