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are you hungry?

To transform your life you must begin with changing your mind. (Romans 12)

Did you know that we can and will only do what we have convinced ourselves we can do. In regard to keeping yourself healthy and fit have you done everything you can do to keep yourself healthy and fit? Seriously? Or has it been more of a self-gratification, I can and i will when i feel like it?

Have you taken advantage of the opportunity to be fit physically and spiritually but found that your emotional wellness was ready to be checked into the intensive care unit? Or found yourself physically and emotionally well but spiritually dry?

Very rarely do I reference Oprah; but it's worth it this time around because she hit a strong point today in her mission to FINALLY combat her weight issues. What she has discovered is that it's not weight or food that she has an issue with, it's that she's hungry not for food but for love and she turns to food to find her satisfaction. My question to you is, are you hungry?

At the point you realize that you can't do it, or you feel like you've lost control; what do you turn to in order to regain control?

With everything that you have been able to do for yourself, with yourself and to yourself, is there any possibility that you can't do everything BY yourself?

Take a moment and confront yourself and see if there is anything that might be keeping you from being the healthiest you CAN be. (Search me Lord, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23-24)

In order to be healthy, it must be in mind, body and spirit without the balance in all three areas, it's simply unhealthy! You've decided to do an amazing thing for YOU and you can do it! This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).

Who do you think you are?

I've heard people say they have their "church friends" and their 'other' friends or their church life and their other life...I kinda raise an eyebrow to that cuz it's kinda like living a double life. It's as if there's some kind of seperation between the 'church-you' and the 'other-you'.

So it naturally leads me to question and ponder, does the church-you smile, worship, say a million thank-you's, laugh, cry at the tender moments, repent, do all the kind-hearted wonderful things about life? Does the other-her do all the same? So then what's the difference?

If the church-you is at walmart and runs into an-'other' friend but church-you is dressed in 'church' clothing does church-you morph into Suzie Liesalot; sorry 'other-you; or play the wolf in sheeps clothing or completely dip down the frozen foods isle in hopes that the 'other' friends don't recognize them?

Speaking of which, is there a church God and an-'other' god to play along with this charade? If the other-you goes to the god with a request that was intended for the Church God what happens then? Hmmm...kinda makes you wonder (James 1:8)

Confrontation

kuhn-fruhnt (con-together; fruhnt-forehead)

1.to face in hostility or defiance; oppose:
2. to present for acknowledgment, contradiction, etc.; set face to face:
3. to stand or come in front of; stand or meet facing:
4. to be in one's way: the numerous obstacles that still confronted him.
5. to bring together for examination or comparison

Confrontation is a touchy subject. For the person that enjoys the smell of the fight, confrontation is like a breath of fresh air. For the personality type that confrontation creates a shut down of communication, emotion and self-confidence; it feels like suicide.

I'm compelled to consider my obligation to step up face to face with the things that force me to die to myself. To face the hidden demons that prevent me from becoming who I am destined to be, the soft spoken voices of condemnation and accusation, the pleasures of self-fulfilling temptations and the ease of omission which tangles a deceptive make-believe. To recognize the opportunities: to have, do, see, touch, feel, smell, taste, enjoy; recognize that while good in the moment, terminal conclusions await my vulnerability.

Bring me to myself-a face to face defiance of the immediate things that hinder me. Even if it be myself. Bring me to a place of recognizing that life has more to offer than the immediacy I've been conditioned to desire. Bring me to a place of surrender and sloughing, a revolutionary unveiling of a woman I never knew. Bring me to a reflection of the sacrifice, slander and slaughter made for my identification. Bring me to the recognition of my hands, my feet, my voice, my stature, my vision, my breath.

Cronfront me Lord you knew me before, now and what is to come, show me the things that you don't recognize and rid them from me so that I might be a reflection of your image.

Daniel Fast '09 Cont'd

It's day 4 of the fast, my body has gotten used to the eating, my temptations not so much. I was running errands today and was craving McDonald's fries like nobody's business then I realized that I really wasn't hungry just craving. And while the perfect thing to say right now would be that I began to pray, I did but in a selfish way.

I started praying for the stuff that I want in my life, in a woe is me kindof way. I then recalled when Pastor helped us understand that in 2009 God has completed His dealings with man on a natural level and is now going to deal with us on a spiritul level.

My spirit began to grieve at this point. I realized this fast is not about the list of things that I need, that I've been praying for or hoping for. I realized that it's about what He wants in my life.

He wants me to want Him, to have a hunger that cannot be filled by stuff, acheivements, recognition, titles or even fulness of spirit. Although He wants me to prosper even as my soul prospers, He wants ALL of me FIRST!

Daniel Fast Food Guidelines

Food Guidelines for a Daniel Fast
Fasting and Your Health
If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your first fast. There are different types of fasts recommended on these pages. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.

Foods You May Eat:

Whole Grains:
Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

Legumes:
Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

Fruits:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.

Liquids:
Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.

Others:
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts, corn tortillas

Foods to Avoid:

Meat (including but not limited to beef, pork, fish, chicken, veal, all meats)
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
All Dairy Products


Remember:

The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. "to those four young men God gave knowledge".
The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. These young men fasted for ten days.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They ate, but only vegetables and water.
The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from party or junk foods.
There is no indication that they ever began to eat the king's food.

Sample Meal Plan

Breakfast

Sliced fruit

Hot whole-grain cereal with raisins and nuts

Juice

Lunch

Hearty Layered Salad and Greek Vegetable Stew

Dinner

Vegetarian Chili and a Green Salad with dressing

Lentil Soup and a Green Salad with dressing

Snacks

Sliced vegetables with hummus

Sliced vegetables with white bean dip

Raw almonds or other nuts

Sliced fruit and nuts

Daniel Fast - Understanding

Step 1: Be Specific
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
The king's food was against dietary laws.
Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
The king's food had been offered up to idols/demons.


Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).


Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
Your food choices.
The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don't stop on Day 9.

THIS PARTICULAR FAST IS FOR 21 DAYS

Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.


Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:
Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
Repentance is linked to health according to James.
Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
Sick people must desire to be well
The anointing oil could mean Medicine for healing, Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
It could be baptism
Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
In Greek there are several words for "sick". James uses "Kanino", which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
Attitude is important. James said, "are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."


Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others
Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.


Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.


Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, "as you see fit, deal with your servants" (Dan. 1:13).
source:http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/danielfast.php

Daniel Fast 2009

For the past 3 years my husband and I have dedicated the beginning of our year toward a spiritual fast following the biblical direction of the book of Daniel. We've seen miraculous healings, financial blessings, refocus on our relationship with The Lord and a better understanding of HIS PURPOSE. There are countless resources available on the internet and in bookstores that explain how to fast, why to fast, etc. but I've taken some time to pull together a few here to make it as simple as possible.

Let's start with WHY:

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.


Why should I fast?

Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God's will for your life?

seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. As we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!

HOW YOU FAST:

The type of fast you choose is between you and the Lord, He will honor your BEST sacrifice. Resource (http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/typesoffasts.php)

Throughout the year my husband and I dedicate one day per week to meditate and focus on God's Word and we use a partial fast (sun up to sun down) however, for the first part of the year we focus on the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

Details on the next blog.

Daniel Fast-Recipes

Thick and Creamy Corn-Potato Soup

6 ears corn (cut off the cob)6 medium-large red potatoes (chopped in 1/2 inch pieces)6 carrots (finely chopped)1 medium-large onion (finely chopped)2 green peppers (finely chopped)2 bay leaves3 teaspoons thyme2 teaspoons marjoram3 teaspoons cumin2 teaspoons sea salt2 teaspoons pepper3 32oz. boxes of vegetable brothwaterPut vegetables and spices in a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes. Add broth and maintain a light boil. Cook 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from heat. Blend 3/4 of the soup mixture in a blender in batches. Put blended soup in a large bowl or container until the blending process is complete. Pour the blended soup back into the pot. Add water to thin and obtain the desired consistency. Heat through and serve. Serves 8-10 generously.

Tomato Basil Soup

12 Vine Ripe Tomatoes1 Package Cherry Tomatoes2 1/2 Cups Fresh Carrot Juice (or Odwalla available in juice section)1 Large Ripe Avocado2 Yellow Onions (chopped)4 Cloves Garlic (chopped)5 Stems Fresh Basil2 Tablespoons Pure Honey1 Bay Leave1 teaspoon Oregano1 teaspoon Sea Salt1 Tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes2 Tablespoons Olive OilCook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Cut tomatoes and avocado in quarters and place all ingredients in blender and blend on low speed for one minute. Continue to blend on high for an additional minute until creamy. Pour into large soup bowl or crock pot and cook on medium low for 2 to 3 hours.

Portabello Steaks

6 portabello mushroom caps1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 tablespoons Pure Maple syrup2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger1/2 teaspoon marjoramWash mushrooms and place in a gallon size plastic sealable bag. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Add to the mushrooms and marinate for a few hours. Grill indoors or out until cooked through.Serve with baked sweet potatoes and grilled squash and asparagus. Grilled VegetablesToss yellow squash, zucchini, and asparagus with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Grill indoors or out until tender.

Baked Sweet PotatoesWash sweet potatoes, prick with a fork several times and place in a 400 degree oven for an hour and a half. Less time may be needed if potatoes are small.


Vegetable Barley Soup

Choose your vegetables. Really, anything can work depending upon your taste.My picks:3 cups chopped celery2cups chopped white onion3 cups chopped carrots3 cups chopped green/yellow/red pepper3 cups thin sliced mushrooms2 cups chopped roma tomatoes (peeled and seeded)2 32oz. boxes vegetable brothUse your favorite spices. I choose 2 cloves garlic, sea salt to taste, 2 teaspoons marjoram flakes, 2 teaspoons oregano flakes, 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon parsley. Pour ¼ cup vegetable broth in a soup pot. Add all of the vegetables and saute them until tender. Add the spices and stir to mix. Add the remaining vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and add 1 cup Natural Whole Grain Barley. Boil for 15-20 minutes until the barley is tender. Serves 6 For thicker soup, just blend 1/2 of the vegetable mixture (prior to putting in the barley) in a blender. Add it back to the soup pot and then add the barley.


Guacamole

Blend ripe avocados in a food processor with juice from 1 large lime, 2 cloves garlic, 1 roma tomato and a dash of salt. If you like spice, you can add 1/4 of a jalapeno pepper seeded. Serve on black beans, portobello mushrooms or use as a dip with vegetables.

Baked Apples or Pears

Slice a pear or apple in half. Use a grapefruit spoon to scoop out the seeds and the tough, center portion. Place halves, skin side down, in a glass baking dish. Brush with ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Microwave for 10 minutes or until tender. Serve warm.


The Breaker’s Granola

5 cups raw oatmeal1 cup finely chopped walnuts1 cup slivered raw almonds1 cup finely chopped cashews1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds1/2 cup flax seed1 cup finely chopped dry figs1 cup finely chopped apricots (unsweetened if possible)1/4 cup chopped coconut2 cups unsweetened raisins2 Tablespoons cinnamonMix together in a large bowl. Keep in tightly sealed container such as tupperware in the pantry. To serve cold, soak 1/2 cup granola in unsweetened plain soy milk for a few minutes. To serve warm, you can prepare with water or unsweetened soy milk in the microwave. Use 1 cup liquid to 1/2 cup granola. Warm for a minute on high or more if desired.Note: Chop the nuts and fruits in a food processor individually and then add them to the oats.

Gazpacho

6 med. tomatoes, quartered2 large cucumbers1 small red onion1 med. zucchini, chopped3 med. garlic cloves, smashed1 med. green bell pepperchopped fresh herbs: parsley, basil, chives2 Tbsp. lemon juice2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil1 tsp. sea salt1 tsp. cayenne pepper1 tsp. ground cumin seed2 cups vegetable stock or tomato juice1. In food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, zucchini, garlic, and green pepper and process on high until coarsely chopped.2. Add herbs, lemon juice, oil, salt, cayenne, and cumin. Process a few more burst. Blend in stock or tomato juice. 3. Transfer to large bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Serves 4. Preparation Time:10 minutes.


Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash

Slice squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon as you would a pumpkin. Then completely submerge both halves in boiling water and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the inside is tender to a fork and pulls apart in strands. (It is better to undercook if you are not sure). Remove, drain, and cool with cold water or an ice bath to stop the cooking. Then use a fork to scrape the cooked squash out of its skin, and at the same time, fluff and separate the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Discard the skin. Reheat the squash strands by dipping with a strainer in boiling water just before serving.You can also bake the spaghetti squash in the oven. Just scoop seeds out as described above and prick outside skin with a fork. Place skin side up in a baking pan with 1 inch water. Bake 45 minutes or until tender in a 400 degree oven. Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes until they can be handled. Scrape with a fork as mentioned above and serve with stir fried sauce.Stir Fried Sauce10 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped coarsely2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms2 cloves garlic2 cups chopped broccoli florets or 1 package baby spinach2 teaspoons oregano (powdered or flakes)Sea salt to taste Saute mushrooms and onion with garlic and oregano. Add tomatoes and other vegetables. Cook until tender and heated through. Toss in a large bowl with spaghetti squash strands. Serve hot. 6 servings

Brown Rice with Edamame and Vegetables

2 cups brown rice4 cups water or vegetable broth1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice1 package frozen, shelled edamame1 cup shredded carrots1 cup sliced white mushrooms½ teaspoon cumin1 clove garlic minced½ cup chopped green onionCombine orange juice and water/broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add brown rice and bring back to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove lid to let steam escape and set aside.While rice is cooking, prepare edamame according to package directions but without salt. Drain in a sieve. Saute garlic, cumin, mushroom and carrot just until tender (do not overcook). Put rice in a large bowl and add the edamame and other vegetables. Top with chopped green onion. Servings:4-6 entrée size Serve with orange slices and celery sticks.


Cuban Black Beans & Rice with Tomato Salsa

1 package dried black beansVegetable broth (1- 32oz. box)Chili powderChipotle powder2 cloves garlicSoak beans overnight in water (cover w/2 inches above beans). Drain and rinse beans. Place beans in sauce pan and add vegetable broth. Add water to cover if needed. Add spices and boil for 1 hour and then simmer until tender (follow package direction if available). Prepare brown rice according to package directions.SalsaRoma Tomatoes quarteredLimeCilantroGreen onion (1 bunch)Chili powderCuminGarlic In a food processor, chop tomato, cilantro, green onion with chili powder, garlic, cumin and lime juice by pulsing the blade several times to desired texture. We prefer chunky. Place rice on individual dishes and top with beans and salsa.
Serves: 6 entrée size
Serve with sliced mango and papaya and lime juice.


Toasted Nut Snack

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place raw walnuts, almonds, cashews or other desired nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool completely and mix in a bowl with unsweetened raisins.We keep this on the counter for a quick snack.

Honey and Oat Cereal

Prepare Oatmeal with Soy Milk or Water. Sweeten with Honey and a dash of cinnamon.

additional resources
http://danielfast.wordpress.com/category/daniel-fast-recipes/