![How the Daniel Fast Changed My Life [A Guest Post from Author Kristen Feola]](https://www.sundijo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/How-the-Daniel-Fast-Changed-My-Life-A-Guest-Post-from-Author-Kristen-Feola.jpg)
by | Faith Lived Out, Health & Wellness
From Sundi Jo: This is a guest post by Kristen Feola. She is is the author of the book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, an encouraging resource for individuals and groups who are participating in the Daniel Fast. She has worked as a personal trainer, nutritional consultant, First Place 4 Health leader, and fitness instructor. Kristen and her family attend James River Assembly in Ozark, Missouri. Vist her blog or follow her on Twitter.
What is The Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s exeriences as recorded in the Bible (Daniel 9 and 10). The purpose is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. Someone who chooses to undergo a Daniel Fast demonstrates a physical commitment that reflects a deep spiritual desire for a more intimate relationship with the Lord.
(more…)
by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
This past December I knew it was time to make some changes. I could feel myself slipping back into some old ways that I wasn’t happy with. Specifically my eating habits and the lack of exercise.
Refusing to allow myself to get on the scale, I couldn’t deny that something was changing. My clothes were getting a little tight.
The fear of returning to the 330 lb. miserable person I used to be was creeping in and I wasn’t happy about it. Not to mention the fact that I was writing an eBook on weight loss. I felt like a hypocrite. During that time I could feel God calling me to fast. He was doing the same with two of my closest friends.
So in January we decided to start the Daniel Fast. 21 days with only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Prior to starting I sought out some recipe books for this particular fast. That’s when I found The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast
, written by Kristen Feola. Not only was it loaded with amazing recipes, Feola gave some great insight into the spiritual aspects of doing the Daniel Fast.
She shares over 100 recipes, as well as a 21-day devotional guide to lead you through a daily journey with God.
I immediately knew starting the fast that God would be working with me regarding self-control. My mind started thinking, Wow! I can eat as much as I want because it’s all healthy. God said otherwise. I was still worshiping food. I was still focused on me. But He was ready to change that.
As time went on and I drew closer to God versus the pleasures of food, I recognized just how much more I was in tune to Him speaking to my heart. Things were clearer. Tasks I were to take on made more sense. As time went on I found myself wanting to be more obedient – not because I had too, because I wanted to.
Here are just a few things that happened during my 21 day fast:
- I went back to the gym
- I started drinking a gallon of water again
- My clothes started fitting
- I wasn’t as fatigued
- I got a book deal
- I was more in tune to the prayer needs of others
- I desired God more than I did food
I didn’t do the Daniel Fast because I wanted to lose weight. That was just an added bonus. I did it because I knew God was trying to get my attention and there was too much noise in my world. I needed to be still in Him, sacrifice something that was starting to become an idol, and put my focus back where it needed to be.
I’m so grateful I did. I’m grateful for the extra accountability and support I had from my friends and sisters in Christ. Jesus says when two or more are gathered, He’s there. We as a group got various revelations. Some were for one another. It was pretty amazing!
If there’s something you’re struggling with, I encourage you to consider fasting. If 21 days isn’t what God is calling you to do, go seven. Do one day. Ask God to show you. He will.
Back to Kristen Feola’s book for a second. There is no reason for you to think the Daniel Fast includes starving yourself and eating the same type of vegetables everyday. She provides a wide variety of recipes, categorized into appetizers, meals, soups, etc. Who knew you could do so many things with a sweet potato? And I didn’t find a recipe I didn’t like.
As a matter of fact, I’m sticking as close to the plan as possible, because of the health benefits. Don’t get me wrong. When a steak comes my way I’ll eat it, but I want to stay on the path with this type of food. Not to mention it’s pretty delicious!
Question: If you’ve done the Daniel Fast, what did you get from it? If you haven’t, are you considering doing so? Comment below…
by | Faith Lived Out
Think about something you enjoy. Something you love to make part of your daily or weekly routine. Got it?
Okay – now go with me…
photo credit: rudolf_schuba (creative commons)
Can you imagine giving that something up? Does the thought of letting go make your cringe at that question?
(more…)
by | Faith Lived Out
photo credit: seanmcgrath (creative commons)
I’ve heard that line many times throughout my life, mostly when I missed the last crumble of the delicious looking snack I had my heart set on.
Last night I heard it in a completely different context.
I read those words from Ronnie Floyd in Our Last Great Hope: Awakening the Great Commission
last night as I sweated through the elliptical workout. But he had something else to add.
You snooze, you lose. And what you lose might forever slip from your grasp.”
What was he referring to?
Telling others about Christ.
Following the promptings of The Great Commission.
Salvation.
(more…)
by | Faith Lived Out
photo credit: Integrated Mortgage Planners (creative commons)
I remember walking into church one Sunday two years ago and someone looked at me and said, “You are glowing.” I thought he was crazy really!
He said, “No, there’s something different about you. There’s light in your eyes.”
I didn’t feel different. My clothes weren’t new. My hair was the same. But the inside had changed.
It was Jesus.
Though I had been a Christian for a few years, something was missing. I had darkness inside me that I kept tucked away for safekeeping. Even though the darkness was destroying me, it was safe.
I’m guest posting over at Church 4 Chicks today for the Shine series. To read the rest of the post, click here..
by | Faith Lived Out, Life Application
Last year I decided to take the #oneword2011 challenge and pick that one word that I would focus on for the next 12 months. My word was truth. It worked so well and kept me focused on my goals that I decided to try it again.
The name has changed to One Word 365, but the principle is still the same.
One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live or what you want to achieve by the end of 2012.
This year I choose the word RADICAL.
If you’ve been following my blog this past year then you know I’ve been making some radical changes. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
(more…)
