It's true. I'm a certifiable chocoholic. My prayer partner sent me a note pad that says "Chocolate is the answer, no matter the question." My mom gave me a mug that reads, "God sends no stress that chocolate and prayer can't handle." Even while living overseas it didn't take long for the nationals to realize I love that delectable sweet. They kept me well supplied as it is the custom to bring a gift to your neighbor's home when you visit. (Well, there was that time some one brought me a fifth of Vodka! We didn't drink it of course, but I had to laugh at the scandal it could have raised in the states "Southern Baptist Pastor seen with a fifth!" LOL)

I've been doing some thinking, and I want it on record that there really are some things I crave MORE than chocolate:

1. Unity in the Body of Christ
2. Guidance for DS17 who is graduating this year
3. My children's purity in heart, mind, and body
4. Blessed family relationships
5. Salvation for (certain friends and family)
6. Wisdom, discernment and balance

There are more, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Along with this I've been pondering this thing called "fasting". It's a discipline I wasn't taught growing up. Only recently has it been seriously even mentioned in our church. I suppose Baptists like to eat too much. Some of my questions have been, "How does this work? Am I trying to manipulate God? Does it score brownie (no pun intended) points and show my 'worthiness'?"

I'm beginning to see that it is not about getting God's attention or favor - those are already min in Christ. It is about deepening my hunger for God and His work in my life and the lives of those I'm interceding for. I turn those cravings that take over my thoughts and reasoning heavenward and pray, "Lord, I crave (insert prayer) more than I crave chocolate (or whatever I'm fasting from). Please satisfy this longing. Amen"

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled"
~ Matthew 5:6