Praying and Fasting....

Each year as the New Year begins I spend time reflecting in God's word and contemplating what the New Year will bring. Last year I completed a 21 day fast with my church. My church does the Daniel diet which is quite challenging. At some point I am sure I will attempt this diet, but with my little ones it is very hard to change our diet for 21 days without changing theirs. So I spent a few days pondering what I will fast...........Then I filled out my fast contract.


Of course this is just the beginning. As the year has drawn to an end I have been left with many things to ponder. I don't know where God is leading me. I don't know the purpose of this season. I know that God is with me, and I can see that he was with me throughout this past year. I also believe with all my heart that he will be with me as I move into the next year. In my heart I know that God is always calling. There is a work to be done and his purpose and plan is for his church to complete that work. I believe that we are the church, the body of Chirst. And if we are the body why aren't his hands reaching? What am I reaching for? What should I be reaching for?

I also ponder my purpose as a parent. Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; my purpose in leading my children? Where will I lead them? How will I lead them? My life is but a blink of an eye, but each choice and decision I make will effect them because our lives are intertwined. I also know that so many of us spend our adult lives blaming our parents for the choices they made that we feel emotionally traumatized by. In my morning devotion I found this reading which is quite interesting:

"A Great Prayer For Your Children

We need to pray for our children. For many years, my wife has prayed a prayer from scripture for our three sons. Here are some ideas for you to try:
* Pray that they will increase in the knowledge of God. Most parents' greatest hope for their children is that they will be happy, but a fulfilled life comes from knowing God. Without God, there is a nagging emptiness. Lots of people know about God, but knowing Him personally is different. We all know a lot about our nation's president but only a few know him personally.
* Pray that they live a worthy life. Pray that their lives have an impact for good, and that they will be people of trustworthy character.
* Pray that they're strengthened in God's power. The world and evil influences will seek to pull our children down. They need God's power to be strong, resist temptation, and do the right thing.
* And, thank God for each child. They are unique creations of God.

We all need to pray for our children. I hope these thoughts help."

I think that these prayers are definitely something to reflect on as I move into the New Year. What will you be reflecting on? How are you going into the New Year and how will you be growing?

Whatever it brings I know that this year will bring me closer to my Lord and Savior...............

Jars of Clay Faith Like a Child

Dear God,
Sorround me as I speak
The brigdes that I walk across are weak
Frustations fill the void that I can't solely bear
Dear God,
Don't let me fall apart
You've held me close to You
I have turned away and searched for answers I can't understand

They say that I can move the mountains
And they send them falling to the sea
They say that I can walk on water if I would follow and believe
with faith like a child

Sometimes
When I feel miles away
and my eyes can't see You face
I wonder if i've grown to loose my recklesness
I walk in light of You

They say that I can move the mountains
And they send them falling to the sea
They say that I can walk on water if I would follow and believe
with faith like a child

(Children Saying)

Be kind unto others
Call Jesus Christ Your Savior

They say that I can move the
mountains
And send them crashing to the sea
They say that I can walk on water
If I would follow and believe
with Faith Like a Child

They say that love can
heal the broken
They say that hope can
make you see
They say that faith can find
a Savior
If you would follow and believe
With Faith Like a Child