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/

Step away from the table...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Everyone was eating…even the mouse!

The most wonderful time of the year is back, and that means one thing: notorious holiday parties! Between the office buffet, neighborhood open house, family gatherings, religious festivities, and community get-togethers, sticking to a healthy eating plan becomes, well, difficult to say the least.

The reason? Simple. Tempting, high fat, calorie-laden dishes are the common denominator of almost every holiday celebration. And excuses for overindulgence are as easy to find as holiday cheer.

Check out the following excuses. If any of them sounds familiar, don’t worry. SparkPeople has the strategies to help you deal with these excuses, and still enjoy the holiday season.

Stress & Skin Disorders

Stress and Skin Disorders (inneridea.com Dec 2008)

In the emotional rollercoaster of life, sometimes the “down” periods have long-lasting effects on more than just our mood. In fact, numerous studies link factors that impact our emotional well-being, such as stress, depression and anxiety, to an increase in skin, hair or nail problems. Now, dermatologists are advising patients to recognize these secondary symptoms and to seek treatment early before they cause additional stress.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy, dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried, MD, PhD, FAAD, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, discussed the reciprocal relationship between feelings and appearance, and how failing to address these concerns can affect how we look, feel and function.

“When patients are going through a rough period in their lives, negative emotions can wreak havoc on their appearance,” said Fried. “So, as a result, patients might start to notice that their hair is thinning, their skin is inflamed or their nails are brittle—which can be physical manifestations of their mental state. These unwanted physical changes can have a profoundly negative impact on how they feel. The negative emotions can trigger a vicious cycle of worsening skin, hair and nails leading to worsening of their emotional state and can lead to further worsening of the skin problem. Dermatologists can play a key role in helping patients not only alleviate these physical symptoms, but also help enhance their quality of life during a difficult time.”

Psychodermatology InterventionsStress can manifest itself on one’s appearance in many ways, primarily by making the skin more sensitive and more reactive. For example, Dr. Fried noted that stress can make rosacea more red, result in acne lesions that are more inflamed and more persistent, cause brittle nails and ridging of the nails, cause hair loss, cause or worsen hives, and cause excessive perspiration. In addition, stress also is a known trigger or can be a worsening factor for fever blisters, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and has even been shown to impair skin barrier function and dehydrate the skin—allowing more irritants, allergens, and infectious agents to penetrate the skin and cause problems. Stressed skin often appears stressed, distressed and older.

“When it comes to treating patients who we suspect may be experiencing skin, hair or nail problems as a result of stress or other emotional factors, it is helpful to ask them whether their skin seems to look or feel worse when they are stressed,” said Dr. Fried. “Beyond the direct physiological effects of stress, patients under stress also tend to neglect or abuse their skin, lacking the energy and motivation to adhere to their skin care regimens. There also might be signs of stress-related behaviors—such as scratching, pulling or rubbing—that can exacerbate problems.”

To successfully treat stress-related dermatologic conditions, Fried recommends that traditional dermatologic therapies should be used in conjunction with appropriate stress management strategies. For example, Fried discussed how stress reduction interventions and techniques can reduce the culmination of negative events that can worsen many of these problems. Wellness professionals are in a primary position to offer suitable stress management options to clients, such as breathing techniques and body awareness.