Day one

And we're off.

This is day one.

I want to do this the right way. The last time I entered into an extended fast I didn't really have a plan. I just knew I wanted to prove to myself and God that I could do it. So I stepped out there. 40 days later I emerged a different individual. I learned a lot in that experience. For example; Have a blueprint!

No builder would ever attempt to erect a home for someone without following a set of plans. The prints tell you where you are going. They provide insight. They keep you to your course. So before I began this fast I sat down and wrote up a set of blueprints for my next 21 days.

#1 Why in the world would anyone want to do such a thing. This morning at 10:30, as my stomach was letting me know that last nights dinner was gone, I was thinking that very thought.
The benefits are wide and varied. Everything from detoxing to focus. I came up with four reasons of why I would resist my nature to eat for the next three weeks. First, self discipline! For the coming days I will tell my body who is in control. I will not heed its whining. Second, I want to purify my life. I have some attitudes and habits that I can't wait to see removed from my world. Third, I am endeavoring to drive into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus. Finally, I have some dreams inside of me and I am spending some dedicated time praying about those things.

#2 How do I plan to make this happen. Fasting is two fold. First, Not eating. No food, no sustenance, no calories. I plan on carrying around my water bottle and feasting on its contents exclusively. In addition to that, I will control the intake of other things into my life. TV gets minimized to the bare essentials, and the Wii and I will part ways for the most part. Secondly, fasting is about what you do put in. I have prepared a fasting survival pack. Three books that I want to feed my soul with, of course the Bible, and my Zune(mp3 player) loaded up with David Crowder and Frontline. Its time to nourish the spirit while I starve the body. Lastly, I plan on kicking up the amount of time I dedicate each day to prayer.

Ok so hows it going. Smooth sailing so far. Of course as I type that last line my stomach growled. Spiritually I am excited about what is to come. Physically, outside of a few tummy grumbles, not much to report.

In about 3 hours I am heading to the Church to lead a prayer and worship service. My prayer is on this first day of our fast, that God will touch each one who is choosing to live sacrificially!

Check back tomorrow for a new post.