Greetings my friends! Tomorrow, January 7th, 2018 is my Kick off of a 40 Fast to cleanse Mind, Body, & Soul that we may be bring forth the seeds of the Spirit of God within us. I look forward to the experience with those who “choose” to join me. In His Word 40 has significant meaning and clearing reveals how it takes time to cultivate, grow, and restore the garden to it’s natural state. It doesn’t happen in a moment. The weeds didn’t grow such deep roots in a moment and they won’t let go in just a moment. Somewhat like Jesus was led to fast in Matthew 4: 1-11 this Fast “for me anyway” is because the Spirit of God is leading me to do so. In Jesus 40 days of fasting He grew in the Word to the point when the Devil came to tempt Him he was Strong and responded with the Word in Obedience and did not succumb to all that Lucifer was bringing before him. I am also being led to share and invite any who “choose” to join me in this journey. Now this fast is not like Jesus fast in that we are not abstaining from food entirely. As God and I know, most of us work and have to continue in our daily lives. I can tell you this fast, should you be obedient in it, Will cleanse you inside & outside both mentally, physically, and spiritually. On that note, let’s get into the tools to begin our fast tomorrow.

Tool # 1:  let’s begin with a starter kit of what you can have in the area of food:  Healthy drinkable liquids. So pull out the blender & go stock up to create great smoothies, juices, broth/creamy soups, & teas. If it seems to much hassle to blend your own veggie drinks you can buy Naked Juice Green Machine and other blended juices at your grocery. Here are a few websites to aid you thru this 40 days: Of course: https://www.pinterest.com/?autologin=true & check out this site, No cheating though with any solid foods on this site (and there is one temptation. LOL)  https://www.yummly.com/recipes/healthy-fruit-vegetable-drinks Here is good greens site with video: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/230642/healthy-green-juice/  BTW: if you don’t have a juicer you can chop them up small & blend them on High speed and make great smoothies and you are allowed to add 2 tablespoons of yogurt.  Did you know? Both green and black teas contain relatively high amounts of vitamins C, D, and K and riboflavin, as well as good amounts of the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, nickel, and fluoride. However, it is the polyphenols of green tea that are responsible for its health benefits. A 6 oz. cup of tea contains only 1 calorie as carbohydrate, with no protein or fat. There are teas that help curb hunger pangs too: Numi Organic Toasted Rice. And ladies give your hormones a drink of Red Clover tea:  Red clover contains isoflavones which are believed to act like estrogen, and has been used by herbalists to help ease menopausal symptoms. A study published in the July, 2002 issue of “Maturitas” confirmed the use of red clover as effective in reducing the hot flash symptoms associated with menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies show that using red clover extract can reduce bone loss in pre and perimenopausal women, and increase bone mineral density.  Oh and are you a coffee drinker like me? Surprise I am Not going to tell you give it up. (unless you want to) However, all things in moderation, keep it to One Cup a day. Some of coffees benefits are: of course energy, high in antioxidant also, a key to longevity, raises metabolic rate and helps burn fat, reduces risk of diabetes, and is said to aid with Alzheimer’s just to name a few. If you like Chicory join me in drinking Louisiana Chicory coffee. Chicory BTW is the root of the Endive plant. https://www.livestrong.com/article/422673-what-are-the-benefits-of-chicory-coffee/   There are many ways coffee and tea have been proven to be a benefit ” in moderation”, which is another of your tools in this fast ” Moderation”  Which brings me to tool # 2 :

Daily Prayer and Meditation 3 times a day utilizing The Word(s) of God. In the morning when you rise, midday, and prior to bed. Personally, I plan to start with the book of Proverbs (the books of wisdom & trainings) reading one chapter at a time 3 times a day and focus on any readings that cultivate the attributes of Love and Obedience. These are the tools God revealed to me that my garden needs, so I am on it. I believe God guides us in our walk and the tools of His Word He knows are best for you. Which means I am not here to tell you what Faith God has guided you to use in your Personal relationship with Him. Nor to tell you how to Pray and Meditate. That my friends I will leave to God. Just listen to that still small voice within and you will know. I can tell you this: ALL Religion has good and bad within them just like Man who created them. Yes Man, not God…God did not create division and different Religions…which is another post. LOL  I will say again, It is Not my place to judge or tell you what tools to use in your Prayer and Meditations.  As we go along, I can tell you I will give suggestions & will be referencing tools of many faiths for this Fast. I am a strong believer in walking as One with All God’s Creation. The main reason, ” for me “ in doing this fast is to cultivate, develop, and bear the fruits (attributes) of the seeds of Love God planted within me.  I can’t say I have been fully walking in His Love with Him, with myself, nor with my neighbors (mankind). Not to mention, the Holy Spirit pressing me to open my eyes and see: Matthew 12:25 “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand ” All you have to do is look around to know this is Truth. In that pressing I hear God reminding me of my purpose and who I AM in Him. Which has brought me to this golden season of “my life” where I have a good walk with Jesus going on. Not the religion of Christianity but, a walk with Jesus. We’ve been pulling weeds out of my garden the last 5 years and Now I Know it is time for me to cultivate, water, cleanse, and bring forth All that is meant for me. That starts with this Fast and my being Obedient to live as my license plate says it’s: ME n JC.  I came to my relationship with Jesus via a journey thru other faiths so I am very grateful for each and every one. Yes, I believe strongly in Co Existing and the Power of LOVE.  Enough, To hear more on my life story you can purchase my book Somewhere in Between on the home page.

Last but by no means least Tool # 3: 10 mins. of physical exercise 3 x a day.  Or 30 mins all at once. Your choice Here is a great site with some simple things you can do from home: http://www.fitstep.com/2/3-beginner-fitness/where-to-start/easy-exercises-you-can-do-at-home.htm

Ok, So 1st thing tomorrow, January 7th, 2018 when you rise: Take at least 20 mins for Prayer and Meditation before you jump into the whirlwind of the day. I promise you it will loosen up the tightness within your inner garden so Life and Love can begin to come forth within you. Here are some guided meditations to help get you started: http://www.ilivethelifeilove.com/10-best-guided-meditations/

My goal in this fast is to follow in the steps of my BFF, Jesus growing and developing my garden to the point when the temptations come I too can say what Jesus says in these verses: Matthew 4: 1-4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted^[a] by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on “every” word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b]”  It is in these words we find Love & Life everlasting.

BTW: Temptations and Trials Will come our way in this Fast/ in Life but, don’t look at them as a bad thing but, instead seek God and the tools to weed them out and to carry you THRU. You will see those very temptations and trials will make your roots stronger and His seeds within you will able to come forth and Bear Good fruit. The outcome of your garden in this fast is truly “all about your choices”

Shalom !