Breakthrough Fast, Day 8

Just as each race is different, each fast is different.*  This fast has been nothing like the Juice Reboot that I did last summer.  This one has been an emotional rollercoaster and the food cravings have not gone away after two days like before.  I blame Christmas feasting, the sugar intake was very high this year.  As for the emotions,  I’m spending at least an hour per day in prayer and bible study.  God is teaching me about Joy and craving Him instead of food. Forgetting what is behind and reaching toward the goal, I’m expecting this coming week will be  easier, I’ll  keep you posted.

*See Fasting is Like Running, Dec.2011

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It’s Christmas Darn it! How to have joy in the midst of pain.

This has been one of the most trying Holiday seasons of my life.  Depression and despair have dogged my steps.  Everyday I expect the Christmas spirit to arrive with the shopping, decorating and planning.  Every night I go to bed exhausted and in tears just wanting to get the whole thing over with so I can really be depressed in January.

Each day I read my Bible and talk with God.  I’ve been asking Him to show me how to have joy on the inside when the life is painful on the outside.  He has shown me Romans 12:12 where Paul talks about being joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer in addition to the verses in Philippians about keeping my mind on what’s good and not worrying.   After praying and asking Him once again to show me joy, I received His answer.  Basically, joy in the midst of pain comes from;  living in the moment;  keeping my mind on what is true for today;  not worrying about anything, but making my requests to God with thanksgiving;  and living in the hope of God’s plans for eternity.

The resulting joy has welled up from within along with anticipation of Christ’s Birthday Celebration.   For all of you who are feeling pain this Christmas, read those passages and talk with your Creator.  His joy is the best gift of all.

A Healthy Spirit

This is a spiritual time of year.  Many of us are celebrating two major religious holidays, Hanukkah and Christmas.  Our family celebrates both holidays because we have a Jewish heritage and Christian beliefs.

It is my personal view that optimal physical health must include spiritual health as well.  For instance, when I am overwhelmed with stress I put into practice verses found in the Bible, Philippians 4: ” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.  My experience is that the peace of God descends and the stress is lifted.

Acknowledging the need for spiritual health and seeking the Creator who gives it to you will send you on an amazing journey.  Let this season be the beginning of Optimal Health in your body and your spirit.