Day 17 of 21 day fasting

For the past 17 days, Brian and I have been doing the Daniel Fasting.  Brian wanted to try and do it to draw closer to God and I thought it would be good to do it together.  We started on January 10th and I have to admit the first day or so was the most difficult, but the more we studied and figured out what we could make to eat, the easier it got.  We even made it fun in the kitchen, trying to come up with our own recipes, with the ingredients we had.  I did figure out that popcorn cooked on the stove with extra virgin olive oil is better than bag popcorn in taste and in health.  Brian has said he feels better, but I don't feel a difference.  He told me its because I already ate like that anyways for the most part, but I wanted to feel more and to see maybe a weight difference.  So that's why Ive chosen to go the next 5 days without food.  I do plan on making a smoothie maybe once a day for nutrition and for energy, but it will be strictly a liquid diet.  I haven't really struggled all that much during these past 17 days for me to lean on God like I wanted too, because I do love fruits and veggies so much.  I need to watch my health, as I have one kidney, and I have perfect numbers in health wise, so I don't want to ruin that.  Also, last year I went to the hospital for gallstones, which I need my gallbladder out, so I'm really hoping this doesn't trigger it again. 

I want to lose 50 pounds before my wedding and so after this fasting, I do plan on working out and eating better, but I'm not going to be like last year and go strictly all healthy, because then I wanted bad foods.  I will "treat" myself or if I have this outrageous craving, I will go ahead and eat it.  Around one week a month I crave cheese like no other, so I will keep eating my cheese!!!

Last night I was sick at my stomach and so I woke up late today.  My stomach still hurts a little bit today, but I do know that the next 5 days is going to be a struggle and hard, which makes me even want to conquer it more.  I do know if I feel sick or weak, I will eat before going to the hospital.  I think this is when I will need Gods strength and me meditating more than ever.  This is also when I will be taking my mind off of unnecessary worries and stress and soley focus on God to get me by.  I want to draw closer to Him and need His help more than ever.  This is what fasting really is about to me and now that we are approaching the end and I feel like I'm going to the extreme, is when I will surrender more.

Wish we had this much water.....   :(