This past year has been a big challenge for me. Since I've moved to Cedar City my life has turned into one big pile of wasted opportunity. There has been nothing but dead ends and boredom. I have sunk into a depression and have eaten my way into it too. I need to change something now. Since we are not able to move I need to change my attitude. I have been way addicted to negative thoughts, self-pity and bitterness. I can't do this on my own so I'm turning to the Lord. I have put together a 40 day spiritual fast. One small act that I can do and check off that will bring me closer to the Lord each day. In doing this I hope to receive direction, peace and hope. I'm posting this on my blog so that if anyone else is struggling in life like I am they can try this out.
I refere to the acronym ARG which means Addiction Recovery Guide. It is a booklet that is used with the LDS Family services programs. My relief society is studying it this year and I've found it to be very use full to help me open my heart and ponder about my actions in life. I feel that my addiction in life is my self-pity and eating. I hope to break through these vises.
The print that is bolded is meant to be followed throughout the fast. I know that only the Lord can get me out of this darkness.
40 Day Fast
Days
1. Open with a long heartfelt prayer
2. Go the Temple once a week
3. Spend 3 hours studying repentance
4. Start a gratitude journal, write one thing you are thankful for that day right before you go to bed. Continue it through the fast.
5. Put together a healthy meal plan, sacrifice eating sugar for this fast.
6. Say 10 positive things about yourself to yourself everyday.
7. Go on a long walk with just you and the Lord.
8. Detail Clean your house. Keep it tidy throughout the fast to invite the spirit.
9. Watch less T.V.
10. Smile at 5 complete strangers.
11. Study for the up coming Sunday school lesson.
12. Finish a section in the ARG booklet.
13. Invite a couple from your ward on a double date.
14. Do a random act of service for someone in the ward.
15. Spend an hour reading a uplifting book.
16. Call an old friend and give them cheer.
17. Journal a spiritual experience that changed your life
18. Study about revelation.
19. Call your mom and say you love her.
20. Give comfort to someone who stands in need of it.
21. Watch a conference talk about the gospel healing your heart.
22. Write an email to someone how has impacted your life in a positive way and tell them thank you.
23. Forgive someone that has caused you pain.
24. Forgive yourself.
25. Study agency.
26. Do your visiting teaching.
27. Pray to have the spirit witness Heavenly Fathers love for you.
28. Read and pray about your Patriotically Blessing.
29. Visit the genealogy center.
30. Read a conference report.
31. Call one of your grandmothers and shot the breeze with them.
32. Spend 3 hours studying about Faith.
33. Don’t not complain at all this day only say words of hope.
34. Finish another section in the ARG booklet.
35. Volunteer part of your day somewhere in the community.
36. Contact one of your mission converts and re-testify your love of the gospel.
37. Write a love note to your sweet heart.
38. Finish a project you keep putting off.
39. Spend time in nature. Hiking, bike ride, walk in the park. And admire the Saviors greatness.
40. Spend time pondering and journaling about your fast, and how the spirit has grown with in you.
Days
1. Open with a long heartfelt prayer
2. Go the Temple once a week
3. Spend 3 hours studying repentance
4. Start a gratitude journal, write one thing you are thankful for that day right before you go to bed. Continue it through the fast.
5. Put together a healthy meal plan, sacrifice eating sugar for this fast.
6. Say 10 positive things about yourself to yourself everyday.
7. Go on a long walk with just you and the Lord.
8. Detail Clean your house. Keep it tidy throughout the fast to invite the spirit.
9. Watch less T.V.
10. Smile at 5 complete strangers.
11. Study for the up coming Sunday school lesson.
12. Finish a section in the ARG booklet.
13. Invite a couple from your ward on a double date.
14. Do a random act of service for someone in the ward.
15. Spend an hour reading a uplifting book.
16. Call an old friend and give them cheer.
17. Journal a spiritual experience that changed your life
18. Study about revelation.
19. Call your mom and say you love her.
20. Give comfort to someone who stands in need of it.
21. Watch a conference talk about the gospel healing your heart.
22. Write an email to someone how has impacted your life in a positive way and tell them thank you.
23. Forgive someone that has caused you pain.
24. Forgive yourself.
25. Study agency.
26. Do your visiting teaching.
27. Pray to have the spirit witness Heavenly Fathers love for you.
28. Read and pray about your Patriotically Blessing.
29. Visit the genealogy center.
30. Read a conference report.
31. Call one of your grandmothers and shot the breeze with them.
32. Spend 3 hours studying about Faith.
33. Don’t not complain at all this day only say words of hope.
34. Finish another section in the ARG booklet.
35. Volunteer part of your day somewhere in the community.
36. Contact one of your mission converts and re-testify your love of the gospel.
37. Write a love note to your sweet heart.
38. Finish a project you keep putting off.
39. Spend time in nature. Hiking, bike ride, walk in the park. And admire the Saviors greatness.
40. Spend time pondering and journaling about your fast, and how the spirit has grown with in you.
1 comment:
Good for you Vanessa. Taking charge of your feelings and attitude will just help you feel refreshed. I know it does with me. Good luck and stick to it. I know you will be and feel better because of it.
Melanie
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