Tuesday, August 21, 2012

I'm Back!



We followed our son's black Suburban over 4000 miles through 12 states!  It was the best of times!  I took this pic as we were leaving "our home" near Jackson, Wyoming, with our hearts full of gratitude for God's blessings and presence as we enjoyed His incredibly awesome creation.  I'll be sharing more of my photos in the days ahead.

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I'd like to share something I read this morning that spoke to me.  It's too good not to share!

A Different Kind of Fast

by Aletha Hinthorn on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:28am ·

The Hebrew word "fast" means to cover the mouth.  In fact, a fast of words is one of the fasts in Isaiah 58. Isaiah 58:9b lists not pointing fingers in judgment and not speaking malicious words as conditions of great blessings.

Sylvia Gunter remembers the first time God led her to fast for 40 days of all negative, complaining, critical, and judgmental words. She wrote in a recent devotional, "About two weeks into my fast, I was treated haughtily at a store. As I left the store, I said to myself, 'I'll just take my business elsewhere. That is the second time she has had an attitude with me.'

"Immediately I heard in my spirit, 'No, you are the one with the attitude.' I wanted to fall to my knees on the sidewalk, crying out, 'I am so sick of me!' I know how Isaiah felt when he told God, 'Woe is me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips' (Isa. 6:5). O God, take a coal from the altar and purge this wicked heart of mine. God showed me that He was dealing with a root of pride (Isa. 57:15, 1 Peter 5:5-6). I was puffed up, with no sense of my own spiritual need.

"I struggled for a while in this fast of words in what felt like hand-to-hand warfare, but God softened and sweetened my heart. After that season, I felt like a dog in a yard with an invisible electric fence. Every time I opened my mouth to say anything critical, I would get a zap from my loving Father. I reviewed my prayer notebook and was amazed at how many Scriptural insights God gave me during that time. God was being faithful to reveal more of Himself.

"Ask God if He is leading you to do a forty-day fast of critical, judgmental, negative, complaining, gossiping words.  You may be amazed what God will do through it."

Thank You, Jesus, for helping us guard our thoughts so that our words also please You.

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

12 comments:

Mari said...

Welcome back! Your picture is beautiful and I'm looking forward to more.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I wondered where you were... I have missed you. Glad you are back ---and can't wait to see lots more pictures from your wonderful trip...

Hugs,
Betsy

Karen said...

Thank you for this! And welcome back. Glad you had an awesome time.

Connie said...

What a beautiful photo! Sounds like you had quite a trip. This is an interesting way of thinking about fasting. Thanks for sharing it.

S. Etole said...

So good to have you back again.

lil red hen said...

Wow! This hits home ~ our summer woes have left me feeling a little bewildered and I find myself complaining a lot! I'm also too critical ~ learned from my daddy :)

Kathy said...

It seems like you've been gone a long time. Can't wait to see your trip pictures!

Anneliese said...

Welcome back. I always appreciate your spiritual insight. I had not heard of this kind of fast. But for God's grace it would be impossible... and yes... one would feel like Isaiah.

Southern Lady said...

Welcome home, Glenda. Can't wait to hear all about your trip and see your pictures. I know it was truly an awesome experience ...

Beth said...

That's a lot of miles! Welcome back! Beautiful photo.
Your words are right for me as I get ready to head back to school. We have a new principal and already the negativity has started. I don't want any part of that mean stuff. You got me thinking about other stuff too.

Nancy said...

Thank you for this wonderful challenge!! I accept!! You have my permission to remind me if you hear any negative stuff from me!! :)

Nancy said...

Thank you for this wonderful challenge!! I accept!! You have my permission to remind me if you hear any negative stuff from me!! :)