And I read the blog most days... It's got a lot of great stuff. Last week, one of the contributors shared about her plan for a 21 day fast. And she encouraged us to join her...
And it struck a cord with me and I've been thinking about it and dwelling on it a lot over the last week (is that the same as praying?!?!).
At first, I was thinking about a fast from obsessing over stats and comments on my blog... and then I thought maybe I should fast from blogging altogether for 21 days... but then I thought, "What about Five Minute Friday, and Project 52, and the JoyDare and, and, and..." And I just didn't know what to do... and not many of my "in real life" friends get this blogging thing I do, or even understand the community I find in blogging (although I'm sure a few of them read my blog and never comment), So I didn't even know where to go to ask for advice...
Then, when I read into it a little further, I read this...
"Simply stated, biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose."
and I'm all about following the rules...
However,
in the first 3 weekends of June I have...
- my son's birthday
- a Ladies' conference (which is known for GREAT food)
- and my nephew's high school graduation and subsequent grad party!
- (and when I don't eat... I get cranky, plain and simple, and very unpleasant to be around)
all this to say, that it's almost June 1 and I'm still not sure what I'm doing! But I want to be purposeful and I want it to be beneficial and I want God to bring Dry Bones to LIFE again!!
- I do know that I will be taking a bloggy break for the 21 days. (promise me you will come back after this?!)
- I do know that I have 2 things specifically that I will be praying about, for God to show me what the next step is...
- I do know that I will be doing a partial fast... I read and like the idea of the hours of 6AM to 3PM for a partial fast. (not from all food, but definitely something)
- I do know that I'm a little scared... and afraid of failing!
...Pray for me, would you?
Praying for you!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think a fast is not just about abstaining from food, but also from "the world" and any other distractions. I think 21 days is a huge endeavor!! Any "free" moments should be spent in the word of God, studying it, meditating on it, etc., and, of course, prayer, including quiet times to "listen" to that still small voice. It will be difficult with the kids around, but you can certainly share your spiritual treasure hunt with them! Having their meals prepared ahead of time will keep you from personal temptation, while still attending to their needs.
If you are serious about this, Julie, expect and be prepared for a spiritual battle! I know the benefits will be ever etched in your heart! There will be no failure!!
I will be praying for you, specifically for the Lord to open His word to you and reveal His will, as you seek it with all your heart!
Please record your daily journal and share when the time is right!
Love you!
Aunt Judy
p.s. Psalm 51
DeleteHave mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
Judy, I am praying for you and I wholeheartedly echo Aunt Judy's comment. Also, I've had an urging within my Spirit to fast too and praying about when and how. I have so much going on in my life now and for the next several months that it's difficult to fully submit to a fast....But, He know my heart and I think I'm choosing to fast in several ways....time as an example - choosing to spend more time with Him and studying and meditating His Word and prayer that would otherwise be spent blogging, pinning, etc. etc!
ReplyDeleteHe is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.....And I know He will bless/reward you and I and the others who are committing to fasting and seeking the depths of His Heart!
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Blessings!
Jackie
I agree with Judy, you don't have to fast from food. I can't fast from food, I wasn't well, so I was on a lot of medication. I want to encourage you though, Julie, don't become too caught up with failing and miss the joy of intimacy with God altogether. Take a step back from worrying and latch on to the confidence Jesus has you.
ReplyDeleteWe start tomorrow, let's kick it off by praying for each other and we can also repent of worrying too. I know I need to. I'm praying for you my blog sister. Be at peace and allow your heart to hear the Holy Spirit.
In The Cool Of The Day is Roxann by the way. I guess the name change didn't go through.
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