Day 16

DAY 16 FAST:  Day 16 we continue to be steady.  What was once a disciplined effort has now become routine.  In terms of eating, we have found ourselves thinking about various foods that we used to eat and they sound good.  We've talked about everything from cookies to pizza.  But the idea of actually eating them is a bit more hazy now as we are in no hurry to return to unhealthy eating.  Physically we feel too good, strong and have gained tremendous benefit from the Daniel Fast too quickly return to our old eating habits.  Mentally, there is always a sense of self-control and gaining back some “will power” that comes from fasting. The Daniel Fast is no different.  We have felt satisfaction and strength of mind that has come from sticking with the fast this long. It is a mental strength that generalizes to other activities as well, i.e., getting paperwork finished, making that call, doing those minute things each day that are a pain, etc.  Spiritually, there is a sense of freshness and as if the fog is starting to lift and we can see clearly again.  Its amazing how much clearer and alive the Bible becomes when you are quieting your earthly vessel and soul, so that the still small voice can be heard.  Until Day 17, be blessed…

Day 15

Today we write and feel exhausted.  We’re tired of eating rice, beans and bananas!  But we do it anyway.  I’m tired of not reading a good story from the sports page, but I abstain anyway.  We’re tired of filling out paper after paper for the adoption and feeling like Karen & I are all alone in this process but we take heart again anyway.  We’re tired of wondering where the money is coming from, but we keep believing anyway.  We’re tired of this whole Daniel fast thing, but I do it anyway.  We’re just tired of disciplining ourselves.  We are where Jesus was when he was praying in the garden.  Not the glory part, but rather the gory part. We understand though, without the gory, there is no glory.  There will be an end to this exhausting process and we know it.  But for the moment, we wonder why did this.  All that said and today, we look at each other for just a moment and notice that Jeffrey looks healthy and vibrant, Russell has lost over 10 lbs and Karen glows like a bride.  Karen bought some clothes for our new boys today and we got excited all over again about having them join our family.  There is something to be said for discipline and waiting…I just can’t seem to find those words right now though.  I’m too tired to think!  Until Day 16…

Day 13

Today is Day 13 of our Daniel Fast.  We find ourselves with all types of “knee jerk” reactions to food and eating behavior. Yesterday, we were shopping at the grocery store.  It was late afternoon, low 80’s and I was feeling a little fatigued and weak. Many times under such conditions I would resort to a Dr. Pepper.  For the first time on the fast, it went thru my mind, “hey, a Dr. Pepper would be good right now”.  And while there’s not anything terribly sinful about a DP, there is also nothing nutritionally redeeming in it.  The body is not craving the sugar and caffeine, but the brain is still programmed that “this is what we do in the afternoon when we’re feeling fatigued”.  Changing unproductive behavior is a challenge and the part of the fast that we now deal with each day.  And just for the record, it can be irritating.  I have noticed that we all are a little more grumpy, particularly when it comes to decision-making time.  During these moments, and it doesn’t have to be a big decision, it just seems irritating to have to think about it and make a decision.  Sounds silly but its what we’ve experienced here on Day 13.  All of this struggle thought, enhances the spiritual dimension.  It is at these times of challenge that the awareness of the human frailty and the need for a strength that comes from beyond your own resources kicks in.  The simple dependency on God and His strength and resources is refreshing, planting an entirely different perspective on the entire process of fasting.  Until Day 14…be blessed!

Day 12

Today starts day 12 of our Daniel Fast and we begin our day refreshed and revived.  We have hit a time when we are starting to run on commitment more than anything else.  There is a deep down conviction that we are receiving something special out of the fast.  There is the realization that our bodies feel a range of things from really, really good and healthy to tired and fatigued. Mentally, there is the realization that this is good, but also old habits rise up and it seems easier to just call in a pizza.  While eating no sugar, no meat and nothing processed has been rewarding, eating rice and beans is now starting to be a little bland. Spiritually, we are strong.  We pray together as a family every night and have been enjoying reading the book of Daniel together on most nights.  There have been certain “enlightenments” along the way and life’s path seems a little clearer as a result of quieting ourselves and our appetites.   Its hard to think clearly when your body is screaming for things that it really doesn’t need to begin with.  While we look forward the fast’s end, it is clear that we will not return to our former regimen of eating.

The Daniel Fast

Today we are writing about something that is happening in our lives that to us, is both unique and special.  No, its not about the adoption of our boys, although that certainly qualifies as unique and special to us.  This is a very unique experience in which Karen,  Julie, (our 22 yr old) Jeffrey (our 10 year old) and I have been participating for the last 10 days.  Its called a Daniel Fast.  Fasting is not new to us we have long used the practice of fasting to discern the times and seasons, as well as, provide valuable direction for living.   Its something Karen and I do when we need to calm our mind, emotions, body and spirit down when things in life are whirling too fast.  However, Fasting as a family and the Daniel Fast in particular is new to us.

 

Daniel, as you know, fasted all pleasurable foods and ate basically fruits and veggies or anything coming from a seed for 21 days.  The results were extremely powerful for Daniel and actually changed the course of a nation.  We weren't necessarily trying to change a nation, but we did feel some struggles needing a little extra to resolve.  So beginning April 19th, we began this journey. Eating only fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and drinking water. Basically, fasting meats and sweets. What a journey it has been. 

 

We are now on Day 11 of our Daniel Fast.  It has been a huge blessing for us.  We feel better physically, mentally and spiritually.  There have been times when we wanted to take the easy way out and just order pizza, but Karen has diligently prepared foods each day that were consistent with our fast.  There is an excitement about what we're doing and more importantly, what God is doing in our lives that permeates our home.  We can sense that something special is happening and we look forward to completing the next 10 days strong, as our physical health is strengthened, our mental functions  made sharper, and our spirits being fine tuned to Heaven's frequency!  

Walk a Thon Fundraiser

It has been a while since we last posted.  We have been diligently fulfilling what seems to be an unending wave of paperwork.  We don't want to the belabor the point of paperwork, in fears that we might dissuade others who may be considering adoption, but keep in mind that many parts of our adoption are doubled because we are adopting 2 children.  Otherwise, we're making progress, having completed 10 hours of online parent training per Hague Treaty Agreement, gathered numerous documents and completed numerous forms.  

Yesterday was the Walk a Thon and it was wonderful!  Thank you Torie, who  organized, conducted  and raised money for us! It was wonderful to go to Wrightsville Beach and participate in the event.  It continues to blow our minds how God has brought so many others into this process to bless and encourage us.  We hope to have all of our home study  completed very soon.

Until next time...

Walk a Thon Fundraiser

We have been blessed to have a local high school senior choose us to participate in her senior project. She has been working on her project for quite some time. The project is on adoption and she is hosting a  Walk a Thon to raise funds for our adoption. We are honored and blessed to be a part of it and hope to get a big turn out for her as well. Here are the details:
Walk for Adoption! Torie's senior project.
Wrightsville Beach Loop
Saturday April 24th 9:00 AM
This is a beautiful walk on Wrightsville Beach, the weather will be perfect and this is a great time to get out and enjoy the area and the company. Come walk the loop with friends and help us bring our boys home! You can get sponsors ahead of time or bring donations on the day of the walk, or you can donate through paypal.