One week makes a world of difference! I think they say it takes 21 days if not 40, to form a habit. This is such a part of me now that I may just keep going. My body is thanking me for dropping the junk food, not consuming meat of any form-not even fish, and off the dairy and alcohol. At this point, it could be a summation of many things, but I must say, my bloating and constipation are gone. That might be too much information but it’s true nevertheless. However, there are some habits that are harder to break than others, as I found out tonight.

My friend Eva has been celebrating Japanese New Year forever. She invites her extended family and many friends to her home for a traditional Japanese New Years. It starts with Miso Soup, totally compliant and after your taste buds get warmed up, the feast begins. Fortunately for me, much of the food is Vegan friendly. Lots of fresh vegetables and fruit slices, sticky rice and avocado slices. I had a plate full of incredible and tasty morsels. Where I about stumbled was after dinner, I headed to grab a cup of hot tea. In the Daniel Fast, they are adamant about drinking nothing but water. No soda, no wine, no coffee or herbal tea. It is just out of habit, that I drink tea. I had gone to the hot water dispenser and filled up my cup, then was looking for a tea bag. All of a sudden I realized what I was about to do. That is an ingrained, habitual habit! So interesting that I haven’t had any experience of heading for a T-Bone Steak but, hot tea is my Achilles Heel. I finally snapped out of my trance and grabbed a lemon slice and a piece of ginger root. All was saved.

Honestly, would it really have made a difference if I had a cup of tea? Yes, it would have to me, and possibly God. This, as far as I’m concerned, is a binding contract between my submission, and my obedience to the process. I do my part and Jesus does the rest. And that’s a great partnership!

Just a quick update on my friend Pam. This is totally a God-thing. When Pam passed, her request was to leave her money to three charities of her choice, all animal sanctuaries. One recipient was the Marine Mammal Sanctuary in Sausalito. Because of her generous donations, they named a Humpback Whale in her honor. The name I selected was Kippy Kipster as this was her most favorite dog. This morning after reading my Bible, I opened my email. I received a notification from the Mammal Sanctuary. They had a sighting of Kippy Kipster in Baja. As I was reading, I had tears of joy. My God knew that I needed to know that all was good with my dear friend and He arranged for me to get this confirmation that she is as free as Kippy Kipster, swimming in the ocean blue. Thank you Lord for your thoughtfulness. You truly know what makes me feel loved!

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭