Fruit infused water is something that I make for myself often. It’s refreshing, healthy and pretty too. I am a visual person so whatever I eat or drink has to look yummy.

I know many people are starting the year off with a fast either for religious purposes or health benefits. This is something that we do as well.

Fasting has many great benefits both spiritually and for health purposes. Now I will be honest, I have never fasted for health benefits. So I can’t really speak on that side of fasting.

But I have fasted for religious purposes. As a teenager, it was instilled in me the importance of fasting. Fasting draws you closer to God. Fasting allows you to clearly hear from God. Fasting often brings clarity in your situation.

Now let me be honest, many churches don’t fast like they use to. There use to be a time that you would hear a lot about fasting from churches but it’s not spoken of or talked about as often.

The church I grew up in had a weekly fast. It was part of our lifestyle and so fulfilling.

If I would be honest, I don’t fast as often as much as I use to either. But I know that needs to change, because I have seen the benefits of fasting upon my life.

I wanted to share a few simple nuggets about fasting.

There are many types of fast. One being a Liquid fast where you drink just liquids for a certain amount of time. So basically breakfast, lunch and dinner is in liquid fast. For whatever amount of time you choose.

Another being a One meal a day fast. This is a common one. You take one hour of a 24 hour period to eat whatever you would like. You fast the other hours of that 24 hour period. I grew up doing this one weekly. So for one full hour you can eat your meal of choice. Very beneficial.

In addition to this one, I would also abstain from television and social media during this time. Granted times have change but I work hard to minimize these things.

A Daniel fast has been very common over the years. This is Fruits, vegetables and water. We have done our share of Daniel fast and I have to be honest, I am not a fan. But granted they didn’t have all the food options that they have now. If you like fruits and vegetables, you will love this one. I have acid reflux and my body didn’t react as well to this one. But I am not opposed to doing it again for a short period of time.

My husband and I have also completed a soup, salad and fruit fast. Basically what that means is that each meal is limited to these things only. The thing that I craved most during this fast was carbs. I wanted bread and I am not even much of a bread eater. Crazy right? But body wants the things you can’t have.

I love desserts, so I have set a week where I didn’t eat any desserts at all. It’s as simple as that, choose something you love abstain from it. It has to be something you are willing to sacrifice. If it’s easy then it’s not a sacrifice.

Lastly, there is one called an Absolute fast. This is absolutely nothing for a certain amount of time. Whether you are doing an absolute fast for one day or 7 days, this one is mind over matter. You have to prepare your mind spiritually and mentally for this one.

This fast is one that draws you really close to God and you hear so clearly from God during this fast. It’s not easy, but it is doable. So many amazing spiritual benefits to this fast.

See your doctor prior to this fast if you haven’t done one before.

Now let me say this, there are many people who can’t fast maybe due to health restrictions, but remember everyone can do something. Fast from social media, limit your TV watching, abstain from talking on the phone. Where there is a will, there is a way.

I promise you, once you see the benefits of fasting you will want to do it weekly.

During times of fasting you should pray, read your bible, devotionals, listen to sermons and listen to what the Lord is saying to you. Journal what God speaks to you during this time. Keep a prayer journal as well.

Someone might say, how do I do this if I am working. Find a fast that works with your work schedule. Also listen to your body, depending on what you do for a living an absolute fast may not be for you if you are doing manual labor. But maybe if you work in an office work, an absolute fast can work. Whatever you choose, God will honor it.

Fasting is not something you want to go around broadcasting. What is done in secret, remember God rewards openly.

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:16-18 KJV).

Allow the spirit of God to do a work in while you fast.

Hydrating during any fast is a necessity. These fruit waters are my go to during times of fasting and after my workouts.

Some drink it in place of sodas or fruit drinks.

It’s so easy to do, I decided to share a few of my favorites.

Here are the ingredients needed:

• Water
• Mason jars with lids – 12 oz jars
• Kiwi
• Oranges
• Lime
• Blueberry
• Cucumbers
• Lemon
• Strawberries
• Fresh mint
• Raspberries
• Fresh Basil

Fruit infused water options:

• Raspberry Mint Water – Rinse your raspberries and mint. Add the desired amount of mint and raspberries. Fill the mason jar with water. Seal and refrigerate.

• Strawberry Basil Water – Rinse strawberries and mint, slice strawberries, add mint. Fill the mason jar with water. Seal and refrigerate.

• Lemon Cucumber Water –  Rinse cucumber, slice the cucumbers and lemon. Fill mason jar with water. Seal and refrigerate.

• Lime Blueberry Water – Slice the lime, rinse the blueberries, add blueberries. Fill the mason jar with water. Seal and refrigerate.

• Kiwi Orange Water – Peel the kiwi, slice the kiwi, add kiwi to the jar, slice the oranges. Fill mason jar with water. Seal and refrigerate.

There are so many other varieties you can create, but these are a few of my favorites.

Grab your fruit infused water, sit under a tree and listen to what God has to say to you. Let His presence bring you peace.

Happy Wednesday!