Final thoughts in 2007

Hello and Happy New Year to all! I find myself pondering tonight. My sons wanted to watch the ball drop in NYC on the tube, so I turned it on at 11:59:32, just in time to see the new year ring in here in America. Of course, we are all familiar with the chaos and pandemonium of that scene. (sudden random thought... imagine if the Holy Ghost were to descend upon Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve?????) Anyway, I think my boys are pretty oblivious to all that was occuring... they were watching the fire works explode and the confetti fall, etc. They didn't seem to notice the partying and revelry spirit at work. I praise and thank God that our children are growing up knowing that on New Year's Eve, we go to church, and focus on all that God has done in the past year, and anticipate all He will do in the upcoming year. Our children think that New Year's Eve is about GOD..... AND IT SHOULD BE!!! Well..... they also think New Year's Eve is about food!! LOL! You should see the spread we have for pot luck after the service is over!

Anyway, speaking of food, that is a perfect segue into what I want to blog about tonight. Lack of food, that is. Beginning Jan. 6th, 2008, we will be joining the United Pentecostal Church International in 30 days of focused prayer and fasting. Our pastor has gone a step further. We are doing a "self-discipline" fast. Here is the agonizingly painful list:

Self Discipline Fast

1. To fast food for at least one day per week, for a 24 hour period.
2. To abstain from the internet, except for work-related purposes.
3. To only read books or magazines which contribute to my spirituality.
4. To abstain from TV, movies, DVDs, and any other media influence, and also withhold them from my children.
5. To read the four Gospels and the Book of Acts (in all our free time).
6. To make at least one of the sponsored church prayer meetings each week.
7. To pray at least once a day for a minimum of 30 minutes.
8. To perform one act of Christian service, per week, that nobody knows about except for the one who is on the receiving end.
9. To verbally share my faith in Jesus Christ to at least one person, per week, who hasn't heard it from me before.
10. To make every scheduled service, including mid-week Bible study, and be there before the start of the service time.
11. To teach a Bible study to my family or a friend.

So there you have it. Back in May of 2007, I did my very first 30 day computer fast. Read about it right here. Now, I am being called to try again. It may kill me (it would be GOOD if it killed the carnal man within!!!). But I know that this will bring incredible results in my walk with the Lord. So beginning Jan. 6th, pray for me!!!! I'll see you back on Feb. 6th! God bless you all!