Daniel Fast 2014 - COMPLETED!

This morning coffee was a nice addition to the time with the Lord...feeling very blessed.  May God lead me into a new season of celebration of all His creation.  Thank you Lord for fasting to teach, encourage, discipline and bless!

Day TWENTY-ONE of Daniel Fast 2014

So we made it.  It feels good to have accomplished this with my wife.  I couldn't have done it without her and the mutual encouragement made it workable.  For me the journey was important not just for the weight loss, cleansing and resetting of my physical system.  The act of self-denial is a practice that I was able to embrace.  Lord, help me continue in this daily process of denying myself and embracing all You have to offer.

Now, what to add in?  All I know is that the coffee maker is set and ready for my 6 AM wakeup call and I can't wait.  Goodnight world!

Day TWENTY of Daniel Fast 2014

Monday was MLK day and all the family had the day off.  I took some time off to work on my old Chevy.  After several hours I had the door off, the heater control remounted and a good start on some new cab/door weatherstripping.  I also mounted my cab headliner but found that the reinforced cardboard hard to manipulate.  Its a hack job but it will suffice until I can do it properly.

I am excited to be finishing this fast.  For probably a variety of reasons, this time through the fast has been especially difficult.  However, I'm thankful for the change of pace, the cleansing and the renewed time with the Lord.  We are such creatures of habit that switching things up can really jumpstart a new path.  God, may I continue to maintain what You've stirred in me this season.

Day NINETEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Day 19 - just a few days left on the fast.  As I got up yesterday to prepare for the church gathering,  I realized that this fast had truly raised my daily awareness of God's presence and His provision for me and my family.  There is so much to be thankful for that we take for granted over and over again.  Here I am getting to choose my daily food and many around the globe cannot make any such choice.  We are the rich Jesus warns in the Scriptures to keep an open hand toward those who are orphans, widows and those who cannot meet basic needs.  In that way, as Paul writes Timothy, we are rich toward God.

God, may my heart be broken for those who don't have their basic needs met.  May it bother me and bring me divine discontent until I am moved to act.  Open my eyes to the need daily.

Day EIGHTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

I woke up this morning with a weight of 204.4.  When I started this fast, I registered 216.  I do feel a bit lighter and I'm starting to sleep a bit more soundly.  I'm thankful for this effort of spiritual and physical cleansing and renewal.  In fact, it wasn't so bad making eggs & toast for Dylan and his buddy Alex this morning knowing that I got through last night's cheeseburger temptations!

I've been simultaneously reading Thomas A Kempis's Imitation of Christ while also slowly studying through Revelation in the New Testament. Its been great to expand my prayer life through Kempis and my visioning heart with John.  Lord, continue to shape me into the best version of me You designed through all this...Amen.

Day SEVENTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Yesterday marked 17 days on the fast and I have to say that the menu options are getting stale.  With Jackie and Emma gone to a ballet intensive tryout in Seattle, I found a few things to throw together but the kicker was making Dylan a cheeseburger & fries.  That was a tough test of wills!  Frying up that beef sure smelled good.  I was again reminded that our bodies are God's and that what we choose to eat can be an act of worship to Him with our hearts in the right spot.  Yes, I wanted that burger but having made a vow to God of what I would and would not eat for 21 days, I was renewed in my commitment to stay the course.  God, thank You that our lives are so much more than what we put in our stomachs!

Day SIXTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Just a few days left now.  I am thankful for the extra time in prayer and the focus that this self-discipline creates.  God, walking with You is so much more than food, drink and the temporary things around me.  Yesterday my son Dylan saved me from violating the fast as I mindlessly grabbed a breath mint (sugar).  He's like a little food cop.

Lord search my heart and purge out the selfishness, greed and wrong desires and help me walk in Your way and truth and life today.

Day FIFTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Today marks the start of the last week of the fast and I'm visualizing coffee again.  I made a pot for small group tonight and the smell was heavenly.  Hard to not partake.  We had leftovers from the last several days of Jackie's experimental meals.  I always feel the pressure to eat them up because she usually is done with the meal about halfway through her dish...

Day FOURTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

So the 2 week milestone arrived yesterday.  I went into Salem to have lunch with Jackie and we again realized we can't go to any restaurant - even the Vegan friendly ones.  So, we hit the local health food store which luckily had a deli with labels disclosing all ingredients.  Good that we're doing this journey together because I don't think I'd have what it takes on my own!

Day THIRTEEN of Daniel Fast 2014

I've been reading, praying and studying the John's Revelation in the New Testament during this fast as well as trying to absorb the writings and prayers of Thomas A Kempis.  Here is a passage that really hits home today for me:  "Behold, meat, drink, raiment, and all the other necessaries for the maintenance of the body, are burdensome unto a fervent spirit.  Grant me to use such refreshments moderately, and not to be entangled with an over-great desire of them.  To cast away all the things is not lawful, because nature is to be sustained; but to require superfluities, and those things that give the more delight, the holy Law forbiddeth; for then the flesh would wax wanton against the Spirit.  Herein, I beseech Thee, let Thy hand govern me and teach me, that there may be no excess."

Day 13.  almost to the 2 week mark.  I've lost weight and feel much more focused and healthy.  I wish my sleep would return to a more sustainable level though.

Day ELEVEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Saturday mornings at the Bauman house usually has me making a big old fashioned breakfast with bacon, eggs, has browns and often pancakes or cinnamon rolls...none of which are the fast...oh, bacon!  However, we had a shepherd/elder meeting this morning and it was a good time of prayer, thinking, and visioning.  I'm blessed to have some great shepherd/elders in the trenches with me!

After that I worked several hours assisting with a local funeral.  I felt groggy most of the day however but it can't be from caffeine - that withdrawal was over several days ago.  The last 3 nights have been difficult sleeping so I'm hoping that I can figure out what that's all about.

Seeing the Seahawks win against the Saints made up for no coffee though!

Day TWELVE of Daniel Fast 2014

Sunday morning came early yesterday as I still struggle with a 2-3 hour waking up each evening to hit the restroom.  I definitely think I'm 'cleansed' out!  I didn't get any promptings from the Lord the last few nights but I'm open to that as I wake in the night.  God, please speak, You're servant is all ears!  I was excited to preach at Dallas Church on how we got started in 2007 and how God moved in big ways to make the vision come to life.  Talking about mission gets me pumped up.  There are a lot of good things a church family can do, but, the BEST is to introduce as many people to the way of life in Jesus Christ.  God, help us as a church family stay the course!

Later in the day I had a 2 hour nap before the shepherd/elder in training meeting at 7pm...I'm getting old!

Day TEN of Daniel Fast 2014

Its Friday, my usual day off but I'm feeling anxious.  Had to deal with 3-4 hours of office work and that sort of took over the time.  I was able to finish a book series I've been reading though with a crazy ending...won't spoil it for anyone.

The food choices are getting old.  Jackie has been doing a great job coming up with weird new concoctions but all of it tastes fairly bland without my trusty hot sauce.  I still miss coffee greatly and the headaches are pretty regular still.

God, may I continue to make You the focus not my own petty issues during this time.

Day NINE of Daniel Fast 2014

Once again I am glad for soy fruit smoothies and date honey!  Since I've been drinking only water I definitely feel fully hydrated, however, there is a tendency between smoothies and large volumes of water, to feel a bit bloated.  Lord, may this cleanse truly work on my health and allow for further renewed energy and vitality and may I be able to serve You better and better in the days and months ahead.

Day EIGHT of Daniel Fast 2014

Ok, well, getting a little tired of the menu choices now.  I am glad for Trader Joe's and some of the cereals offered by the Ezekiel company however AND date honey.  Spending extra time in prayer and meditation has been extremely helpful and I am feeling more clarity through the Holy Spirit than I have in a long time.  God has a plan for each season of our lives and each situation that comes our way - of that, I am sure.

Yesterday I also checked in with my doctor on some blood work and we made a plan to reduce my bad cholesterol in the next 6 months.  God, help me maintain the courage and discipline to stay on this healthier path.

Day SEVEN of Daniel Fast 2014

So I hit the one week mark yesterday and I have to admit one lapse...I drank a decaf Americano at Starbucks for a guys group.  I thought I should purchase something while using the coffee shop's hospitality.  For the record, it wasn't very good.  Decaf just isn't the same.

On another note, I'm praying for an 'abnormal' cholesterol report from the doctor.  One of my goals I've prayed about this last week has been celebrating my future 50th wedding anniversary with Jackie.  To do that, I need to be healthy!  God, help me be healthy to serve You and love my family for a long, long time.  Amen.

Day FIVE of Daniel Fast 2014

Woke up bright and early this morning ready for the Dallas Church worship gathering.  I'm generally sleeping better now and my digestive system is starting to even out.  The headaches are still present but I had more energy today than the last several.  Spent time thinking about worship with Revelation 5 and how we're designed to worship Jesus Christ as the only worthy recipient.  I also started thinking about how I could walk the perimeter of Dallas's city limits and circle the city in prayer?  Hmmm...

Day FOUR of Daniel Fast 2014

Energy is not back to normal (maybe due to no sugar) and the headache from lack of caffeine but great time spent with the Lord and finishing the book by Mark Batterson The Circle Maker.  I was challenged to surround big dreams in prayer!

Day THREE of Daniel Fast 2014

This year I'm focused on prayer.  With that I'm reading and meditating on prayer ideas from the past and present.  Prayers like the Jesus Prayer, Hesychastic prayer, prayer circling (thanks to Mark Batterson and his book The Circle Maker) and even the ideas I picked up in Bible College like the A.C.T.S. format.  No matter what the 'technique', for me it takes an intentional pulling away from busy activity and allowing the time to be still and focused on God Almighty.  There's my challenge.  During the fast (and beyond for the year), this will be my aim.  The early church was devoted to prayer, and, more specifically 'the prayers' (set daily prayer times) and they encountered amazing God only miracles.  Maybe God has come miracles in store for me and for the church family I'm honored to lead?  May God provide new vision, guidance, confidence and even a taste of the miraculous this season!

Day TWO of Daniel Fast 2014

Woke up with what I believe is a caffeine withdrawal headache.  After a late night for New Years (say 3:30am), and a family reunion/party at 2pm where we couldn't eat anything, we headed home for a quiet night and now, heading to work with a bit of a head thing.  God, I still give You this day to mold and shape me into the likeness of Your Son Jesus.  Amen.

Day ONE of Daniel Fast 2014

So, first day of the new year and my wife Jackie and I begin a 21 day journey of special fasting like Daniel did with his friends as exiles in ancient Babylon.  Nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink for 3 weeks.  May God's blessing, wisdom and insight flow from this special start to the new year.