Day 4 of 21 of the Daniel Fast

I really am doing good. Although my sugar habits are still around. I am bored with eating! Funny how that has happened. I don't overeat at meals right now. Of course, if I am honest I am not that thrilled about what I am eating. But I find it very interesting that my body doesn't think it needs as much when I eat the 'real' stuff. I do believe this is an eye opening moment for me. Who know what will happen by day 21! God is good and HE has gifted us with incredible amounts of food. I think I am finding that I over indulge way way way too much. :(

Day 3 of 21

I must say, I miss my coffee! But the good thing is I really don't feel too bad. I have not been hungry, in fact I often feel full most of the day. The habit of eating snacks it continually there. I think it is just as a reminder of my temptation to fill my time with them. As far as the spiritual side of things, I do feel a closer connection to my true Sustainer! I recognize the need to rely on HIM for strength and perseverance. Yesterday, I didn't have the headache I had the first day. Thank the Lord! Last night I played basketball and had plenty of energy. The backs of my thighs have been aching like I am dehydrated, but I am drinking water constantly. I guess I need to see how to get electrolites into my system. What impresses me the most through all of this is my two older kids: Jalen and Brenna. They are troopers! They have not complained once, but they have been completely strong. This is very encouraging to me. I praise God for my children. The younger two: Bella and Josiah are not participating. We decided for them it was too much of a challenge for them, but we have taken away much of the sugar intake for both of them. They have held on courageously as well. Thank you Lord for your teachable moments. May this Fast continue on for your glory and your revealing. Speak as we listen...

Day 2 of 21 in the Daniel Fast!

Ok, I think I commented too quickly yesterday! I ended up having a tremendously big headache that began about 3:00. I finally went to bed around 9:30. The good thing is that I woke up this morning without a headache - yet! While I will admit that I am totally addicted to caffeine, I also realized how much I like bad foods - a lot. I don't mind eating healthy, I just mind eating healthy for more than one meal a day. :) Of course, I also admit that I like the cheap fattening foods better than the healthy alternative. But the bigger part of all of this is WHY I am in this to begin with. I must remind myself that when I want something that I cannot have - I need to run to HIM. I need HIS strength. I need HIS direction. I need HIS presence. I need HIM and nothing else. I need HIS nourishment, not a piece of chocolate. I need HIM and nothing else. I need HIS companionship, not the comfort of coffee. I need HIM and nothing else. I need HIS life for me, not the shallow life of the things of this world. I need HIM and nothing else. Lord Jesus, may I find comfort and contentment in YOU and YOU alone! Praise HIM and nothing else.

Day One of Twenty-One - Daniel Fast!

Okay, so today didn't start out too bad. However, I did miss the wonderful aroma of coffee waiting for me. I did have a great morning with God! but my reading was a little difficult having a feeling of sluggishness. But Breakfast wasn't bad. Lunch was great - hummus and salsa plus wheat grain tortilla will with beans, rice and stuff! (ha ha) I think my fear has been overcome and it is the only the first day. (I wonder if I will be thinking this about day 5!) I have had a slight headache, most likely from the lack of caffeine. But very manageable. The good thing is that I have a lot to do this week, so plenty of distractions from my selfish, habitual lifestyle. I am really excited about my learning from God during this 21 days. I really think in a few days the food side will be much easier. Day one 1/2 way over!

“The Daniel Fast!”

What have you done lately to stretch yourself spiritually, physically and mentally? For some of us, it is the ‘Daniel Fast’! We are going on a bold journey to deny ourselves of some luxuries in this life, dedicating to God so that we may hear HIM a little clearer. In the first chapter of Daniel, we see the words… “Daniel resolved.” He determined to do something that was unheard of by the Babylonian people. Daniel was determined not to live like what was deemed as the rich lifestyle. In a conversation with the guard, Daniel persuaded him to give it a ten day trial. At the end of the tens days, these men who resolved to be different were noticeably “healthier looking and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal rood.” (Daniel 1:15) After this the guard took away the “choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.” So for the next three years as they continued their training, they ate only vegetables and drank water. WOW. So for 21 days we challenged FC3 partners to join us in this adventure of resolving to eat healthier, according to a book titled “The Daniel fast: Feed your soul, strengthen your spirit, and renew your body.” By Susan Gregory. A few things we are confident in with the 21 days. It takes 21 days to form a habit (and I assume to break bad habits  ) Our desire in doing this is threefold: 1. To open the eyes to each of us just how much food – specifically bad food – has a hold on us. Also in this eye opening experience that we will see how much better we feel physically by abstaining from sugary and fatty foods. 2. To have a detox of body and soul. During this fast we are providing a 21 day devotional time to help us better focus on HIM. We know this is not the only way to focus on HIM, but it is most likely a way most have not done! 3. We know that Paul advised the church to honor God with our bodies. Unconsciously, we often just eat and fill our bodies with any and every thing. So to deny ourselves for a little while to better our lifestyles is, I believe, God honoring and for HIS glory. So what do you say? Are you willing to jump in? We are doing the fast from January 28 – February 17th. This means that our eating at the church will be affected as well. We are offering healthier options to eat. Even if you aren’t jumping in on the “Daniel Fast”, we want to go healthy, so we will have options for you to eat better while worshipping with us. Daring to do the crazy for HIM who loves me,