June 30, 2013
A couple final notes from the fast.
Today we celebrated with friends. We enjoyed a simple lunch, and I was able to tell myself no to a second helping of beans at lunch. I heard that reasoning voice in my head telling me it was Sunday and we were with friends and they were healthy, after all, so it was okay. Then I told that self of mine that I actually was fine with what I had and I still had a yummy piece of watermelon to enjoy so I didn't need that extra scoop of beans. Smart self I am slooooowly learning to be. :)
Came home after evening church, so it was late and everyone was really worn out. Nursed the baby for bed. Put new sheets on our bed (since our bedding needed washing from the poison ivy breakout). Then I headed downstairs and got in a 15 minute workout on the Wii. It felt great to get in some sweat-able time. And....I'm down another .9 pounds!!! Craziness!! I have Never Ever been able to lose weight...even one little pound took every ounce of me to fight off. It is coming off so quickly right now. I'm in shock!
My total loss for this week is 3.7 pounds. I'm already under the next 10 pound mark! My, how motivating is that?!
I'm looking forward to the coming week. I don't have any plans to jump too far from the Daniel Fast way of eating. I don't want to put my body in shock, and well, frankly, this is working for me! We've got a huge list of new recipes to try. I'll be putting them all together in a binder tomorrow as well as getting some groceries for the week's experiments. Elizabeth and I are both looking forward to trying Bean Burgers. I don't feel a bit jealous of David's plans to head to Five Guys and Fries with a friend tomorrow evening. Okay, well...maybe a little jealous.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Twenty-One
June 30, 2013
Day Twenty-One
The End.
Today is the last day. A bit of fanfare as Elizabeth and I discussed the closing of the fast. We had a nice conversation regarding what we learned in the last few weeks. I expressed my gratitude to her for her eagerness and cheerfulness during this fast. Without her excitement over this endeavor, I'm not sure I would have pressed on. It was especially hard when other members of the family were complaining, cheating, or just plain angry that we were even doing it. Her sweet disposition and firm resolve helped me stay focused and cheered me on. She kept me from feeling alone.
She shared that she was very grateful the Lord led me to take on this fast. She was greatly encouraged by my willingness and determination to stick with it, even in the midst of that first week's struggles and pain. She was challenged to see me press on when it was so hard. I didn't realize how the Lord would use my time of humbling to encourage my girl so much.
I will always look back on this fast with reverence and awe. The Lord used something so simple to reveal Himself in so many powerful ways. He used it to also reveal me in many ways. Ways I needed to see so I could confess, repent, and be turned. Not only is my physical body changed, my mind is better able to understand the patterns and habits that have held me for so long, and my relationships with my family have been strengthened like never before. Purging my physical body of the toxins may have been painful, but seeing how my wrong choices were damaging my life as a mother and wife was devastating. You've given me this "land", Lord, and I so want to truly "live" within it. And that leads me to....
The Beginning.
I see now that this Daniel Fast was the precursor to a major work the Lord desire to do in my life. Physically, He is at work healing my body, teaching me how to make the best choices, and making me stronger for His tasks. I didn't know it then, but this fast prepared me to receive that plan. Eating as a vegan for the last 3 weeks, and a very restricted vegan at that, has shown me what I thought was impossible. I could live like this because I DID live like this. I can survive and even thrive on vegetable. Shhhh...don't tell my mother! And I do believe that changing my habits and choices of food heals because I've experienced it happen in the last few weeks.
Fasting from my social media hangouts revealed how much I've been missing in my family, church, and community life. My days are so full, I don't know how to fit it back in, visiting with my internet friends. Yet, I spent so much time there before. Time wrongly placed. I'm still unsure how to fit that in, but it won't be the habit it was before.
This fast revealed my need to deal with my emotions in a biblical way. Rightly handling my disappointments, frustrations, anger, irritations, these are all important priorities that the Lord is working on in my heart. Learning how to put off the sinful ways I handle these things and put on the commands of the Lord is a primary focus for me in the coming weeks.
This Beginning is exciting. It isn't a simple resolve. It isn't a New Thing to try out. It's a response to the work of the Holy Spirit shining the light of God's word on my heart and life. He has shown me the sin, and now that my repentance and forgiveness are firm, I can begin to enjoy His transformation of my life. I can take my first step in truly LIVING in this precious land He has given.
Thank you, precious Lord. May you alone receive the glory for your work in my life. May it be that you will increase and I will decrease.
Day Twenty-One
The End.
Today is the last day. A bit of fanfare as Elizabeth and I discussed the closing of the fast. We had a nice conversation regarding what we learned in the last few weeks. I expressed my gratitude to her for her eagerness and cheerfulness during this fast. Without her excitement over this endeavor, I'm not sure I would have pressed on. It was especially hard when other members of the family were complaining, cheating, or just plain angry that we were even doing it. Her sweet disposition and firm resolve helped me stay focused and cheered me on. She kept me from feeling alone.
She shared that she was very grateful the Lord led me to take on this fast. She was greatly encouraged by my willingness and determination to stick with it, even in the midst of that first week's struggles and pain. She was challenged to see me press on when it was so hard. I didn't realize how the Lord would use my time of humbling to encourage my girl so much.
I will always look back on this fast with reverence and awe. The Lord used something so simple to reveal Himself in so many powerful ways. He used it to also reveal me in many ways. Ways I needed to see so I could confess, repent, and be turned. Not only is my physical body changed, my mind is better able to understand the patterns and habits that have held me for so long, and my relationships with my family have been strengthened like never before. Purging my physical body of the toxins may have been painful, but seeing how my wrong choices were damaging my life as a mother and wife was devastating. You've given me this "land", Lord, and I so want to truly "live" within it. And that leads me to....
The Beginning.
I see now that this Daniel Fast was the precursor to a major work the Lord desire to do in my life. Physically, He is at work healing my body, teaching me how to make the best choices, and making me stronger for His tasks. I didn't know it then, but this fast prepared me to receive that plan. Eating as a vegan for the last 3 weeks, and a very restricted vegan at that, has shown me what I thought was impossible. I could live like this because I DID live like this. I can survive and even thrive on vegetable. Shhhh...don't tell my mother! And I do believe that changing my habits and choices of food heals because I've experienced it happen in the last few weeks.
Fasting from my social media hangouts revealed how much I've been missing in my family, church, and community life. My days are so full, I don't know how to fit it back in, visiting with my internet friends. Yet, I spent so much time there before. Time wrongly placed. I'm still unsure how to fit that in, but it won't be the habit it was before.
This fast revealed my need to deal with my emotions in a biblical way. Rightly handling my disappointments, frustrations, anger, irritations, these are all important priorities that the Lord is working on in my heart. Learning how to put off the sinful ways I handle these things and put on the commands of the Lord is a primary focus for me in the coming weeks.
This Beginning is exciting. It isn't a simple resolve. It isn't a New Thing to try out. It's a response to the work of the Holy Spirit shining the light of God's word on my heart and life. He has shown me the sin, and now that my repentance and forgiveness are firm, I can begin to enjoy His transformation of my life. I can take my first step in truly LIVING in this precious land He has given.
Thank you, precious Lord. May you alone receive the glory for your work in my life. May it be that you will increase and I will decrease.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Twenty
June 29, 2013
Day Twenty
Woohoooo!!!!! Tomorrow is the Grande Finale! I am really kicking myself for not checking in with my weight when I started this. This week, where I've been working at implementing some of the Eat to Live ideas for my meals as well as set aside snacks for good. I'm down almost 3 pounds for just this week! I've never seen the scale go down like this. Yay. :)
Today we worked HARD. We sweated ourselves into a major stink pulling out poison ivy and pruning back the jungle that took over some of our yard. We gained about 6 feet of yard, depth wise. We pulled two loads of brush and ivy to the dump. And I know I sweated out nearly every bottle of water I drank today. It was hot, humid, and a glorious way to sweat out a pound. Our yard looks wonderful.
Sad part is my husband is now reacting to the poison ivy. He is so strongly allergic that even though we were suited up in long sleeves, pants, and gloves, he is swelling up like crazy. :( He's headed to urgent care in the morning, as they were already closed when he started reacting. I feel awful that he's fighting this again. I hate that stuff! I am so hoping we can keep it out of the yard now.
After we finished working, took our showers and just relaxed under the breeze of the fan, we loaded up the gang and walked down to the local pizza place for dinner. Super fun treat. It's been weeks since the children have had pizza. They were so excited. David, Elizabeth, and I all had a salad. I brought some walnut halves and my own greek dressing since I am thinking theirs likely had some sugar in it. They usually do. The children enjoyed their pizza and we enjoyed our salads and an order of potato skins shared between us.
Yes. It WAS hard to see everyone eat that yummy pizza and not have a nibble. I so love pizza. Then there was that yummy, chewy bread they give with the salad. Another tough temptation. However, when we started walking home, I felt quite full but not that uncomfortable full feeling I usually have when going out for a pizza night. I felt so wonderful knowing I was able to resist the food I love the most while putting food my body needed to restore after a hard day of work. Even that soda we craved for a Job Well Done wouldn't have given me the great feeling I had when I walked home without guilt. I didn't overeat, I didn't eat foods that I would later regret, and I felt full and happy.
Even happier when I stepped on that scale tonight!
Tomorrow is the last day. I feel like I should do something to celebrate, but I just don't know what. We are hoping to go to friends after church for lunch and dinner then back to evening church tomorrow. That would be a very special gift. However, with David's poison ivy so bad, I'm sorta thinking we may just lay low for the day.
I do confess, I'm a little nervous having no restrictions to my diet. I'm glad I'm moving on to ETL next. It gives me a framework and I like that.
Day Twenty
Woohoooo!!!!! Tomorrow is the Grande Finale! I am really kicking myself for not checking in with my weight when I started this. This week, where I've been working at implementing some of the Eat to Live ideas for my meals as well as set aside snacks for good. I'm down almost 3 pounds for just this week! I've never seen the scale go down like this. Yay. :)
Today we worked HARD. We sweated ourselves into a major stink pulling out poison ivy and pruning back the jungle that took over some of our yard. We gained about 6 feet of yard, depth wise. We pulled two loads of brush and ivy to the dump. And I know I sweated out nearly every bottle of water I drank today. It was hot, humid, and a glorious way to sweat out a pound. Our yard looks wonderful.
Sad part is my husband is now reacting to the poison ivy. He is so strongly allergic that even though we were suited up in long sleeves, pants, and gloves, he is swelling up like crazy. :( He's headed to urgent care in the morning, as they were already closed when he started reacting. I feel awful that he's fighting this again. I hate that stuff! I am so hoping we can keep it out of the yard now.
After we finished working, took our showers and just relaxed under the breeze of the fan, we loaded up the gang and walked down to the local pizza place for dinner. Super fun treat. It's been weeks since the children have had pizza. They were so excited. David, Elizabeth, and I all had a salad. I brought some walnut halves and my own greek dressing since I am thinking theirs likely had some sugar in it. They usually do. The children enjoyed their pizza and we enjoyed our salads and an order of potato skins shared between us.
Yes. It WAS hard to see everyone eat that yummy pizza and not have a nibble. I so love pizza. Then there was that yummy, chewy bread they give with the salad. Another tough temptation. However, when we started walking home, I felt quite full but not that uncomfortable full feeling I usually have when going out for a pizza night. I felt so wonderful knowing I was able to resist the food I love the most while putting food my body needed to restore after a hard day of work. Even that soda we craved for a Job Well Done wouldn't have given me the great feeling I had when I walked home without guilt. I didn't overeat, I didn't eat foods that I would later regret, and I felt full and happy.
Even happier when I stepped on that scale tonight!
Tomorrow is the last day. I feel like I should do something to celebrate, but I just don't know what. We are hoping to go to friends after church for lunch and dinner then back to evening church tomorrow. That would be a very special gift. However, with David's poison ivy so bad, I'm sorta thinking we may just lay low for the day.
I do confess, I'm a little nervous having no restrictions to my diet. I'm glad I'm moving on to ETL next. It gives me a framework and I like that.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Nineteen
June 28, 2013
Day Nineteen
Super great day! Started with a fantastic time in the Word. So much to speak to my heart. So much for me to seek, dig, search, explore. So many ways the Lord wants to reveal to us right where we are, right where we struggle, right where are questions leave us. I'm so grateful for such a mighty, loving God that leads me.
Ended my day under on calories and super happy with my food choices. We tried a new recipe, Sweet Potato Chili tonight. It was..ummm...good. Sweet. The recipe called for adding brown sugar and I can't even imagine doing that! The children loved it, so it's another keeper.
I'm working on making a meal and menu plan for the coming month. I'm pulling recipes and ideas from Dr. Furhman's book as well as things we've enjoyed from the Daniel fast and our own collections. This is fun, but I have a LONG list of recipes to try now! It may take me a while to get it all planned out on paper. Hey, at least we won't get bored of the same meals every week.
I'm still hoping to get a little more time to spend in prayer and reading and journaling. Today filled up too much with other things, so I didn't get the time I was hoping for. I did get in a great walk with my husband, though, and some good time on the Wii after dinner as well. Exercise is once again enjoyable. I'm having such a great time on the Wii Fit again.
I'm down almost 2 pounds in the last couple of days! Wow! Now I really do wish I had weighed in when I started this fast. This is the first time in a long time I've seen the scale going down. I wonder what I really was up to a few weeks ago. Scary.
One thing I am super looking forward to when this fast ends: Sleepytime tea. I have such a hard time getting to sleep when I exercise in the evenings. I feel so great, it's hard to settle down for bed.
Day Nineteen
Super great day! Started with a fantastic time in the Word. So much to speak to my heart. So much for me to seek, dig, search, explore. So many ways the Lord wants to reveal to us right where we are, right where we struggle, right where are questions leave us. I'm so grateful for such a mighty, loving God that leads me.
Ended my day under on calories and super happy with my food choices. We tried a new recipe, Sweet Potato Chili tonight. It was..ummm...good. Sweet. The recipe called for adding brown sugar and I can't even imagine doing that! The children loved it, so it's another keeper.
I'm working on making a meal and menu plan for the coming month. I'm pulling recipes and ideas from Dr. Furhman's book as well as things we've enjoyed from the Daniel fast and our own collections. This is fun, but I have a LONG list of recipes to try now! It may take me a while to get it all planned out on paper. Hey, at least we won't get bored of the same meals every week.
I'm still hoping to get a little more time to spend in prayer and reading and journaling. Today filled up too much with other things, so I didn't get the time I was hoping for. I did get in a great walk with my husband, though, and some good time on the Wii after dinner as well. Exercise is once again enjoyable. I'm having such a great time on the Wii Fit again.
I'm down almost 2 pounds in the last couple of days! Wow! Now I really do wish I had weighed in when I started this fast. This is the first time in a long time I've seen the scale going down. I wonder what I really was up to a few weeks ago. Scary.
One thing I am super looking forward to when this fast ends: Sleepytime tea. I have such a hard time getting to sleep when I exercise in the evenings. I feel so great, it's hard to settle down for bed.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Eighteen
June 27, 2013
Day Eighteenn
This is amazing. I have blogged for 18 days in a row here. I have logged in to mfp nearly every day of this fast. I have seen some great accountability in the last 18 days!
Today I ended well under on calories again. I am under almost every day now without trying. I still had 200+ calories I could have eaten after dinner but I wasn't even hungry.
Made a great vegie stir fry tonight. Mushrooms, garlic, onion, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, pineapple, swiss chard and spinach. Mixed in a sauce made from Bragg's, pineapple juice, water, and corn starch. Topped it with a sprinkling of sliced almonds and we feasted! At first everyone looked a little panicked over the looks of all that Green. One bite had them willing to clean their plates. Well, almost all of them. Adding in the promise of smoothies for dessert certainly helped.
Got my hair cut today. I haven't been in for a cut in about a year. Crazy. It's SHORT! I love it. Light, easy, and fun. Does anyone else feel invigorated after a fresh hair cut? I sure do!
I spent the whole morning with my girlies working on laundry and ironing. We snuck in some library book reading and some language arts lessons. The afternoon we plugged away at schooling and choring. Good stuff for a rainy day.
Everyone got in a bit of time on the wii tonight. I got in about 15 minutes after everyone else went to bed. Short but sweet. Hey, guess what. I'm down .4 pounds from yesterday. Guess I had Heavy Hair. Teehee.
I'm starting to think about what I want to do to celebrate the completion of the Daniel Fast. I'm not really sure yet. David is going out with a friend for burgers. I really don't want to eat a burger. Blech. But, it would be fun to go out with friends. I'll have to brainstorm a bit.
The next couple of days I need to see if a plan develops for after this fast. I'm starting to wonder if I am ending it at day 21 or not. There isn't much I miss, that's for sure. But, I would love the chance to sit with a cup of tea once in a while or enjoy a freshly baked muffin, hold the sugar, of course. :)
Still leaning toward the Eat to Live plan. More prayer. Maybe tomorrow needs to be a dedicated day of prayer for me.
Day Eighteenn
This is amazing. I have blogged for 18 days in a row here. I have logged in to mfp nearly every day of this fast. I have seen some great accountability in the last 18 days!
Today I ended well under on calories again. I am under almost every day now without trying. I still had 200+ calories I could have eaten after dinner but I wasn't even hungry.
Made a great vegie stir fry tonight. Mushrooms, garlic, onion, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, pineapple, swiss chard and spinach. Mixed in a sauce made from Bragg's, pineapple juice, water, and corn starch. Topped it with a sprinkling of sliced almonds and we feasted! At first everyone looked a little panicked over the looks of all that Green. One bite had them willing to clean their plates. Well, almost all of them. Adding in the promise of smoothies for dessert certainly helped.
Got my hair cut today. I haven't been in for a cut in about a year. Crazy. It's SHORT! I love it. Light, easy, and fun. Does anyone else feel invigorated after a fresh hair cut? I sure do!
I spent the whole morning with my girlies working on laundry and ironing. We snuck in some library book reading and some language arts lessons. The afternoon we plugged away at schooling and choring. Good stuff for a rainy day.
Everyone got in a bit of time on the wii tonight. I got in about 15 minutes after everyone else went to bed. Short but sweet. Hey, guess what. I'm down .4 pounds from yesterday. Guess I had Heavy Hair. Teehee.
I'm starting to think about what I want to do to celebrate the completion of the Daniel Fast. I'm not really sure yet. David is going out with a friend for burgers. I really don't want to eat a burger. Blech. But, it would be fun to go out with friends. I'll have to brainstorm a bit.
The next couple of days I need to see if a plan develops for after this fast. I'm starting to wonder if I am ending it at day 21 or not. There isn't much I miss, that's for sure. But, I would love the chance to sit with a cup of tea once in a while or enjoy a freshly baked muffin, hold the sugar, of course. :)
Still leaning toward the Eat to Live plan. More prayer. Maybe tomorrow needs to be a dedicated day of prayer for me.
Daniel Fast - Day Eighteen - Journal Entry
June 27, 2013
Psalm 37:39-40 "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord helps them, and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, because the take refuge in Him."
Cross references:
Psalm 3:8 "Salvation belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon they people. Selah."
Psalm 62:1-2 "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken."
Does my soul wait in silence for God only? Silence? No. Silence is so hard for me. Yet, You are my stronghold. You. You will deliver me from the enemy - from the battle - from our own sinful hearts.
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
Psalm 34:22 "The Lord redeems the soul of his servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned."
Psalm 54:4 "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul, He will recompense the evil to my foes; destroy them in faithfulness."
You are the stronghold. I sit in silence because there is nothing else for me to do. It is Your work. Salvation belongs to You, Lord.
I wait. I actively wait by attending to You through Your word, prayer, praise, obedience, living joyfully before you. I attend to You in these ways, waiting for Your plan to unfold, Your purposes to be accomplished, Your name to be lifted high.
The silence part is so hard, Lord. I ache when the waiting is long. I grieve when my efforts seem futile. Yet, this rescuing comes from you, not me.
My actions in waiting are focused on attending to You, living my life in worship before You. My efforts are not there to deliver me. They are there to change me while exalting You in my life. More of You, less of me. More of Your truth and grace and less of my strivings.
Like Daniel and his friends, I can be bold and confident while I wait on Your deliverance.
Daniel 3:17 "If it be so, our God, whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King."
Daniel 6:23 "The king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."
I am not facing a fiery furnace or a den of lions, yet, I do face a hard path when this fast ends.
*A family eager to go back to "normal".
*A husband who is hard to resist by way of eating habits. He is eager to make my life "easy" which lends to falling into bad habits again.
*The stresses of life, my reactions to the hard things, my sinful patterns, these are hard to face without the firm boundaries of the fast.
Yet, I am growing.
I am learning.
I am reaching free of some of those strongholds in my life. I am finding You again, placing You, rightfully, where you belongs.
You will deliver and rescue my soul and my body, my mind, my heart will be strengthened because of this work in my life. I will find my refuge, strength and deliverance from You.
Psalm 9:10 "And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee, for Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee."
Psalm 37:39-40 "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord helps them, and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, because the take refuge in Him."
Cross references:
Psalm 3:8 "Salvation belongs to the Lord; Thy blessing be upon they people. Selah."
Psalm 62:1-2 "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken."
Does my soul wait in silence for God only? Silence? No. Silence is so hard for me. Yet, You are my stronghold. You. You will deliver me from the enemy - from the battle - from our own sinful hearts.
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
Psalm 34:22 "The Lord redeems the soul of his servants; and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned."
Psalm 54:4 "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul, He will recompense the evil to my foes; destroy them in faithfulness."
You are the stronghold. I sit in silence because there is nothing else for me to do. It is Your work. Salvation belongs to You, Lord.
I wait. I actively wait by attending to You through Your word, prayer, praise, obedience, living joyfully before you. I attend to You in these ways, waiting for Your plan to unfold, Your purposes to be accomplished, Your name to be lifted high.
The silence part is so hard, Lord. I ache when the waiting is long. I grieve when my efforts seem futile. Yet, this rescuing comes from you, not me.
My actions in waiting are focused on attending to You, living my life in worship before You. My efforts are not there to deliver me. They are there to change me while exalting You in my life. More of You, less of me. More of Your truth and grace and less of my strivings.
Like Daniel and his friends, I can be bold and confident while I wait on Your deliverance.
Daniel 3:17 "If it be so, our God, whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King."
Daniel 6:23 "The king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."
I am not facing a fiery furnace or a den of lions, yet, I do face a hard path when this fast ends.
*A family eager to go back to "normal".
*A husband who is hard to resist by way of eating habits. He is eager to make my life "easy" which lends to falling into bad habits again.
*The stresses of life, my reactions to the hard things, my sinful patterns, these are hard to face without the firm boundaries of the fast.
Yet, I am growing.
I am learning.
I am reaching free of some of those strongholds in my life. I am finding You again, placing You, rightfully, where you belongs.
You will deliver and rescue my soul and my body, my mind, my heart will be strengthened because of this work in my life. I will find my refuge, strength and deliverance from You.
Psalm 9:10 "And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee, for Thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Seventeen
June 26, 2013
Day Seventeen.
Sigh.
I'm still feeling slump-ish, unmotivated, irritable. I don't know what the change is for. The weather has been rainy and stormy. It would be strange for that to make such an impact on me. I just can't figure out why I'm feeling so extremely different than I was last week. Sigh.
Today I made up a new something yummy for breakfast. I tried my hand at water sautéing and it turned out delicious. I cooked up some cauliflower and a few carrots sticks that needed to get eaten. I love how they browned a bit in the pan, almost crunchy. I topped it with some hot sauce and crunched on my lovely little plate of breakfast vegies.
David and I went out for our date tonight. We decided to try Chinese food since they have a vegetarian section on their menu. We enjoyed two different dishes of mixed vegies. I'm not sure what the sauces were made of, but I'm hoping it was fine since it was labeled vegetarian. Then we headed over to Tropical Café for fruit smoothies, hold the turbinado. Very yummy.
Came home and played some wii games together. It was nice to get in something active with all the rain we are getting this week. Cheered me up some, I think.
Hoping to get to bed before 10pm tonight. I've been up late the last few nights.
Day Seventeen.
Sigh.
I'm still feeling slump-ish, unmotivated, irritable. I don't know what the change is for. The weather has been rainy and stormy. It would be strange for that to make such an impact on me. I just can't figure out why I'm feeling so extremely different than I was last week. Sigh.
Today I made up a new something yummy for breakfast. I tried my hand at water sautéing and it turned out delicious. I cooked up some cauliflower and a few carrots sticks that needed to get eaten. I love how they browned a bit in the pan, almost crunchy. I topped it with some hot sauce and crunched on my lovely little plate of breakfast vegies.
David and I went out for our date tonight. We decided to try Chinese food since they have a vegetarian section on their menu. We enjoyed two different dishes of mixed vegies. I'm not sure what the sauces were made of, but I'm hoping it was fine since it was labeled vegetarian. Then we headed over to Tropical Café for fruit smoothies, hold the turbinado. Very yummy.
Came home and played some wii games together. It was nice to get in something active with all the rain we are getting this week. Cheered me up some, I think.
Hoping to get to bed before 10pm tonight. I've been up late the last few nights.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Sixteen
June 25, 2013
Day Sixteen.
Sixteen. Already. Wow.
Today was so.very.busy. I was helping my oldest prepare for a historical picnic she was hosting with and for friends from her Bright Lights group. The kitchen was a happenin' place today. She worked a bit making food and then had the sewing machine whirring while I finished off the meal we prepared. Because our family came dressed in medieval garb, we brought foods from that time period. Elizabeth made a delicious pot of soup, called Pottage. It was filled with vegies, barley, and kidney beans. Very tasty. I made up four loaves of Irish Soda Bread. They looked and smelled divine, though I didn't taste even one little crumb.
We also brought candied nuts and fruit and a couple of batches of jello for dessert. So much food! So much food I couldn't eat. ;) It was well enjoyed, though, by all the guests.
This was the third buffet style even I've been to on this fast. I did so well resisting so many tasty temptations. I savored my bowl of pottage and slice of cantaloupe with contentment. It's so freeing to me that I can attend a potluck and NOT fill my plate with a taste of everything. What a novel idea, eating only enough to satisfy my hunger rather than my taste buds.
Still thinking a lot about the Eat to Live diet. Praying about how that could work. Talked with David a bit about it tonight as well. Oh, thankfully, he is off his water fast. He is working to eat true to the Daniel Fast again. I'm so thankful. I was so worried about him working such physical work in this heat with no food in his body.
I don't think I got in enough water today. I was so busy, I kept forgetting to drink. I feel dried out. I have noticed that this whole fast I've felt like I'm retaining water. My fingers are swollen and I can't seem to shake that. I'm not sure why. I'm starting to pay a little closer attention to my salt intake to see if I need to adjust.
Tomorrow is another busy day with a field trip in the afternoon. So glad we have a lot leftover of that pottage for lunch tomorrow.
Day Sixteen.
Sixteen. Already. Wow.
Today was so.very.busy. I was helping my oldest prepare for a historical picnic she was hosting with and for friends from her Bright Lights group. The kitchen was a happenin' place today. She worked a bit making food and then had the sewing machine whirring while I finished off the meal we prepared. Because our family came dressed in medieval garb, we brought foods from that time period. Elizabeth made a delicious pot of soup, called Pottage. It was filled with vegies, barley, and kidney beans. Very tasty. I made up four loaves of Irish Soda Bread. They looked and smelled divine, though I didn't taste even one little crumb.
We also brought candied nuts and fruit and a couple of batches of jello for dessert. So much food! So much food I couldn't eat. ;) It was well enjoyed, though, by all the guests.
This was the third buffet style even I've been to on this fast. I did so well resisting so many tasty temptations. I savored my bowl of pottage and slice of cantaloupe with contentment. It's so freeing to me that I can attend a potluck and NOT fill my plate with a taste of everything. What a novel idea, eating only enough to satisfy my hunger rather than my taste buds.
Still thinking a lot about the Eat to Live diet. Praying about how that could work. Talked with David a bit about it tonight as well. Oh, thankfully, he is off his water fast. He is working to eat true to the Daniel Fast again. I'm so thankful. I was so worried about him working such physical work in this heat with no food in his body.
I don't think I got in enough water today. I was so busy, I kept forgetting to drink. I feel dried out. I have noticed that this whole fast I've felt like I'm retaining water. My fingers are swollen and I can't seem to shake that. I'm not sure why. I'm starting to pay a little closer attention to my salt intake to see if I need to adjust.
Tomorrow is another busy day with a field trip in the afternoon. So glad we have a lot leftover of that pottage for lunch tomorrow.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Fifteen
June 24, 2013
Day Fifteen
Today all that energy I've been talking about went missing. I was slow and quiet and not moving much at all. We tidied the house some, but I was mostly directing. We got in a bit of reading and a couple of people worked on writing some letters. I did some lunch prep, made dinner, and read my book most of the day. I'm embarrassed to say how much I enjoyed such a relaxing, lazy day. *blush*
I finished my day under on calories again. I'm starting to even out how many calories I eat in a day. When I look at my chart, I can see I may be forming some consistency in my portions and choices for meals. I'm also going to start dropping snacks and work on consuming all I need during my meals. It's hard to change my brain about that. After being pregnant so often, I tend to just eat those snacks as a matter of habit. I want to try going longer between meals, though, to learn my body's cues for real hunger.
This book, Eat to Live: The End of Diabetes has my mind spinning. I'm not convinced this is the plan the Lord has for me, but I have certainly gained a great deal of information and learning from it. I am more firm in my convictions regarding vegetables as the core of my diet. I am intrigued by what I'm learning about legumes and nuts and seeds. Intrigued enough that I'm considering purchasing the book for myself. I'm going to keep praying on this.
One argument that Dr. Furhman makes is that you can easily obtain the amount of protein you need daily from a plant-based diet. I know that many have said this isn't possible. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons I almost didn't read the book. Yet, as I've been plugging in my food on myfitnesspal.com, I can see that I am easily achieving the protein goals I set for myself back when I was aiming for a high protein-low carb diet. Amazing. Today the largest source of protein I had was one peanut butter ball at breakfast. The rest was simply lentils, beans, broccoli...nothing I would really consider high protein foods. Yet, there I am. Right at my high-protein goal. And feeling full as all get out at that.
If I wasn't doing this fast, eating a plant-based diet while reading this book, I would never have believed what I'm reading. But, I'm experiencing so much of what he's saying, I can't help but lend it some validity.
Off to do some more reading and praying. My husband has chosen to do a complete fast for this week. Nothing but prayer and water. If anyone out there is reading this, please pray he remains safe and healthy. He is working hard outside in the heat all week painting on ladders. We need the Lord to keep him alert and clear headed. Thank you!
Day Fifteen
Today all that energy I've been talking about went missing. I was slow and quiet and not moving much at all. We tidied the house some, but I was mostly directing. We got in a bit of reading and a couple of people worked on writing some letters. I did some lunch prep, made dinner, and read my book most of the day. I'm embarrassed to say how much I enjoyed such a relaxing, lazy day. *blush*
I finished my day under on calories again. I'm starting to even out how many calories I eat in a day. When I look at my chart, I can see I may be forming some consistency in my portions and choices for meals. I'm also going to start dropping snacks and work on consuming all I need during my meals. It's hard to change my brain about that. After being pregnant so often, I tend to just eat those snacks as a matter of habit. I want to try going longer between meals, though, to learn my body's cues for real hunger.
This book, Eat to Live: The End of Diabetes has my mind spinning. I'm not convinced this is the plan the Lord has for me, but I have certainly gained a great deal of information and learning from it. I am more firm in my convictions regarding vegetables as the core of my diet. I am intrigued by what I'm learning about legumes and nuts and seeds. Intrigued enough that I'm considering purchasing the book for myself. I'm going to keep praying on this.
One argument that Dr. Furhman makes is that you can easily obtain the amount of protein you need daily from a plant-based diet. I know that many have said this isn't possible. In fact, that's one of the biggest reasons I almost didn't read the book. Yet, as I've been plugging in my food on myfitnesspal.com, I can see that I am easily achieving the protein goals I set for myself back when I was aiming for a high protein-low carb diet. Amazing. Today the largest source of protein I had was one peanut butter ball at breakfast. The rest was simply lentils, beans, broccoli...nothing I would really consider high protein foods. Yet, there I am. Right at my high-protein goal. And feeling full as all get out at that.
If I wasn't doing this fast, eating a plant-based diet while reading this book, I would never have believed what I'm reading. But, I'm experiencing so much of what he's saying, I can't help but lend it some validity.
Off to do some more reading and praying. My husband has chosen to do a complete fast for this week. Nothing but prayer and water. If anyone out there is reading this, please pray he remains safe and healthy. He is working hard outside in the heat all week painting on ladders. We need the Lord to keep him alert and clear headed. Thank you!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Fourteen
June 23, 2013
Day Fourteen
Today went well. It was tough at lunch. Instead of the burgers and hot dogs that my in-laws had planned to make, they served yummy rotisserie chicken and rice. Oh, how I've been longing for chicken! I could have easily resisted the burgers, but the chicken was One Tough Temptation.
I did it, though. :) We enjoyed our vegie skewers and corn on the cob. I figured out that I do NOT like eggplant. I'm pretty proud of myself for trying, though.
I also did great at church tonight. There was a party of sorts after the worship time with all manner of sweets, chips, and treats. Thankfully, I wasn't hungry at all after eating our peanut butter and all-fruit rice cakes at dinner. It wasn't a hard thing to resist. Especially when I could visit with friends, the gooey brownies faded from my memory.
What I did do today that left me really defeated was something I told myself I wouldn't do. I stepped on a scale. I haven't weighed myself since we were going to the YMCA. I don't know what I weighed going into this fast, so I have no frame of reference. I shouldn't care about the scale. I did not go on this fast as a weight loss tool. Yet, I can't help myself from wondering if eating this way would make an impact on my weight. I have been recording my food and I am under on calories almost every day. Surely, I should see some loss. Yet, how would I know??
The number I saw on the scale was NOT a pretty number. Not what I was hoping to see, that's for sure. Sigh. I don't know what I was hoping to see. But, two weeks on the Daniel Fast isn't going to get me to a pretty number. Now I know.
One cool thing I learned today is that I really like grilled cauliflower. Yum.
Day Fourteen
Today went well. It was tough at lunch. Instead of the burgers and hot dogs that my in-laws had planned to make, they served yummy rotisserie chicken and rice. Oh, how I've been longing for chicken! I could have easily resisted the burgers, but the chicken was One Tough Temptation.
I did it, though. :) We enjoyed our vegie skewers and corn on the cob. I figured out that I do NOT like eggplant. I'm pretty proud of myself for trying, though.
I also did great at church tonight. There was a party of sorts after the worship time with all manner of sweets, chips, and treats. Thankfully, I wasn't hungry at all after eating our peanut butter and all-fruit rice cakes at dinner. It wasn't a hard thing to resist. Especially when I could visit with friends, the gooey brownies faded from my memory.
What I did do today that left me really defeated was something I told myself I wouldn't do. I stepped on a scale. I haven't weighed myself since we were going to the YMCA. I don't know what I weighed going into this fast, so I have no frame of reference. I shouldn't care about the scale. I did not go on this fast as a weight loss tool. Yet, I can't help myself from wondering if eating this way would make an impact on my weight. I have been recording my food and I am under on calories almost every day. Surely, I should see some loss. Yet, how would I know??
The number I saw on the scale was NOT a pretty number. Not what I was hoping to see, that's for sure. Sigh. I don't know what I was hoping to see. But, two weeks on the Daniel Fast isn't going to get me to a pretty number. Now I know.
One cool thing I learned today is that I really like grilled cauliflower. Yum.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Thirteen Foodie
I wanted to add that I am declaring my new favorite Daniel Fast treat is my dark chocolate cocoa smoothie. Yum.
Frozen banana
Frozen strawberry
Peanut butter with flax seed oil
Ice cubes
Dark chocolate cocoa powder
Blend and enjoy the amazing yumminess while knowing it's ALL GOOD.
I am SO ready to start playing with more smoothie recipes.
Frozen banana
Frozen strawberry
Peanut butter with flax seed oil
Ice cubes
Dark chocolate cocoa powder
Blend and enjoy the amazing yumminess while knowing it's ALL GOOD.
I am SO ready to start playing with more smoothie recipes.
Daniel Fast - Day Thirteen
June 22, 2013
Day Thirteen
It's official. After several meals where my husband and children set aside some of the rules of the fast, David has decided that he is now done with the Daniel Fast. We discussed that since he is making concessions, his heart really isn't in it. It makes no sense to say you're fasting before the Lord when you aren't. So, Elizabeth, my oldest, and I will press on to complete the 21 day commitment together.
I'll be honest, it ain't going to be easy. But, we'll make it.
Tonight at dinner it was difficult to see everyone smearing butter all over their corn. The children were toting chocolate chip cookies around today and that was hard. What was most difficult was being so terribly exhausted and not asking my husband to order a pizza for dinner. The Lord was gracious, though. We found one last packet of leftover roasted roots in the fridge to heat up and serve with our corn on the cob. I set out a salad of spinach, lettuce, swiss chard, strawberries, seeds and limes and the meal was more than complete.
I also set up E and I with vegie skewers for our bbq at my in-laws tomorrow after church. They called to say they are serving burgers and hot dogs for our family. I knew I needed to bring something for E and I to eat. I made up a marinade for them that I'm excited to try as well. I'll coat the vegetables that are now skewered with the marinade tomorrow morning before we leave for church. Eating at other's homes is a little tricky. I'm praying it goes well tomorrow.
Not having the full support of my family is going to be hard. Yet, this is about my time with the Lord. The truths He is revealing. The comfort He gives. There will always be times when I am left alone. He will always be there at my right hand to uphold me.
One more week and I've got some new recipes to try, a fridge restocked with fresh produce, and I'm still feeling great. Tired, after getting up at 3am with BabyKinz and not getting back to sleep. Tired but great and eager to see what this last week brings.
Day Thirteen
It's official. After several meals where my husband and children set aside some of the rules of the fast, David has decided that he is now done with the Daniel Fast. We discussed that since he is making concessions, his heart really isn't in it. It makes no sense to say you're fasting before the Lord when you aren't. So, Elizabeth, my oldest, and I will press on to complete the 21 day commitment together.
I'll be honest, it ain't going to be easy. But, we'll make it.
Tonight at dinner it was difficult to see everyone smearing butter all over their corn. The children were toting chocolate chip cookies around today and that was hard. What was most difficult was being so terribly exhausted and not asking my husband to order a pizza for dinner. The Lord was gracious, though. We found one last packet of leftover roasted roots in the fridge to heat up and serve with our corn on the cob. I set out a salad of spinach, lettuce, swiss chard, strawberries, seeds and limes and the meal was more than complete.
I also set up E and I with vegie skewers for our bbq at my in-laws tomorrow after church. They called to say they are serving burgers and hot dogs for our family. I knew I needed to bring something for E and I to eat. I made up a marinade for them that I'm excited to try as well. I'll coat the vegetables that are now skewered with the marinade tomorrow morning before we leave for church. Eating at other's homes is a little tricky. I'm praying it goes well tomorrow.
Not having the full support of my family is going to be hard. Yet, this is about my time with the Lord. The truths He is revealing. The comfort He gives. There will always be times when I am left alone. He will always be there at my right hand to uphold me.
One more week and I've got some new recipes to try, a fridge restocked with fresh produce, and I'm still feeling great. Tired, after getting up at 3am with BabyKinz and not getting back to sleep. Tired but great and eager to see what this last week brings.
Daniel Fast - Day Twelve
June 21, 2013
Day Twelve
I didn't get to blog last night. With David home, life gets a little unpredictable. We spent the day resting and got to go out for a short lunch date. You should be very impressed that while going out to a restaurant with nothing vegetarian on their menu, I was able to stick to my fast. I ordered the spinach salad with dried cranberries, vegies, slivered almonds and a vinaigrette on the side, hold the eggs! We ordered a baked potato to share between us. (hold the fixin's, of course.)
Okay, you may not be impressed, but with the selection I was offered, I did excellent! We had to tell them no to the complimentary bread at least three times. Haha!
Last night I was feeling a little stressed and I did it. I didn't go off the fast, but I did eat more than I needed to. I found myself going to food again, munching because those around me were doing the same. Instead of sitting down to a real meal, I just lay on the couch reading and cracking those peanuts. Ugh. Out of the bag, even, so there was no way of knowing exactly how many I was eating. I know better.
It's crazy to me how quickly I can change based on my surroundings. I certainly know, now, that one of the biggest factors in my health struggles is based on the relationships around me and how well I handle them.
Day Twelve
I didn't get to blog last night. With David home, life gets a little unpredictable. We spent the day resting and got to go out for a short lunch date. You should be very impressed that while going out to a restaurant with nothing vegetarian on their menu, I was able to stick to my fast. I ordered the spinach salad with dried cranberries, vegies, slivered almonds and a vinaigrette on the side, hold the eggs! We ordered a baked potato to share between us. (hold the fixin's, of course.)
Okay, you may not be impressed, but with the selection I was offered, I did excellent! We had to tell them no to the complimentary bread at least three times. Haha!
Last night I was feeling a little stressed and I did it. I didn't go off the fast, but I did eat more than I needed to. I found myself going to food again, munching because those around me were doing the same. Instead of sitting down to a real meal, I just lay on the couch reading and cracking those peanuts. Ugh. Out of the bag, even, so there was no way of knowing exactly how many I was eating. I know better.
It's crazy to me how quickly I can change based on my surroundings. I certainly know, now, that one of the biggest factors in my health struggles is based on the relationships around me and how well I handle them.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Eleven
June 20, 2013
Day Eleven
I am SO.TIRED.
I was up late, up with baby last night. Everyone slept in, though, thankfully. I was buzzing around today like I had had a pot of coffee or something. I couldn't believe the amount of energy I had. Schooling was done before lunch. Got in a quick walk with Verity so she could buy some gum at the store. After lunch clean up I headed to the post office with a couple little girlies. It was a lovely walk.
When we got home I started in on some yard work. Pruned some shrubs, tidied, cleaned, and watered the vegie beds. We even moved the fire pit to a new location. Another great day working with my favorite team.
So beat, though. David and Joshua are on their way home. We take tomorrow off. We all could use the break. Though, I am still itching to cut back more of the overgrowth around the yard.
I'm amazed at the energy I've had. I've been upbeat and moving and looking for things to get done. I sit for very little time before I want to get up and get something done. I am just never like that. Especially when I'm still getting up with the baby at night and lost my bedtime to the workmen outside my window fussing with the hydrants at 11:30pm last night. Grrrrrr....
So looking forward to bed tonight. I almost forgot to post here. Trying to stay awake until my husband and son arrive home.
Lazy day with food. All leftovers. Popcorn and fruit for dinner. Just too much other stuff to do that's way more fun than cooking. ;) Planning to try some black bean burgers this weekend, though.
Day Eleven
I am SO.TIRED.
I was up late, up with baby last night. Everyone slept in, though, thankfully. I was buzzing around today like I had had a pot of coffee or something. I couldn't believe the amount of energy I had. Schooling was done before lunch. Got in a quick walk with Verity so she could buy some gum at the store. After lunch clean up I headed to the post office with a couple little girlies. It was a lovely walk.
When we got home I started in on some yard work. Pruned some shrubs, tidied, cleaned, and watered the vegie beds. We even moved the fire pit to a new location. Another great day working with my favorite team.
So beat, though. David and Joshua are on their way home. We take tomorrow off. We all could use the break. Though, I am still itching to cut back more of the overgrowth around the yard.
I'm amazed at the energy I've had. I've been upbeat and moving and looking for things to get done. I sit for very little time before I want to get up and get something done. I am just never like that. Especially when I'm still getting up with the baby at night and lost my bedtime to the workmen outside my window fussing with the hydrants at 11:30pm last night. Grrrrrr....
So looking forward to bed tonight. I almost forgot to post here. Trying to stay awake until my husband and son arrive home.
Lazy day with food. All leftovers. Popcorn and fruit for dinner. Just too much other stuff to do that's way more fun than cooking. ;) Planning to try some black bean burgers this weekend, though.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Ten - Foodie Stuff
I forgot to tell about a couple of our food trials today. All success!
First, we enjoyed the Skinny Pear Crisp for breakfast again. Today we added a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter again and a few strawberries, sliced to the fruit. Oh.My. So good!
At lunch, I sent around a bowl of lettuce, some sliced strawberries, and lime wedges. We used the lime juice as dressing on our salad. The combination of sweet and tart from the berries and lime juice was great! Very refreshing and a lovely switch from the oil and vinegar dressings we've been making. I confess, I'm really getting sick of the taste of olive oil these days.
For a treat after working hard this afternoon, Benj made smoothies. He started with frozen bananas and frozen strawberries. Then he added his Secret Ingredient. He was so excited about it. He made everyone guess what it was. So, go ahead. Guess. :)
Applesauce. Very good and gave it a great consistency. Sherbet-like and super yum on a lovely, sun-shining day.
First, we enjoyed the Skinny Pear Crisp for breakfast again. Today we added a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter again and a few strawberries, sliced to the fruit. Oh.My. So good!
At lunch, I sent around a bowl of lettuce, some sliced strawberries, and lime wedges. We used the lime juice as dressing on our salad. The combination of sweet and tart from the berries and lime juice was great! Very refreshing and a lovely switch from the oil and vinegar dressings we've been making. I confess, I'm really getting sick of the taste of olive oil these days.
For a treat after working hard this afternoon, Benj made smoothies. He started with frozen bananas and frozen strawberries. Then he added his Secret Ingredient. He was so excited about it. He made everyone guess what it was. So, go ahead. Guess. :)
Applesauce. Very good and gave it a great consistency. Sherbet-like and super yum on a lovely, sun-shining day.
Daniel Fast - Day Ten
June 19, 2013
Day Ten
Here it is. Day Ten. Sort of a milestone with this fast since it's based on Daniel's fast in which he asked permission to eat only vegetables and drink only water for 10 days and then be tested to see if he and his friends were healthy. They were found to be stronger and healthier than the others who were eating the king's choicest foods. So, of course, I should be examining whether I feel healthier and stronger than I did eating "choicer" foods.
I definitely feel healthier than I did last week. I'm grateful for that.
Based on what I'm accomplishing every day compared to my pre-fast days, I MUST have a greater amount of energy pouring through my body. I feel physically tired every night when I go to bed. Yet, I'm not feeling as emotionally drained as I was before. I am not battling irritability like I was, either.
I'm also starting to feel like this is more of a way of life than just a fast. I mean, I still think of something I'd enjoy eating or drinking that isn't allowed every so often and think, "Well, I'm glad the fast has an end." ;) Still, we're finding a lot of new ways to incorporate vegetables and fruits into our menu that will stick. I'm learning some great things about how I eat, how much I eat, and I'm definitely planning to keep this focus on vegetables and fruits as the core of our diet when this is over.
Today started late for me. I was up with the baby last night and then could NOT make myself sleep. I'm not sure why I was so restless other than my brain wouldn't stop fussing. We were late almost all day long with meals and work and such. Didn't get near what I was hoping to get done done, but I am very happy with what was accomplished.
Bedrooms are all clean and mopped along with the third floor stairway and the second floor hallway. Smells so good. Two large baskets of laundry are sorted and put away. Shoe bins are sorted and ready for storage. Clothing bins were stored away in the attic. School happened and happened well. Three healthy meals with clean up for dessert. ;) A couple more loads of laundry through the machines. A short break with fruit smoothies made by my Benjy-boy this afternoon. Then we all hit the garden beds again, planting some flowers and building up two more flower beds. I had SUCH a nice time with my children working on that today.
I really thought I was too tired for anything, but I was able to tidy up this evening, clean the kitchen, unbury my bed tonight from the work I was doing with sorting clothes and shoes, and help my oldest with a quilting project she started. I know you didn't hear about this, but take it from my absence over the last year or so, I was NEVER getting this amount of work done on a daily basis before.
It could very well be that refraining from the foods that I was eating is helping me feel less slug-like. It could be that the healthier foods I'm eating right now are giving me a great boost of energy. It is very likely that the fast from my internet social scene is making a huge impact on how I spend my time and who I spend it with. Again, this time of refocus, rebooting my body, and renewing relationships has been a treasure I am ever so grateful for. I'm a little afraid of what happens when it ends. Yet, I know the Lord has a plan. He will lead and guide by His word. I'm so grateful.
Day Ten
Here it is. Day Ten. Sort of a milestone with this fast since it's based on Daniel's fast in which he asked permission to eat only vegetables and drink only water for 10 days and then be tested to see if he and his friends were healthy. They were found to be stronger and healthier than the others who were eating the king's choicest foods. So, of course, I should be examining whether I feel healthier and stronger than I did eating "choicer" foods.
I definitely feel healthier than I did last week. I'm grateful for that.
Based on what I'm accomplishing every day compared to my pre-fast days, I MUST have a greater amount of energy pouring through my body. I feel physically tired every night when I go to bed. Yet, I'm not feeling as emotionally drained as I was before. I am not battling irritability like I was, either.
I'm also starting to feel like this is more of a way of life than just a fast. I mean, I still think of something I'd enjoy eating or drinking that isn't allowed every so often and think, "Well, I'm glad the fast has an end." ;) Still, we're finding a lot of new ways to incorporate vegetables and fruits into our menu that will stick. I'm learning some great things about how I eat, how much I eat, and I'm definitely planning to keep this focus on vegetables and fruits as the core of our diet when this is over.
Today started late for me. I was up with the baby last night and then could NOT make myself sleep. I'm not sure why I was so restless other than my brain wouldn't stop fussing. We were late almost all day long with meals and work and such. Didn't get near what I was hoping to get done done, but I am very happy with what was accomplished.
Bedrooms are all clean and mopped along with the third floor stairway and the second floor hallway. Smells so good. Two large baskets of laundry are sorted and put away. Shoe bins are sorted and ready for storage. Clothing bins were stored away in the attic. School happened and happened well. Three healthy meals with clean up for dessert. ;) A couple more loads of laundry through the machines. A short break with fruit smoothies made by my Benjy-boy this afternoon. Then we all hit the garden beds again, planting some flowers and building up two more flower beds. I had SUCH a nice time with my children working on that today.
I really thought I was too tired for anything, but I was able to tidy up this evening, clean the kitchen, unbury my bed tonight from the work I was doing with sorting clothes and shoes, and help my oldest with a quilting project she started. I know you didn't hear about this, but take it from my absence over the last year or so, I was NEVER getting this amount of work done on a daily basis before.
It could very well be that refraining from the foods that I was eating is helping me feel less slug-like. It could be that the healthier foods I'm eating right now are giving me a great boost of energy. It is very likely that the fast from my internet social scene is making a huge impact on how I spend my time and who I spend it with. Again, this time of refocus, rebooting my body, and renewing relationships has been a treasure I am ever so grateful for. I'm a little afraid of what happens when it ends. Yet, I know the Lord has a plan. He will lead and guide by His word. I'm so grateful.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Nine
June 18, 2013
Day Nine
I am so incredibly worn out. Tonight, after dinner, I just crashed. I've been going strong both days this week on my own. Today was getting harder. Staying up late with the kids last night did me in.
We were out this morning, though, working in the yard. Got some more vegies in the beds, weeded, and picked lettuce, spinach, and chard. Our beds are looking so lovely. I used the spinach and chard in some vegetable soup tonight. Turned out so pretty. Yes, I think food is pretty. Especially soup with all those gorgeous colors mixed together.
I jazzed up some pinto beans tonight. I used some of the peppers the Lord blessed us with from the clearance racks at the grocery store this weekend. I do NOT like to eat fresh peppers, so this was a big step for me. Added in some finely diced red bell peppers, some chopped jalapenos, onion, celery, crushed tomatoes (canned), garlic, some spices, lime juice, and then I tossed in some chopped swiss chard just before serving. It was delicious! The celery needed some more cook time, but every one loved it. My boy even skipped the hot sauce because he said it would cover up the good flavor. Score for me! :)
Today we had our fried rice for breakfast, but served the little girls scrambled eggs and dry toast. We are starting to feel the dollars tighten with this fast, so I am starting to use up a bit of what we have in the house for those who are on the modified version. We enjoyed roasted roots for lunch. Varying potatoes, carrots, and onion tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of Dijon mustard. Really great flavor.
I had an idea for some peanut butter balls and Elizabeth took it and made a real treat! She mixed natural peanut butter with raw, rolled oats and raisins. Rolled them into balls and viola! Delicious peanut butter balls. The girls kept asking for more "cookies". They were a huge hit! Another for the keep list.
Dinner was the pintos served with popcorn and cucumber slices. Another success. I made enough of the beans, plus a huge pot of vegetable soup this afternoon to make life easier in the next couple of days. We'll be able to heat and serve most of what we eat, which is lovely because I'm feeling really behind on housework and laundry at the moment. I am just loving working in the yard so much, it's hard to get the inside work done.
We have been doing great on our schooling, though. Gotta make sure to be happy about the things that are getting done too.
Aside from being really tired, I'm feeling well. My ankle is still a bit sore, but other than that, I'm really happy with how well I've been keeping up. I have to admit, today I was really missing my coffee. It was so rainy and dreary. Such a perfect day to sit with a cuppa. I kept busy, though. We ended up able to walk down to the library this afternoon.
Looking forward to sleeping soon. Really want some more time to read, but my body and brain say they want rest.
Day Nine
I am so incredibly worn out. Tonight, after dinner, I just crashed. I've been going strong both days this week on my own. Today was getting harder. Staying up late with the kids last night did me in.
We were out this morning, though, working in the yard. Got some more vegies in the beds, weeded, and picked lettuce, spinach, and chard. Our beds are looking so lovely. I used the spinach and chard in some vegetable soup tonight. Turned out so pretty. Yes, I think food is pretty. Especially soup with all those gorgeous colors mixed together.
I jazzed up some pinto beans tonight. I used some of the peppers the Lord blessed us with from the clearance racks at the grocery store this weekend. I do NOT like to eat fresh peppers, so this was a big step for me. Added in some finely diced red bell peppers, some chopped jalapenos, onion, celery, crushed tomatoes (canned), garlic, some spices, lime juice, and then I tossed in some chopped swiss chard just before serving. It was delicious! The celery needed some more cook time, but every one loved it. My boy even skipped the hot sauce because he said it would cover up the good flavor. Score for me! :)
Today we had our fried rice for breakfast, but served the little girls scrambled eggs and dry toast. We are starting to feel the dollars tighten with this fast, so I am starting to use up a bit of what we have in the house for those who are on the modified version. We enjoyed roasted roots for lunch. Varying potatoes, carrots, and onion tossed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of Dijon mustard. Really great flavor.
I had an idea for some peanut butter balls and Elizabeth took it and made a real treat! She mixed natural peanut butter with raw, rolled oats and raisins. Rolled them into balls and viola! Delicious peanut butter balls. The girls kept asking for more "cookies". They were a huge hit! Another for the keep list.
Dinner was the pintos served with popcorn and cucumber slices. Another success. I made enough of the beans, plus a huge pot of vegetable soup this afternoon to make life easier in the next couple of days. We'll be able to heat and serve most of what we eat, which is lovely because I'm feeling really behind on housework and laundry at the moment. I am just loving working in the yard so much, it's hard to get the inside work done.
We have been doing great on our schooling, though. Gotta make sure to be happy about the things that are getting done too.
Aside from being really tired, I'm feeling well. My ankle is still a bit sore, but other than that, I'm really happy with how well I've been keeping up. I have to admit, today I was really missing my coffee. It was so rainy and dreary. Such a perfect day to sit with a cuppa. I kept busy, though. We ended up able to walk down to the library this afternoon.
Looking forward to sleeping soon. Really want some more time to read, but my body and brain say they want rest.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Day Eight - Journal Notes
June 17, 2013
Cross references:
Journal entry:
I confess that I have felt defeated. The times I have worked to lose weight, I have often given up and my failures have left me feeling that I'll never succeed. So, trying again isn't worth the effort.
Yet, I was measuring my success in wrong ways. I was watching a scale, measuring inches, counting miles. These things - they do not bring fulfillment. They do not address my heart issues and the battles I face that lead to the wrong choices I make regarding food and activity.
Lord, I have fallen many times, yet, You are lifting me up. you are setting me on a right path. When my soul is cleansed, my body will be cleansed. When my soul is well, my body will be well. When my soul is strong, my body will be strong. This is my place - to continue to seek you in your word and prayer that I might grow and become mature in my soul. This affects all I do. Help me grow and hold me by the hand that I might rise again.
Psalm 37:24
When he falls he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand - who sustains him with His hand.
Cross references:
Psalm 145:14
The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.
Proverbs 24:16
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
Micah 7:8
Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy, though I fail I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me.
Psalm 147:6
The Lord supports (relieves) the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground.
Journal entry:
I confess that I have felt defeated. The times I have worked to lose weight, I have often given up and my failures have left me feeling that I'll never succeed. So, trying again isn't worth the effort.
Yet, I was measuring my success in wrong ways. I was watching a scale, measuring inches, counting miles. These things - they do not bring fulfillment. They do not address my heart issues and the battles I face that lead to the wrong choices I make regarding food and activity.
If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23
Lord, I have fallen many times, yet, You are lifting me up. you are setting me on a right path. When my soul is cleansed, my body will be cleansed. When my soul is well, my body will be well. When my soul is strong, my body will be strong. This is my place - to continue to seek you in your word and prayer that I might grow and become mature in my soul. This affects all I do. Help me grow and hold me by the hand that I might rise again.
Daniel Fast - Day Eight
June 17, 2013
Day Eight
Great day!
I'm on my own with seven of the children and we had a great day. We got up on time, chores and breakfast were a little late, but overall it was a good start. We headed out for a couple of hours worth of gardening, transplanting flowers around the house. It was great. Felt good knowing I started the day with some productive activity.
Schooling, shopping, choring, all sorts of things got done today. I felt upbeat and happy to be with my children. The food thing isn't really bothering me much aside from just deciding what we will eat. I do feel like it's getting costly to feed all these people and stick with the diet. I'm going to start using up our eggs for the little girls and save the nuts and seeds for the rest of us. Two more days and Benj gets to move over to the modified fast. He's excited. ;)
I started reading the book, Eat to Live: The End of Diabetes. I actually picked it up a couple of weeks ago and wasn't impressed. I sat down with it again today and am drawn in. I'm reading his description of toxic hunger versus real hunger. Were I not on this fast, I think I would have just blown off his writing. Now that I'm experiencing what he's talking about, it holds a little more weight with me. I don't want to be seeking out a man's way of diet right now, but I am intrigued with his ideas and what I'm learning about why my body is reacting the way it is right now.
Still having pain in my ankle that I injured 8 years ago. It's been bothering me a lot lately, though I haven't damaged it again. Otherwise I'm doing well. Joint pain, muscle aches, cramping, head aches, those are all gone. I still have some tinges of lower back pain, but that is fading.
Water is finally satisfying to me again. I wasn't drinking much water at all because it was so bland. Now that I'm getting over my coffee fix and diet soda binges, it's refreshing again. I love feeling it's goodness and knowing that my body is healing with every swallow.
Looked at some old pictures with the children tonight. Don't know if that was a good idea or not. So much time gone by in a flash. My whole life I've disliked what I've seen in photos. So sad. Praying the Lord releases me of my preoccupation with my self and my image and enables me to walk in the freedom of sanctification, growing stronger and closer to Him.
OH! I was in bed by 9:30pm last night!! That's another issue I need to work on. I stay up WAY too late.
Day Eight
Great day!
I'm on my own with seven of the children and we had a great day. We got up on time, chores and breakfast were a little late, but overall it was a good start. We headed out for a couple of hours worth of gardening, transplanting flowers around the house. It was great. Felt good knowing I started the day with some productive activity.
Schooling, shopping, choring, all sorts of things got done today. I felt upbeat and happy to be with my children. The food thing isn't really bothering me much aside from just deciding what we will eat. I do feel like it's getting costly to feed all these people and stick with the diet. I'm going to start using up our eggs for the little girls and save the nuts and seeds for the rest of us. Two more days and Benj gets to move over to the modified fast. He's excited. ;)
I started reading the book, Eat to Live: The End of Diabetes. I actually picked it up a couple of weeks ago and wasn't impressed. I sat down with it again today and am drawn in. I'm reading his description of toxic hunger versus real hunger. Were I not on this fast, I think I would have just blown off his writing. Now that I'm experiencing what he's talking about, it holds a little more weight with me. I don't want to be seeking out a man's way of diet right now, but I am intrigued with his ideas and what I'm learning about why my body is reacting the way it is right now.
Still having pain in my ankle that I injured 8 years ago. It's been bothering me a lot lately, though I haven't damaged it again. Otherwise I'm doing well. Joint pain, muscle aches, cramping, head aches, those are all gone. I still have some tinges of lower back pain, but that is fading.
Water is finally satisfying to me again. I wasn't drinking much water at all because it was so bland. Now that I'm getting over my coffee fix and diet soda binges, it's refreshing again. I love feeling it's goodness and knowing that my body is healing with every swallow.
Looked at some old pictures with the children tonight. Don't know if that was a good idea or not. So much time gone by in a flash. My whole life I've disliked what I've seen in photos. So sad. Praying the Lord releases me of my preoccupation with my self and my image and enables me to walk in the freedom of sanctification, growing stronger and closer to Him.
OH! I was in bed by 9:30pm last night!! That's another issue I need to work on. I stay up WAY too late.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Seven
June 16, 2013
Amazing day.
The sermon preached today was excellent, as usual. So fitting, though, with our fast and all I'm learning. Even better, my 11yo son was fully engaged for the first time ever in the preaching. I watched him leaning forward, fully intent on every words spoken.
Then, after the sermon, I watched and listened as he approached our pastor to thank him for preaching on the person of Samuel. He told him how much it meant to him, how he relates to the message of obedience in his life, how he longs to obey and do better at home. Preacher Gabe was fully of reassurance, courage, and hope for my boy. Oh, how my heart wanted to dance!!!
I came home and had several great conversations with him. For one of the first times ever, I cannot wait to wake up to a Monday morning because I get to work with my wonderful boy!! Thank you, Lord! Thank you for helping me tune out the wrong voices so I can tune in to the right ones. I am so very grateful.
We had lunch with David's parents to celebrate Father's Day. My sister in law was gracious and generous in preparing many foods that fit our Daniel Fast. They have done the fast before, so she knew the ropes. Such a blessing.
We prepped a week's worth of food for David and Joshua tonight. They are going to be away for the week on a job. I'm hoping everything we sent will keep them well fed and content.
I'm feeling better and better. Still some soreness in my lower back, but even with all the sitting today in the van and at church, I'm doing well. David bought me some new shoes to wear at home and they feel so great. I'm noticing that I'm carrying myself more confidently. I have more energy. I'm definitely doing better with my temper and not so irritable. I am THRILLED that I'm making some strong connections with my children right now. THRILLED. Including the social networking in my fast has been hugely effective in my relationships.
This week being a single parent will be challenging, but I'm looking forward to it in a strange way. I little more relaxed. A little less stress. A little more time to get things done. I'm definitely planning to pace myself so I don't wear out quickly.
Got in all my water today. Easy peasy. :)
Amazing day.
The sermon preached today was excellent, as usual. So fitting, though, with our fast and all I'm learning. Even better, my 11yo son was fully engaged for the first time ever in the preaching. I watched him leaning forward, fully intent on every words spoken.
Then, after the sermon, I watched and listened as he approached our pastor to thank him for preaching on the person of Samuel. He told him how much it meant to him, how he relates to the message of obedience in his life, how he longs to obey and do better at home. Preacher Gabe was fully of reassurance, courage, and hope for my boy. Oh, how my heart wanted to dance!!!
I came home and had several great conversations with him. For one of the first times ever, I cannot wait to wake up to a Monday morning because I get to work with my wonderful boy!! Thank you, Lord! Thank you for helping me tune out the wrong voices so I can tune in to the right ones. I am so very grateful.
We had lunch with David's parents to celebrate Father's Day. My sister in law was gracious and generous in preparing many foods that fit our Daniel Fast. They have done the fast before, so she knew the ropes. Such a blessing.
We prepped a week's worth of food for David and Joshua tonight. They are going to be away for the week on a job. I'm hoping everything we sent will keep them well fed and content.
I'm feeling better and better. Still some soreness in my lower back, but even with all the sitting today in the van and at church, I'm doing well. David bought me some new shoes to wear at home and they feel so great. I'm noticing that I'm carrying myself more confidently. I have more energy. I'm definitely doing better with my temper and not so irritable. I am THRILLED that I'm making some strong connections with my children right now. THRILLED. Including the social networking in my fast has been hugely effective in my relationships.
This week being a single parent will be challenging, but I'm looking forward to it in a strange way. I little more relaxed. A little less stress. A little more time to get things done. I'm definitely planning to pace myself so I don't wear out quickly.
Got in all my water today. Easy peasy. :)
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Journal Notes - Day Six
June 15, 2013
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way.
Cross references:
Journal Entry:
This is what I'm praying for, that you would establish my steps, Lord, and that my way would bring you delight.
You desire to firmly establish me on a rock - Your word and Your path. Your way will keep my foot from slipping. I don't fully understand what that way is yet. But, for today, it is enough for me to know it is firm. By Your grace, I will not slip, and it will bring You delight. I will wait on Your kindness in revealing Your plans for me. I will fear Your holy name.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way.
Cross references:
1 Samuel 2:9
He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail.
Psalm 40:2
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
Psalm 66:9
Who keeps us in life, and does not allow our feet to slip.
Psalm 119:5
Oh that my ways may be established to keep they statutes!
Psalm 147:11
The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His loving-kindness.
Journal Entry:
This is what I'm praying for, that you would establish my steps, Lord, and that my way would bring you delight.
You desire to firmly establish me on a rock - Your word and Your path. Your way will keep my foot from slipping. I don't fully understand what that way is yet. But, for today, it is enough for me to know it is firm. By Your grace, I will not slip, and it will bring You delight. I will wait on Your kindness in revealing Your plans for me. I will fear Your holy name.
Daniel Fast - Day Six
June 15, 2013
Day Six
Saturday. Busy day working in the yard, shopping, planning, getting in some family time. My back feels much better. Tonight my legs are a little sore again and my ankle is bothering me. I don't feel anywhere as gross as I have the last few days, though. Got in over 120oz of water today.
My husband let me know that he's going to be gone all next week...overnighting...with my son on a job. That means I have a lot of food prep ahead of me for tomorrow. Got a double batch of pasta salad made up. One for our Father's Day outing tomorrow with his family and one to split for us for the week next week.
I'm hoping to send with them these items for their meals in the coming week:
Vegie pasta salad
Taco style lentils with rice
Apple pie breakfast
Roasted potatoes and vegies
Breakfast cookies
Indian flatbread
Peanut butter and All Fruit
Raw vegies and hummus
Fresh fruit
Guacamole and Chimole (salsa)
A couple boxes of Triscuits for dipping
Some homemade oat crackers
I'm hoping this will fill their bellies while they work hard on this painting project. Josh has until Wednesday when he is done with his 10 days of the strict fast. He can decide after that if he wants to allow some eggs. David isn't so sure he's going to like eating this way while working away from home. I'm hoping to have enough nourishment so it doesn't leave him wanting for more.
I'm looking around and found some new recipes to try. I'm noticing that everyone is getting tired of eating the same things. Hopefully I can change it up a bit while still keeping life simple.
We stopped and got a blender while out today. Enjoyed some yummy smoothies. I had one with frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, ice, and 2 tbs of dark chocolate cocoa powder. So yum! Another great treat to put on my keep list for after the fast.
I sorta feel bad we are on this fast as Father's Day approaches. I know it would be a real treat to make David a steak and grill some good stuff on the grill. He was waking today about foods we can grill. I'm thinking of vegies and potatoes on skewers and corn on the cob. Maybe we can fit that in tomorrow sometime. Our day is so full getting them ready for a week out of town.
Off to munch some popcorn with David and watch a movie after a very full day.
Day Six
Saturday. Busy day working in the yard, shopping, planning, getting in some family time. My back feels much better. Tonight my legs are a little sore again and my ankle is bothering me. I don't feel anywhere as gross as I have the last few days, though. Got in over 120oz of water today.
My husband let me know that he's going to be gone all next week...overnighting...with my son on a job. That means I have a lot of food prep ahead of me for tomorrow. Got a double batch of pasta salad made up. One for our Father's Day outing tomorrow with his family and one to split for us for the week next week.
I'm hoping to send with them these items for their meals in the coming week:
Vegie pasta salad
Taco style lentils with rice
Apple pie breakfast
Roasted potatoes and vegies
Breakfast cookies
Indian flatbread
Peanut butter and All Fruit
Raw vegies and hummus
Fresh fruit
Guacamole and Chimole (salsa)
A couple boxes of Triscuits for dipping
Some homemade oat crackers
I'm hoping this will fill their bellies while they work hard on this painting project. Josh has until Wednesday when he is done with his 10 days of the strict fast. He can decide after that if he wants to allow some eggs. David isn't so sure he's going to like eating this way while working away from home. I'm hoping to have enough nourishment so it doesn't leave him wanting for more.
I'm looking around and found some new recipes to try. I'm noticing that everyone is getting tired of eating the same things. Hopefully I can change it up a bit while still keeping life simple.
We stopped and got a blender while out today. Enjoyed some yummy smoothies. I had one with frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, ice, and 2 tbs of dark chocolate cocoa powder. So yum! Another great treat to put on my keep list for after the fast.
I sorta feel bad we are on this fast as Father's Day approaches. I know it would be a real treat to make David a steak and grill some good stuff on the grill. He was waking today about foods we can grill. I'm thinking of vegies and potatoes on skewers and corn on the cob. Maybe we can fit that in tomorrow sometime. Our day is so full getting them ready for a week out of town.
Off to munch some popcorn with David and watch a movie after a very full day.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer
Jesus draw me ever nearer
as I labor thro' the storm
You have called me to this passage
and I'll follow tho' I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing
With your likeness let me wake.
Jesus guide me thro' the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more.
May this journey be a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart's testing
with Your likeness let me wake.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne.
Jesus, draw me ever nearer to You.
This hymn has caught my heart in this time of seeking the Lord. I'll type the lyrics here and provide the link for you to hear this beautiful song.
Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer
by Keith and Kristyn Getty
from the album In Christ Alone
Journal Notes - Day Five
June 14, 2013
Colossians 2:23; 3:1-17
Put off what??
>food for comfort
>indulgence - lack of restraint: portions
>food for motivation
>Sedentary living
Put on what?? (replace what I am putting off)
>compassion: letter, phone calls, words and hugs
>kindness: acts of kindness for others
>humility: choose simple things (i.e. water to drink, simple foods), leave the best for others, take smaller portions for myself so as not to feed my pride
>gentleness: in my voice, my face, my actions
>patience: wait for them to get it, expect them to be slow on things, (prevents my anger and stress which leads to indulgence) go with them in their struggle, don't reach for a crutch to deal with the waiting, don't resist the wait - receive it, embrace it, learn from it, see myself in it
>bear with one another: my time, my attitude
>forgiveness: not blaming
>love: the perfect bond of unity
>peace of Christ
>thankfulness: keep a list
>word of Christ dwelling richly in me: memorization of scripture
>wisdom teaching
>admonishing one another
>psalms, hymns, spiritual songs
>singing with thankfulness
*all of the above in place of temper, anger, frustration, yelling, food and drink to deal with stress, joys, and struggles.
Tracy, ask yourself:
Can I do this thing with gratitude to Christ?
Am I doing this in the name of Jesus?
Can I rejoice in knowing it represents Him and His glory?
Are my choices and actions renewing me?
Are they renewing me to a true knowledge according to the one who created me?
The kinds of foods I eat, will they strengthen me to know Him more?
These ways I respond to stress in my life, are they renewing me and helping me know my Creator more?
Are the actions I chose for my free time, my celebrations, my comfort and rest, do they lead me to true knowledge? Do they bring gratitude? Do they reveal the work of Christ?
Am I hidden in Him?
Are my desires, preferences, passions, delights - are these hidden in the person of Christ?
Let me hide in You, Lord. Hide in your gentleness and love. Let me hide in your patience and peace. Let me hide in your compassion and kindness. Let me hide in you as you bear with me in forgiveness, teaching me humility, gratitude and strength in your power and a mind set on those things which are above.
Colossians 2:23; 3:1-17
"These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against self-indulgence."
If then, I have been raised up with Christ...keep seeking the things above...set my mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
For I have died - my life is hidden with Christ in God. I will be revealed with Him.
Consider my physical body dead to...impurity, passion, evil desire, greed...
Lay aside the old self and it's practices. Put on a new self that is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of Him who created me.
Put off what??
>food for comfort
>indulgence - lack of restraint: portions
>food for motivation
>Sedentary living
Put on what?? (replace what I am putting off)
>compassion: letter, phone calls, words and hugs
>kindness: acts of kindness for others
>humility: choose simple things (i.e. water to drink, simple foods), leave the best for others, take smaller portions for myself so as not to feed my pride
>gentleness: in my voice, my face, my actions
>patience: wait for them to get it, expect them to be slow on things, (prevents my anger and stress which leads to indulgence) go with them in their struggle, don't reach for a crutch to deal with the waiting, don't resist the wait - receive it, embrace it, learn from it, see myself in it
>bear with one another: my time, my attitude
>forgiveness: not blaming
>love: the perfect bond of unity
>peace of Christ
>thankfulness: keep a list
>word of Christ dwelling richly in me: memorization of scripture
>wisdom teaching
>admonishing one another
>psalms, hymns, spiritual songs
>singing with thankfulness
*all of the above in place of temper, anger, frustration, yelling, food and drink to deal with stress, joys, and struggles.
Whatever I do, WORD or DEED, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Tracy, ask yourself:
Can I do this thing with gratitude to Christ?
Am I doing this in the name of Jesus?
Can I rejoice in knowing it represents Him and His glory?
Are my choices and actions renewing me?
Are they renewing me to a true knowledge according to the one who created me?
The kinds of foods I eat, will they strengthen me to know Him more?
These ways I respond to stress in my life, are they renewing me and helping me know my Creator more?
Are the actions I chose for my free time, my celebrations, my comfort and rest, do they lead me to true knowledge? Do they bring gratitude? Do they reveal the work of Christ?
Am I hidden in Him?
Are my desires, preferences, passions, delights - are these hidden in the person of Christ?
Let me hide in You, Lord. Hide in your gentleness and love. Let me hide in your patience and peace. Let me hide in your compassion and kindness. Let me hide in you as you bear with me in forgiveness, teaching me humility, gratitude and strength in your power and a mind set on those things which are above.
Daniel Fast - Day Five
June 14, 2013
Day Five
Woke up today barely able to move. My lower back and legs are in great pain. I worked on lying in varying positions. Lying down increases the pain in my legs. Standing takes away the leg pain, but my back pain lingers. After a rub with Bio-Freeze without relief, I caved in and took some pain killers. I can function again and am doing some gentle work around the house.
Breakfast this morning was Breakfast Cookies. Seemed like people sorta grazed their way through the kitchen for lunch before heading out to the beach with David this afternoon. I enjoyed some reheated taco soup and a salad from the lettuce I picked from our garden this week topped with raw cauliflower, almonds, and diced green apples.
I've been getting in some time in the word today. I keep wondering how the Lord is going to just *show* me how I'm supposed to eat. What diet I'm supposed to follow. What plan is the right one for me. It seems like hocus-pocus to think He's going to flash a word in my face and I'll hear angels singing. Well, I guess that is like hocus-pocus. It doesn't work that way.
Being in the word DOES work, however. I'm not sure if others do this, but I often think, "There's not really a specific answer in here for me. I'm going to have to find some vague principle and apply it. Should I even bother looking? Where would I even start?" And so goes my one-sided conversation.
God's word is never void. Just pick a word. I did. Indulgence. Led me right to the book of Colossians. Right to beautiful truths revealing the ugliness that the Lord is cleansing from my life right now. I'm going to keep working on simplifying this fast so I can enjoy more of these rich truths He has waiting for me.
*Finished the day with baked potatoes, green beans sautéed in garlic, and a big salad with fixin's. I skipped the potato, but munched on the skin from BabyKinz's potato. David pulled out the Woven Wheat crackers and topped them with peanut butter and all fruit spread. I had two. Truly, peanut butter and jelly is one of my hardest things to resist. I was very proud to have only had two.
Day Five
Woke up today barely able to move. My lower back and legs are in great pain. I worked on lying in varying positions. Lying down increases the pain in my legs. Standing takes away the leg pain, but my back pain lingers. After a rub with Bio-Freeze without relief, I caved in and took some pain killers. I can function again and am doing some gentle work around the house.
Breakfast this morning was Breakfast Cookies. Seemed like people sorta grazed their way through the kitchen for lunch before heading out to the beach with David this afternoon. I enjoyed some reheated taco soup and a salad from the lettuce I picked from our garden this week topped with raw cauliflower, almonds, and diced green apples.
I've been getting in some time in the word today. I keep wondering how the Lord is going to just *show* me how I'm supposed to eat. What diet I'm supposed to follow. What plan is the right one for me. It seems like hocus-pocus to think He's going to flash a word in my face and I'll hear angels singing. Well, I guess that is like hocus-pocus. It doesn't work that way.
Being in the word DOES work, however. I'm not sure if others do this, but I often think, "There's not really a specific answer in here for me. I'm going to have to find some vague principle and apply it. Should I even bother looking? Where would I even start?" And so goes my one-sided conversation.
God's word is never void. Just pick a word. I did. Indulgence. Led me right to the book of Colossians. Right to beautiful truths revealing the ugliness that the Lord is cleansing from my life right now. I'm going to keep working on simplifying this fast so I can enjoy more of these rich truths He has waiting for me.
*Finished the day with baked potatoes, green beans sautéed in garlic, and a big salad with fixin's. I skipped the potato, but munched on the skin from BabyKinz's potato. David pulled out the Woven Wheat crackers and topped them with peanut butter and all fruit spread. I had two. Truly, peanut butter and jelly is one of my hardest things to resist. I was very proud to have only had two.
Journal Notes from Day Four
June 13, 2013
This verse is my promise of hope.
This fast. This pain and discomfort to my body. This is your reproof to my pride and indulgence. You bring this so that I would see the abuse and misuse I have in my life. I have wrongly fed and tended my physical body and soul. I have wrongly used food to cater to my desires. I am so humbled. First, by the fact that I have seen how a silly cup of coffee or tea makes me feel valued or gives me a sense of worth. That it feeds my selfish desires to feel I somehow deserve praise or reward for my work in day.
Lord, this work I do should be my act of service and worship. I do this for Your praise. I should allow You to bless me - not use Your blessings to reward myself - especially with things that harm me. I see, as my body is releasing whatever it's been holding, this pain in my joints, muscles, head, this reveals the physical damage I've done and the sin that brought me there. So many ways my body cries out, "Sinner! Selfish! Indulgent! Lazy!"
Lazy. Oh, how my laziness is revealed. I am always choosing an easier way. Yet, this fast causes me to choose and work for those foods that cleanse and heal. To provide what is healthy for my family I must work and not choose those things which are easy if they are not healthy.
Please continue to work in me. I am, right now, in a time of humility and grief over my choices. I didn't expect to feel so badly. Show me what is hurting me most. Teach me, especially regarding my flesh, teach me and heal me. I joyfully accept your wounds and inflictions of pain - pain of body and spirit, because I know the promise of Your healing and relief accompany them.
Your wounds bring healing. This fast (wound) brings healing. The world's wounds (foods and indulgence) bring more pain leading to death. My flesh (choices regarding food and drink) bring pain and keep me from You, which is a life empty and pointless.
Your wounds bring healing.
"Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He inflicts pain and give relief; He wounds, and His hands heal."
Job 5:17-18
This verse is my promise of hope.
This fast. This pain and discomfort to my body. This is your reproof to my pride and indulgence. You bring this so that I would see the abuse and misuse I have in my life. I have wrongly fed and tended my physical body and soul. I have wrongly used food to cater to my desires. I am so humbled. First, by the fact that I have seen how a silly cup of coffee or tea makes me feel valued or gives me a sense of worth. That it feeds my selfish desires to feel I somehow deserve praise or reward for my work in day.
Lord, this work I do should be my act of service and worship. I do this for Your praise. I should allow You to bless me - not use Your blessings to reward myself - especially with things that harm me. I see, as my body is releasing whatever it's been holding, this pain in my joints, muscles, head, this reveals the physical damage I've done and the sin that brought me there. So many ways my body cries out, "Sinner! Selfish! Indulgent! Lazy!"
Lazy. Oh, how my laziness is revealed. I am always choosing an easier way. Yet, this fast causes me to choose and work for those foods that cleanse and heal. To provide what is healthy for my family I must work and not choose those things which are easy if they are not healthy.
Please continue to work in me. I am, right now, in a time of humility and grief over my choices. I didn't expect to feel so badly. Show me what is hurting me most. Teach me, especially regarding my flesh, teach me and heal me. I joyfully accept your wounds and inflictions of pain - pain of body and spirit, because I know the promise of Your healing and relief accompany them.
Your wounds bring healing. This fast (wound) brings healing. The world's wounds (foods and indulgence) bring more pain leading to death. My flesh (choices regarding food and drink) bring pain and keep me from You, which is a life empty and pointless.
Your wounds bring healing.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Four
June 13, 2013
Day Four
Was up for several hours after nursing the baby last night with horrible leg pain. My muscles and joints were bothering me yesterday afternoon, but I just passed it off to being busy. I could NOT fall asleep. My knees, ankles and lower back are awful. The muscles in the back of my legs are throbbing. My headache is back today. I guess my body is still in detox mode. That also explains the extreme fatigue I've been battling.
I'm going to work on increasing my water intake today. I'm also going to plan in some daily baths with Epsom salts. I want to flush this crud out. But, reading about others that have felt this way with this fast was helpful. Now I know it's normal and I can focus on praying through it.
I have a journal entry to share later today when I have some time to type it out. I am also working on spending more time praying and reading the word so this fast can accomplish the Lord's purposes in me. I'm definitely in a time of being brought low right now.
This morning's breakfast, Build Your Own Burritos was a hit. David especially liked his. He fried up some onion, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes and topped with salsa. He was so impressed he said, "Wow. Maybe I could be a vegetarian." Now, THAT'S quite the statement.
Heading out for a walk this morning after math class is done. I want to move this aching body of mine a bit and soak up some sun before the rain comes back.
*Walk was good. Perfect weather, perfect length. A few too many ticks for our liking, but we all enjoyed the break.
Lunch and dinner were pieced together. We ended up just reheating food from yesterday or gobbling up the pinto beans that cooked overnight in the crock pot. I'm feeling awful, still. Along with my headache and body aches, I'm crampy like I could start my cycle at any time. I haven't had a pp cycle yet, so this one could be a doozy. Ick.
It's 8:20pm and as soon as this baby is done nursing, I'm out. Blah.
Day Four
Was up for several hours after nursing the baby last night with horrible leg pain. My muscles and joints were bothering me yesterday afternoon, but I just passed it off to being busy. I could NOT fall asleep. My knees, ankles and lower back are awful. The muscles in the back of my legs are throbbing. My headache is back today. I guess my body is still in detox mode. That also explains the extreme fatigue I've been battling.
I'm going to work on increasing my water intake today. I'm also going to plan in some daily baths with Epsom salts. I want to flush this crud out. But, reading about others that have felt this way with this fast was helpful. Now I know it's normal and I can focus on praying through it.
I have a journal entry to share later today when I have some time to type it out. I am also working on spending more time praying and reading the word so this fast can accomplish the Lord's purposes in me. I'm definitely in a time of being brought low right now.
This morning's breakfast, Build Your Own Burritos was a hit. David especially liked his. He fried up some onion, peppers, mushrooms, potatoes and topped with salsa. He was so impressed he said, "Wow. Maybe I could be a vegetarian." Now, THAT'S quite the statement.
Heading out for a walk this morning after math class is done. I want to move this aching body of mine a bit and soak up some sun before the rain comes back.
*Walk was good. Perfect weather, perfect length. A few too many ticks for our liking, but we all enjoyed the break.
Lunch and dinner were pieced together. We ended up just reheating food from yesterday or gobbling up the pinto beans that cooked overnight in the crock pot. I'm feeling awful, still. Along with my headache and body aches, I'm crampy like I could start my cycle at any time. I haven't had a pp cycle yet, so this one could be a doozy. Ick.
It's 8:20pm and as soon as this baby is done nursing, I'm out. Blah.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Three
June 12, 2013
Day Three
Headache is gone today. Thank you, Lord!! Woke up with enough energy to buzz through our morning using time blocks. (30 min. schooling/15 min. choring) We got a good amount accomplished by lunch.
Didn't wake up with enough energy to take on a new recipe for breakfast, though. I was up early with David and Josh, helping them pack their lunch for work today. We went easy on ourselves and served sliced apples with peanut butter for breakfast. The children all enjoyed a banana at snack time.
I rolled out some more flat bread this morning to enjoy with our lunch of taco soup. Everyone raved over the soup and the flatbread. Elizabeth's soup received cheers as well. I'm thinking they're getting pretty hungry and happy with whatever they receive these days. I'm not hearing a whole lot of complaints anymore.
I let everyone try some pistachio nuts with their lunch today. Most people didn't like them. Honoree', our 3 year old, however, gobbled up as many as we'd give her. She loved them! For the price of them, I guess I'm glad they weren't a huge hit.
Hoping to get a batch of carrot cake oatmeal made up this afternoon. I'll be back later with more. Still feeling that major crash after lunch is eaten. I wish I knew what that was.
*Vegetable stir-fry was super good tonight. Felt so filling and flavorful. I mixed some pineapple juice with Braggs, ginger, a bit of water, and some cornstarch for thickener. Added it to carrots, onion, celery, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, garlic, and some swiss chard and spinach freshly picked from the garden. Served it over brown rice. Mmmmmmmmm..... :)
*Today ended well. I was really hungry, shaky feeling, even, this evening. I notice that when I'm hungry, I get crabby and short tempered. I checked my blood sugar and had a reading of 78 at about 2 hours after dinner. That was lower than I think I've ever seen my sugar before.
*Something significant I've been thinking on lately. During the day when I'm feeling like I need a pick me up or something to make me feel special, I usually go for a cup of coffee or a treat. Now that I can only drink water, I'm realizing how humbling that is.
Instead of seeing myself as someone that *deserves* something for all I do, I now rightly see myself as merely one that is working along with all those around me, humble and simple in my needs and rewards. That I don't get something other or *better* than anyone around me is an important tool the Lord is using to work on my pride.
What's funny is that when I mentioned that tonight at dinner, my oldest son teased and said, "Then why didn't you just go on a coffee fast??" Funny guy. ;) This is just the beginning of what I'm learning, my boy. :o)
Day Three
Headache is gone today. Thank you, Lord!! Woke up with enough energy to buzz through our morning using time blocks. (30 min. schooling/15 min. choring) We got a good amount accomplished by lunch.
Didn't wake up with enough energy to take on a new recipe for breakfast, though. I was up early with David and Josh, helping them pack their lunch for work today. We went easy on ourselves and served sliced apples with peanut butter for breakfast. The children all enjoyed a banana at snack time.
I rolled out some more flat bread this morning to enjoy with our lunch of taco soup. Everyone raved over the soup and the flatbread. Elizabeth's soup received cheers as well. I'm thinking they're getting pretty hungry and happy with whatever they receive these days. I'm not hearing a whole lot of complaints anymore.
I let everyone try some pistachio nuts with their lunch today. Most people didn't like them. Honoree', our 3 year old, however, gobbled up as many as we'd give her. She loved them! For the price of them, I guess I'm glad they weren't a huge hit.
Hoping to get a batch of carrot cake oatmeal made up this afternoon. I'll be back later with more. Still feeling that major crash after lunch is eaten. I wish I knew what that was.
*Vegetable stir-fry was super good tonight. Felt so filling and flavorful. I mixed some pineapple juice with Braggs, ginger, a bit of water, and some cornstarch for thickener. Added it to carrots, onion, celery, broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage, garlic, and some swiss chard and spinach freshly picked from the garden. Served it over brown rice. Mmmmmmmmm..... :)
*Today ended well. I was really hungry, shaky feeling, even, this evening. I notice that when I'm hungry, I get crabby and short tempered. I checked my blood sugar and had a reading of 78 at about 2 hours after dinner. That was lower than I think I've ever seen my sugar before.
*Something significant I've been thinking on lately. During the day when I'm feeling like I need a pick me up or something to make me feel special, I usually go for a cup of coffee or a treat. Now that I can only drink water, I'm realizing how humbling that is.
Instead of seeing myself as someone that *deserves* something for all I do, I now rightly see myself as merely one that is working along with all those around me, humble and simple in my needs and rewards. That I don't get something other or *better* than anyone around me is an important tool the Lord is using to work on my pride.
What's funny is that when I mentioned that tonight at dinner, my oldest son teased and said, "Then why didn't you just go on a coffee fast??" Funny guy. ;) This is just the beginning of what I'm learning, my boy. :o)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Daniel Fast - Day Two
June 11, 2013
Day Two - Woke with the worst headache and I've been fighting it all day. I've been back and forth with nausea as well. This caffeine detox is rough.
Took my blood sugar after breakfast (fried rice and vegies) and it was 126 at one hour. Took it before lunch, when I was feeling awful and it was 86.
Still fighting a headache and the horrible draw to take an afternoon nap. Decided to blog a bit while my head pounds. Thinking I'm going to hit the medicine cabinet for some relief. Pretty sure Tylenol isn't on the Daniel Fast, but something has to give. I have a family to tend.
Tonight's dinner is Winter Lentil Vegetable soup. That will be yummy on a cold, rainy day. We have an ice cream social tonight. That will be tough for my nine year old to resist. I'm letting her choose whether she'll stick to the fast or not. ;)
*Made some Oatmeal crackers. Two versions. One with cinnamon (no sugar) and one with onion/garlic/dill. Huge success! Served the cinnamon crackers with natural peanut butter and all fruit topping. Served the onion-dill to the little girls with cream cheese. (they are modified, so eating some dairy and eggs) Saving the onion-dill to serve with our Lentil soup tonight. (That's looking and smelling lovely simmering on the stove as well. :)
*Back from the Bright Lights meeting tonight. Skipped the ice cream treat and shared a banana with my oldest daughter tonight on the way home. Chatted so much, I didn't even miss the ice cream. I was surprised that Ruth, my 9yo, decided to skip the ice cream, too, and stay true to our fast. :)
Day Two - Woke with the worst headache and I've been fighting it all day. I've been back and forth with nausea as well. This caffeine detox is rough.
Took my blood sugar after breakfast (fried rice and vegies) and it was 126 at one hour. Took it before lunch, when I was feeling awful and it was 86.
Still fighting a headache and the horrible draw to take an afternoon nap. Decided to blog a bit while my head pounds. Thinking I'm going to hit the medicine cabinet for some relief. Pretty sure Tylenol isn't on the Daniel Fast, but something has to give. I have a family to tend.
Tonight's dinner is Winter Lentil Vegetable soup. That will be yummy on a cold, rainy day. We have an ice cream social tonight. That will be tough for my nine year old to resist. I'm letting her choose whether she'll stick to the fast or not. ;)
*Made some Oatmeal crackers. Two versions. One with cinnamon (no sugar) and one with onion/garlic/dill. Huge success! Served the cinnamon crackers with natural peanut butter and all fruit topping. Served the onion-dill to the little girls with cream cheese. (they are modified, so eating some dairy and eggs) Saving the onion-dill to serve with our Lentil soup tonight. (That's looking and smelling lovely simmering on the stove as well. :)
*Back from the Bright Lights meeting tonight. Skipped the ice cream treat and shared a banana with my oldest daughter tonight on the way home. Chatted so much, I didn't even miss the ice cream. I was surprised that Ruth, my 9yo, decided to skip the ice cream, too, and stay true to our fast. :)
Daniel Fast - Day One
June 10, 2013
Day One:
Today went well. I was busy making new recipes, trying new things, being excited and trying to keep others excited. I have some who are not all that happy to be on a fast. They need some prodding.
We enjoyed a new treat for breakfast, Skinny Pear Crisp. The pears could afford to be a little more ripe and could have cooked a bit longer. We added peanut butter to the topping, which added some extra yum to the flavor and texture. This is going on the Keep List.
We ended the evening with a pasta meal. I didn't realize the only pasta I have in the house were egg noodles. So, that means we cheated on our first day. I was not going to the store for a couple boxes of pasta.
David and I shared a delicious anniversary dessert of Apple nachos. Sliced Granny Smith's drizzled with melted peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins, slivered almonds and cashews. So yum.
No coffee today. I totally CRASHED After lunch. I mean, napped and didn't realize I slept as long as I did.
Day One:
Today went well. I was busy making new recipes, trying new things, being excited and trying to keep others excited. I have some who are not all that happy to be on a fast. They need some prodding.
We enjoyed a new treat for breakfast, Skinny Pear Crisp. The pears could afford to be a little more ripe and could have cooked a bit longer. We added peanut butter to the topping, which added some extra yum to the flavor and texture. This is going on the Keep List.
For lunch, I rolled out a recipe for Indian flatbread. I needed some wraps that are made without baking powder or yeast. These turned out great. I've made tortillas before, so I know some of the tricks to keeping them soft and chewy. Another for the Keep List. :) All of the children were excited about these.
We ended the evening with a pasta meal. I didn't realize the only pasta I have in the house were egg noodles. So, that means we cheated on our first day. I was not going to the store for a couple boxes of pasta.
David and I shared a delicious anniversary dessert of Apple nachos. Sliced Granny Smith's drizzled with melted peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins, slivered almonds and cashews. So yum.
No coffee today. I totally CRASHED After lunch. I mean, napped and didn't realize I slept as long as I did.
Daniel Fast - Menu
Thought I would post the menu plan I have for our Daniel Fast. I've made one week's worth of meals and snacks. I am planning to simply reuse this plan for the 21 days, tweaking as needed for foods and recipes we may not like. So far, we've liked the new things we've made just fine. :) In fact, that plate of Apple Nachos was so tasty, it's going on the permanent list of favorite date-night desserts. ;)
One thing I'm struggling with in this fast is that it is supposed to be a FAST. I've dug around so much for meals that fit the foods we are able to eat that I think I've created a menu that leaves us feeling far from deprived. I mean, everyone is still finding something they'd like to eat, like eggs for breakfast or cookies for a treat. But, truly, there are so many good things we can eat, it's easy to forget this is supposed to be hard and create a need to seek the Lord. I'm also finding that these new recipes are creating a bit more work for me, leaving less time for prayer. I need to make some adjustments there, since the whole point of this fast is prayer and seeking the Lord.
I will say, though, that merely fasting from my beloved cuppa coffee is making a huge impression on me.
Monday:
Breakfast - Skinny Pear Crisp
Lunch - Raw vegetable salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, indian flatbread, pineapple tidbits
Dinner - One pot pasta, stir-fried green beans and broccoli flavored with Bragg's sauce
Anniversary dessert - Apple Nachos (with pb, raisins, cashews, almonds)
Tuesday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal with fruit, peanut butter OR fried rice with vegetables seasoned with Bragg's
Lunch - Roasted Roots (potatoes chunked, tossed with garlic and hm Italian dressing, baked in oven), celery with pb, carrots w/ hummus, vegetable salad with fruit and seeds
Dinner - Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup, oat crackers or indian flatbread
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal with nuts
Lunch - Taco Soup with crackers
Dinner - Vegetable stir-fry with brown rice and almonds
Thursday:
Breakfast - Make your own burritos (pb butter, all fruit spread, beans, vegies)
Lunch - pasta salad (pasta, vegies, Italian dressing)
Dinner - Taco salad
Friday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/ nuts, nut-butter, fruit
Lunch - Vegetable soup with indian flatbread
Dinner - Pineapple, mushroom, cashew rice with steamed vegetables
Saturday:
Breakfast - Pancakes with fruit sauce and nuts
Lunch - Taco style lentils and rice with raw vegies and hummus
Dinner - Potato Bar with vegetables and beans
Sunday:
Breakfast - Fruit Pie breakfast with nuts
Lunch - Bean burritos with raw vegies and hummus
Dinner - Sweet potato chili with crackers
Snacks alternate: popcorn and granola
One thing I'm struggling with in this fast is that it is supposed to be a FAST. I've dug around so much for meals that fit the foods we are able to eat that I think I've created a menu that leaves us feeling far from deprived. I mean, everyone is still finding something they'd like to eat, like eggs for breakfast or cookies for a treat. But, truly, there are so many good things we can eat, it's easy to forget this is supposed to be hard and create a need to seek the Lord. I'm also finding that these new recipes are creating a bit more work for me, leaving less time for prayer. I need to make some adjustments there, since the whole point of this fast is prayer and seeking the Lord.
I will say, though, that merely fasting from my beloved cuppa coffee is making a huge impression on me.
Monday:
Breakfast - Skinny Pear Crisp
Lunch - Raw vegetable salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, indian flatbread, pineapple tidbits
Dinner - One pot pasta, stir-fried green beans and broccoli flavored with Bragg's sauce
Anniversary dessert - Apple Nachos (with pb, raisins, cashews, almonds)
Tuesday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal with fruit, peanut butter OR fried rice with vegetables seasoned with Bragg's
Lunch - Roasted Roots (potatoes chunked, tossed with garlic and hm Italian dressing, baked in oven), celery with pb, carrots w/ hummus, vegetable salad with fruit and seeds
Dinner - Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup, oat crackers or indian flatbread
Wednesday:
Breakfast - Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal with nuts
Lunch - Taco Soup with crackers
Dinner - Vegetable stir-fry with brown rice and almonds
Thursday:
Breakfast - Make your own burritos (pb butter, all fruit spread, beans, vegies)
Lunch - pasta salad (pasta, vegies, Italian dressing)
Dinner - Taco salad
Friday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/ nuts, nut-butter, fruit
Lunch - Vegetable soup with indian flatbread
Dinner - Pineapple, mushroom, cashew rice with steamed vegetables
Saturday:
Breakfast - Pancakes with fruit sauce and nuts
Lunch - Taco style lentils and rice with raw vegies and hummus
Dinner - Potato Bar with vegetables and beans
Sunday:
Breakfast - Fruit Pie breakfast with nuts
Lunch - Bean burritos with raw vegies and hummus
Dinner - Sweet potato chili with crackers
Snacks alternate: popcorn and granola
Preparations for the Daniel Fast
June 10, 2013
I've been hunting around researching until my brain is stuck in perpetual somersaults. I'm trying to decide what is my best plan of action with my eating choices. The Whole Foods diet that we eat just isn't cutting it for me with weight loss. Add to that the symptoms of diabetes that I'm experiencing and I really want to get a plan in to action. However, with all these varying opinions and each one touting they have the True Method of curing everything that ails me, I'm left with a massive headache and no confidence in any of them.
Too many voices in my head messing with too many voices around me has left me craving for some quiet and stillness.
Enter the Daniel Fast. Once I realized that what I really needed was to find some time alone with the Lord, seeking what He has planned for me and our family's health needs (I'm not the only one struggling with nutritional issues), the idea of a Daniel Fast made perfect sense. A bit of gentle cleansing for the body while creating opportunity to seek the Lord more fervently.
It just so happens that the timing of this fast worked out perfectly with our school studies. I love how the Lord does that. We are studying Daniel and the captivity of the Israelites. The children will be on the fast (modified for the youngest children) for 10 days, just as Daniel and his friends were. This is giving them some great insight into how those young men made hard choices, hopefully encouraging them to do the same. David, Elizabeth, and I plan to follow the fast for a full 21 days.
I spent about a week prepping for the fast. I spent time reading up on it. I researched and pinned recipes. I made a menu for a week's worth of meals and snacks. David and I tried to wean ourselves a bit off of the sugar and caffeine so it wouldn't be such an extreme adjustment. I failed miserably on the caffeine-wean. Ouch.
Basics of the Fast:
Eat only plant-based foods.
No meats, dairy, eggs, yeast or baking powder (leaven), sweeteners, or caffeine allowed.
Drink only water.
I also included a fast from my social networking tools. I have some great friends and support out there, but, I find myself going to them first when I know I am better to seek the Lord. Closing out the voices so that I am only hearing from the Lord and those who are directly connected to these issues is extremely important right now.
I'm praying this fast allows me the time and tools to grow closer to recognizing the Shepherd's voice.
Prayer Points:
Along with direction for my health,
we are seeking the Lord regarding our finances,
wisdom regarding a business decision,
important communication issues that have arisen in our marriage,
clarity on some educational choices,
and I am desperate to know how to work with one of our children who is greatly struggling in many areas of life right now.
I welcome any and all prayer support from my friends.
Thanks for stopping in. It always is a great encouragement to know others are lifting me up and cheering me on.
I've been hunting around researching until my brain is stuck in perpetual somersaults. I'm trying to decide what is my best plan of action with my eating choices. The Whole Foods diet that we eat just isn't cutting it for me with weight loss. Add to that the symptoms of diabetes that I'm experiencing and I really want to get a plan in to action. However, with all these varying opinions and each one touting they have the True Method of curing everything that ails me, I'm left with a massive headache and no confidence in any of them.
Too many voices in my head messing with too many voices around me has left me craving for some quiet and stillness.
Enter the Daniel Fast. Once I realized that what I really needed was to find some time alone with the Lord, seeking what He has planned for me and our family's health needs (I'm not the only one struggling with nutritional issues), the idea of a Daniel Fast made perfect sense. A bit of gentle cleansing for the body while creating opportunity to seek the Lord more fervently.
It just so happens that the timing of this fast worked out perfectly with our school studies. I love how the Lord does that. We are studying Daniel and the captivity of the Israelites. The children will be on the fast (modified for the youngest children) for 10 days, just as Daniel and his friends were. This is giving them some great insight into how those young men made hard choices, hopefully encouraging them to do the same. David, Elizabeth, and I plan to follow the fast for a full 21 days.
I spent about a week prepping for the fast. I spent time reading up on it. I researched and pinned recipes. I made a menu for a week's worth of meals and snacks. David and I tried to wean ourselves a bit off of the sugar and caffeine so it wouldn't be such an extreme adjustment. I failed miserably on the caffeine-wean. Ouch.
Basics of the Fast:
Eat only plant-based foods.
No meats, dairy, eggs, yeast or baking powder (leaven), sweeteners, or caffeine allowed.
Drink only water.
I also included a fast from my social networking tools. I have some great friends and support out there, but, I find myself going to them first when I know I am better to seek the Lord. Closing out the voices so that I am only hearing from the Lord and those who are directly connected to these issues is extremely important right now.
I'm praying this fast allows me the time and tools to grow closer to recognizing the Shepherd's voice.
Prayer Points:
Along with direction for my health,
we are seeking the Lord regarding our finances,
wisdom regarding a business decision,
important communication issues that have arisen in our marriage,
clarity on some educational choices,
and I am desperate to know how to work with one of our children who is greatly struggling in many areas of life right now.
I welcome any and all prayer support from my friends.
Thanks for stopping in. It always is a great encouragement to know others are lifting me up and cheering me on.
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