The fast was absolutely amazing! There were a few times I was afraid I wasn't strong enough, or I wasn't going to make it during the 21 days; but with strength from the Lord I was able to pull through! I kept a journal of each of my daily devotions. I hope that these entries will serve as a reminder when I'm having a rough day- I can refer to these prayers, thoughts, and scripture to get me through the tough times. Neil and I were able to do this fast together and it was great having someone to encourage me and hold me accountable. On those days I'm sure all I needed was chocolate, he kept me from eating it!

How Do Farmers Sift Wheat? | eHow.com

I apologize for the long break I have taken from blogging since the fast has ended. God has really been speaking to me a great deal. During the fast, I reflected on the troubles we have faced, the obstacles and the persecutions we have endured. My heart was heavy when I thought of these things, happy to have been brought through by His infinite mercy, but troubled over why some of these things have taken place when I am confident that we are walking in His will and doing what He has asked of us. I know that He never promised a walk in the park when following His call, but Satan seems to always throw that dart of doubt my way. As I was reading, I came across a passage in Luke 22

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.

I grew up in the boonies but not on a farm so I really know nothing about harvesting wheat so I did a little research. (click on the eHow.com link above) The first step is threshing, loosening the edible grain from the chaff which is done by beating it against the ground. The second step to separate the chaff is called winnowing where wheat is thrown into the air and a breeze would separate the grain and the chaff. In the developed world, both processes are done by a combine. What I found interesting is that on more than one website, the process is listed as "Difficulty: EASY" Satan has asked for us, to sift us like wheat. Difficulty? EASY! It's easy for him to beat us, flail us, stomp on us, and throw us into the air for the next wind to blow us away. Notice that Jesus does not say to Simon, "...Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.....I will not allow it, I will protect you..." Nope, He says "I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail." God allows us to be sifted as wheat. He allows us to endure trials and heartaches and so that in the process we are separated from the chaff-the junk, the debris that we don't need in our lives. Or the separation may be from the people who do not believe and are not obedient. How we respond to this sifting process is what defines us. It will either purify us for His use and unite us with His purpose for us or it will cause us to lose our faith and be separated from God. "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail," is the most important prayer He could have prayed for us...not a prayer that you have a life without trouble but that your faith endures! Faith is the most important thing in life! You can take away everything I have but if I have faith I will rebound! And remember that blog I posted with the mustard seed pictures? Yep, that's all the faith you need. I am being sifted as wheat. It doesn't mean that I am out of God's will, it doesn't mean that I am doing anything wrong. In fact, it's the exact opposite. I am being brought closer to the thrown! And my faith is increasing! Satan gets the raw end of the deal again! What he means for harm against me, God intends for His glory. If we are grounded in our faith and in His word, then sifting shouldn't be so easy for the enemy. I pray I have endured this process so well that there is a sign on my forehead for Satan that says "Difficulty: HARD!!" Maybe he will skip over me.
So the next time you see the combine coming, lift your hands and praise Him for the journey of faith that you are on!

After much going back and forth as to whether or not I was going to go to Gatlinburg to hear EA play, I finally went. I had initially decided not to go because I knew it would be really stressful to bring the boys. However, my precious mother-in-law said she would watch the boys so I could go. So, off I went. It usually takes 3 hours to get to Gatlinburg from my house, but since the mountain was closed, I had to go 120 miles out of the way to get there. I made it as the guys were doing the invitation. There were a lot of churches from the Gainesville area there, so it felt like home. We went with several people to IHOP for supper and I had the most amazing omelette. We slept in the next morning- haven't done that in it felt like years- and then went into town for some yummy Mexican food and some shopping.

Worship and preaching Saturday night was absolutely AMAZING!! Wow!! The presence of God was there and many, many, many people were saved. Thank you Lord!

I am so thankful for times like this. I don't get to travel with the guys often, so I try to savour each moment I have with them.

We are leaving today after we eat at the Pancake Pantry. I have had a wonderful time; however, I CAN NOT wait to see my precious boys!!!

Jon left yesterday for about 5 days. They have meetings in Nashville and then they are headed to Gatlinburg for a youth conference. I realized last night what a big help he is to me on a day to day basis. Let me clarify this, he is always a big help to me. He absolutely loves to do the dishes. I am so thankful for this because I hate to do them. He also helps with laundry, cleaning, taking care of children, or anything else that needs to be done around the house. However, because he is so helpful I haven't had to do all of this on my own for a while. So last night was a real eye-opener. I picked the boys up from my mother-in-law's, went home, and started getting ready for the next day. I packed the diaper bag, washed bottles, sippy cups, did dishes, laundry, gave the boys a bath, ate supper, and picked up our bedrooms,so we would have a place to sleep. When I finally sat down it was close to 9 o'clock. I tried to talk to a friend and my sister on the phone, but we kept getting interrupted because Jayce's train kept breaking and he needed mommy to fix it and Journey was eating at the time so I had to keep stopping to burp him. Needless to say, our conversations were short and as soon as I got off I put the boys to bed. Ahhhh..... I finally had peace and quiet!!

A friend sent this to me yesterday and it was too good not to share. I hope this brings someone encouragement today.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

In this scripture God is speaking to Israel and He was encouraging them to fear nothing. I know all of you guys are like me and you struggle daily with your own fears or uncertainties…I wanted to encourage all of you to not fear today to remember that God has you in his right hand and that he will strengthen you and help you through today and every day, no matter what the devil may throw against you.

When God said be not dismayed….wow that hit home to me…don’t be distraught over things…don’t worry over things we have no control over.God gave me this scripture to let me know not to worry about it He’s got it all under control…

I know he will give me the strength and I know he will give you the strength to face whatever you may be fearing today….

Joel 2
12 "Even now," declares the LORD,
"return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."
13 Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.

God is NOT the author of confusion. He "relents from sending calamity." Most of us started this 21 day journey prompted by the chaos in our lives. We started it with the purpose of hearing from God and gaining some direction and peace. He will not let us down. As we end this season of fasting, let us focus on the book of Joel. He was a prophet against the kingdom of Judah. He emphasized that God was in control over the people's economic situation and their armies and that God alone could grant mercy to them. The people of Judah were under a fierce attack by locusts. They were in grave danger. Read the whole book, it's only a 4 pages. It is intense. The Lord calls a fast in verse 12. Return to God with fasting and give Him your hearts, nothing else, and God will send salvation. And if the people will do this, God said,


28 "And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

30 I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.

31 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

32 And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the LORD has said,
among the survivors
whom the LORD calls.

We have fasted. We have rendered our hearts. We are standing and waiting. Expect great things. Expects wonders, visions, dreams, and deliverance. God has promised. And don't get discouraged. For it will come "afterward." Only God knows when that is.

Matthew 17 (KJV)
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

"faith that moves mountains" is a common quote here in the south. I have heard it referred to my grandmother many times over her last 88 years. But that quote isn't really accurate. We don't need that much faith to move mountains. We just need a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? Its tiny...LOOK AT THE PICTURE ABOVE.

That's all the faith Jesus says we need to move mountains. Just one tiny seed. We have to believe in Him for the answers, for the miracles, and they will come. What is even more impressive about mustard seeds is that when planted, they are very much a weed. They keep growing and spreading like wildfire, and they're beautiful!

The picture above is a field of mustard seeds. If we plant just one of those tiny seeds of faith in our hearts, we will bloom a whole field of blessings!
As the fast comes to a end, keep the faith. When your answers haven't come, remember your mustard seed. Just one tiny thought, one tiny promise, and hold on! Nothing is impossible.

Hab 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.


Oddly enough, we've been focusing on fasting and that phrase is from a ketchup commercial, something we can't have but are all craving by now. As we end our 21 day Daniel fast, we are still waiting for God's answers, his blessings that He promised would come if we would fast. When Daniel fasted (Dan 10), God gave him a vision. Not only did God give him a vision, but understanding, direction and purpose for the vision. BUT that didn't come until after the fast. An angel came to Daniel explaining that he had been delayed for 21 days with the answers Daniel was seeking. Daniel's fast broke the power of the delayer and released angels so that God's purposes could be revealed and served. Daniel got answers and gained wisdom. So will you. Maybe your answers and direction haven't come yet, but they wait for an appointed time and will not prove false. Though it linger, you have fasted and been obedient, they will surely come!

1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Discernment is being able to recognize the spirit of truth versus the spirit of falsehood. Some people naturally have this gift. Some, like me, do not. I seem to always be wrong and surprised when I decide to trust someone and it doesn't work out. So how do we know if someone or something is from God? If we are being lead by the hand of God or the influence of the Enemy? Scripture says to "test" the spirits. How do we do that? ....We use the word of God because it already knows how!

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

There are several great examples in the bible that teaches us that fasting is a way to get the gift of discernment. When we are unsure what we are feeling in our spirit is of God or Satan, we should fast. Fasting causes us to shut out the world and makes us sensitive to heavenly things. It quiets us, so we can hear His voice.

Anna was a prophetess. She lived in the temple in Jerusalem, fasting and praying, day and night. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised and do everything for their new baby that was required by the law. Two people in the temple that day recognized Jesus for who He truly was. One was Simon and the other was Anna.
Luke 2:36-38 "There was also a prophetess, Anna, ...she was very old......and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Because she had a lifestyle of fasting and praying, she was sensitive to the moving of God and she recognized, a woman in her 80s, that the messiah had just entered the room! She discerned that baby from all other babies. When we fast, we too will be able to recognized when Christ has just moved.

Elijah was a godly man who defeated 450 prophets of Baal who were against his God. But Elijah was now being hunted down by the enemy. He fasted for 40 days and prayed to God for salvation and for direction.
1 Kings 19: 11-13 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
God came to Elijah in a "gentle whisper," and in the next few verses, God tells Elijah what direction to go. There are 2 very important things in this chapter. 1. "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." When we fast, we need to stand and wait, for the Lord is about to pass by! How wonderful of a promise. God is about to SHOW UP in our circumstance! Two, "And after the fire came a gentle whisper." Yes, when the wind is blowing and the earth is shaking, it seems that our world is crashing down, but the Lord will speak in a gentle whisper. He could have come in the earthquake or in the fire....our Hollywood minds would have done it that way....what a show that would have been. That definitely would have gotten our attention. But this is how He sets us apart from one another. Who is going to truly seek me? He is not going to yell at us or fight with us. We have to be quiet enough to hear Him. Stand, wait and listen for Him. Because Elijah had fasted, he could discern that God was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire...and he heard the Lord's voice when He spoke.

Today, as we near the end of the fast, lets ask God to give us discernment to know His voice and to be able to recognized when He moves.

Today we took Lacey in to the station to meet all of my friends/co-workers. They've stood by us and prayed for Josh and I throughout the last year and a half through our miscarriages and this pregnancy. So it was neat to take her in and show her to everyone who has been on this journey with us. Lacey also made her debut on Kevin & Taylor in the morning. They had Josh and I on to talk about our journey and to introduce Lacey to the listeners. And at the end she came through with a cute little cry. We talked on the air with them about our journey in trying to have Lacey. We shared our story of our miscarriages and how we felt and what we went through and how our faith played a huge part of what we went through. Of course, I cried. Felt like a ding-a-ling. But, I was talking about Josh and how I couldn't have asked for a better man as he stood by me and was my rock throughout the whole journey and how on the days that I was really discouraged he was there to lift me up and stand for me. So, talking about Josh and his commitment to me made me cry. We were also able to talk about Echoing Angels and how their new cd comes out on March 22nd. We're all so excited about it, so it was neat to be able to talk about that as well. Then Kevin played "Say What You Believe" to close out the interview.

After I got home, I got an email from Taylor. A listener had sent her an email about hearing our story and how her and her husband have been on the same journey. They do not have any children but have been trying and suffered 2 miscarriages in 2010. She said that she had been listening to Kevin & Taylor online and heard our story and followed it the last couple of months. She said that "following their story the last few weeks with the birth of their baby has been an encouragement go me. Thanks for allowing them to share. It puts even that much more hope in my heart to hear another person talk about their loss and then to see them blessed with a baby." That was such an encouragement for me to hear today. Because sometimes you wonder why the Lord allows you to go on journeys like this. But, in the end when you know that your story has encouraged someone else who is going through the same thing, it helps ease the pain of the loss. We just want to be an open book of what we have gone through and let people know that there is hope and to not give up but to continue to hold fast and stay on the journey. The Lord NEVER leaves us or forsakes us. So, we just have to keep pressing on. And as I said on the air today, we will always miss not knowing the angel babies that we have in heaven but rejoice in knowing that we will meet them one day. But, having our Lacey Elisabeth definitely helps ease that pain of loss and fills it with so much joy!!!

Matthew 9: (also Mark 2)
14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"
15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."



Here, in this chapter, the disciples of John are asking Jesus why His disciples do not fast. Jesus tells them that when He is taken from them, THEN they will fast. This verse speaks volumes to me as to why we should fast. There are times in our life when we feel that Christ is very close. Walking right beside us. Then there are times when we feel like He is so far that He can't even hear us. That's when we should fast. When the Bridegroom feels far, when we need His hand and to hear His voice. Fasting draws Him into our hearts.

At first glance, the next few verses seem disconnected. Jesus begins talking about wineskin. And that no one pours new wine into old wineskins. It will be ruined. This is directly related to fasting when the Bridegroom is taken. Jesus, the sacrificial lamb, was taken from us, giving us the opportunity for new wineskin. It is a gift, but not automatic. We have to want the new skin. When we fast, we sacrifice ourselves and there is no better way to show God that you want new skin, for new wine! You become like Jesus, becoming a living sacrifice and expel the flesh from your life, so that you can now handle the new wine! I am so excited for new wine. New and fresh peace, understanding, knowledge. Its ours for the taking, if we fast.

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also


An interesting thing happens when we fast. We break our routine, our habits, and are able to focus on our Creator. Our spirit becomes uncluttered
by worldly things and becomes amazingly sensitive to the things of God. It becomes easy to see what has become important to us and what is distracting us from hearing God and doing His will. If you follow the trail of your time and money, you will find what you treasure. There is no better way to truly become a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, than fasting. Its strips our flesh and reveals our buried treasure.

Today has been a good day, but I have felt a little down about some things I have been praying for. For a second I wanted to be Negative Nancy and call a few friends and even vent to Jon about my frustrations. However, the Lord had his own agenda and I am so thankful.

Isaiah 58: 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

This is the greatest of all fasting promises. God is here. God is listening. He is tuned into your heart. All the other rewards are secondary. When we fast, God is so close. The day you finish your fast, you will realize just how close He has been. Take full advantage. He wants to hear from you.

2 cor 6:2
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.


In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah fasted and God gave him great favor with the King. Because God gave him favor with the King, Nehemiah was given all he needed to change his country forever.

Esther fasted and God gave her great favor with the King. Through the King, Esther saved the Jews from immediate death. She was the tool God used to change the course of history.

When we fast, we find favor with our King. We turn His face toward us, toward our needs. We get His attention. But not only do we get His favor, but God also grants us favor with men. Our righteousness has gone before us, and the people in our paths are ready to bless us. Now is the time!

So, I was supposed to go to work last week, but the weather had a different idea. The snow/ice storm of 2011 hit Atlanta, and all of the roads were closed. I have never seen anything like this. My brother posted a video of someone ice skating down Peachtree Street! Needless to say, we didn't leave the house for a few days...

Isaiah 58:8
and your healing will quickly appear

This one is pretty straight forward. Now, while you are fasting, is the BEST time to pray for healing. Hannah fasted and prayed because she was barren. God heard her cry, healed her and gave her a child. (1 Sam 1:7) Our God, our savior, is the same today as He was yesterday and He will be forever. Pray for miraculous healing, for yourself or someone else. I think, too often, we don't pray for healing. Mostly out of doubt. Why? The scripture makes is clear,

Is 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed

Mal 4:2
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness
will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap
like calves released from the stall

God not only intends for us to be healed, but to gain back more than we lost.

Is 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

A literal example of this fasting promise is the book of Nehemiah, who lead his people into a country wide fast. Ultimately they were blessed with the rebuilding of the wall that protected Jerusalem. Read it, its really cool. But I believe that for us, this promise is profound. Remember all those dreams and ambitions you once had? All those plans that failed? Some failed because we failed to walk in God's will or some because we gave up when it was too hard. Maybe God said "no" or "wait," then we forgot about them... and even some were ordained by God but never came to fruition for some reason. Those are what this promise is about. All those plans that crumbled over the years, will be rebuilt. Piece by piece. That fire and passion that once set you ablaze for those dreams will be re-lit. And along with it, you will have new visions and the provision to rebuild and repair. God will raise up a new foundation! Take some time today to ask God what He wants to repair.

Isaiah 58:8 (part 2)
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

To be honest, I never understood "your righteousness will go before you" until I read the fasting book by Jentezen Franklin. I knew this was one of the great promises for fasters, but I skipped over it since I didn't know what it meant. Here is what he says in the book,

"Your faith, your right standing with God, will cause you to move into areas where you would not have moved if you had not fasted. Doors will open that were not open before, your influence will go out (before you) like ripples in a pond."

Suddenly, I got it. I starting thinking of all the times this had happened and I didn't even realize it was a fruit from the fast. People I had come in contact with and the Lord open doors for me to share my faith and my experience with fasting. Doors starting opening so that blessings could pour out. I believe that this verse means that God prepares your way. He prepares other people and other situations, that are about to come down your path, to meet you. So when you walk in, their hearts are ready, to hear you, to help you, and to bless you. Ask God to let your righteousness go before you in all situations you are about to face. But really, I don't think you need to pray this verse at all. God knows situation you are about to cross and fasting naturally puts you in the best position for them.

"And the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." These verses never seemed to go together until I understood the 'righteousness before you' part. But now I get it. Those situations and places that the Lord has prepared for you are exactly what His protection is all about. You won't be walking into the unknown alone. No, the Lion, your fiercest protector is unleashed! Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego joined Daniel on his initial fast and were given the ultimate protection from the fiery furnace!

no weapon forged against you shall prosper,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and their righteousness is from me,"
declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17

I'm sitting here holding Lacey as she sleeps in my arms. What a special moment this is for me. I can't stop looking at her. Its amazing how this amazing little girl has given us so much hope and joy after two miscarriages. Don't get me wrong, we still miss the two angel babies that we lost but we rejoice in knowing that we will see them one day in heaven. However, Lacey has taken that sadness away. And we are so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with this little miracle.

We've been snowed and iced in here in Atlanta for the last 4 days. So we were finally able to get Lacey in for her doctors appointment today. She is almost back up to her birth weight and everything checked out perfectly. We were so grateful. We go back on Tuesday for her 2 week check up. So hard to believe that. Its gone by so fast. Ive heard a lot of people say that it does. So we are definitely enjoying each moment. Even the late night ones. :-D

Isaiah 58:6
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?


What exactly is a yoke? Websters says: a wooden frame for harnessing together a pair of oxen. Bondage, servitude. Something that binds, unites

When we fast, all the stuff in our lives that are holding us down comes to the surface. We need to break free and so we are able to walk in His will. This devotion today is simple. What is your yoke? What are the chains binding you? Make a list of EVERYTHING that is oppressing you, the things that are an injustice, the addictions binding you. Pray over them, for God will break every one. God wants to set us free. I believe He is just waiting for us to ask.

When I was having my quiet time today the first thought that entered my was how physically hungry I was. Today was a struggle for me not to eat everything in the house. See, down here in Georgia we have been snowed in going on 3 days now. So food has been a great temptation. I told the Lord the hunger pains I am having are the same hunger pains I have to see him work. For those of you reading this, I am asking God to do some pretty miraculous things in my life this next year and the enemy keeps creeping into my mind and telling me that it is not possible. I spoke to the Lord about this during my prayer and quiet time and he led me to ponder on these three words: patience, faith, and diligence. I have to believe that he has heard my prayers even though I feel I am so unworthy for him to listen to me. I also have to sustain my patience and continue to diligently pray and fast for those things I am asking God to do. Jentezen spoke in his book and said that the Lord will reward your diligence, and not to let the enemy drag you down with discouragement. I am typing this blog more as a reminder to myself as anything. I definitely hope our blog is an encouragement to you, but today I needed to remind myself that MY GOD is MIGHTY. He is listening and He will answer. It just takes patience, faith, and diligence to see those things come to fruition.

It's so hard to believe that our Lacey Elisabeth is one week old today. It has gone by so fast but at the same time it seems like we've had her forever. Josh and I have had sooo much fun with her this week. Like any new parents we are learning as we go. And even with the late nights with her we are still enjoying it so much! This is what I have dreamed about and longed for so long.

The healing process is probably what has been the hardest thing for me. I'm used to being independent and doing things on my own. But, yet, I keep pulling stitches and end up in a lot of pain. Josh keeps getting on me to just relax and take it easy. And I am trying hard to do that, but, it's just so hard. So, that's been the thing that I have struggled with this week. Today I was actually a good patient and stayed in bed almost all day today trying to take it easy. Josh has been an amazing daddy and caretaker. He'll never know how much I appreciate everything that he is doing for me and Lacey!!! We couldn't have asked for a better husband or daddy.

We still haven't been able to take her to her first doctors appointment since leaving the hospital because we have been snowed and iced in. We were supposed to have an 8 am appointment on Monday. Right now it could be Thursday before we get in. It's been crazy how this weather has really shut Atlanta down. But, hopefully we'll be able to get in to the pediatrician tomorrow. We're just waiting on a call from them to let us know that they are open and ready for us.

We want to say congratulations to our friends Jimmy & Kelly Needham. They just had their baby girl Lively a few days after Lacey. So we are so excited for them and cannot wait to meet her!

Isaiah 58: 8 & 10

Then your light will break forth like the dawn
Your night will become new day

We know that the promises above will come if we fast. We fast, and God provides the vision. Our night becomes noonday...no longer will we live
in darkness. Our light will break forth...no longer will we not know God's will, His way for us.


Every assignment has a birthplace (Jentezen Franklin). Callings generate on fasts, because we deny our flesh and feed our spirit. Fasts are full of fresh revelations,
visions and purpose. Remember from DAY#7 that Peter was fasting when he received visions from the Lord, his "rooftop revelation." (Acts 10: 9-23)
And Paul was fasting when he was called to preach the gospel to the gentiles.(Acts 13: 1-3)
Wow, if he hadn't fasted and gotten this revelation, we wouldn't know Jesus as our Lord!
I am convinced that if we are faithful and fast, that some of our visions and words from God will not only be life changing for us, but for others
as well. We just might change the course of history too!

This may be a question you are asking yourself as we head into week two of the fast. For me, fasting is so difficult because food is always on my mind. You can ask the people I work with and they will tell you as I finish breakfast I ask them what they want to eat for lunch. I LOVE to eat!! So, to do without, even for such a short time is difficult. Also I believe God calls us to fast from food since it is such a huge part of our day and this doing without reminds us to focus on him. God does take note of your sacrifice and will honor your fast no matter how long or how short the duration. For my fast, the Lord laid it on my heart to do a complete liquid fast from sunup to sundown. It has been somewhat difficult especially at lunch when everyone is eating food and I am sipping on tomato soup. By the way, I am not complaining, just giving an example. I tell you this to hopefully inspire you with this thought: Greater the sacrifice is greater the reward. I have to keep reminding myself of this thought throughout the day because if me doing without food for 12 or so hours helps one of my family members get saved then the sacrifice is well worth it. If you keep this thought process then fasting will be much easier.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him


Other translations say that He is the rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. There is no better way to diligently seek Him than through fasting. It is the purest form of worship. And there are 20 great rewards or promises in Isaiah 58 that are reserved
only for those who fast! So lets lift our spirits today and over the next few days and talk about the rewards. Because they will come. The first reward is about provision!

Isaiah 58:11

The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

This excites me so much because it gives me a great promise that the Lord knows our needs and will provide. And once He does, it will not run dry. There is great example of this in 2 Chronicles 20. Read the whole chapter. It is awesome. There was a vast army coming against King Jehoshaphat. One that could easily annihilate them. The people of Judah came together and fasted and prayed. They set out to fight this army, singing and praising God , and said that "the battle is not ours, but the Lords!" God defeated that army and not only did they win the battle but there were so many treasures and spoils to be had that it took 3 days to carry them home! We have joined together to fast as one body and God will not only defeat the enemy and win your battle but you will have blessings and rewards to take with you. God always gives us more than we ask for.

There are a few more examples of people who fasted with great rewards of provision.

The people of Israel are under great attack, a locust attack, in Joel 2. Its really scary. Read it. I promise you, they were headed for some dark days, as some of us are in. The people gather together and declare a fast.

19 The LORD will reply to them:
"I am sending you grain, new wine and oil,
enough to satisfy you fully;

God not only protected them, he gave them more than what they were praying for!

Read the book of Nehemiah: Nehemiah fasted for his people. He wanted to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. God not only gave him favor with the king, but provision to build the wall.

Take some time to read about these people. He is the same God today as He was then, and the same blessing of provision is available to us. Know it, believe it.

1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's Grace


"Every assignment has a birthplace"(Jentezen Franklin). Callings generate on fasts. Because we deny our flesh and feed our spirit, fasts are full of fresh revelations, visions and purpose. Peter was fasting when he received visions from the Lord. Paul was fasting when he was called to preach. We all have unique gifts given to us by the One who created us. We all have a place in the body of Christ. We are all called to be doing SOMETHING. Are you using yours? Perhaps God is speaking to you on your fast about where your talents should be used. Maybe its to sing or preach. Maybe its to teach our children or care for our babies. Maybe its to volunteer to make coffee at church or be a greeter. Maybe your calling doesn't exist in the church walls at all, maybe its to be a beacon of light at your job or in your family. No matter what it is, it has a place in the kingdom of God. Not only are you missing out on a blessing, but someone else may be missing out on their blessing because you are missing in action.

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.


"at once, they left their nets".... wow, I would have grabbed my purse, James' coat, Eliza's diaper bag, and my keys all before I looked up at the face of Jesus, the one who was calling me. Would He have waited for me to decide what to bring before I followed him? Nope. That was an easy answer. I am the absolute worst at getting things ready before I leave for a trip. Ask Trey. I water the plants, get the mail, make sure the house is clean, etc. It drives him crazy. Just as I am sure that Christ gets so tired of waiting for us to get around to following Him. "They left their nets," which was their food, their income, their trade...it was who they were, all they knew. They left it ALL to follow Christ, they knew He was the King. But we drag it all behind us, trying to follow Him. Our past hurts and failures, our fears and worries, what could have been. We drag around our accomplishments too....the glory days, how good it was. They all define us. But they weigh us down. Fasting has a way bringing those things to the surface...the junk in our lives that hold us back from the will of God. God has something new, something better. God wants to make us fishers of men. He so desperately wants to use our talents and gifts to bring salvation to those we contact. We all touch so many lives.... how many more lives will you touch and how many greater things can you accomplish, if you let go of your nets? Whatever, they are.

(sorry this is a day late! I will post Day 6 later today)

1 Peter 2:21
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps

Jesus- our example in all things. We walk around with bracelets, stickers on our cars and t-shirts that say "WWJD," What Would Jesus Do? But do we really ask ourselves that question? Do we follow all His commands? Most of us are good at giving and praying, 2 of the 3 lessons that Jesus gives us in Matthew chapter 6. Fasting is the 3rd lesson. We are not taught to fast. Most churches don't preach about it. I don’t know why that is, because we are missing out on spiritual clarity, direction, vision and blessings. We are doing ourselves an injustice when we don’t fast. It is our plan of action in times of trouble. In the scripture, it is clear that doing all three together are very powerful.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken

Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days before He entered into His ministry. (Luke 4: 1-2) He knew that He could not accomplish His earthly ministry without fasting first. Never begin an assignment without fasting. Satan tempted him relentlessly, but Jesus used the Word of God to resist him. He said, “it is written” and told the enemy what the Word said. We will be tempted and taunted by Satan when we fast. Use the word of God to rebuke him. Jesus returned after this fast in the power of the Spirit. He gained dominion and authority over the enemy and over the flesh. And He was able to cast out demons only after he fasted. (Mark 9:29) The same result is true for us when we fast. We will gain power over Satan! We will be anointed and full of the Holy Spirit. And yes, we can cast out demons. Not only that, but we will be able to do more than Jesus!

John 14:12
 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Just a few people from the Bible who fasted and the result of their fast.

*Jesus- began his earthly ministry after fasting for 40 days
*Moses- after a 40 day fast received the 10 commandments
*Daniel- after a 21 day fast God blessed Daniel with wisdom beyond that of anyone else in the empire
*Esther- Haman called for the annihilation of all Jews. Esther called for a 3 day fast for all the Jews in her city. The result- the Jews were spared and Haman was hanged on the gallows he built.
*Hannah- could not bear a child. She “wept and did not eat”. God heard her plea and the prophet Samuel was born.
*Ezra- declared a holy fast for children
*Paul- God called him and shared the assignment for his life during a fast- Acts 9:7-9
*Peter- was fasting on a rooftop when God gave him a new revelation and called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles- Acts 10
*Jehoshaphat- needed to know the Lord’s plan to defeat an Army. Through a fast God’s plan was revealed and the Army was defeated.
*Elijah- the word Elijah received during his fast affected even the next generation
*Joseph- fasted in prison. When released he became fabulously wealthy and was put over all the money of Egypt. (Gen. 41:39-45)
*Solomon- humbled himself in fasting and prayer and God greatly increased his wealth and wisdom (Kings 3:10-13).

**My favorite because it happened relatively recently to a great Nation**

The people of Israel in 1963- It was on Yom Kippur in 1963 that the nations of Egypt, Jordan, and Syria allied to attack Israel and wipe out that nation. All of Israel had been fasting and repenting of sin before God for 24 hours. History records that the soldiers literally ran out of the synagogues to the front lines, having had nothing to eat for 24 hours. At first, the battle was going toward the Arab armies who pushed Israel back for 3 days. It appeared that victory for Israel was impossible, but the battle turned on the third day. Even though they were significantly outnumbered, Israel’s army was victorious and took back what ground they lost, plus more. Today, when you hear new reports about things happening in the “occupied territories” remember these are the additional lands Israel claimed during the Yom Kippur War.
All of my information came from Jentezen Franklin’s book, Fasting. As I have been doing my daily devotions I began to recognize that many people fasted in the Bible and God heard and answered their prayers. Now, the people on the list are just a handful of those who fasted throughout the Bible. There are so many more and many nations that did also. These were just a few that stood out in my mind as I was reading. I decided to “document” who fasted, what they fasted for, and how God answered their prayers as a testament to myself of how mighty God is. I knew this already, but as I have stated before, I sometimes have a lack of faith, so for me to write down all that God did helped me to see that if he can do such mighty work in their lives, then I KNOW he can and will do the same for me! He delivered nations from captivity and from great armies. He provided protection, healing, and wealth to those that were faithful to him. He showed direction and gave the 10 commandments to Moses. All of this was done through fasting, praying and believing.

James 1:1-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

I don't know about you but I struggle with that verse. "Pure Joy"? what? That is hard to do when you are in the middle of a crisis. When you are so thick in trouble that you can't see the hand of God. It is interesting to me that it says "pure joy." It doesn't say "consider it ok" or "consider yourself lucky." What is pure joy?

pure: free from anything that adulterates or taints. spotless, absolute

joy: happiness, delight

So it is absolute delight. That is hard to swallow when you're in the valley. Feelings like this are the farthest from your mind. But yet Paul says this is what we are to feel. We are to praise God for the trials. Praise him through our circumstance. Because if we are facing opposition, the enemy is near and he is afraid of us. Satan only troubles those who are nearest to God and next in line for a blessing. And fasting puts you there because Satan hates fasting! He hates the sacrifice you make. If we are treading water, we are becoming more like Jesus with every struggling breath. He is making us in His image. Every time we go through tribulation, it is like a boiling pot of soup. All the junk comes to the surface and can be skimmed off. The good stuff is left for us to feast on. And there will be a feast!

Isaiah 58:14 says if we fast:

"then you will find your joy in the lord,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on your inheritance..."

Ok.. so turns out I don't think I can blog from an iPad. I received an iPad for Christmas this year. While that may seem very hipster/trendy and give you the assumption I am extremely tech savvy, you are wrong my friend. It takes me 5 minutes to send a text message! Neil had to register my iPad and set everything up for me on the first day, and still has to show me how to do anything on it! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it- I just wish I knew how to use all of the bells and whistles.

I am in day four of my Fast and I have already begun to see God work. I hope this is an encouragement to those of you Fasting too. I began my Fast with excitement, but that excitement soon turned into discouragement in just the first day of my Fast. However, since then I have had unspeakable peace about trusting God with my sacrifice, knowing he is listening to my prayers, and will honor my sacrifice during this Fast. I believe this peace only came and still comes through my prayer warrior friends. If you are Fasting, find someone who you can confide in and and trust that they will pray for you. I know that I am daily bathed in prayer by many people who love me and want to see God work as well.

Phil 3:19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.



In this world, food is the center of everything! Every holiday, birthday, family get together...everything is about food.
Here in this chapter, Paul warns the church that there is no confidence in things of the flesh. Even food is a distraction to the will of God.
Today, read about the following people who allowed food to distract them from the will of God.

• Adam and Eve: ate their way out of the garden of Eden (Gen 2:17)
• the children of Isreal: ate their way out of the promise land. They had manna from heaven to nourish them, but wanted meat. They said they were better off in Egypt! So they ate the meat and died, never making it to the promise land! (Numbers 11)
• Esau: ate his way out of his birthright, his inheritance! He sold his birthright, his future blessing, over a bowl of stew! (Gen 25: 19-34)
• Sodom and Gomorah: The scripture says they had "fullness of food" and they were gluttons. Not only that, but they didn't give or pray. (Ezek 16:49-54)

God calls every Christian to fast. In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus tells us we should be fasting. He gives us instructions on praying, giving, and fasting. He specifically says "When you fast..." not "if". If we aren't following His direction, are we eating our way out of our promise? Our inheritance? Our blessing? If you want God's will for your life, his direction in your time of trouble, fast. Learn to fast and make it a lifestyle as King David did. Position yourself for a blessing. Every biblical fast had outstanding results. What did they know that we don't? Nothing! We just choose not to do it.

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship




Living sacrifices....I struggled to understand what the really meant for years. How do I do that?

Now that Christmas is over, Easter is approaching, which means, so is Lent. When Trey started leading worship at Liberty Hill, a Methodist church, I learned to observe Lent and Ash Wednesday. I did not grow up Methodist and I totally thought of it as something only Catholics do. I know, I know, I was totally wrong. I didn't even know what it was so I started a little research project on my own and here is what God showed me. Lent, is the period of the year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence,and self-denial (fasting)— for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. It lasts for 40 days, the 40 days before Easter. The forty days represent the time that Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Most people pick something to give up during the 40 days of Lent (food, TV, computer, etc)as a rememberance of Christ and His sacrifice.. This was my first exposure to fasting and what it meant. On Ash Wednesday,the beginning of Lent, we get ashes on our foreheads to honor Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, the fulfillment of the old testament law, the replacement to animal sacrifices. But really, those ashes on our foreheads symbolize that WE are the living sacrifice, that we must die daily to ourselves so that Christ can live in us. I finally understood what all that meant when I read Purpose Driven Life. Warren says that we have to die everyday to ourselves. As living sacrifices, we have to ability to crawl off the altar. We have to willingly place ourselves back there every morning when we wake up. Fasting is a fantastic way to do that. You offer God a huge piece of yourself everyday, thus dying to your flesh and becoming that living sacrifice. If we starve the flesh, we will feed the spirit....and God will fill that starving flesh with Himself...the greatest gift of all.

Wow! Is all I can say about today. I had an amazing quiet time last night and was so excited about starting the fast this morning. God really spoke to my heart and I was so pumped about seeing what he was going to do. Well.... as soon as my feet hit the floor this morning, guess who was waiting to tear me down???? Yes, the enemy. I woke up in a horrible mood. The baby didn't sleep well last night, and then I had to get up relatively early. It was like I had this huge chip on my shoulder and everything just seemed to go wrong. I had to write out some bills and since I only get paid once a month and the last time I got paid was the middle of December and I won't get another check until the end of January, I began to worry about how we were going to make it the rest of the month. Didn't the Lord speak to me last night and assure me that he will provide my DAILY bread?? It was like he went ahead and laid this on my heart because he knew the enemy was going to throw this in my face. Jon and I talked about what was wrong with me and he said, "Look at you Nikki, it is just day one and you are already under attack, where is your faith??" and boy was he right. I was letting the devil steal my joy, peace, and excitement I had last night when I heard from the Lord.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6

Congratulations. If your hungry, you are about to be filled.

Today, take time to praise Him. Before you start asking God for "stuff", praise Him and bless Him. Honor the One who is about to bless you, who is about to change your life.

When you start a fast: (from FASTING: jentezen franklin)

1. Check your motives:

'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for me that you fasted?" Zech 7:5

2. Know your specific needs:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" 1 Cor 9:24-27

Don't fast aimlessly. Know exactly what you are fasting for. This is part of your training.

3. Be determined to minister to God

HAPPY FASTING!

Emily introduced me to a book by Jentezen Franklin a few years ago during one of her fasts. The book is entitled, "Fasting". She was so excited about it that I went out and bought it and read it within a few days. I thought the teachings were fantastic and Jentezen does a great job at explaining how and why you should among giving and praying, fast. When I first read the book, that was it, I just read it. I took the things to heart that Jentezen was explaining, but never really thought about how it applied to my life.

The New Year is here! It's really hard to believe that the album will be out in less than 90 days, March 22nd. This album has been long awaited, long prayed and fasted over and the excitement is building. I am in awe at what God has done.

God gave me a vision for Trey many years ago early on in our marriage. It was a BIG vision, something only God could do and I had no idea how we were gonna get there, but I knew my God could do it. It was easy to convince people around us who worshiped under Trey's ministry to catch the vision God planted because of his enormous talent. The hard part was the perseverance that was demanded of us while this vision is taking its time until fulfillment. Not everyone remained in the boat. I suppose if God had handed it to us so easily we would have missed some very key lessons. We have experienced God while waiting, truly experienced Him. How can you experience God if you never have a need? Many steps occurred over our 10 years together that are puzzle pieces to get us here, right in this moment. Here are some of the biggest ones:

1. God allowed me to get into Emory School of Medicine. Only by His mercy....So, GOd moved us to Atlanta.

2. God lead us to a church being planted in Marietta where Trey was trained under a great worship leader and we met some key people that have shaped our lives forever....So, God gave Trey training.

3. God lead us to another church plant, a bigger one, because we had the experience needed. This was a pivotal moment in our lives. There, the fulfillment of Trey's anointing was realized (maybe not by him, but by every one else). This church is Liberty Hill and the love of those people so molded us that we became different people. They encouraged and prayed for Trey and his ministry like nothing I have ever felt before...So, God gave feet to the vision.

4. They believed so much that money was given so that Trey could record with a well known producer in hopes to get his voice out there. Trey met this producer who fell in love with his voice and gave his music to Echoing Angels' producer....and there you have it...God opened a door.

So here we are. And there are dozens of things in between those 4 points that got us here. God called and we listened. Obstacles mounted in front of us, but the choice was clear. Had we not chosen His way, I don't where we would be...most certainly not about to release an album. God is so much bigger than we give Him credit for. The master conductor. I am so humbled to be chosen for this journey. Don't get me wrong...I doubted along the way. During the time we were at Liberty Hill, I became frustrated with God and why His vision was taking SOOOO long. Why hadn't Trey been discovered? Why hadn't God put him in the right place at the right time? Why was God being silent? Trey was willing, a servant heart, saying, "here I am , send me." In devotions one night during the summer of 2007, this was the verse God showed me;

Habakuk 2:

"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.

3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.

Wow. If you read Habakuk chapter 1, the prophet Habakuk is pleading with God, just as I had done. He is desperate for answers and this is what the Lord tells him. So, I wrote it down on paper, and I begin to tell anyone who would listen what God was gonna do. And we waited....it was six months later, a full year after Trey had recorded with that producer, that EA called. The cool thing about this verse is God gave it to Nikki recently too, only confirming for me what was said long ago. Now really, Echoing Angels stepping into our lives is point 5. Because that wasn't the vision yet, but a HUGE leap forward that God gave to us, an important part of the fulfillment. And all the while we were praying for God to move on our behalf, Echoing Angels was praying for a new lead singer. And Trey was an answer to their prayers. And now we all stand together waiting on point number 6. I wait eagerly to see if this new record is the revelation of the vision. I pray earnestly that "appointed time" is now......

Tomorrow we start our 21 day Daniel Fast. We begin every year with this fast, to get our priorities in line with God's. Many of the above mentioned "happenings" occurred only because we fasted and prayed. I am such a believer in fasting and am so passionate about it. It has opened many doors that otherwise would still be shut if we hadn't answered God's call to fast. We fast this year for many reasons, but mostly for the continued vision and fulfillment. I can't wait to see what God is going to do this year! I will be sharing each day on the 21 day fast so be looking out for that. I will share things that God has shown me through fasting. Hopefully it will serve as a guide for those of you who join us. Hundreds of thousands around the world will be entering the 21 day fast this month so pray and see if you should fast with us! God won't let you down! I promise!

Not sure about other traditions around the country, but on New Year's day my family and I eat collards, black-eyed peas and cornbread. We have been doing this since I was a little girl, and my parents ate this when they were growing up too. I ate with my in-laws today since Jon and the guys are on their way home from Virginia. It is funny because when Jon and I first started dating we were unaware that each of our families did this. Maybe its a Southern thing, or maybe everyone does this, but New Year's wouldn't be the same without it.

I am looking forward to what 2011 is going to bring. 2010 was bittersweet. My second little boy was born, which was the highlight of my year. We found out the Christmas before that I was pregnant, so much of 2010 was anticipating his birth. 2010 also brought some great struggles. I had gotten to the point to where my faith was being so tested that I pretty much gave up. I almost demanded answers from God and when I thought I could not go any further, he came through with the answers of which I was desperately seeking. Now, all things haven't been roses since then, but my GOD has provided and strenghtened me with comfort during my times of doubt. God revealed some pretty magnificent things last year and I can only believe that these were just a sweet taste of what more is yet to come.

God has been speaking to me through his spirit about doing a fast at the beginning of the year. I know a lot of churches do this corporately at the beginning of the year, but I haven't truly felt called to do one until now. I believe he has directed me on the type of fast that he wants me to do, when to do it, and what to fast about. There are many things in my life that I want to see God move in. Specifically these include some of my unsaved family members, the direction and will of God in the ministry in Echoing Angels, and the overall year of 2011. To be perfectly honest, I am a little nervous about starting the fast. I am afraid that I will let my flesh take over and not complete what I feel God has called me to do. However, when I think about all that I am asking God to do I feel convicted about not pulling through on my end. I am excited to see what happens so stay tuned for continuous updates from all of the Echoing Angels ladies!!