Fasting Week Summary

Its taken me 10 days to process how my week of fasting went - here's my (lengthy) summary:

Well, I survived my week of not using the computer (sort of).

I hit hit a few bumps in the road, but overall, it was a pretty productive week for me.

Monday - dilemma - Cadey forgot her homework. By the time of the 3rd phone call, she'd enlisted the assistance of her teacher! I had told her no. (I'm a tough mummy - but I do recall the email from teacher on Friday and I also remember reminding her on Sunday ...) I had been out all Sunday afternoon, so she had time to get organized ... instead, she'd sat and watched all her TV shows and not even bothered to clean up her mess in the kitchen after 'snack-making' for herself and her Daddy.

Cadence's teacher called me - explaining that if I didn't email in her work, then my daughter would receive a zero credit for all her work done - I felt like I was being bribed by her teacher!

Cadey had explained that I was 'fasting' from the computer - teacher must think I'm a little Wacko, but I don't really care about that. I care more about my daughter growing up to be a responsible adult and learning to accept the consequences of not being prepared ...

What did I do ...? You guessed it, I caved in and emailed the work (poo!)

Tuesday - This was a very productive day for me spiritually. I'm reading The Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartian. We're reading it in our Small Group too.

I hit upon a chapter titled "How can I be Holy?" and the chapter referred to Psalm 29 v 11 ... The Lord gives strength to his people, The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Wow! This spoke volumes to me! And it totally floored me as I began my prayer time - I was repeating the words over and over, feeling the strength - physical, emotional and spiritual which we gain from Jesus, which helps us gain hope, which in turn we see as a blessing, which ultimately leads to peace.

The more I meditated upon this, the more my heart became aware of the calming spirit within me. I pictured certain people and their specific needs ... and my heart felt calmed - I felt Jesus literally taking these requests and noting them down on his "to-do" list.

This was a very moving time for me - I felt empathy for the people I know (and love) who are going through personal pain and turmoil ... and I felt Jesus' acknowledgement of their pain to me. I am overwhelmed by the peace I've felt and so I want to pass this message of His strength-giving-power and ultimate peace to the people I love.

Wednesday - Doctors visit - I have carpal tunnel syndrome - and now I have 2 very unattractive black wrist braces to wear AT ALL TIMES - yeah right! I can't do a thing when I'm wearing them! Also, wearing them makes my wrists feel worse.

I had a Tetanus shot too - I was fine on Wednesday, felt crap all day on Thursday (even went to bed around 7.30pm - not like me) still felt unwell on Friday, Saturday, Sunday ... but soldiered on.

Craig and I also managed to find the time to watch Shawshank Redemption - now I know why folks rave about this movie - and yes - I need to watch it again!

Thursday - I had to visit my doc again for a fasting (food) blood-draw. I don't do well without breakfast immediately upon waking. I've always been like that - I can't shower, dress, or get ready before I eat, because otherwise I feel like I'm going to pass out! So, having to get up, get Cadey ready for school, drive, arrive at the docs to get blood drawn - all on an empty stomach - makes me cranky and a little light-headed!

Friday - still not feeling up to par, so I stayed home and worked around the house. My bible study today was "Praying for those who have hurt you" - I am not one to bear grudges. I like to think of myself as down to earth and level-headed. I think I've caught this from Craig - or have I just grown up ...? Anyways, I'm much more mellow these days - life is simply just too short to bear grudges! Of course, I have past hurts and things which I can't do anything about - except to "get over it". Easier said than done! But I'm working on that thing called forgiveness :)

Over the weekend as I was reflecting upon my week and my achievements (and still no computer) - volunteering my time, blessing a family with a meal, managing to make time to connect with my Mum, chores all up to date, dogs toenails trimmed (THAT takes some doing with a squirmy dog like Meg). I felt that I'd drawn closer to what fulfills my life - all thanks to Jesus.

I hadn't had time to connect with many people, partly because of not feeling well for a few days. I think I just have to make that a priority in my life ... coffee, anyone ...?

After church on Sunday, there was a knock at our front door. Standing there was this neighbour guy (Fred) who'd spent a couple of mornings loading up his truck with free wood from our yard. He had a HUGE gift basket - full of treats for us - even doggy treats! He wanted to show his appreciation for the wood - I was so touched by this - a blessing! We're saving most of the treats for the first warm day of Spring ... (if it ever arrives) and we're going to enjoy a picnic at the beach.

On the subject of Craig's fasting ... I'm sick of drinking Red Tea (Rooibos)! I have kind of become Craig's evening caffeine-free fasting partner. He has another week to go - he decided to fast for a month, not until Easter as I'd previously written. He's drinking a lot of the rooibos because its caffeine free and is full of antioxidants and he can take it with milk. (Its been so cold lately and he needed something more than water, especially since I don't buy juice or soda - Food Nazi thing again). I must admit that I usually do enjoy this tea too, but I've simply had too much of it as of late - I'm sitting here typing and sipping on a big mug of British Blend - sweet, malty, Mmm Mmm delicious!