Two weeks completed. This has been so enlightening in too many ways to count. Placing my attention on the Lord Almighty throughout the day has kept me content. There’s a peace you feel when your mind is focused on God, and no one or nothing can steal your joy. That’s pretty much how I feel right now, peaceful, content and joyful.

Forty days is life changing. When I was reading my book today, it talked about generational curses. There are several times in the Bible where it speaks of the number forty. It represents cleansing and purifying. It took 40 days and 40 nights for God to cleanse the world during the flood with Noah. Moses’ life was divided into three seasons. 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, then 40 years bringing the Israelites into the Promise Land. And Moses fasted twice for forty days. The first fast was when he received the Ten Commandments and his second time was a forty day fast to cover the sins of God’s chosen people. There’s countless accounts of God’s people fasting for this period of time.

My sister Kari and I have joined together in this fast. We both have experienced sadness, heartache and addiction in our family. As we shared our desire to fast this year, we both were led to commit to forty days. The more I understood, the more apparent it became that forty days was significant when you have bondages and generational traumas in your family. Both my sister and I started this fast for our family, to unlock the strongholds that prayer alone was not breaking. There are certain times when you are called to step out of your comfort zone and do something more. An interesting fact that I heard today regarding fly infestation. It is known that if you have an infestation of flies, that you need to continue spraying day after day for a total of forty days. If you only spray for a month, they will come back as their eggs are still in the hatching period. But if you spray for the full forty days, you can finally rid yourself of them nasty flies forever. I plan to squash these flies, and never have them rule over my family again!

As I close today, I plan to finish my next month with the Lord in communion, prayer and fasting. This will be our time together, just me and Jesus. I hope that I may have opened your eyes to what fasting truly is and the importance of this sacrifice. Whenever we consecrate ourselves to Him, He will make all things possible. That is a promise! God bless you and may you always find favor in the Lords eyes.

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭

Does God have an assignment for you? Of course He does. He has placed a calling on your life before you were even born. It is up to you to learn what that is and honor what God has planned for each and every one of us. When we pray, and seek his will for our lives, get ready.

My husband went to his Men’s Monday Bible Study. It just so happened that they were talking about fasting. When he came home, he shared with me what he heard. When you fast, it is suppose to be private, between you and the Lord.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6: 16‬-‭18‬ ‭‬‬

I have read this verse many times, even before I started my fast. Yet, I felt led by the Holy Spirit to write about this. What I’ve learned is many of my Christian friends and family have no understanding of what fasting is. Honestly, only two to three months ago, I knew little about fasting. The fact is that Jesus didn’t say to us “if we fast,” but rather “when we fast,” that we should place our attention on the one who sent us!

So why then am I blogging about something so personal? Something that is just between me and the Lord? I felt that if I didn’t know, that there were many of you who also didn’t understand the command to fast. I believe this is part of my calling. To blog, to write about what God places on my heart. My personal journey of fasting, is just that, personal! But the description of what fasting is, I felt led to shout from the rooftops! As I was reading this morning, I found this quote that truly sums up fasting.

“Fasting is to purify the believer’s heart, to spend time focusing on God, to learn to deny the physical in order to grow the spiritual. Fasting is for repentance, for sorrow, for purification. Fasting helps us become more sensitive to God. Fasting is a discipline designed to help us draw closer to God.” And that is why we fast. To draw closer to our Creator, to know him so intimately, and finally, to learn what our calling is.

Here I am closing in on two weeks. Today was my walk day which really isn’t that long, but it’s my freedom day. Since Dad has moved in with us, my hubby and I have decided that we each need to take one day off a week, to recharge. So Zoey, my faithful four-footed furry friend joined me. One of the best things about NorCal is our weather. It is nothing but blue skies and bluebirds chirping in January. I’ll take it and pay my enormous taxes. Some call it our Sunshine Tax and I must admit, it’s well worth it!

So continuing on with the principles regarding fasting. The length of time to dedicate yourself to fasting is once again, personal and between you and the Lord. If you’ve never fasted before, 1-3 day fasts are your best bet. Just about all of us have had to fast for blood tests or prior to a surgery, so adding a full day to three days, is fairly doable. I have a good friend who is considering fasting for 12 hours a day from sunset to sunrise. Many religious factions will fast from sunrise to sunset. Then others may acknowledge that they need to commit to a larger block of time. Many choose 7 days, 14 days or 21 days, which are very typically followed. Don’t be surprised when you are about to break your fast, that the Lord may put it on your heart to extend your fasting period for another week or two.

One unexpected twist to fasting is the overwhelming increased health benefits. To name a few, by eliminating your intake of processed foods, your body will flush out toxic buildup that you may have harbored for months, if not years. By drinking nothing but water, and being that most of us are severely dehydrated, is a great source of cleansing and overall healing for both our inners and outward skin. It’s true when you notice that you are truly glowing with God’s glory!

One final comment is that when we fast, it gives our body a chance to heal. By limiting our food intake, it allows your body to recover and gives your digestive tract a chance to restore to its’ intended balance. This happens in many ways but the most noticeable will be your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and your body weight. Fasting is the mighty key to healing your body. Get ready for God’s grace and wisdom to reign in whatever ailments you may suffer from. This is a promise from the Lord above. So what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence. Standby and be ready for a breakthrough!

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” Malachi‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭

As I was reading this morning, a question was asked? How can you hear God’s voice? How do we know if we are in God’s will? The obvious answer is fasting. In Acts 9:7-9 while Paul was fasting, God called him out of his old life to teach the world about Jesus. I think, most of us can agree, that Paul was one of the biggest influencers in Christianity! Peter was fasting on a rooftop when God presented an assignment and he would ultimately spread the gospel to the Gentiles in Acts 10. It is fair to say that fasting prepares a clear path for God to give you direction, revelation and purpose for your life. Fasting allows you to rely on the Lord, enabling the Holy Spirit to guide your life in ways you may have never imagined!

There are many different types of fast. Absolute, Normal and Partial Fasts. The Absolute Fast is what Jesus did when he walked in the wilderness. He drank no water and ate no food. This is not recommended unless you are supervised by a trained professional who can walk you through this and monitor your progress. However, some people have experienced incredible breakthroughs by completing an absolute fast.

The Normal Fast is limited to water, broth or juice. This also is challenging, however can be done and some churches participate in this type of fasting yearly. One church has talked with their local Chick-fil-A and they actually strain their Chicken Noodle Soup for their fasting customers to make it compliant. You just gotta love a good Chick-fil-A!

The final fast is a partial fast, which I am doing. It is what the Daniel Fast follows and restricts certain foods and all drinks except water. There are many versions of the Daniel Fast but the most popular one is limiting what you consume to fruits, vegetables, non-refined grains, nuts and seeds. I also read Rick Warren’s “Daniel Plan” and this incorporates lean proteins. Rick Warren’s plan is based around healthy living and spiritual growth. He had a team of prominent doctors that helped define a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, meditation and community, something that both Rick and his congregation could apply. It proved successful and has been followed by thousands yearly.

As you can tell, there are many options to fasting. It is not an all or nothing approach, but rather fasting is an individual choice. The most important component is that fasting is combined with prayer and reading the word of God. Without the last two elements, then fasting is merely nothing more than a diet!

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭6‬ ‭

Me and the Lord are one-quarter through our fast. This fast has had its challenges but for the better part, I feel that I’m already noticing positive changes. The biggest and most measurable has been my Blood Pressure. It’s dropped ten points in less than two weeks! Food is thy medicine.

Last night, my closest circle of friends met and shared our thoughts regarding fasting. What it is and what it isn’t. It is so exciting to hear from these wise women of faith and how they are so open to this ability to tap into God’s best for their lives. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that each one of us have a unique and personal relationship with Jesus. One that is so special, and loving that it is hard to explain. Yet, we want more!

There are hundreds of reasons to want to fast but the most valuable ones are, it sets course for the upcoming year. Starting a fast in the beginning of a New Year, directs a compass heading, that you can use for the entire year. Just as we set aside our firsts for God, we do the same by setting aside our bodily cravings to honor the one who saved us. You and your family may receive blessings tenfold, just by the mere fact that you are fasting in January. And finally, when you pray and fast at the beginning of the year, you are set up to gain all that God wants to give you. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. When we put God first, in the front of all else, it releases the power for all things to be ours. That is so powerful!

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”” Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭1‬-‭3‬

Such a beautiful day indeed. My dog and I went for a long walk today. We typically walk one to three miles but I had some extra time. Zoey and I headed south to Beale Point and back. A good six mile jaunt, on the trail, down to the lake and up the rocky cliff. There is something magical when you and the Lord have a one to one conversation. That’s what this is really all about.

Jentezen Franklin’s book on Fasting says that when he needs a fresh encounter with God, fasting is the secret key that unlocks heaven’s door and slams shut the gates of hell. When I started searching for a breakthrough, fasting has been the secret weapon to achieving access to God’s will and desire for my life. In addition, my health and wellbeing are thanking me.

I received a message from a follower who said she too is fasting. Like me, she is ready to make this a lifelong goal to continue partnering with the Lord. Who would’ve known that fasting could fling open heavens gates?

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

There’s many types of Biblical fasting. I believe the most common or the one many prescribe to is the Daniel Fast which I am doing. But others will be led to do a strict water or bone broth fast. My sister Kari is doing the Bone Broth fast. She’s a pro at this as her church has been fasting for years, starting on the Sunday following New Year. Kari and I have been sharing experiences with our fast over the phone, as she lives in Alaska, and I live in California

Just hear me out, Satan is not pleased when we fast. He will try to sabotage us in any way, shape or form! So you must be ready for an attack. When you are on a liquid only fast, I can only imagine how hard that can be. It takes extreme willpower and commitment to stay true to our God. After one week, my sister has already dropped close to twenty pounds. That’s a lot to lose but as she told me, God made it crystal clear that for health reasons, this was the time to consider a liquid only fast. Bless her for sticking with it, even under dire circumstances. She has experienced true loss in the first week with a death to her son’s close friend, others being hospitalized with severe medical issues and a diagnosis of cancer returning to a dear friends’ husband! All during her first week of fasting. I was loss for words when she shared this with me. Yet she is bound and determined to carryon! That is a true warrior for Christ. I am so proud of her for being such an amazing example to me and to her family and friends. What a testimony for a breakthrough.

I can’t help thinking about all the loss that we experience in a lifetime. When I saw the fires in Southern California, it made me wonder what would I do after such devastation. Our Pastor Lisa shared a story of three teens that returned to what was left of their home. It was literally covered in ash. One of the boys kneeled down and started digging through the rubble, not knowing what he would find. In the midst of all their loss, he uncovered a Bible, still in tact and unburned! That is hope which he recovered. Hope for this time right now, hope for the future and hope for eternity. We never know what we might find if we get down on our knees and search through the fallen and broken pieces of our life. We may just find a hidden gem or buried treasure within our discarded past. Where we came from is part of our story, but it does not define our future. God does!

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭

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 ‭

I must say that so far, I’m truly enjoying my fasting regiment. It has given me purpose to my day. I feel much more energetic and look forward to my morning hot water with lemon and reading the Book of John.

When I was told my friend Pamela was passing, I was fortunate enough to be with her on her final day. I arrived in the morning and she was sleeping with labored breath. Her time on earth was coming to an end and all I could think of was reading the Bible to her. I opened to John because I feel it’s the book of love. As a Medic, you are taught that your hearing is the last thing that leaves. So I started reading from Chapter One, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭. I’d like to believe that she heard each word and gave her comfort as she left this earth and made her way through heavens gates.

When I started this fast, I was undecided as to what I was going to read. Then I heard about the 40/40 challenge. Read the Book of John in 40 days and walk a mile a day. Hence 40/40. It has been so inspiring and has given me purpose each day. As I finished my walk this morning, I couldn’t help thinking of my friend Pam and wondered how heaven has been treating her? I’m sure she’s doing great! But I do miss you girl. See you when I see you.

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭

We have made it over a week into the New Year. If you are anything like me, whatever resolution you made, is in the wind. What I can say is when you partner with God, it is much more realistic and I’m making amazing headway. Paul wrote to Timothy and the church leaders of Ephesus. He mentioned that we are to be representatives of the Lord, to take care of widowers, and provide for the ones who can’t care for themselves. We should be examples of God’s love, so that when people look at us, they know we are Christians. This is a great advice.

What really stood out to me is the fact that Paul never mentioned perfection. He knew that we will make mistakes, that we’ll have missteps and that new year resolutions typically get broken. But what we can do is do our best, step by step, and with consistency, we will make progress.

So when you are wondering if you should throw in the towel, knowing you’ll never be able to keep that promise you made to yourself, all you really need to do is make progress! Others will see that you are shining like the light of Jesus, as you are making strides forward. And isn’t that what we all should strive towards? Progress, not perfection!

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬