To Live, Love, and Serve

Daniel Fast, Day Eleven

So today I entered into the second half of the fast! I am so happy and grateful to still be going strong. I definitely have rediscovered that simplicity is something to strive for, not only in food but also in living. I love that!

I am continuing to read and to pray for my two requests, and I do believe fully that God will move and speak to me in the right time. I continue to struggle with patience though; I really need to work on being patient.

Finally, I just want to share my reading from today: James 1. This is a wonderful section of the Bible that I never tire of reading. I hope that it can encourage you!

Daniel Fast, Day Ten

This morning, I just want to say that I feel the Lord has quieted my heart. My words are few today, and I feel at peace right now. 

Daniel Fast, Day Seven

Today’s day 7! As of my last meal today, I have successfully been following the Daniel Fast for one week! My thoughts? It’s not as hard as it sounds, especially with the produce available in the late spring, early summer months.

I have also come to some conclusions about my diet after the fast ends on June 4. I do know that I want to lead a more vegan-friendly diet. This summer will be perfect for that as I am moving back home for the summer to save money…this mean my parents will purchase my groceries! I’m excited because they have fantastic grocery stores that support my healthy lifestyle. I will still allow for special occasions of non-vegan baking and eating though, just not 100% of the time.

Tomorrow starts week 2 of the fast, and I am remembering that journaling is  not something I enjoy. I dislike physically writing my thoughts down, and I know God hears my prayers and thoughts. So why write it with pen & paper? That is my current struggle, and I plan to work on that in the days to come.

Tonight, I ask for you to pray for those affected by the tornadoes that have hit in Oklahoma. My wants/needs pale in comparison to those who have lost family, homes, etc.

Daniel Fast, Day Four

Today has been pretty much uneventful. The only time I left my apartment was for a run/walk. I have been noticing that I have more energy than normal, despite no caffeine or sugars. I guess that’s a positive side effect of the fast!

This evening I watched Forks Over Knives. It wasn’t the first time I have seen the documentary, but it renewed my desire and want to make a change with my diet in a permanent manner. This summer after the fast will definitely be a test, as I will be home with family who eats very unhealthy. I do want to lead a more vegan diet going forward though. This Daniel Fast is a perfect way to start that!

I am still praying for God’s help in finding an apartment in Philly. Everything I am coming across is either out of my budget or not in a location that I am comfortable with. I know the right place will come at the right time, but until it comes along it’s hard to be unstressed and patient.

Onto the weekend!

Daniel Fast, Day Three

The hunger monster is setting in…I have been hungry today! I am trying to not let it get the best of me but it’s hard! I know that I am doing the fast for a reason though, and this is just part of the process.

I don’t have much to say today, I do want to ask that you pray for me in my apartment search. Pray that the right apartment will become available to me at the right price and that my nerves will be eased.

Daniel Fast, Day Two

So, it’s the second day of the fast. Things are going just fine; I’m not starving without breakfast nor am I currently missing any non-Daniel fast food items.

Actually, I’m almost relieved that those foods are out of my diet for a bit. My body needs a quality detox. This last semester of grad school wreaked havoc on my health with all the fast food, artificial and processed foods, alcohol, candy, etc. I need to take care of myself so I can better serve and glorify God’s name!

I’m definitely still struggling a good bit with the other reason for this fast. I need to find a quality apartment within my budget in Philadelphia beginning in September. This is proving to be WAY more difficult than it sounds to be. So if anyone has any help or advice, my ears (or eyes, as I would be reading it) are open. 

Daniel Fast, Day 1

It’s Day One! I’m so excited to be doing this Daniel Fast…I’m excited to spend some more time with God and to hopefully lose some weight in the process.

As this is a Daniel Fast, I have been debating about which meal I want to give up for God time. At this moment, I’m going to try giving up breakfast. It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I want to give God my best. My spiritual breakfast is going to be the most important meal of my day now. That’s pretty exciting!

I am following a reading plan on YouVersion (21 Day Fast) for this, and I also plan on spending some time reviewing church notes and whatever God places on my heart. Time to dive in!

Psalm 34:8

From my Devotional Reading…

I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations even as I am praying for them!

 -Psalm 109:4

I love when my devotional seems to dip right into how I have felt over the past semester; God truly does work in mysterious ways. I am happy to have found a devotional that speaks to realistic situations and offers advice on what to do!

David was angry at being attacked by evil people who slandered him and lied. Yet David remained a friend and a man of prayer. While we must hate evil and work to overcome it, we must love everyone, including those who do evil, because God loves them. We are called to hate the sin, but love the person. Only through God’s strength will we be able to follow David’s example.