"They proclaimed a fast..."

So, I have been on a 21 day fast with the church. Oh no, I am not doing a complete fast. I chose to do a Daniel's fast. Vegetables, fruits, brown rice, and water. The first few days were a little tough because ...well, let's face it; I had been eating anything and everything with no holds barred, through the holidays. It was tough to get over the desire for meat, bread, dairy, and sweets. Surprisingly enough, the sweets were the easiest to do without. I believe it would have been easier to do a total, full fast. It is always easier to stay away from something than it is to exercise self-control!

After about 10 days, I felt God transitioning me into a half fast. I now only eat in the evening and that is still following the Daniel's fast guidelines. I have also felt called to extend the fast for 40 days, instead of the original 21. I wasn't sure until Wednesday night when the Pastor said he felt he needed to tell us that if some of us would extend the fast to 40 days we would see barriers broken. I have some barriers that need to be broken. I am hoping that after the 40 days, I will find they have come down like the walls of Jericho!

I have felt more sensitive to the Spirit's promptings. Many times He has pricked my conscious as I was doing devotions with the kids, reading, or listening to some teaching. It is humbling to be teaching your children about something and have to stop and ask forgiveness from them for that very thing. It is especially hard to apologize when they have done wrong and were being rebellious. Pride will try to keep you from doing it by saying they will think if you are taking blame, then they are off the hook, and that they have gotten by with something. I have decided that it's my job to do what I should, teach them what is right, be an example of repentance, and leave it to the Holy Spirit to work in them. Something I should have learned long ago. It would have saved a great deal of stress and grief throughout the years. Thank you Lord that I am finally learning it now.

I guess 'they' are right, it's never too late.