Jon and I are finally home from China!! We were gone for three long weeks and arrived home last Friday. Today, is our first day back to work after being away. There is so much that I want to share with you about our trip, however most of that will have to wait a few days until life gets back to normal. In the mean time here is a blog post that I wrote on New Year’s Day, but was unable to post because we were in China.
Happy New Year!! For me, the New Year always brings a sense of newness that is extremely refreshing. I believe that is why many people decide to change things in their life during this time of year, everyone wants a second chance and a fresh start I know I sure do.
There is something this God has been laying on my heart for months…fasting. The idea came from my sister-in-law Eva. During the year of 2009 she fasted from soda and this past year 2010 she fasted from chocolate. Ever since learning about her decision to actively fast from chocolate this entire year, I have wanted to follow in her footsteps and choose to fast from something myself.
But, what would I fast from, I wondered? Over and over again in my heart God has always brought up chocolate.
I have a deep love for sweets and chocolate in general. I will take it any way I can get it, no matter the shape, size, or form. However, do I desire chocolate more than I desire the Lord?
I believe that the purpose of fasting is to create discipline in our lives, as well as to turn our hearts back to God each time we crave the object we are fasting from.
I have decided that throughout the year of 2011, I will fast from chocolate. My own willpower won’t be enough to resist, but God is my source of strength. I am excited to deepen my relationship with the Lord through the discipline of fasting.
Just as a final note, this is not a way to diet. I am not fasting from chocolate to help me lose weight. I do believe that there will be health benefits that I will experience, because I am taking chocolate out of my life for a year. However, this is not the soul purpose for this fast.
I hope and pray that God will bless each of you as you strive to make changes in your life this year that will bring you closer to Him!
8 comments:
You can do it Jennifer! I gave up soda in November 2008, and I honestly haven't missed it at all. :)
I'm giving up soda this year. So far, so good...I haven't missed it. Good luck to you!
I fasted from candy a few years ago...maybe I should start up again..I'll have to think on it :) good luck to you!
Stephanie - Thanks for the encouragement! I have almost eaten chocolate a few times, because I forget I gave it up.
Annie - That's awesome! I know you can do it!
Jill - Let me know what you decide about fasting from candy. Thanks for your encouragement
Fasting was not something I was brought up learning about. I first learned about it from a friend in college and thought it was something they did in black churches (as my friend was black and I'd never even really heard about fasting). Then, my mom started talking about it and doing it in the last few years.
Last year, I fasted from buying ANY holiday candy. (Which was REALLY difficult at Easter and Halloween) and also from Facebook. I intended on getting back on FB this summer, but I have changed my intentions and will not be.
Good for you for obeying the Holy Spirit's conviction.
MrsMarkDave - Thanks for sharing your own personal experience with fasting. I wasn't raise to do it either. It will be interesting to go that long without eat something I love so much!
Fasting...hmmm. My first thought is that I should concentrate on losing weight first, not try to make too many changes at once. But will consult with the Lord on this.
Karen - I agree. You don't want to make too many changes or deprive yourself while you are losing weight. I think that it true.
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