This week was actually quite enjoyable. I've gotten a lot better at planning ahead and I'll make a larger meal on Thursday for dinner and just give the kids leftovers for lunch. Since the rest of the family gets up before me, Jason usually gives the kids something for an early breakfast and I'll make something more substantial when Jason kicks me out of bed. I make a lot of eggs and the whole family has come to love frittatas. It's a quick and easy breakfast to make.
Fasting on Friday has actually become a normal routine for the family which I'm thankful for. I really thank God for getting me through the first couple of months because they were rough. I'm hoping that from now on I can focus more on God during the fasting and not on how to make it through the day. I've learned a lot about myself and now it's time to see how God is going to show Himself to me through fasting! I'm so very excited!
Showing posts with label Fasting Fridays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fasting Fridays. Show all posts
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Fasting Friday #7-8 plus our new diet
It's been a busy couple of weeks. Between sickness, researching new rings, my new class and just life in general blogging got pushed back. However, I would like to say that Fasting Fridays is going splendidly. Jason and I decided that it was important for us to eat at least one meal as a family a day. Which isn't a big problem during the week because lunches and dinners are usually a family affair. Fridays are different though, as much as I would like to just sit there while they eat, I don't have that kind of will power. So now fast until dinnertime, which works out to about 20-22 hours of no food.
I like the new set up a lot more because I get to spend the meal time with the kids and I get to eat sooner! I have noticed that between the fasting, exercise and new diet that my body just doesn't have as much reserves to run on anymore. So in the end, I think it was a good thing that we decided to break our fast at dinnertime. And we might go back to a 30 hour fast later on down the road. Especially on the Paleo diet, I don't think that I will be taking in as many calories as I will need to keep the full 30 hour fast.
As for our new diet, Jason and I decided to put the family on the Paleo diet for lent. The main reason was that we wanted to make sure that there were no food sensitivities with anybody. With Jason's mom having Celiac, which is genetic, we wanted to make sure that gluten wasn't an issue. And then since I have dairy issues, we're just trying to play it safe and test everybody. We're hoping that it will help us solve the random stomach issues that we have or at least give us an idea of what's causing it.
So what can we have? Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. No grains, dairy, salt, sugar, processed foods, legumes or starchy vegetables. It sounds extreme and it is, but then again we're only trying this for a little over a month and then we are going to slowly reintroduce foods. I'm cautiously excited about the diet because I want to make sure that we are eating the best things for us and not stuff that our bodies can't handle. But as the main food preparer, I'm racking my brain with how many different ways I can cook chicken. I don't know if we're going to stick with the strict Paleo diet forever, and we probably won't since I love sweet potatoes so very much. But I think that we will have a much better diet in the long run.
I like the new set up a lot more because I get to spend the meal time with the kids and I get to eat sooner! I have noticed that between the fasting, exercise and new diet that my body just doesn't have as much reserves to run on anymore. So in the end, I think it was a good thing that we decided to break our fast at dinnertime. And we might go back to a 30 hour fast later on down the road. Especially on the Paleo diet, I don't think that I will be taking in as many calories as I will need to keep the full 30 hour fast.
As for our new diet, Jason and I decided to put the family on the Paleo diet for lent. The main reason was that we wanted to make sure that there were no food sensitivities with anybody. With Jason's mom having Celiac, which is genetic, we wanted to make sure that gluten wasn't an issue. And then since I have dairy issues, we're just trying to play it safe and test everybody. We're hoping that it will help us solve the random stomach issues that we have or at least give us an idea of what's causing it.
So what can we have? Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. No grains, dairy, salt, sugar, processed foods, legumes or starchy vegetables. It sounds extreme and it is, but then again we're only trying this for a little over a month and then we are going to slowly reintroduce foods. I'm cautiously excited about the diet because I want to make sure that we are eating the best things for us and not stuff that our bodies can't handle. But as the main food preparer, I'm racking my brain with how many different ways I can cook chicken. I don't know if we're going to stick with the strict Paleo diet forever, and we probably won't since I love sweet potatoes so very much. But I think that we will have a much better diet in the long run.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Fasting Friday #6
I wish I can say that fasting has become easier with practice. But alas, it would be a lie. While I'm emotionally more prepared for it now, I'm still physically not. Isn't that always the way though. God prepares you to do something and you go out and prepare yourself spiritually, mentally and emotionally. But when it comes down to it, the flesh is always there to keep you from it. In this case, it's the physical hunger that wants to be satiated. But it's so much more important to be full with the Spirit.
While I'm in the midst of it all, I don't feel like I've made much, if any, progress. But looking back on this Friday and past Fridays, I've realized that I have grown. I've become less whiney. I don't do the self pity thing anymore. And I've grown to not dread fasting days and everything that entails including making the kids' meals.
It may not be a life change but I've found that God likes to work with me a little at a time. And slowly but surely, there is progress.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Fasting Friday #5
Wow, we're over a month into the fasting challenge. Only 23 more months to go! This last week wasn't so bad. I was sick so I ended up not eating very much the beginning of the week. Something about throwing it back up made me not want to eat. So by the time Friday came around, I was starving!
We ended up breaking the fast at dinnertime and it worked out for me. I did realize that I tend to be less cranky when I'm not thinking about myself. I was so busy with the day to day activities that I didn't have time to feel sorry about myself! I guess I'm just going to have to keep my Fridays busy from now on.
We ended up breaking the fast at dinnertime and it worked out for me. I did realize that I tend to be less cranky when I'm not thinking about myself. I was so busy with the day to day activities that I didn't have time to feel sorry about myself! I guess I'm just going to have to keep my Fridays busy from now on.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Fasting Friday #4
This week, we didn't fast on Friday again. If we keep this up, I'm going to have to think of a new name! I actually learned a very good lesson this week. I learned that there is a fine line between being disciplined and legalistic.
As you know from before, I usually do fine with the fast until about dinner time. I really have a hard time with making food and not being able to eat it. All the yummy smells that waft into my nose as I'm preparing the children's food just take a hold of me. But at the same time, there has to be some sacrifice on my part. You really can't grow closer to someone or God without giving yourself up to some degree. In this sacrifice, we find that we are not only stronger in God but a stronger person in general. So I knew that I had to suck it up and deal with it. But where does it go from a sacrifice to a legalistic action that has to be done?
As a Christian, we are told that there are so many things that we should be doing to draw closer to God. But if we do them just because we have to, we are not getting to the core of the issue. God does not want us to be robots, that's why we have free will. We need to also have the right attitude about it. I'm reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas and I think he hits it on the nail when he says; "We're not just after the imitation of Christ's actions in our home. We also want to model Christ's spirit and attitude."( pg. 191). Our heart has to be in the right place when we are doing our acts of worship. What is the point of fasting if you are grumbling the whole time?
After the kids went to bed, I decided that it was not worth it to continue fasting for the rest of the night because I was definitely starting to grumble about it. And therein, I learned my lesson. I could've continued my fast and and be upset that I had to do it. But instead, I choose to end it early and be thankful to God that I was able to last as long as I did and appreciate God for carrying me the whole day. Because in the end, there is nothing that I can do apart from Christ. (John 15:5).
As you know from before, I usually do fine with the fast until about dinner time. I really have a hard time with making food and not being able to eat it. All the yummy smells that waft into my nose as I'm preparing the children's food just take a hold of me. But at the same time, there has to be some sacrifice on my part. You really can't grow closer to someone or God without giving yourself up to some degree. In this sacrifice, we find that we are not only stronger in God but a stronger person in general. So I knew that I had to suck it up and deal with it. But where does it go from a sacrifice to a legalistic action that has to be done?
As a Christian, we are told that there are so many things that we should be doing to draw closer to God. But if we do them just because we have to, we are not getting to the core of the issue. God does not want us to be robots, that's why we have free will. We need to also have the right attitude about it. I'm reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas and I think he hits it on the nail when he says; "We're not just after the imitation of Christ's actions in our home. We also want to model Christ's spirit and attitude."( pg. 191). Our heart has to be in the right place when we are doing our acts of worship. What is the point of fasting if you are grumbling the whole time?
After the kids went to bed, I decided that it was not worth it to continue fasting for the rest of the night because I was definitely starting to grumble about it. And therein, I learned my lesson. I could've continued my fast and and be upset that I had to do it. But instead, I choose to end it early and be thankful to God that I was able to last as long as I did and appreciate God for carrying me the whole day. Because in the end, there is nothing that I can do apart from Christ. (John 15:5).
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Fasting Friday #3
This week we fasted on Thursday instead of Friday. We had a sleepover planned and decided to get our fasting out of the way. I appreciate the flexibility of what we are doing and that it isn't a hard and fast rule that Fridays are fasting days.
While I still have lots of room to grow in both my relationship with God and Jason. I am feeling like we are closer. I feel closer to Jason because we now have a common goal. It might not be life changing, but it's good to know that we are on the same page in at least one area of life. Now Jason and I agree on most things and we don't fight much. But it's comforting nonetheless.
As far as my relationship with God goes. It's nice to know that I'm doing something for Him. It's so easy for me to do something with the expectation of getting something back. But knowing that just by going out of my comfort zone in this one area of life is pleasing to God is a reward in itself. It gives me a deeper appreciation of all the wondrous things His done for me without expecting anything in return.
While I still have lots of room to grow in both my relationship with God and Jason. I am feeling like we are closer. I feel closer to Jason because we now have a common goal. It might not be life changing, but it's good to know that we are on the same page in at least one area of life. Now Jason and I agree on most things and we don't fight much. But it's comforting nonetheless.
As far as my relationship with God goes. It's nice to know that I'm doing something for Him. It's so easy for me to do something with the expectation of getting something back. But knowing that just by going out of my comfort zone in this one area of life is pleasing to God is a reward in itself. It gives me a deeper appreciation of all the wondrous things His done for me without expecting anything in return.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Fasting Friday #2
This last Friday was a lot easier for me. A big part of the reason is that we didn't work out on that day. Plus, we ended driving down to Killeen to visit Jason's sister for her birthday. With the lack of a hard workout and a long car ride, we didn't think about food as much. I found that my stomach was more adept to the lack of food too. It didn't protest nearly as much.
Meal times were also easier because Emily made dinner for her and the kids so I didn't have to prepare all three meals. Although, we did spend dinner time looking up food recipes. But I guess in the end, it was a much more successful fasting experience and we were able to abstain until Saturday morning!
Meal times were also easier because Emily made dinner for her and the kids so I didn't have to prepare all three meals. Although, we did spend dinner time looking up food recipes. But I guess in the end, it was a much more successful fasting experience and we were able to abstain until Saturday morning!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Fasting Friday #1
It's a new year and Jason and I have completed our first Fasting Friday. It wasn't as bad as it could have been. We are doing a water and tea fast for 24 hours (well, that is the goal but more on that later).
We woke up and started our day like any other day. The one thing that wasn't planned out as well as it could have been was that we also had our workout to do on Friday. Jason and I did our workout with lots of grunts of pain in the morning and then proceeded to live life as normal as possible. I really didn't feel hungry until after the workout which wasn't a big surprise to me. But we drank lots of water and tea (and since we have lots of different flavors of tea it was quite nice).
Around dinner time was when the rubber hit the road. I still had to cook for the kids and the smell of the food was making me miss eating. I started getting upset that I couldn't eat the food but I stuck it out. I'm going to have work on my attitude next week though.
In the end, Jason and decided that since it was our first go and we had a hard workout in the morning to go ahead and eat after the kids went to bed. It wasn't such a bad go at fasting since we abstained from for for about 20 hours.
Conclusion: When you are fasting, it is a lot easier when your love is doing it with you. Try to drink lots of liquids to stave off the hunger feelings. I tried to spend more time in prayer and in the word throughout the day and that helped a lot. Imagine that, when you focus on Christ, your current situation is better. Also, if you have to cook, do it with a smile on your face and make something you don't like but the kids do! I don't have any real goals for the fasting. I just wanted to do it to grow closer to Christ and grow closer to Jason. But I'm leaving it up to God to show me what he wants to. We'll see what happens next week!
We woke up and started our day like any other day. The one thing that wasn't planned out as well as it could have been was that we also had our workout to do on Friday. Jason and I did our workout with lots of grunts of pain in the morning and then proceeded to live life as normal as possible. I really didn't feel hungry until after the workout which wasn't a big surprise to me. But we drank lots of water and tea (and since we have lots of different flavors of tea it was quite nice).
Around dinner time was when the rubber hit the road. I still had to cook for the kids and the smell of the food was making me miss eating. I started getting upset that I couldn't eat the food but I stuck it out. I'm going to have work on my attitude next week though.
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| The kids with their dinner. |
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| Jason with our "dinner." |
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Conclusion: When you are fasting, it is a lot easier when your love is doing it with you. Try to drink lots of liquids to stave off the hunger feelings. I tried to spend more time in prayer and in the word throughout the day and that helped a lot. Imagine that, when you focus on Christ, your current situation is better. Also, if you have to cook, do it with a smile on your face and make something you don't like but the kids do! I don't have any real goals for the fasting. I just wanted to do it to grow closer to Christ and grow closer to Jason. But I'm leaving it up to God to show me what he wants to. We'll see what happens next week!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
One week to go
With only one more week to go before Jason and I start Fasting Fridays, I'm excited to see what God is going to do in our lives. How is He going to draw us closer to Him? What are the obstacles that we have to overcome? How will this affect our marriage or the way we treat the kids? These are all questions that I can't wait to get answered. Your prayers would be appreciated as Jason and I embark on this new journey.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Fasting Fridays
Jason and I are starting a new adventure starting the New Year. We will be fasting once a week for at least 2 years. I'm excited to see how God will grow us during this time, both as a couple and individually. Check back for more on how we're getting ready for our next adventure!
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