Time to listen and {focus}

My One Word that I chose for 2011 is focus.

I have been trying to do this as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.

I need to hear His voice as we prepare ourselves to sell our house and look for another place to call home.

I need to seek out His guidance as I long for another little one to hold as the hubby repeatedly says no. {stay tuned for a post later this week on this issue}

Making sure that this is all a part of His plan and not going on just our feelings alone.

It hasn't been easy. I haven't spent nearly enough time in silence meditating and just listening. And that has got to change if I want to receive answers and wisdom that only He can provide.

I've supplied myself with resources that I hope will help in my quest for clarity and peace. A prayer journal to record what I hear as He speaks to my heart; my soul. A prayer book to help aide in my ever struggling prayer life. Even a new Bible to read along with my study Bible to get a clearer picture and deeper understanding.

But, I'd be kidding myself if I thought that these things would really help me find clarity and peace without really focusing and seeking it.

I need to do something to get my soul stirred and ready to listen. I need to sacrifice what I love, or think I need, to spend time listening, praying, and learning.

I need a fast.

What does it mean to fast as a Christian?

"Biblically, fasting is abstaining from food, drink, sleep or sex to focus on a period of spiritual growth. Specifically, we humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God, enhance our spirit, and go deeper in our prayer life. " {source}

"...the purpose of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and instead focus on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God and to ourselves that we are serious about our relationship with Him." {source}

Fasting is not required of Christians, but it is strongly recommended and mentioned throughout the Bible as a way to obtain spiritual growth and a deeper, stronger, meaningful, prayer life. {exactly what I need as I move forward in this journey}


I have been a Christian for 21 years and I am ashamed to say I have never fasted. But, starting today, that is all going to change.

God works in the most amazing ways. He leads and guides when we do not even know He is doing so. He allows us to read, listen to, or watch something that we needed to hear. That is what He has done by leading me to Melissa Brotherton's blog. Everytime I am led to read her daily post, I am amazed at the words being spoken; like they were written just for me. As is so with her post on 21 days of fasting.

She was lead to read something, which in turn lead her to write something, which I was led to read and now write about, which I hope in turn causes one of you to react as well. God is so amazingly good to us. All I can do right now is giggle.

My hubby and I are joining in on the 21 day fast. We are going to be spending the evenings, once the kids are tucked snuggly in their beds, reading, praying, and listening. No TV, internet, video games, books, or knitting over these next 21 days. Sacrificing something so small and praying to reap a big blessing.  Seeking His wisdom and guidance. Listening for His plan. Making sure our plan is in alignment with His plan.

I am so excited to be doing this. Drawing closer to God as well as growing closer to my husband in such a positive way. I can already sense God's goodness and grace and all the wonderful things that will be revealed to us over these next 21 days.

Thank you Jesus for always being there. For showing us things that we needed to see and hear. For your grace and forgiveness. I love you more and more each and everyday! Help us to remain commited and to keep an open heart and ear as we seek out your plan for our lives. I love you Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

What has God been leading you to do lately?

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If you have any questions regarding fasting, please either leave me a comment or email me at amysbooksnyarn{at}gmail{dot}com and I would love to answer them as best as I can. 

Also, if fasting is something that you have been wanting to do to seek a deeper closeness with the One who blesses us with so much, pray about joining in on this 21 day fast. If you do, leave me a comment letting me know. I would love to pray for you.

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. ~ Isaiah 58:6

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ~ Acts 14:23

They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” ~ Luke 5:33

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" ~ Matthew 6:16-18