I started a six day water cleanse yesterday. I took communion at church Sunday morning. The toenail-sized bread and splash of juice that symbolized the last supper and our privilege to partake in such an amazing remembrance of what our Lord sacrificed for us...the best way to kick off a cleanse. I couldn't think of anything better to put in my body before taking on this challenge.
God with us. Emmanuel.
Cleansing. I've had something to eat for the last 13,864 days of my life. Not just something - but at least 3 meals. If not snacks as well. Dessert. Drinks. Indulgence. What a blessing. Borderline obsession. I have never grown hungry for something that was outside of my reach and readily available. I pray this cleanse will give me a new perspective on food. To see that my body is truly a temple that the Lord has blessed me with. To care for it in a way that would glorify Him. To bless our food and partake only with a thankful heart and spirit.
This is the first true fast I've ever done. It feels good. I did some research to be sure it was safe. I am amazed at the health benefits that come from doing a water fast. Resetting my body, mind and soul.
I'm also amazed at the response I get from most people when I tell them. As if we have all become so accustomed to eating whatever/whenever we want that it seems merely impossible for us to go without food. Believing it would be harmful or that I would not be able to function. It was my first response, too! Yet my bulging waste is testimony that I have plenty of excess fat stored up. I'll be just fine. Fasting is an ancient exercise of good health and spiritual renewal. I'm in need of both.
My dear friend, Wendi, turned me onto this cleanse. She does a cleanse twice a year. She's 8 years older than me....looks the same age, if not younger. She has taught me many tricks and tips about eating healthy and wisely. Zucchini noodles are a new favorite in my house thanks to her. : )
She also takes Celtic Sea Salt with the water. Our tears...salty. Our sweat...salty. We need the salt to balance the water and truly flush through our system. The Celtic Sea Salt being one of the only unprocessed products on the market that still provides all the minerals we need. And in taking 1/4 tsp of it with every 16oz of water - you will not be urinating as often as you would be without it. Its amazing...I cannot believe how well its working considering all that I've had for the last 40 hours is water.
Speaking of salt water - I'm so hooked on the new Hillsong United song, Oceans. Take a listen here.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the watersWherever You would call meTake me deeper than my feet could ever wanderAnd my faith will be made strongerIn the presence of my Savior
What a beautiful song.
I also watched the documentary called "Happy." You can find it here. Great one to watch with your kids....to give them some perspective. Both of these encouragers have been great for me. Perfect company on my fasting journey.
I was humbled watching it. Looking at the way other people live around the world. How deep our society and culture have emerged into a rat race of wealth, image, and schedules. I often find myself battling the urge for isolation. To run away from the pressures of our society. Part of why we're working so hard to get to our 35 acres in Colorado. It was refreshing to see that the simplicity of life is still enjoyed in so many other areas of the world. I hope to spend many days with our family just enjoying our time together on the land. Peace of the wind in our ears, the stars to gaze upon at night.
I love the joy I feel with our little family when we're hiking, snuggling, sharing a meal...those moments. We are beyond blessed to have countless friends & family in our lives and love our time with them. Those moments are what build a bond between us that is beyond description. Why would I want to jam our schedules so full of activities and obligations that we are too busy to enjoy those moments? Yet our culture pushes us to get involved in so many things and work so hard that it barely leaves time to enjoy these simple blessings.
Its a balance...and I guess what I'm trying to say is that it feels like we're falling behind if our kids aren't in little gym, kindermusik, ski club, basketball, baseball, soccer and swimming lessons. For those families that it works - great! I'm sure my boys will be in some sort of sports soon enough. I just want to spend dinner time at our table together, listening to their day. I want to grill out with our neighbors, friends or family and not have to rush out to practice. I'd never want to deprive our kids from experiences and opportunities...yet when is enough, enough? How do I carve this type of life for us out of this culture?
So I will be taking this week for cleansing.
My body to be flushed. Toxins out, restart, reset.
My mind to be focused. Discipline, will-power, and to recognize that I am stronger than I previously believed. To brainstorm on ways we can work towards a life of "happiness." (per the movie description)
My soul restored. There is so much hurt in this world. Its prophesy that it will just continue to get worse. I cannot bare the thought of putting my energy into burdening my heart with all of what happens and is reported on the news. With technology it is almost impossible to escape the dark sadness that is engulfing our world. Not only on a large scale, but even in the little everyday occurrences that happen in our own little world. Its time to let it go. Find the balance of being aware yet protecting myself from being consumed by it.
My birthday will be a celebration this year, for sure. I pray that God walk aside my thirsty soul as I journey and long to know more of Him. To have His will for my life be my reality. To let go of my plans and let His kick in. To quit being so wrapped up in myself and be more aware of others.
...but his delight is in the law of the
Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by
streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not
wither.
Lord, please help me to be your light in this falling world. Help me to find the balance of reaching out to those in need, yet protecting myself from the busy-ness of this world. Let me show your LOVE in all things. Please forgive my sins and doubts. Use me to do Your work. Draw me nearer. I want nothing more than to be cleansed this week - from the inside, out.
No comments:
Post a Comment