The Beginning of the Fast

 Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the lent season. For the first time in my life I will actually be observing Lent. For the next 46 days I will be eating strictly raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans(Daniel Fast). This will be quite the change in my diet as I have recently been eating tons of processed meats, cheeses, and noodles. 

 My flatmates and I just got back from our first shopping experience to start off the fasting. What an experience it was. I have never spent my entire time grocery shopping in the produce section. After about 45 minutes we had a cart full and ready to go. We have also purged our apartment of all things not Daniel Fast appropriate. 

 I am expected a great spiritual awareness during this season. I hope to get back to the point where I rely wholly on God. I already know that I will be tempted often to stray even the slightest bit from the strict diet I have agreed to. In these moments I pray that I can be strong and that it draws me nearer to God. 

 I ask that you consider praying for my flatmates and myself, as well as the others embarking on such a journey. There are a little over 20 of us that have decided to take part in the Daniel Fast during Lent. Some people are not going to stick to the bare minimum for health or other reasons. I, however, feel led to stay strict in order to get back to that place that I once was with my Father.

 I plan to post a new blog at least three times a week, if not more, as I journey deep into a diet completely against my norm. I would love to get feedback with your thoughts and prayers as well as what you are giving up for lent if you are to partake. Thank you for reading and have a blessed day. 

Suggested Topic #1

I have decided to open up my blog for topic suggestions. Basically this is a motivator to keep me writing when I don't have any fresh ideas. If you'd like to suggest a topic send a tweet to @GregRiffle and be sure to include your topic as well as the hashtag #BeardedBalanceIdea.

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My first suggested topic comes from my good friend Shelby.

@Shelbs28 

"@GregRiffle #BeardedBalanceIdea: Write about how awesome you think I am and the joys of having me as your best friend. Lol."

 In 2007 I went on my very first mission trip with the student ministry of Granger Community Church. The trip was local and focused on partnerships with organizations in our own community. I still hadn't known very many people at this point since I was still pretty new to the whole church scene.

 When I first arrived at the hotel I took my bags to the meeting room and saw a few tables set up and a handful of people talking to one another. I mingled a little bit here and there and started to learn some names and faces. One of these people was a girl named Shelby Trusty. 

 Shelby is the type of person many people want to know. She is sweet, sincere, honest, and kind. She has a heart that will change the lives of many people. The joy she has in serving in the student ministry is beyond remarkable. 

 Through the years we have grown to know each other on a deep level. If I ever need any sort of advice or just need someone to talk to, she is there for me. She has given me a lot of spiritual advice that has helped shape me into who I am. 

 From time to time we argue and bicker at one another. However, even in these times, I know I am deeply blessed to have her in my life. She is my closest friend and without her in my life, I'd be even more of a mess than I am. I don't think I could ever have a better friend than I do in her. 

 Oh, and one more thing, she has a beautiful singing voice! If you have been blessed by her singing, you can think me later for encouraging her to get on stage and share it with you. :p