1.10.2011

21 days


We haven't had any snow this year.  But we've had our share of rain.  January rain.  We did have a frost and I'm very happy to say more than a few of my favorite roses survived.  

Reminding me to hold on no matter what season I may be in.  

When my mother-in-love trimmed back my rosebush last fall, I cringed.  Once heavily laden with flowers, my bush looked like a stump.  I knew she was the expert and I trusted her, but there was still a niggling fear that maybe my roses wouldn't return until next year.  My fears were for naught.  They returned, vigorous and more abundant than ever, casting their sweet aroma to the breeze, soft pink faces nodding joy.  Whispering peace.


How often I've felt the same way with my Gentle Gardener, my Master, my Heavenly Father.  

I want Him to shape me, I know He knows best.  But the trimming is painful and raw.  For even what was once lovely may be hindering new life.  And I have to yield, I have to trust these hands that are forming me.  Trust that I will bloom again.  Through the warm days of spring and the chilling frost of winter.

Our church is embarking on 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.  I feel an excitement down deep in my bones.  Fasting is a powerful tool in the Kingdom of God.  One that ushers in the miraculous, delivers answered prayers to our doorsteps, that resonates with the desires of heaven and sets eternity in our hearts.  Fasting is humility.  It's says "yes" to God and "no" to our flesh.  Because so often, our flesh gets out of control and before we know it, we've crowded out the new growth of the Holy Spirit.  We've fed ourselves with less satisfying fare and our blooms become sparse.  Whenever we deny ourselves in order to gain more of Christ, we taste the victory we were created for.  And victory is sweet.

 I will be absent from my blog for those 21 days.  Because, to be honest, often the time I spend blogging replaces the time I spend seeking my Father's face.  And I desperately want that to change.  I have struggled with this decision.  I've come up with every excuse possible for why I should not do it.  After all, I'm basically committing blog suicide (according to blogher, right?  lol)  But I guess my rosebush analogy applies here as well.  If He is really Lord, then I have to lay myself down in the dust at His feet and let Him take the shears to my life.  

I will miss you this month, my dear friends!  But I'll be back to visit you and catch up with your lives soon!  In the meantime, I have a few guest bloggers who will be posting every now and then and I know you'll enjoy hearing from them.

Be Blessed this month with more of Jesus!


20 comments:

Mommara said...

Praying for your 21 days. See you when you return. I can't wait to hear how he will seek you. :)

PaisleyJade said...

Beautifully written and I know that your life will flourish with this time of fasting! See you soon. xoxo

Shellbells said...

one should never have to be apologetic for needing to spend more quality time with the Lord....enjoy...pray..fast..worship with Him....see you on the flipside...xx

Lindy said...

Joye, I will look forward to hearing about your journey when you come back. May you be blessed in this time!

Chelsea said...

I'll def be praying for you! That you grow so much more through this time! and that He will blow you away.

Mich said...

What an example you have set. You are in my prayers. May this experience draw you closer than you could even imagine to the Savior.

Blessings.

Annie said...

i so admire this decision and know that the next 21 days are going to be an amazing blessing~ enjoy every moment!

BARBIE said...

Enjoy your time with your Savior!

jacksta said...

Gotta love Mother in Loves who know best...and the Master Gardener! Have a great 21 days.
May you experience His presence in a greater way and return refreshed and overflowing!

Maria Trochelman said...

Have a wonderful 21 days!

Kristin said...

Such a beautiful picture of your daughter and her rose. And a beautiful analogy too. I will miss you but will still be here when you get back! Love ya!!

Caroline said...

So well written! Have an amazing 21 days!
Beautiful photos too : )

Caroline said...

So well written! Have an amazing 21 days!
Beautiful photos too : )

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I'm also participating in Awakening. :) I pray that you connect with Him in the best ways. See you soon.

arielle said...

you have a beautiful blog and such a lovely family! :)

blessings!

~arielle

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody said...

I've never done a food fast, but I have done a technology fast. I'll check back here in 21 days :)

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

Blessings as you spend this time sitting at the feet of Jesus. May He bless you richly!

Jenilee said...

I know you will be blessed! Don't worry about your blog. I know I'll be here when you get back and I'm sure others will as well! Enjoy your time of fasting and prayer. God has been moving in my life in that area over the past year and I'm amazed at all I've learned in Him!

Danielle said...

I'm so excited to see you posting this! Me and my husband are also participating in the 21 day fast, we started on Jan. 1st and have been loving every minute of our time with Him. I'm so excited for you!

BJJ said...

So pretty! My mom's bloomed, too! love it. peace and love.

pickingwildflowersblog.blogspot.com

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