Today's weight was 213.2, down 2.6 pounds from yesterday. I have lost almost 36 pounds since the beginning of the fast.
Physically I am still quite weak but feeling much better than yesterday. I still have to rest plenty but I am managing quite well, considering. Even though the massage was yesterday morning I am still experiencing the benefits of it. Even my toes were feeling better, at least until I went out in the cold again.
We have another trial looming today. There is a supposed snow and ice storm coming that will last at least 2 days. If my husband does not go in to work, he will probably lose his job. He accrued a bunch of points due to the last bad storm that we had, mainly through no fault of his own. We went to prayer and it looks like he will be staying in town with a relative of ours, about two miles from his workplace. I am so thankful for the Lord's provision!
Emotionally I am quite touchy and I really need the Lord's help in that area today.
Nine days to go!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Day 30/40
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. - Ephesians 6:12
Today's weight was 215.8, down one pound from yesterday.
Yesterday turned out okay. We ended up going to the going away party, but we only stayed for about half an hour or so. I was feeling queasy, the baby was cranky, and that was about the time that they started serving food.
I'm not sure how to describe what happened to me this morning. I went to bed at an okay hour, but I really was feeling too tired to get up. I got up to turn off the alarm clock and I felt like I was going to pass out. I guess I stood up too quickly when I got out of bed. I managed to get back in bed and realized that I was not feeling well. To make matters worse, both of my hands were incredibly numb and I could not get them to stop from tingling. To make matters worse, this was Sunday morning and I needed to teach Sunday school.
I managed to call Jason into the bedroom and I told him what was going on and asked him to call our pastor. Before he did that, he prayed for me and then he called the pastor. I had him call because I was not able to hold the phone.
The pastor wanted to talk to me so Jason held the phone for me. (I am in my 30s and I have never felt this helpless in my life.)
After we finished praying, he told Jason to massage me in order to get my circulation going again and to break up the toxins in my muscles.
While I was being massaged I talked to the Lord. I reasoned with him that I could probably make it to church okay, but I wasn't sure about being able to teach. The Lord said to me, "Are you going to rely on your flesh, or are you going to rely on me?" When he asked me that question, I wept. I obviously have struggled with relying on myself and not enough on the Lord. During this fast I have learned more and more that I have to rely on him for everything.
After the massage I felt well enough to get out of bed but was still quite weak. I did go to church but I had my husband drive me instead of doing my usual church bus route.
We had an awesome Sunday school class. We felt the Lord's presence during our song service and the kids really got into the lesson. It was the story of the widow and the vessel of oil.
I also went to the evening service. I had several people who were not aware of my fast that asked me to pray for them. The pastor requested prayer for my husband and me during this last part of the fast.
I am thankful for how the Lord has helped me so far during this fast. I have physically been able to do most of my duties, for the most part. I know that Satan will battle me during this last few days. But I am going to keep hiding in Jesus, no matter what.
Today's weight was 215.8, down one pound from yesterday.
Yesterday turned out okay. We ended up going to the going away party, but we only stayed for about half an hour or so. I was feeling queasy, the baby was cranky, and that was about the time that they started serving food.
I'm not sure how to describe what happened to me this morning. I went to bed at an okay hour, but I really was feeling too tired to get up. I got up to turn off the alarm clock and I felt like I was going to pass out. I guess I stood up too quickly when I got out of bed. I managed to get back in bed and realized that I was not feeling well. To make matters worse, both of my hands were incredibly numb and I could not get them to stop from tingling. To make matters worse, this was Sunday morning and I needed to teach Sunday school.
I managed to call Jason into the bedroom and I told him what was going on and asked him to call our pastor. Before he did that, he prayed for me and then he called the pastor. I had him call because I was not able to hold the phone.
The pastor wanted to talk to me so Jason held the phone for me. (I am in my 30s and I have never felt this helpless in my life.)
After we finished praying, he told Jason to massage me in order to get my circulation going again and to break up the toxins in my muscles.
While I was being massaged I talked to the Lord. I reasoned with him that I could probably make it to church okay, but I wasn't sure about being able to teach. The Lord said to me, "Are you going to rely on your flesh, or are you going to rely on me?" When he asked me that question, I wept. I obviously have struggled with relying on myself and not enough on the Lord. During this fast I have learned more and more that I have to rely on him for everything.
After the massage I felt well enough to get out of bed but was still quite weak. I did go to church but I had my husband drive me instead of doing my usual church bus route.
We had an awesome Sunday school class. We felt the Lord's presence during our song service and the kids really got into the lesson. It was the story of the widow and the vessel of oil.
I also went to the evening service. I had several people who were not aware of my fast that asked me to pray for them. The pastor requested prayer for my husband and me during this last part of the fast.
I am thankful for how the Lord has helped me so far during this fast. I have physically been able to do most of my duties, for the most part. I know that Satan will battle me during this last few days. But I am going to keep hiding in Jesus, no matter what.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Day 29/40
Today's weight was 216.8, down 1.4 pounds since yesterday.
Yesterday I was feeling nauseated again. I kind of just pushed through it, and towards late afternoon it disappeared somewhat.
I had to run some errands and it forced me to be out in the cold. By the time I came home, my feet were freezing and the big toe on my left foot was throbbing with pain again. It was nearly impossible to get around and walk so I had to soak my feet yet again. This time the water was merely lukewarm, but to my frozen toes it felt like a hot bath. I am thankful to my pastor for his suggestion, or it would make things much for difficult for me, dealing with painful, frozen feet.
I want to praise the Lord for how he has helped my husband with the trials at his workplace. He still has his job and he seems to be doing okay. I thank the Lord for being our source for everything and I want him to be my first resource for everything, not merely my last resort.
Tonight there is a going away party for one of our friends who is going on a long military deployment. I debated whether or not I should go, because of the food, but I know they would have their feelings hurt if we did not attend. And we really want to go, because we really care about this family. Praying it all goes well. Only 11 more days to go til I break the fast!
Yesterday I was feeling nauseated again. I kind of just pushed through it, and towards late afternoon it disappeared somewhat.
I had to run some errands and it forced me to be out in the cold. By the time I came home, my feet were freezing and the big toe on my left foot was throbbing with pain again. It was nearly impossible to get around and walk so I had to soak my feet yet again. This time the water was merely lukewarm, but to my frozen toes it felt like a hot bath. I am thankful to my pastor for his suggestion, or it would make things much for difficult for me, dealing with painful, frozen feet.
I want to praise the Lord for how he has helped my husband with the trials at his workplace. He still has his job and he seems to be doing okay. I thank the Lord for being our source for everything and I want him to be my first resource for everything, not merely my last resort.
Tonight there is a going away party for one of our friends who is going on a long military deployment. I debated whether or not I should go, because of the food, but I know they would have their feelings hurt if we did not attend. And we really want to go, because we really care about this family. Praying it all goes well. Only 11 more days to go til I break the fast!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Day 28/40
Today's weight was 218.2, down 1 pound from yesterday.
Yesterday the nausea returned in the afternoon. I laid down for awhile and it went away. I think it is still more candida die-off. Die off is no fun, but I can't wait until I'm totally healthy again.
Yesterday we had another spiritual battle at Jason's work. I know the Lord is in control, but it sure does make things difficult sometimes.
I am seeing more answers to prayer. It is so awesome to trust in the Lord and to watch him work it all out.
The toes on my left foot got very cold again yesterday. I put them in some warm water to warm them up a bit and it felt like I had put my feet in hot molten lava. But thanks to prayer and the water, they did warm up and I was no longer in pain.
Last night we had an awesome church service and also an altar service. We had four young people seeking at the altar, one of which was my son. It was very powerful and I am claiming many spiritual victories in the name of Jesus.
Today I have experienced more nausea. I wish I could lie down but I have too much to do at the moment. For right now, I am doing the best that I can.
Yesterday the nausea returned in the afternoon. I laid down for awhile and it went away. I think it is still more candida die-off. Die off is no fun, but I can't wait until I'm totally healthy again.
Yesterday we had another spiritual battle at Jason's work. I know the Lord is in control, but it sure does make things difficult sometimes.
I am seeing more answers to prayer. It is so awesome to trust in the Lord and to watch him work it all out.
The toes on my left foot got very cold again yesterday. I put them in some warm water to warm them up a bit and it felt like I had put my feet in hot molten lava. But thanks to prayer and the water, they did warm up and I was no longer in pain.
Last night we had an awesome church service and also an altar service. We had four young people seeking at the altar, one of which was my son. It was very powerful and I am claiming many spiritual victories in the name of Jesus.
Today I have experienced more nausea. I wish I could lie down but I have too much to do at the moment. For right now, I am doing the best that I can.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 27/40
Today's weight was 219.2, which is almost a 30 pound loss since the fast started. It is also up 1.8 pounds since yesterday, but I question yesterday's reading.
13 days left until it's time to break the fast. I am already preparing myself for the end of the fast. I know it's a good idea to ease back into eating, so I have prayerfully sought for direction.
13 days left until it's time to break the fast. I am already preparing myself for the end of the fast. I know it's a good idea to ease back into eating, so I have prayerfully sought for direction.
Day 26/40
Today's weight was 217.4, down 3 pounds from yesterday. My scale was all over the place, so this might not be entirely accurate. I decided to take the lowest out of all the readings.
Well our hunches about my husband's work situation were correct. I won't go into detail but he was falsely accused and attacked for about half an hour and felt very strongly like his employment was in jeopardy. I am thankful for the urgings of the holy spirit and for the warring angels that the Lord sends to fight our spiritual battles.
Physically I was feeling badly again. Extremely nauseated with a lot of fatigue.
I am reminded of this chorus that we often sing:
There's more with us than be with them
We're on the winning side!
With banners unfurled
We'll tell the whole world
That Jesus is captain and guide.
There's none to fear when He is near
Whatever the conflict may be
We'll never give in
In this fight against sin
In Christ there's victory!
Well our hunches about my husband's work situation were correct. I won't go into detail but he was falsely accused and attacked for about half an hour and felt very strongly like his employment was in jeopardy. I am thankful for the urgings of the holy spirit and for the warring angels that the Lord sends to fight our spiritual battles.
Physically I was feeling badly again. Extremely nauseated with a lot of fatigue.
I am reminded of this chorus that we often sing:
There's more with us than be with them
We're on the winning side!
With banners unfurled
We'll tell the whole world
That Jesus is captain and guide.
There's none to fear when He is near
Whatever the conflict may be
We'll never give in
In this fight against sin
In Christ there's victory!
Day 25/40
Today's weight was 220.4, down .4 pounds from yesterday.
I woke up in the morning with a very strong burden for my husband. I pray for him every morning when he goes to work, and today was no exception. However, when I finished praying the burden did not go away. I would pray for him and then for someone else and the feeling did not lift. This went on for about an hour until I finally went back to sleep.
I talked to my husband later in the day and he told me he was also feeling a strong burden that day as well, and actually had the Lord to tell him to immediately stop what he was doing, and to pray. I asked several others to pray for him as well. We have a feeling that the situation is job related.
I had a visitor today, a young lady from my church who I had been working with but have not seen for awhile since she moved out of my neighborhood. The nausea returned this afternoon and I was lying down when she appeared. I explained my fasting to her, much to her alarm. Then I began to testify about all of the wonderful things that have occured since the fast had started. I also reminded her that if Jesus could do it, then why couldn't we?
I woke up in the morning with a very strong burden for my husband. I pray for him every morning when he goes to work, and today was no exception. However, when I finished praying the burden did not go away. I would pray for him and then for someone else and the feeling did not lift. This went on for about an hour until I finally went back to sleep.
I talked to my husband later in the day and he told me he was also feeling a strong burden that day as well, and actually had the Lord to tell him to immediately stop what he was doing, and to pray. I asked several others to pray for him as well. We have a feeling that the situation is job related.
I had a visitor today, a young lady from my church who I had been working with but have not seen for awhile since she moved out of my neighborhood. The nausea returned this afternoon and I was lying down when she appeared. I explained my fasting to her, much to her alarm. Then I began to testify about all of the wonderful things that have occured since the fast had started. I also reminded her that if Jesus could do it, then why couldn't we?
Day 24/40
Today's weight was 220.8, down .8 pounds from yesterday.
16 days left til I can eat again! I am so excited!
Today I finally got bored with drinking water. I have survived on nothing but water for the past 24 days. I will probably have to go out and get some bottled water and change things up a bit.
I felt great today and got a lot accomplished. Sometimes I just marvel at how much energy I have.
16 days left til I can eat again! I am so excited!
Today I finally got bored with drinking water. I have survived on nothing but water for the past 24 days. I will probably have to go out and get some bottled water and change things up a bit.
I felt great today and got a lot accomplished. Sometimes I just marvel at how much energy I have.
Day 23/40
Today's weight was 221.6, down .2 pounds from yesterday.
Today was Sunday but I did not teach Sunday school since the building where I teach was too cold. We only had a handful come out for worship service since the roads were still quite bad.
The message in today's sermon was so on track with some things about which the Lord has been dealing with me. The text was 2 Timothy 2 and was about how we are to be vessels of honor, and how we can dishonor our vessel. Our speech and our attitude are two things that Paul addresses that can make us dishonorable. I have really been praying about this. I don't want my good to be evil spoken of. Again, painful, but necessary.
The afternoon was quite stressful. The baby napped but woke up before I could get any rest and my husband slept all afternoon so he was of no help. The baby got into everything and it was just a very trying ordeal.
I was also experiencing what felt like frost bite in my left big toe. More like the pain one feels when their toes thaw out after being frozen. On the 1 to 10 pain scale, I was feeling about an 8. Talked to my husband about it and we had a bit of an argument. I was also feeling quite emotional. I was feeling so badly physically and emotionally that I didn't even want to go to church that evening.
Since my husband was of no help (I was hoping he would pray with me or talk to the pastor for me since I was unable to talk due to the pain I was in) I shut my bedroom door and prayed and cried out to the Lord. I felt a lot better, although my toe hadn't improved much.
I was very glad that I had gone to church after all. I enjoyed the entire service and it was very encouraging.
After church the pain in my toe started flaring up again. My husband tried calling the pastor but did not immediately get through. We went to prayer and I got a lot of relief afterwards. Our pastor called back and I got to talk to him for awhile, which was very encouraging. He gave me some insight about fasting since he had done water fasting in the past. He also encouraged me to keep up this blog and to document everything that the Lord is doing so that it can be a tool to encourage others who might consider a long water fast in the future.
Today was Sunday but I did not teach Sunday school since the building where I teach was too cold. We only had a handful come out for worship service since the roads were still quite bad.
The message in today's sermon was so on track with some things about which the Lord has been dealing with me. The text was 2 Timothy 2 and was about how we are to be vessels of honor, and how we can dishonor our vessel. Our speech and our attitude are two things that Paul addresses that can make us dishonorable. I have really been praying about this. I don't want my good to be evil spoken of. Again, painful, but necessary.
The afternoon was quite stressful. The baby napped but woke up before I could get any rest and my husband slept all afternoon so he was of no help. The baby got into everything and it was just a very trying ordeal.
I was also experiencing what felt like frost bite in my left big toe. More like the pain one feels when their toes thaw out after being frozen. On the 1 to 10 pain scale, I was feeling about an 8. Talked to my husband about it and we had a bit of an argument. I was also feeling quite emotional. I was feeling so badly physically and emotionally that I didn't even want to go to church that evening.
Since my husband was of no help (I was hoping he would pray with me or talk to the pastor for me since I was unable to talk due to the pain I was in) I shut my bedroom door and prayed and cried out to the Lord. I felt a lot better, although my toe hadn't improved much.
I was very glad that I had gone to church after all. I enjoyed the entire service and it was very encouraging.
After church the pain in my toe started flaring up again. My husband tried calling the pastor but did not immediately get through. We went to prayer and I got a lot of relief afterwards. Our pastor called back and I got to talk to him for awhile, which was very encouraging. He gave me some insight about fasting since he had done water fasting in the past. He also encouraged me to keep up this blog and to document everything that the Lord is doing so that it can be a tool to encourage others who might consider a long water fast in the future.
Day 22/40
Today's weight was 221.8, down 27.2 pounds total.
My husband was supposed to work today, but someone else in management heard that he did not get Friday off for our emergency power outage and they let him take the day off.
Was a very uneventful day. Did a lot of cooking for both today and tomorrow, including a huge pot of chicken soup. It is so funny how I enjoy cooking even though I can't eat.
My husband was supposed to work today, but someone else in management heard that he did not get Friday off for our emergency power outage and they let him take the day off.
Was a very uneventful day. Did a lot of cooking for both today and tomorrow, including a huge pot of chicken soup. It is so funny how I enjoy cooking even though I can't eat.
Day 21/40
Did not weigh today since I was not at home due to our power being out.
It is a bit strange being around other people who are not my immediate family and not eating. You would think it would get easier but it hasn't really.
My mother-in-law is a Christian so she understands the fast so it wasn't too bad.
We did not return until late afternoon. I sure had my work cut out for me when I got home, but it was so nice to be back and to get settled again.
So thankful for the many things that God provides that we take for granted, like electricity and heat and your own home, and family and friends who care.
It is a bit strange being around other people who are not my immediate family and not eating. You would think it would get easier but it hasn't really.
My mother-in-law is a Christian so she understands the fast so it wasn't too bad.
We did not return until late afternoon. I sure had my work cut out for me when I got home, but it was so nice to be back and to get settled again.
So thankful for the many things that God provides that we take for granted, like electricity and heat and your own home, and family and friends who care.
Day 20/40
Today's weight was 223.6, down a whole pound from yesterday.
Day 20! I am halfway done!
Today was a very trying day. I mentioned in yesterday's post how the breakers kept tripping. Well tonight after dinner the main breaker tripped and it stayed off. Not to mention all about the same time my husband's blood sugar took a dive so I was trying to nurse him back to health while in the dark.
We determined that the main breaker was fried so it would have to be replaced. After my husband bounced back to his normal self, he called the power company to disconnect power from the house so we could have the breaker replaced in the morning. He decided he would take a personal day off work to fix the problem. The breaker would not be a large expense, so we were pretty relieved since things are tight right now financially.
Feeling pretty confident that things would be okay, we made arrangements to stay with my mother-in-law. Did I mention that this was the coldest night that we've had all winter and that our house now has no heat to keep the pipes from freezing?
So somewhere along the way, between dealing with the crisis and packing for the kids in the dark, I fell apart. I got very emotional and started sobbing. Then I got very angry. So angry that I wanted to punch something.
I came to the realization through all of this that if I had been eating, I might have turned to food for some kind of comfort during this whole ordeal. But since there is no food, I have had to deal with these intense emotions on my own. I mean, I have to give them to the Lord. Which is what we are supposed to do with them, but so many of us have other coping mechanisms for dealing with crisis that don't involve the Lord, and many of them are very destructive.
This has been a very telling experience for me. I used to be a binge eater, many years ago, before the Lord delivered me. I was not aware that I still had a problem with emotional eating. I know the Lord has helped me, but now I desire complete victory over the matter. I want the Lord to be my first resource when I'm not doing well, and not my last resort.
We ended up at my in-laws, which was not easy with the difficult driving conditions. Unfortunately we had more bad news. My husband called work to see if he could get the day off and they refused. Now I was panicking again. But we called our wonderful pastor and he offered to replace the breaker for us.
Sleep was very fitful, since all four of us were sleeping in the living room, but we were all warm and safe for the night.
Day 20! I am halfway done!
Today was a very trying day. I mentioned in yesterday's post how the breakers kept tripping. Well tonight after dinner the main breaker tripped and it stayed off. Not to mention all about the same time my husband's blood sugar took a dive so I was trying to nurse him back to health while in the dark.
We determined that the main breaker was fried so it would have to be replaced. After my husband bounced back to his normal self, he called the power company to disconnect power from the house so we could have the breaker replaced in the morning. He decided he would take a personal day off work to fix the problem. The breaker would not be a large expense, so we were pretty relieved since things are tight right now financially.
Feeling pretty confident that things would be okay, we made arrangements to stay with my mother-in-law. Did I mention that this was the coldest night that we've had all winter and that our house now has no heat to keep the pipes from freezing?
So somewhere along the way, between dealing with the crisis and packing for the kids in the dark, I fell apart. I got very emotional and started sobbing. Then I got very angry. So angry that I wanted to punch something.
I came to the realization through all of this that if I had been eating, I might have turned to food for some kind of comfort during this whole ordeal. But since there is no food, I have had to deal with these intense emotions on my own. I mean, I have to give them to the Lord. Which is what we are supposed to do with them, but so many of us have other coping mechanisms for dealing with crisis that don't involve the Lord, and many of them are very destructive.
This has been a very telling experience for me. I used to be a binge eater, many years ago, before the Lord delivered me. I was not aware that I still had a problem with emotional eating. I know the Lord has helped me, but now I desire complete victory over the matter. I want the Lord to be my first resource when I'm not doing well, and not my last resort.
We ended up at my in-laws, which was not easy with the difficult driving conditions. Unfortunately we had more bad news. My husband called work to see if he could get the day off and they refused. Now I was panicking again. But we called our wonderful pastor and he offered to replace the breaker for us.
Sleep was very fitful, since all four of us were sleeping in the living room, but we were all warm and safe for the night.
Day 19/40
Today's weight was 224.6, down 1.2 pounds from yesterday, and down 24.4 pounds since the fast started.
Tongue was almost pink this morning. Maybe the candida is finally dying off!
Another trial I have been dealing with this week is my house's circuit breakers keep tripping. Not a good thing to be happening in the middle of winter. Especially when I am usually extremely cold from this fast! I am in a blanket as much as I can, especially when I am sitting down.
Tongue was almost pink this morning. Maybe the candida is finally dying off!
Another trial I have been dealing with this week is my house's circuit breakers keep tripping. Not a good thing to be happening in the middle of winter. Especially when I am usually extremely cold from this fast! I am in a blanket as much as I can, especially when I am sitting down.
Day 18/40
Today's weight was 225.4 down .2 of a pound since yesterday.
I think it is kind of bizarre to see the weight loss pattern during this fast. I try not to worry over it. I guess my body will do what it wants.
I usually inspect my tongue every morning for a white coating before brushing my teeth. My tongue is becoming more and more pink, which is a very good thing.
You never know when or how the enemy will attack. Just today I got kind of impatient thinking about how my fast is just about half over, while for most people in my congregation who are also fasting will be finished in just a couple days. My very wise husband said that it is just Satan trying to discourage you, since he seems to do that when you feel like you are halfway there. While I feel mildly tempted to break the fast after day 21, I will hang in there. In the end, it will be worth it.
Also, my husband's job has been under attack. Twice since the fast started, his job security has been threatened. Our hope and our stay is the Lord, but my, it is a bit unnerving at times to keep pressing on. But we are still pressing. The Lord has always taken care of all of our needs and he has never failed us one time! Praise the Lord!
Another area where I have seen an answer to prayer has to do with the new business that my husband wants to start. Last week I was urged by the Lord for us to take some steps for some training he needs to make himself for successful.
Thanking the Lord for his provision!
I think it is kind of bizarre to see the weight loss pattern during this fast. I try not to worry over it. I guess my body will do what it wants.
I usually inspect my tongue every morning for a white coating before brushing my teeth. My tongue is becoming more and more pink, which is a very good thing.
You never know when or how the enemy will attack. Just today I got kind of impatient thinking about how my fast is just about half over, while for most people in my congregation who are also fasting will be finished in just a couple days. My very wise husband said that it is just Satan trying to discourage you, since he seems to do that when you feel like you are halfway there. While I feel mildly tempted to break the fast after day 21, I will hang in there. In the end, it will be worth it.
Also, my husband's job has been under attack. Twice since the fast started, his job security has been threatened. Our hope and our stay is the Lord, but my, it is a bit unnerving at times to keep pressing on. But we are still pressing. The Lord has always taken care of all of our needs and he has never failed us one time! Praise the Lord!
Another area where I have seen an answer to prayer has to do with the new business that my husband wants to start. Last week I was urged by the Lord for us to take some steps for some training he needs to make himself for successful.
Thanking the Lord for his provision!
Day 17/40
Today's weight was 225.6; no change from yesterday.
I definitely felt better today than I did last week. Last week I experienced fatigue and nausea but this week I have regained some energy and I don't feel sick at all.
I have seen a definite answer to prayer in regard to vacation bible school. I have been praying in earnest over this year's program and have definitely received some guidance from the Lord.
I have also been asking the Lord to change me in some areas of my life and he is revealing some very telling things about me which I had not been able to see. While it is definitely not pleasant- honestly, it has been quite painful! - I want to be conformed more and more to his image every day.
This is one of my most favorite hymns and a constant prayer of mine:
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.
Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.
-Thomas O. Chisholm
I definitely felt better today than I did last week. Last week I experienced fatigue and nausea but this week I have regained some energy and I don't feel sick at all.
I have seen a definite answer to prayer in regard to vacation bible school. I have been praying in earnest over this year's program and have definitely received some guidance from the Lord.
I have also been asking the Lord to change me in some areas of my life and he is revealing some very telling things about me which I had not been able to see. While it is definitely not pleasant- honestly, it has been quite painful! - I want to be conformed more and more to his image every day.
This is one of my most favorite hymns and a constant prayer of mine:
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.
Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.
-Thomas O. Chisholm
Day 16/40
Today's weight was 225.6, down 1.8 pounds from yesterday.
Today was Sunday, so I had to teach Sunday school. I really felt the anointing of the Lord on me when I preached. Yes, I said preached. My class has mixed ages from preschool to 11 years old. I had a lot of kids show up this morning, maybe almost 20. My lesson was on Samuel hearing the prophesy from God about Eli's iniquity and God's judgment on him. My typical lesson turned into an exortation about don't wait too late to get saved. Don't make up all kinds of excuses and give into peer pressure to not do what God wants you to do right now. It was a bit bewildering, but very exciting.
Afterwards, Satan attacked me and accused me all afternoon. Bogus stuff like, they won't come back and their parents will be angry with you. I testified in the evening service about my Sunday school class and his empty, ugly words just faded away! Praise the Lord!
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
I am hiding in the shadow of the cross. All the glory and honor goes to Him. I am just a willing servant.
Today was Sunday, so I had to teach Sunday school. I really felt the anointing of the Lord on me when I preached. Yes, I said preached. My class has mixed ages from preschool to 11 years old. I had a lot of kids show up this morning, maybe almost 20. My lesson was on Samuel hearing the prophesy from God about Eli's iniquity and God's judgment on him. My typical lesson turned into an exortation about don't wait too late to get saved. Don't make up all kinds of excuses and give into peer pressure to not do what God wants you to do right now. It was a bit bewildering, but very exciting.
Afterwards, Satan attacked me and accused me all afternoon. Bogus stuff like, they won't come back and their parents will be angry with you. I testified in the evening service about my Sunday school class and his empty, ugly words just faded away! Praise the Lord!
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
I am hiding in the shadow of the cross. All the glory and honor goes to Him. I am just a willing servant.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 15/40
Today's weight was 227.4, which is up .4 of a pound from yesterday. I wonder how it is possible to gain weight while doing a water fast. My husband thinks it is most likely water weight, but I don't know.
This morning I attended a family baby shower for one of my husband's cousins. It was very informal and held at her mom's house. I was wondering how it was going to go since I was not eating. But since most of my family are Christians and quite a few of them go to my church, it was not quite so difficult. There were a few who did not know about the length or type of fast I am on, since I am trying to keep it as private as possible. So I 'went public' to a few people about my fast, how I was just doing water. But I didn't share how long of a fast it was.
When it came time to eat, it went better than I could've hoped. I got to hold the baby (the shower was held after his birth) and let everyone else eat. It worked out very well.
Then in the evening came the bridal shower, which was very formal. I ended up missing out on the party during the appetizers because I had a phone call that I had to take.
When it came time for the sit down dinner, I discreetly told my husband's aunt (who is a Christian) that I was fasting and so was my pastor's wife (who is also another one of my husband's aunts.) But she was now eating vegetables instead of being solely on water or juice, so she had the salad. I sat content with my goblet of ice water, and again, held the baby while everyone ate. Dessert consisted of beautifully decorated cupcakes. I wrapped mine in a napkin and took it home to my kids.
So all in all, it went well, but it certainly is awkward in social situations since eating is so deeply engrained in our celebrations.
This morning I attended a family baby shower for one of my husband's cousins. It was very informal and held at her mom's house. I was wondering how it was going to go since I was not eating. But since most of my family are Christians and quite a few of them go to my church, it was not quite so difficult. There were a few who did not know about the length or type of fast I am on, since I am trying to keep it as private as possible. So I 'went public' to a few people about my fast, how I was just doing water. But I didn't share how long of a fast it was.
When it came time to eat, it went better than I could've hoped. I got to hold the baby (the shower was held after his birth) and let everyone else eat. It worked out very well.
Then in the evening came the bridal shower, which was very formal. I ended up missing out on the party during the appetizers because I had a phone call that I had to take.
When it came time for the sit down dinner, I discreetly told my husband's aunt (who is a Christian) that I was fasting and so was my pastor's wife (who is also another one of my husband's aunts.) But she was now eating vegetables instead of being solely on water or juice, so she had the salad. I sat content with my goblet of ice water, and again, held the baby while everyone ate. Dessert consisted of beautifully decorated cupcakes. I wrapped mine in a napkin and took it home to my kids.
So all in all, it went well, but it certainly is awkward in social situations since eating is so deeply engrained in our celebrations.
Day 14/40
Today's weight was 227 even, with a loss of 1.2 pounds from yesterday.
I was feeling better today, which I was thankful for, because I had to do my monthly large grocery shopping trip. It was very interesting shopping for groceries while fasting. I really am not having a hard time being around food, for the most part. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I enjoy cooking and love the smell of food. Even being around other people who are eating does not seem to bother me.
Shopping was fine, since I was not really craving anything, it was really easy to stick to my grocery list.
I have a baby shower and a bridal shower to go to tomorrow. I am kind of nervous as to how that will go.
I was feeling better today, which I was thankful for, because I had to do my monthly large grocery shopping trip. It was very interesting shopping for groceries while fasting. I really am not having a hard time being around food, for the most part. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I enjoy cooking and love the smell of food. Even being around other people who are eating does not seem to bother me.
Shopping was fine, since I was not really craving anything, it was really easy to stick to my grocery list.
I have a baby shower and a bridal shower to go to tomorrow. I am kind of nervous as to how that will go.
Day 13/40
Today's weight was 228.2, down 20.8 pounds total, and down 1.6 pounds from yesterday.
Still not feeling well. I am thankful for everyone who is praying for me.
Still not feeling well. I am thankful for everyone who is praying for me.
Day 12/40
Today's weight was 229.8, down a whole pound from yesterday.
I have been very sick this week. I think I am in the middle of a healing crisis. It is all I can do just to keep up my daily tasks as a wife and a mom. I am thankful for my family who is trying to help me out.
I have been very sick this week. I think I am in the middle of a healing crisis. It is all I can do just to keep up my daily tasks as a wife and a mom. I am thankful for my family who is trying to help me out.
Day 11/40
Today's weight was 230.8, so I am down .2 pounds from yesterday.
I spent the day feeling quite cold. I am wrapped in a blanket much of the time.
My husband and I had a talk over dinner about some issues in our church that were concerning us and that I am fasting over. As a whole family we spent about an hour in prayer. It was so nice to spend the time talking to the Lord.
I spent the day feeling quite cold. I am wrapped in a blanket much of the time.
My husband and I had a talk over dinner about some issues in our church that were concerning us and that I am fasting over. As a whole family we spent about an hour in prayer. It was so nice to spend the time talking to the Lord.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 10/40
Woohoo, day 10! I am 1/4 of the way there!
Today's weigh-in was 131.0 even, down 1.6 pounds from yesterday and down 18 pounds since the start of the fast.
Had another rough night last night. Baby again woke me up, and again could not get back to sleep for about two hours.
Fast is going well. The smell of my own breath and the weird taste in my mouth is bothering me. So I tend to brush my teeth a lot.
Today's weigh-in was 131.0 even, down 1.6 pounds from yesterday and down 18 pounds since the start of the fast.
Had another rough night last night. Baby again woke me up, and again could not get back to sleep for about two hours.
Fast is going well. The smell of my own breath and the weird taste in my mouth is bothering me. So I tend to brush my teeth a lot.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 9/40
Today is day 9. This morning's weigh-in was at 232.6, down 1.2 pounds from yesterday and down 16.4 pounds since the start of the fast.
Spiritually I am doing quite well. The baby woke me up last night, and while he could go back to sleep, I could not, for about two hours. So I had a good season of prayer talking to the Lord. I have had this happen several times during this fast.
One thing I haven't mentioned yet is how I remember dreams while on this fast. Normally I very remember any of them. None of them have been very profound; usually they are quite bizarre. But I still remember them.
Today is Sunday and our day of rest, so not much going on today. Although, I had an awesome time in Sunday school with my kids. It was just a great service. The kids were kind of rowdy but that didn't seem to matter much. The Lord's presence settled in and really helped us.
I know that the Lord hears the prayers of all of us who are fasting and great things are happening and getting ready to happen!
Spiritually I am doing quite well. The baby woke me up last night, and while he could go back to sleep, I could not, for about two hours. So I had a good season of prayer talking to the Lord. I have had this happen several times during this fast.
One thing I haven't mentioned yet is how I remember dreams while on this fast. Normally I very remember any of them. None of them have been very profound; usually they are quite bizarre. But I still remember them.
Today is Sunday and our day of rest, so not much going on today. Although, I had an awesome time in Sunday school with my kids. It was just a great service. The kids were kind of rowdy but that didn't seem to matter much. The Lord's presence settled in and really helped us.
I know that the Lord hears the prayers of all of us who are fasting and great things are happening and getting ready to happen!
Day 8/40
*Posting this today for yesterday, Saturday the 8th, since I didn't get a change to post.*
Today's weigh-in was at 233.8, down 3.2 pounds from Friday. It seems like the more I rest, the more I lose.
Friday night I was extremely nauseated and it went into early Saturday morning. I think again that this is from yeast die off. On one hand, it isn't pleasant to feel sick, but on the other hand, I have been plagued by yeast for so long that I almost resigned to whatever it takes to make it go away.
I spent part of Friday night looking up low carb recipes on the computer and printing them out, and almost all day Saturday cooking. That might sound strange coming from someone who is on a water fast, but I don't mind it, and it almost helps somehow, even though I can't eat a thing.
Today's weigh-in was at 233.8, down 3.2 pounds from Friday. It seems like the more I rest, the more I lose.
Friday night I was extremely nauseated and it went into early Saturday morning. I think again that this is from yeast die off. On one hand, it isn't pleasant to feel sick, but on the other hand, I have been plagued by yeast for so long that I almost resigned to whatever it takes to make it go away.
I spent part of Friday night looking up low carb recipes on the computer and printing them out, and almost all day Saturday cooking. That might sound strange coming from someone who is on a water fast, but I don't mind it, and it almost helps somehow, even though I can't eat a thing.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 7/40
Today is day seven! I have made it almost a whole week without food! Weigh-in today was 237.0 even. Down two pounds from Wednesday (no change yesterday) and down twelve pounds since the fast started.
I have been battling a migraine headache off and on since yesterday afternoon, which is a side effect of my monthly. It is certainly less intense than usual, which is probably thanks to the fast. They normally last two days without much relief, unless I can drink some Diet Mountain Dew. For some strange reason, that helps to relieve them somewhat. Obviously that's not an option and I'm sticking to Tylenol.
Other notes: Tongue is turning more pink with just a slight white tinge; nausea returned last evening and is off and on. I am getting by on less sleep. I sleep for 8 hours a night and I'm ready to go. I do take a nap occasionally if I need it.
Onto spiritual matters: Had a good Bible study and season of prayer yesterday with my oldest son. Last night's church service was preached by my husband. He had an anointed and timely message to share with us.
I started keeping track of my water intake yesterday and then I felt so badly that honestly I can't remember. I have had three bottles today so far. I am still trying to drink to thirst.
I have been battling a migraine headache off and on since yesterday afternoon, which is a side effect of my monthly. It is certainly less intense than usual, which is probably thanks to the fast. They normally last two days without much relief, unless I can drink some Diet Mountain Dew. For some strange reason, that helps to relieve them somewhat. Obviously that's not an option and I'm sticking to Tylenol.
Other notes: Tongue is turning more pink with just a slight white tinge; nausea returned last evening and is off and on. I am getting by on less sleep. I sleep for 8 hours a night and I'm ready to go. I do take a nap occasionally if I need it.
Onto spiritual matters: Had a good Bible study and season of prayer yesterday with my oldest son. Last night's church service was preached by my husband. He had an anointed and timely message to share with us.
I started keeping track of my water intake yesterday and then I felt so badly that honestly I can't remember. I have had three bottles today so far. I am still trying to drink to thirst.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 6/40
Day 6. This morning I weighed in at 238.8 which is exactly what I weighed yesterday morning. I am down a total of 10.2 pounds since I started the fast.
I feel like the salt water flush definitely helped clean things out. It took about two hours to finish the flush. I have thought about doing a salt water flush once a week during the rest of my fast but I am still undecided.
I can tell that my body is cleaner. My mouth doesn't feel as yeasty and my tongue doesn't have as thick of a white coating on it today. The myalgia in my upper arms is also not as noticeable.
I still have periods where I feel very cold but they come and go. I did not take a nap yesterday. I think I needed one but I still had a lot of energy. By the time bedtime came around, I was exhausted and ready to sleep.
I still have some mucus drainage from my sinuses, but it is very thick, and not the post nasal drip kind, which I am thankful for. Since I think post nasal drip is kind of annoying.
I drank an additional 4-6 bottles of water yesterday. I kind of lost track. I am just keeping a general tally, to make sure that I am drinking plenty of water.
It is 9 AM and I have had three bottles so far, or 50.7 ounces. I try to drink to thirst and not drown myself in water.
Spiritually I am doing amazing. I am able to pray better and keep my mind focused on the Lord more. However I still get distracted somewhat while reading so at times it is difficult to read my Bible but I'm still doing it.
I feel like the salt water flush definitely helped clean things out. It took about two hours to finish the flush. I have thought about doing a salt water flush once a week during the rest of my fast but I am still undecided.
I can tell that my body is cleaner. My mouth doesn't feel as yeasty and my tongue doesn't have as thick of a white coating on it today. The myalgia in my upper arms is also not as noticeable.
I still have periods where I feel very cold but they come and go. I did not take a nap yesterday. I think I needed one but I still had a lot of energy. By the time bedtime came around, I was exhausted and ready to sleep.
I still have some mucus drainage from my sinuses, but it is very thick, and not the post nasal drip kind, which I am thankful for. Since I think post nasal drip is kind of annoying.
I drank an additional 4-6 bottles of water yesterday. I kind of lost track. I am just keeping a general tally, to make sure that I am drinking plenty of water.
It is 9 AM and I have had three bottles so far, or 50.7 ounces. I try to drink to thirst and not drown myself in water.
Spiritually I am doing amazing. I am able to pray better and keep my mind focused on the Lord more. However I still get distracted somewhat while reading so at times it is difficult to read my Bible but I'm still doing it.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 5/40
Day 5! Today's weight was 238.8 Down 2.2 pounds from yesterday and down 10.2 pounds total since start of fast.
My energy really picked up yesterday. I still had to take breaks but my stamina is greatly improving. After resting for an hour and a half yesterday afternoon I pretty much kept going until bedtime.
I drank about 9 or 10 bottles of water yesterday, or about 169 ounces. I kind of lost count.
It is so funny to hear my stomach gurgle now and then. I miss eating but I am doing okay without it.
Spiritually I am doing way better. Now that most of my physical difficulties are out of the way, I am able to pray and praise God more. I turned on some worship music last night and just had a wonderful time praising the Lord.
Another TMI alert. You have been warned.
I have been having trouble with being constipated. I had that before the fast but since I have been fasting, it has concerned me. I thought surely with the amount of water that I have been drinking that I wouldn't have any trouble with it. I decided to do a salt water flush, which I don't really think violates the fast, especially since I have been having some leg cramps. I read that a little extra salt helps with those.
So this morning I drank a quart of warm water mixed with two teaspoons of salt. I ran back and forth to the bathroom for about two hours, so I think it did its job! I have thought about trying it again in another week.
Including the water from my salt water flush, I have had 99.6 ounces of water so far, four bottles plus four cups of warm salt water.
My energy really picked up yesterday. I still had to take breaks but my stamina is greatly improving. After resting for an hour and a half yesterday afternoon I pretty much kept going until bedtime.
I drank about 9 or 10 bottles of water yesterday, or about 169 ounces. I kind of lost count.
It is so funny to hear my stomach gurgle now and then. I miss eating but I am doing okay without it.
Spiritually I am doing way better. Now that most of my physical difficulties are out of the way, I am able to pray and praise God more. I turned on some worship music last night and just had a wonderful time praising the Lord.
Another TMI alert. You have been warned.
I have been having trouble with being constipated. I had that before the fast but since I have been fasting, it has concerned me. I thought surely with the amount of water that I have been drinking that I wouldn't have any trouble with it. I decided to do a salt water flush, which I don't really think violates the fast, especially since I have been having some leg cramps. I read that a little extra salt helps with those.
So this morning I drank a quart of warm water mixed with two teaspoons of salt. I ran back and forth to the bathroom for about two hours, so I think it did its job! I have thought about trying it again in another week.
Including the water from my salt water flush, I have had 99.6 ounces of water so far, four bottles plus four cups of warm salt water.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 4/40
Woohoo, I made it to day four! Thank you Lord!
Got on the scale this morning and weighed in at 241.0 even. Down one pound from yesterday and down 8 pounds total since the beginning of the fast.
I am feeling better since yesterday. Yesterday afternoon my energy improved and I was able to stay up until 10:15 before I went to bed. I am having achy muscles in my upper arms, which I am assuming is another detox reaction. There is something called the Herxheimer effect, which is basically the dying off of candida overgrowth. I have had yeast issues in the past that improved by I don't think that I totally got over. I hope during this 40 day fast that it will starve all of the yeast for good. This fast is definitely for spiritual reasons but I am also thankful for the physical benefits.
I woke up and checked out my tongue. I forgot to do it yesterday. It had an even thicker coating of white stuff than the past few days. I also had more mucus in my nose and some more productive coughing.
This will probably be too much information for most people, but since I am mainly keeping this blog for my own benefit, I will go ahead and share. I started my monthly today, which is quite frustrating. My body seems to now be on an 18 day cycle instead of the 27 day cycle that I have been on for years. My husband and I want to have another baby so this is not a good thing. I hope that my hormones and everything else will be healed and restored to proper function due to this fast. I am thankful that I serve a God that heals.
I read a devotional this morning on Romans 8, which was very encouraging. It said that while we suffer for and with Christ, that we also share in his glory. That has been good to hear because I sure feel like I have been suffering during this fast!
I drank seven bottles of water again yesterday for a total of 118 ounces. This morning I have had 3 bottles so far.
Got on the scale this morning and weighed in at 241.0 even. Down one pound from yesterday and down 8 pounds total since the beginning of the fast.
I am feeling better since yesterday. Yesterday afternoon my energy improved and I was able to stay up until 10:15 before I went to bed. I am having achy muscles in my upper arms, which I am assuming is another detox reaction. There is something called the Herxheimer effect, which is basically the dying off of candida overgrowth. I have had yeast issues in the past that improved by I don't think that I totally got over. I hope during this 40 day fast that it will starve all of the yeast for good. This fast is definitely for spiritual reasons but I am also thankful for the physical benefits.
I woke up and checked out my tongue. I forgot to do it yesterday. It had an even thicker coating of white stuff than the past few days. I also had more mucus in my nose and some more productive coughing.
This will probably be too much information for most people, but since I am mainly keeping this blog for my own benefit, I will go ahead and share. I started my monthly today, which is quite frustrating. My body seems to now be on an 18 day cycle instead of the 27 day cycle that I have been on for years. My husband and I want to have another baby so this is not a good thing. I hope that my hormones and everything else will be healed and restored to proper function due to this fast. I am thankful that I serve a God that heals.
I read a devotional this morning on Romans 8, which was very encouraging. It said that while we suffer for and with Christ, that we also share in his glory. That has been good to hear because I sure feel like I have been suffering during this fast!
I drank seven bottles of water again yesterday for a total of 118 ounces. This morning I have had 3 bottles so far.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 3 Update
I feel very cold. I'm sure it's just my body trying to conserve energy, but I am having trouble warming up. My house temperature is almost 74 degrees, which is quite a bit warmer than normal. I'm sitting here wrapped in a wool blanket and I am freezing!
I was busy this morning and did some cooking in the kitchen. It did not bother me, really. I guess I feel badly that there aren't many snacks around here for my family to eat. Since we do low-carb, most of our food has to be made from scratch.
I have taken my vitamins and read my Bible today, which was Genesis 12-15. I have been resting for the past two hours but need to get busy again.
I have drank four bottles of water so far. I am still hungry and my stomach occasionally grumbles.
I was busy this morning and did some cooking in the kitchen. It did not bother me, really. I guess I feel badly that there aren't many snacks around here for my family to eat. Since we do low-carb, most of our food has to be made from scratch.
I have taken my vitamins and read my Bible today, which was Genesis 12-15. I have been resting for the past two hours but need to get busy again.
I have drank four bottles of water so far. I am still hungry and my stomach occasionally grumbles.
Day 3/40
Today is day 3. I weighed in this morning at 242.0 even. I have lost seven pounds so far.
Yesterday I drank a total of seven bottle of water, or about 118 ounces. I ran out of bottled water yesterday so I drank tap water instead. It certainly doesn't taste as well. I wonder if that's why I didn't drink as much, although I tried to drink as I got thirsty.
I took a 3 1/2 hour nap yesterday afternoon and then went to night church with the family. Then I came home and finished making supper for the family. I find that preparing meals at this point is very hard since I am having a lot of bad physical symptoms. The headache that I woke up with in the morning returned in the evening and was worse. The AM headache was a 5 out of 10 on the pain scale; the PM headache was about an 8. Still also quite tired and major mood swings, from being angry to incredibly sad. As I stirred the crock pot before putting it on the table a huge wave of nausea swept over me and my stomach continued to be unsettled for the rest of the evening.
So here I am with a terrible headache and nausea and prior to that my husband started arguing with me about food not being put on the table promptly. I guess that could start some strong emotions in a person who is not even fasting.
Our evening meal is a major daily event in our family. Some families don't sit together at the table and eat, but we do. And I look forward to it very much. But right now it is too hard to sit there. So my husband has had to shoulder the responsibility of making sure the children get fed, especially our 19 month old. In my opinion he is not doing so well.
Some of our marital issues (well maybe they are just mine) are surfacing due to this fast, which is probably why some of these strong emotions are also surfacing. It is also one of the things I am praying about during the fast.
This is just a lot more difficult than what I was bargaining for. I didn't think it would be a walk in the park, but definitely not what I expected.
I managed to get my evening chores done in spite of my physical symptoms and my emotional distress. My husband offered to help but I did not want him to think I was bossing him around so I asked him what he wanted to help with. He helped me fold a load of clothes and then resigned to taking a shower. Sigh. Oh well, he did try.
I have had to pray about how I feel about how supportive he is being. He is being supportive, just not in the ways that I think he should be supporting me. I guess I need the Lord's help to communicate to him better.
Other symptoms I have been dealing with are more mucus and some coughing. I feel like my lungs are trying to get rid of extra mucus but not all the coughing is productive. I'm sure that will change over the next few days. I am also feeling quite spacey and have trouble focusing on more than the current task in front of me. I am usually quite focused and am capable of multitasking but can't really at the moment.
I went to bed again at 9:30 and slept fairly well. I woke up at 3 to change the baby and laid there for awhile until I finally went back to sleep. Today was my husband's first day back to work after Christmas break, so the alarm went off at 6:15. I finally got up for the day at 6:45 which is my normal time to get up.
My lower back is kind of achey which is probably due to sleeping so much these past few days. Hopefully I will have a productive day today. I have much to accomplish.
I have drank two bottles of water so far.
Yesterday I drank a total of seven bottle of water, or about 118 ounces. I ran out of bottled water yesterday so I drank tap water instead. It certainly doesn't taste as well. I wonder if that's why I didn't drink as much, although I tried to drink as I got thirsty.
I took a 3 1/2 hour nap yesterday afternoon and then went to night church with the family. Then I came home and finished making supper for the family. I find that preparing meals at this point is very hard since I am having a lot of bad physical symptoms. The headache that I woke up with in the morning returned in the evening and was worse. The AM headache was a 5 out of 10 on the pain scale; the PM headache was about an 8. Still also quite tired and major mood swings, from being angry to incredibly sad. As I stirred the crock pot before putting it on the table a huge wave of nausea swept over me and my stomach continued to be unsettled for the rest of the evening.
So here I am with a terrible headache and nausea and prior to that my husband started arguing with me about food not being put on the table promptly. I guess that could start some strong emotions in a person who is not even fasting.
Our evening meal is a major daily event in our family. Some families don't sit together at the table and eat, but we do. And I look forward to it very much. But right now it is too hard to sit there. So my husband has had to shoulder the responsibility of making sure the children get fed, especially our 19 month old. In my opinion he is not doing so well.
Some of our marital issues (well maybe they are just mine) are surfacing due to this fast, which is probably why some of these strong emotions are also surfacing. It is also one of the things I am praying about during the fast.
This is just a lot more difficult than what I was bargaining for. I didn't think it would be a walk in the park, but definitely not what I expected.
I managed to get my evening chores done in spite of my physical symptoms and my emotional distress. My husband offered to help but I did not want him to think I was bossing him around so I asked him what he wanted to help with. He helped me fold a load of clothes and then resigned to taking a shower. Sigh. Oh well, he did try.
I have had to pray about how I feel about how supportive he is being. He is being supportive, just not in the ways that I think he should be supporting me. I guess I need the Lord's help to communicate to him better.
Other symptoms I have been dealing with are more mucus and some coughing. I feel like my lungs are trying to get rid of extra mucus but not all the coughing is productive. I'm sure that will change over the next few days. I am also feeling quite spacey and have trouble focusing on more than the current task in front of me. I am usually quite focused and am capable of multitasking but can't really at the moment.
I went to bed again at 9:30 and slept fairly well. I woke up at 3 to change the baby and laid there for awhile until I finally went back to sleep. Today was my husband's first day back to work after Christmas break, so the alarm went off at 6:15. I finally got up for the day at 6:45 which is my normal time to get up.
My lower back is kind of achey which is probably due to sleeping so much these past few days. Hopefully I will have a productive day today. I have much to accomplish.
I have drank two bottles of water so far.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 2/40
Starting weight was 249.0. This morning's weight was 244.6, so I am down almost 4 1/2 pounds from yesterday.
I went to bed really early last night, at around 9:30, shortly after the kids went to bed. Fasting requires a lot of rest when needed so I made sure I got it! I woke up at 8 AM today and still felt quite tired. But it is Sunday, and church day, so I reluctantly got up.
I woke up with quite a headache, which is probably from my body detoxing. I took two Tylenol for the headache, and also my vitamins, a multivitamin and a B12. I checked my tongue out for toxins. It had a very light white coating on it. I didn't expect it to be too bad since I normally eat a low sugar diet and have done fasting and other cleanses before.
Spiritually and emotionally I am doing a lot better. Today's devotion was from Romans 5 and 6, which I really enjoyed but I find I have trouble concentrating on reading. Our pastor's daughter went to the hospital this morning to have her baby so I was asked to fill in during our morning worship service. I gave the children's Sunday school lesson which came from 1 Kings 5-9 which tells the story of building Solomon's temple. Due to fasting I had some trouble concentrating while teaching my lesson, but the Lord helped me through it and it turned out quite well.
Physically I am still having hunger pangs and feel quite hungry. I hope by the third day, which is tomorrow, that the feelings of hunger will go away.
So far today I have drank 3 bottles of water. It is Sunday and my day of rest so I plan on getting a nap in shortly after finishing this post.
I also want to mention that I am already seeing answers to prayer, which I think is awsome, although somewhat surprising.
I went to bed really early last night, at around 9:30, shortly after the kids went to bed. Fasting requires a lot of rest when needed so I made sure I got it! I woke up at 8 AM today and still felt quite tired. But it is Sunday, and church day, so I reluctantly got up.
I woke up with quite a headache, which is probably from my body detoxing. I took two Tylenol for the headache, and also my vitamins, a multivitamin and a B12. I checked my tongue out for toxins. It had a very light white coating on it. I didn't expect it to be too bad since I normally eat a low sugar diet and have done fasting and other cleanses before.
Spiritually and emotionally I am doing a lot better. Today's devotion was from Romans 5 and 6, which I really enjoyed but I find I have trouble concentrating on reading. Our pastor's daughter went to the hospital this morning to have her baby so I was asked to fill in during our morning worship service. I gave the children's Sunday school lesson which came from 1 Kings 5-9 which tells the story of building Solomon's temple. Due to fasting I had some trouble concentrating while teaching my lesson, but the Lord helped me through it and it turned out quite well.
Physically I am still having hunger pangs and feel quite hungry. I hope by the third day, which is tomorrow, that the feelings of hunger will go away.
So far today I have drank 3 bottles of water. It is Sunday and my day of rest so I plan on getting a nap in shortly after finishing this post.
I also want to mention that I am already seeing answers to prayer, which I think is awsome, although somewhat surprising.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day 1 Not Doing So Well
I definitely knew that I wasn't going to be able to do this on my own. I really should've realized the spiritual battle that was going to take place on the first day. The devil doesn't give up territory without a fight, right? Right.
Well, I was in an emotional funk for most of the afternoon. I tried resting, praying, doing something, etc. None of it seemed to help.
Then my husband came home after running a few errands and I about ripped his head off. I made a pot of soup for supper yesterday and reheated it for the rest of the family. I won't go into it but needless to say I was on an emotional roller coaster and went from one mood swing to another.
Then while clearing the kitchen after supper I dropped the pot of soup on the floor, spilling almost the entire contents. My wonderful husband helped me clean it up, while I dissolved yet again into tears.
After he gave me a few words of exhortation, I am steeling myself against the attacks and pressing forward, but it is sure not easy. One day almost down, 39 to go.
Since my last post I have had another four bottles of water, which would make my grand total so far 152 ounces.
Well, I was in an emotional funk for most of the afternoon. I tried resting, praying, doing something, etc. None of it seemed to help.
Then my husband came home after running a few errands and I about ripped his head off. I made a pot of soup for supper yesterday and reheated it for the rest of the family. I won't go into it but needless to say I was on an emotional roller coaster and went from one mood swing to another.
Then while clearing the kitchen after supper I dropped the pot of soup on the floor, spilling almost the entire contents. My wonderful husband helped me clean it up, while I dissolved yet again into tears.
After he gave me a few words of exhortation, I am steeling myself against the attacks and pressing forward, but it is sure not easy. One day almost down, 39 to go.
Since my last post I have had another four bottles of water, which would make my grand total so far 152 ounces.
Day 1/40
Today is day 1. I weighed in this morning at 249 pounds even. I have a brand new digital scale so I will be able to give a very accurate weight every day during the fast.
I did not splurge on my last day of eating solid food yesterday. I ate according to my typical diet. I had a cup of coffee for breakfast, for lunch I had two hamburgers smothered in mushrooms, onions, and cheese, with cauliflower on the side with butter and cream cheese. Dinner was a grilled chicken breast with spaghetti squash with butter, a little parmesan and mozzarella cheese and a little spaghetti sauce. For a late night snack I made my husband and I a low carb iced vanilla latte. Well, I guess the latte was a splurge, but it was a small one!
Today so far I have had five bottles of purified water. I do not want to drink my own tap water during the fast since it is pretty bad. I need to go to the store and buy some distilled water, or at the least, more purified or spring water.
Physically, I have been very tired today. I got about eight hours of sleep last night and woke up tired. I took about a two hour nap today. I know it's important to rest as much as I can.
The hunger pangs have been pretty strong but I know it is just a temptation for me to break my fast. I keep reminding myself that this is not my fast. It belongs to the Lord and he is going to help me. He has never failed me and He won't fail me now. Every time I think of eating I try to pray. I also did my daily devotional reading this morning in Matthew 5-7. It was very timely.
I did not splurge on my last day of eating solid food yesterday. I ate according to my typical diet. I had a cup of coffee for breakfast, for lunch I had two hamburgers smothered in mushrooms, onions, and cheese, with cauliflower on the side with butter and cream cheese. Dinner was a grilled chicken breast with spaghetti squash with butter, a little parmesan and mozzarella cheese and a little spaghetti sauce. For a late night snack I made my husband and I a low carb iced vanilla latte. Well, I guess the latte was a splurge, but it was a small one!
Today so far I have had five bottles of purified water. I do not want to drink my own tap water during the fast since it is pretty bad. I need to go to the store and buy some distilled water, or at the least, more purified or spring water.
Physically, I have been very tired today. I got about eight hours of sleep last night and woke up tired. I took about a two hour nap today. I know it's important to rest as much as I can.
The hunger pangs have been pretty strong but I know it is just a temptation for me to break my fast. I keep reminding myself that this is not my fast. It belongs to the Lord and he is going to help me. He has never failed me and He won't fail me now. Every time I think of eating I try to pray. I also did my daily devotional reading this morning in Matthew 5-7. It was very timely.
Introduction
Last Thursday night at our midweek church service, our pastor called a fast for the new year. This was nothing unusual since we have done these for the past five years. However, I was not really geared up for such a thing and it threw me off guard.
When I went home, I prayed about what I should do. I already eat on a restricted low carb plan and was planning on concentrating on that, especially since my diabetic husband recently joined my eating plan. But God had other plans.
I found a YouTube user, aaroncohen, who did three 40 day water fasts back to back, only breaking her fast for Passover and Pentecost feasts. Not only did she spiritually grow stronger, she also had a dramatic physical change. She lost 100 pounds over the fast and also revived her health.
I am a Sunday school teacher and three weeks ago my lesson was on Jesus' fasting and his temptation by Satan. I made a comment to my kids about how I couldn't do anything like a 40 day fast like Jesus did, and the Lord said, 'not so fast!' I didn't understand at the time what was going on. I had no intentions of doing a fast in the near future.
My fasting background includes a few short 3 day water only fasts and several longer 21 day fasts which were Daniel fasts, or vegetables, legumes and water only. My husband has approved of my longer and more strict fasting due to the fact that he can't physically fast due to his diabetes, and he also received confirmation from the Lord that it was his will that I fast.
I have a list of 40 things which I will be praying over during the next 40 days. All are very urgent needs, both personally and in the lives my extended family and church family. I am going to try to remain anonymous as much as I can since I do not want to boast of this endeavor. If there is any boasting, let it be a boasting of the Lord and his power to set people free from bondage and breaking every yoke. (Isaiah 58)
The following verse is the title of this blog and the one that the Lord has pressed on my mind as He led me to do this fast:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12
Disclosure: I will be drinking plain water every day, as much as I want, and will also be taking two multivitamin supplements, due to my husband's urging. I am also about 100 pounds overweight so there are plenty of fat stores to supply energy to my body during the fast.
The fast started on January 1, 2011 and I plan on breaking the fast on February 10, 2011. I plan on updating daily, if not more frequently.
When I went home, I prayed about what I should do. I already eat on a restricted low carb plan and was planning on concentrating on that, especially since my diabetic husband recently joined my eating plan. But God had other plans.
I found a YouTube user, aaroncohen, who did three 40 day water fasts back to back, only breaking her fast for Passover and Pentecost feasts. Not only did she spiritually grow stronger, she also had a dramatic physical change. She lost 100 pounds over the fast and also revived her health.
I am a Sunday school teacher and three weeks ago my lesson was on Jesus' fasting and his temptation by Satan. I made a comment to my kids about how I couldn't do anything like a 40 day fast like Jesus did, and the Lord said, 'not so fast!' I didn't understand at the time what was going on. I had no intentions of doing a fast in the near future.
My fasting background includes a few short 3 day water only fasts and several longer 21 day fasts which were Daniel fasts, or vegetables, legumes and water only. My husband has approved of my longer and more strict fasting due to the fact that he can't physically fast due to his diabetes, and he also received confirmation from the Lord that it was his will that I fast.
I have a list of 40 things which I will be praying over during the next 40 days. All are very urgent needs, both personally and in the lives my extended family and church family. I am going to try to remain anonymous as much as I can since I do not want to boast of this endeavor. If there is any boasting, let it be a boasting of the Lord and his power to set people free from bondage and breaking every yoke. (Isaiah 58)
The following verse is the title of this blog and the one that the Lord has pressed on my mind as He led me to do this fast:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12
Disclosure: I will be drinking plain water every day, as much as I want, and will also be taking two multivitamin supplements, due to my husband's urging. I am also about 100 pounds overweight so there are plenty of fat stores to supply energy to my body during the fast.
The fast started on January 1, 2011 and I plan on breaking the fast on February 10, 2011. I plan on updating daily, if not more frequently.
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