Fasting & Prayer

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."





Soo today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, the 40-day period of sacrifice and reflection observed by many Christians (especially, but not exclusively, Catholics) as a way to prepare for the Easter celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection. Traditionally in the Catholic Church, Lent was a time of fasting -- defined as abstaining from meat and limiting oneself to one full meal a day, usually around noon. The Lenten fast is intended to recall Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry. The tradition of fasting led, in modern times, is "giving something up" for Lent -- if not food, then at least ice cream; if not meat, then at least pepperoni pizza. And the season is not just about sacrifice -- it's also a time of prayer and reflection, of learning. So in addition to "giving something up," people often commit to doing something positive -- to praying every day, or attending Mass/church daily, or treating everyone with kindness and patience. You know I have never really known too much about lent since I grew up southern baptist. I have taken on a lot of reading and research & come to realize that lent is a special time to really reflect upon your sinful ways and to rejoice in Gods time in the desert before his ministry. I have been thinking about what I could give up and there are tons of things that consume me.. So basically I'm trying to not let the things that I " have to have" like the internet, television, and my iphone "take me over" this period of time. I want to take this serious & try to gain my love again for God. I feel like if I can discipline myself as a christian than God will hear my cries and my prayers. Im not only doing this for my own self gain but for my kids as well. I always want God to hear me when I call to him about my children. I have also decided to fast. I have been researching this for years and finally decided to do it. There are many times in the Bible Jesus did it and so did others. I want to take away & God to fill me in this time. I think this could possibly rejuvenate me in many ways. It seems weird I guess but I think God will fufill me and what can be better than that?? So hopefully I can not let a certain thing consume me-----This is going to be really hard for me but i think it something that will be good for me.

Here are some reasons why I decided to fast:

* Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.
* Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
* Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."
* Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
* The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
* Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
* Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
* Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14:


Wish me luck!!!!!!! :)

Houston

Description of Houston from what I have seen so far:

Houston has a diverse mix of cultures. In fact, it is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in America. It is a fast paced city, but a whole lot more laid back than New York City. For the most part, people in Houston are kind, helpful, open, and courtesy - these qualities vanish however when we are on the road in traffic. Rudeness and road rage abound. The weather is wonderful , but I heard hit June - August and it's hot and HUMID, almost unbearably so I was told. You won't have a problem with dry skin here I'm guessing. You must have a car, public transportation, because the city is so spread out, over 600 square miles, is poor at best. We have many, many things to do in Houston, you name it and we have it: over 40 museums, the arts, the symphony, theater, sporting events, over 10,000 retaurants with more than 290 different types of cuisines. The latest in medical technology is found in Houston which is considered the largestm and most prestigious medical center in the world. If you are in that particular line of work, opportunities abound. In general Houston has not suffered from the current financial crisis as other states. The home values have held. Cost of living is one of the lowest in the nation. Houston is, generally speaking, a more conservative bunch. This is the Bible belt, you know, and that's a very good thing. If you don't know who you are, then you don't know where you are going. it seems very business oriented but family oriented bunch as well. The flavor of the city is cosmopolitan with overtones of country and the promient Mexican culture. So yeah thats what I think of Houston so far of course I have not been here long and could change my views who knows!!!

I do have to say, it is kindof different to be a stay at home mom here because we are living right in the middle of the business district where it never stops!!! It is the oil capital of the world!!! I really enjoy the big city, but sometimes feel like I need to be working along with everyone else. I just want to raise the boys first though because I feel like its my responsibility. I dont want to regret working and not having time with my boys when they were young. My circumstances are different too considering Steven is out of town most the time anyway- I guess Im all they've got here in H- town!! I just hope it all pays off & they boys will be well behaved as they get older too..haha lets just hope!

Also, I do really love that we are in walking distance to everything you would ever want. I have to have TONS of self control thats for sure :) Anyway, Im happy to be here, and hopefully I will fall in love with it since its our new home!