Upcoming Juice Fast: Who is with me?

Two weeks ago, my husband and I watched the documentary, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead." It tells the story of Joe Cross, an Australian businessman who was fed up (literally) with being overweight and finally decided to do something about it. Joe completed a 60-day juice fast, in which he consumed only fresh fruit, vegetables, and leafy greens - all in liquid form.

After watching Joe's incredible transformation and how he inspired others toward greater health, I was motivated to pull out my juicer. I began by drinking at least one fresh juice per day. I made a big batch at breakfast for all four of us. Even though my daughters weren't too sure about the color of the juice (usually a greenish tint), they soon warmed up to the idea once they tasted it!

That week, I felt great. Just adding one juice a day increased my energy. My husband even commented that he noticed a difference in how he felt, too.

Since I watched that documentary, I've been thinking about doing a juice fast, not just for physical reasons but for spiritual. There are several situations and people for which I need to pray, and now seems like the time.

I'm not going to lie, though. Part of me is saying, Don't do it. That would be my flesh. The other half, my spirit, longs for an encounter with God. If you have done any type of fast, you know what I mean. Even though a juice fast is difficult (any fast is, really), it's a special opportunity to focus on the Lord and hear from Him. Fasting opens up your eyes and your heart in a way that nothing else can.

What about you? Is the Lord challenging you in this area? If so, pray and consider joining me in a 3-day, 7-day, or 10-day juice fast. My husband says he's in. One of my best friends, Jenny, plans to do it as soon as she can get a juicer. Two other close friends are thinking about giving it a whirl.

Prayer and fasting is always more effective when people are united and seeking the Lord together. Would you commit to joining me? Start date is Monday, September 12!

(If you don't have a juicer, but would like to participate, consider doing a smoothie fast. You can get recipe ideas on my blog under "Smoothies.")