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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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wesrman
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01/11/2012 17:33 |
Thats interesting Tammy. I have been looking into sugar and the effects its having on our society and am looking forward to seeing how this helps your fibro. Can u give me a list of the things you're avoiding?
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Calico
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01/12/2012 14:17 |
Ok, I've been stumbling a bit, primarily because of three things:
1. - I am on a mudnight shift (s.i.c., since when I work at night, my mind is mud) and coffee seems to beckon...
2. - On Tuesday I broke my fast so as to attend a dinner gathering with friends, and it seemed best not to augment the meal for others' sake...
3. - ...anyone who comes along to read-through here can see that the above two reasons are actually pretty lame, in consideration of what the fast entails, and what it's purpose is. I've abdicated too much in lieu of "still wanting the things I want."
However, the week has been a good journey even with these failings. What I have been experiencing is a moment-to-moment awareness of the Lord showing me where I have not properly prepared in my planning, or showing me where "food" is still "a thing placed between Him and I." I don't have any weight or nutritional health problems, but I do have "my wants," which during this time-frame I am seeing as selfish over-prioritization.
I am considering now that this may be a much longer Daniel Fast, well past 21 days.
Wes, Susan Gregory's book has a list of the things that are avoided during the partial fast. While Tammy may indeed also provide a list for you of things she and Paul are avoiding, I thought it worthwhile to point to The Daniel Fast book as having a thorough list. A summary is here http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/
Praying with you,
Tom
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wesrman
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01/12/2012 15:12 |
Wow.
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Dezreavey
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01/12/2012 18:07 |
I (my church) did this at the end of last year. I really benefited from this time, at the very least it got me back into the habit of reading my bible each day.
I learned a lot about the point and benefit of fasting in general also from this experience.
-D!
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Tammy
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01/13/2012 12:26 |
So, the last couple of days have been difficult. Paul has been struggling because it reminds him of growing up poor in Mexico. (no meat). We've stuck to it pretty well. It does say that you're supposed to drink only filtered water, and I will admit to drinking tap water. I had a lot of physical pain yesterday, but I think it was related to my fibro and my stress level. We are doing state testing for kids, and that is always a stressor. I am in a new job this year, so I am testing kids, and in 4 different schools. Then I got a text yesterday from Bianca (oldest daughter) and my 2 year old granddaughter was very sick. She is getting better slowly. Then I got a call from Erica, almost crying because she didn't have things in place for her practicum and she had to have it in place by next Tues. She called back later to say that after she hung up the phone, a call came through about that, and it would work out better than she hoped. Then last night, I woke up at 1:30 in the morning, and couldn't go back to sleep. I said all this to say: I think we're being attacked.
By the way, Wes, basically we eat fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains. We drink water. That's it. No leavening in bread, no coffee, no tea... Coffee is really hard for me too, Tom. D, I know several churches are starting this as a tradition at the beginning of the year. Thanks for your support in this, everyone! It helps me to share this...
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Tammy
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01/26/2012 13:49 |
Well, we've made it to day 19. Lots of things have been happening. Our relationship is stronger, and my husband and I have moved closer to God in a lot of ways. I have finally finished state testing, so that is a big stressor gone. I recommend this, not so much for the healthy eating aspect, but I do feel like I can hear God's voice better.
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Craig from Illinois
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01/26/2012 18:17 |
I'm debating whether or not to start a conversation about my skepticism regarding fasts. Tammy, are you willing to talk about my disbelief?
Craig
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Calico
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01/27/2012 09:55 |
Wow, Craig, wonderful to see you step out to say so :-)
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Tammy
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01/27/2012 19:59 |
Sure. Not sure how knowledgeable I am on the subject, other than my experiences and what the Bible says about them.
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Craig from Illinois
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01/27/2012 22:41 |
I got started on writing a bunch of things about fasting then I realized that's not what is bothering me. I think my pet peeve with fasting is the same thing bothers me about a lot of things that look "spiritual".
To me, fasting seems manipulative and self-seeking. By manipulative, I mean that fasting puts a lot of pressure on the participant and on God for a desired result. Not getting that desired result could led to guilt or a sense of being "un-spiritual". Or worse, that God isn't coming through on our sacrifices.
By self-seeking, I mean that the participant USUALLY is the only benefactor of the desired result. I rarely hear someone fasting for someone else's benefit out of love. It happens, but when it does it's done we rarely hear about it. It's done in private and done humbly. Honestly, I hear a lot of "clanging cymbals and gongs" by the people who fast.
So it is the same with a lot of ways spirituality is expressed. Spiritual practice has it's history and it's place in the Church. But like everything else good, it can be abused. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8). If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Tammy, I sure hope you find what you need to find and see what you need to see. I'm sure your heart is in the right place because you desire clarity spiritually. I just wish that for you and your husband, simply knowing that God loves you and what that means would sink deep into your soul.
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