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.