"The Ulitmate Guide to the Daniel Fast" by Kristen Feola book review

“I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all, until the entire three weeks were completed.” Daniel 10:3

Some of you may remember my research for a food processor as I sought several you for recommendations. Well, “The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast” prompted this lazy cook to invest in some new cooking equipment!

Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

(reprinted from MerrieHansen.com January 14, 2011)

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5 NLT

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?

Most people resolve to live healthier, be wiser money managers, or to become spiritually disciplined. (Losing weight, saving money, or reading the Bible through in a year would be more specific.)

I’ve declared them all. Failed at all of them, too. Although, that depends upon the definition of failure. I’ve lost lots of weight, lived on a budget, and read the Bible all the way through. Only recently, my struggle with weight was been a lifetime battle. Debt creeps in and out of my life.

However…

Recommit

“I wonder where I put those New Year’s resolutions.”

Half the year is over; it’s time to take stock of what I have or haven’t accomplished. At first thought, I’ve done nothing to reach my goals, but that’s not true. They may be itsy-bitsy steps, but most of have been forward toward the goals.

BODY – Of course, I haven’t lost the weight, exercised enough, or lowered my cholesterol, as I wanted; but I did complete the Ultimate 21-day Daniel Fast. I’ve also walked or swam many days.

SOUL – No, I haven’t written as much as I would desire or kept my website managed as I would like; but I did attend the Called to Write conference, have been active in my critique group, and submitted several devotional pieces to three different publishers.

SPIRIT – I haven’t successfully memorized Psalm 37 nor have I faithfully met with the Lord each morning as intended; but I have completed an in-depth study of Psalm 37, stayed active with our weekly Bible study group, and meet daily with the Lord despite being later in the morning than scheduled.

At the beginning of the year, I posted a devotional on my website about pursuing a “Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise” lifestyle. I shared points of discipline, determination, and dedication to goal setting. (I’ll repost to this blog next week.)

Unfortunately, we too often run into our old friends of doubt, discouragement, and distractions on the way to our goals. They kick us; we fight back. They knock us down; we get up. They confuse us; we lose focus. After a while, worn out from the battles, we forget where we were going. We give up.

If you’ve lost your way, take some time to

· Reexamine those New Year’s resolutions

· Reconsider their benefits

· Reacquaint yourself with discipline, determination, and dedication

· Recommit.

If you’re one of the few who have stayed the course of your resolutions, I applaud you. Congratulations. Keep up the good work. Pray for the rest of us.

“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead…press on...” Philippians 3:13, 14 nasb

Let ‘em go

2:00pm August something, 1997 – I stood at the kitchen sink. Sweat poured down my face—or was it tears—as the heat of the dishwater rose up. The house was strangely quiet. My heart ached. I was all alone for the first time in five years.

8:00am August something, 1992 – The school bell rang. Harvest Home Academy and AlphaBYTE Computer Service opened. We began with prayer. One ninth grader, one fourth grader, one inexperienced teacher, and one computer guy were present.

I was no longer simply a stay-at-home wife and mother. The daytime hours were no longer my own. It seemed like no one ever left me alone. My quiet time with the Lord wasn’t as quiet.

The lessons learned by all in those five years were beyond our wildest imaginations, and so worth the sacrifice of time and quietness.

But, then they trickled out the door one at a time all on the same day. First, my husband headed to his new job. Then, our youngest caught the bus for public high school. Finally, with his car loaded, the oldest gave me a hug and drove away to return for his second year of college.

I stood at the sink asking myself, “Why are you crying? You have your house back. You like being alone.” I attempted to wipe my face with my forearm. “Will they be okay? Of course, they will; we equipped them for the world.” (Talking to oneself—the epitome of aloneness.)

Just then, a red finch flew down and perched on the windowsill. To me, it was God’s way of saying, “I heard your cries. They’ll be okay; and so will you. Let ‘em go.”

The bird flew away, my body relaxed, and tears covered my cheeks.

Sometimes we’re called to pour our life out. We feel pulled from every side. We live with intense focus to do everything right. Nevertheless, there’s only so much we can do…and then, it’s over. We have to let go—along with our heart and soul.

Yet, I rejoice with all my heart for sharing those five intense years with my sons and husband. I rejoice over the blessings, which followed the day I let ‘em go.

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.” Philippians 2:17 nasb