Sunday Sundown... the beginning...

 We are getting ready to begin our 21 day fast that we do at the beginning of each year - or at least the last several years.  I can't remember when I/we first began to do this.  I'm going to keep this in a 'me' mode because I should not answer to hubby, or respond for him.

Why am I doing this fast?  I have several specific things that I am praying for, and have been praying for.  I have other things that I want to talk with God about more specifically.  I am doing this fast so that I can give back to God the first fruits of this month - give Him a portion of this year that I will seek Him and His face.

True, I do not always get what I ask for, but I never stop believing that God has something better for me.  I may ask for some little thing, thinking that God would surely give it to me, and yet, He may have something better planned for me, and I must remain diligent and intentional in my seeking.  Only until I release what I ask for because He has provided, must I quit.  Unless, of course, I feel what I've asked for is of no value.

I was reading in my Bible this morning and read something that is so true.  It has to do with fasting and the purpose of it.  Unfortunately, I cannot find that specific statement at this time so perhaps I will find it again tomorrow.   We are in the final morning of our weekend getaway and getting ready to watch a couple services on my laptop before packing everything up and heading out.

Hubby has come out of the shower and even though he knows I'm writing in my computer, wants to chat about different things.  This is why we do our quiet times in different locations, even though at the same time.  We both have been quiet for the past hour as we read our Bibles and devotionals, and had our prayers, but now I'm on my computer so talk is free game.  

I have started a fasting journal in another folder on this computer so that I can journal every day what I am praying for and asking for and how God is answering those requests.  I usually write them in a book, but I do want to get away from the books as they take up so much space.  I will buy a new thumb drive and will label it my fasting journals for future reviews.  I probably have 50 or more journals, probably more, that I have written over the years - some with fasting things in them, and some not.  Perhaps I will remember to sort them out as I write them in the computer.

What have I decided to give up on this fast?  It sometimes is easier to say what I will eat on the fast, but in my situation, I have to choose what to give up, and if I can just eat what I desire without conflicts, then it will happen.  I will be giving up all breads and bread products (which includes breaded vegetables, i.e., fried okra.)   I will be giving up beef and pork products (including bacon) and limiting meat to fish and chicken/turkey, if at all.  I have a lot of conflict on that one so it is easier to just say I will eat fish or chicken/turkey.  No chocolate.... that may be a hard one, but I think I have finally eaten all the chocolate at home leftover from Christmas... 

Oh wait... I still have chocolate in the freezer, and I still plan to make white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies at some time for my middle child.  I didn't bake him cookies for Christmas this year..... no real reason why I didn't ... I don't know why I didn't.  But I want to do it now that the holidays are over.  Also Oatmeal Raisin cookies for a grandson.  I would bake anything for any of my children or grandchildren; they just need to let me know what they like and I would be happy to do so for them, because I love them so much.

Just like our Heavenly Father loves us so much.  Oh how He loves us!  He doesn't command us to fast.  He does tell us in His Word what we SHOULD eat... and shouldn't eat.  We would probably all be strong and healthy if we ate and did what He tells us to.  But, like me, I'm sure you love FOOD.  And usually it doesn't matter a lot what it is.  We love the cheeses, and love the gooey sauces, and the meat, and the ... and I'm getting hungry!

I'd like to leave you with a challenge this morning.  Starting at sundown tonight (Sunday) or even tomorrow morning (Monday), assuming you have read this, make the decision to give up one thing for God.  For 21 days, can you do it?  Would you give up cigarettes?  Would you give up alcohol?  Would you give up a favorite food?  Would you give up a favorite game you like to play on the computer?  

What would you give up for Jesus?  Just for 21 days.  I won't even challenge you to pray.  When you give it up, your thoughts will turn to Jesus and when it does, thank Him for all that you have.  You have a home to be sheltered in.  A bed to sleep in.  Food on the table.  A job that will provide for your family.  Money in the bank to pay your bills. Your health.  There are so many things to thank Jesus for.  Just take one, and thank Jesus for another day with those who love you, and you love them.

Let me know what you are thinking about giving up.  It helps with accountability if you just express to someone what you are willing to do.

It's just 21 days.  Can you do it?  If you fail, don't beat yourself up.  But if you succeed, you will feel so blessed.

Try it.  You will be glad you did.

Blessings!