The beginning of my journey

Hello. The beginning of a new year allows us all to mark a new beginning in certain aspects of our lives. I have decided it's past time for me to get serious about my walk with God again. Sadly, despite the way Jesus has been present in my life in the last two years, my flesh gets in the way and rather than get closer to Him, I've felt myself slipping away. 

As part of my endeavor, I have decided to embark on the journey of a Daniel Fast. For those who don't know what fasting means, the description is simple: fasting is abstaining from food or drink, and even entertainment for a period of time, with the objective of benefiting the mind, body, or spirit. There are several types, or levels of fasting:

• Standard fast (water only)
• Absolute fast (no food or water)
• Partial fast (restricting certain categories of food or beverages)
• Intermittent fast (eating only within a set period of time; i.e. 1-6 pm.)

A Daniel Fast is a biblical-based partial fast referenced in the Bible, in the book of Daniel, chapter 1, verses 8 thru 16; though the main reference is found in verse 12 "12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink."  The verses before and after verse 12, state the reason behind Daniel's request for this particular diet, and the results of said diet.  The intermittent fast is again mentioned in chapter 10, verses 2 and 3 " 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."

In other words, a Daniel fast consists of consuming only fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, liquids like water, fruit/vegetable juices, and almond or coconut milk; while abstaining from foods such as:

• Iodized Salt
• Sweeteners
• Meat
• Dairy products
• Breads, pasta, flour, crackers, cookies
• Coffee
• Energy drinks
• Gum
• Mints
• Candy

 While the whole endeavor might seem daunting at first, I am looking forward to actually beginning this journey. As I type these words, I am in a stage of preparation. From experience and research, I find it is best for one's health to gradually prepare to begin the proper fast by weaning myself from salts, sweets, meats, dairy products, sodas, and candies for about 10 to 14 days. I am on day 3 today, and looking forward to the next stage of this journey. As this is the first time I embark on this challenge on my own, I have a book to help guide me in reaching a deeper relationship with Jesus through this adventure.

I have also decided to document my journey by writing this blog. It is my hope that by documenting it, I can also learn the how to get closer to God, and the growth I will experience in the process.