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How to Prepare for the Daniel Fast

December 26, 2015 By Kristen Feola

The Daniel Fast is a unique type of fast because you can eat, unlike a liquid fast where only water or juices are consumed. But just because you can have food doesn’t mean the Daniel Fast is easy.

Fasting, in any form, is difficult because you’re doing battle physically and spiritually. However, there are steps you can take to strengthen you for the fight. Following are ways you can prepare your heart, mind, and body for your 21-day Daniel Fast journey.

Spiritual Preparation
1. Pray
Begin praying for your Daniel Fast even before it begins. Ask the Lord to reveal any unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, or rebellion. When God reveals it to you (and he will), confess your sin quickly and repent. Take time to get your heart ready for what God wants to do in and through you on the fast.

2. Read verses on fasting.
Take time to study passages in the Bible that have to do with fasting. It will help you gain insight on people fasted, the ways God responded to their prayers, and what God requires of His people on a fast. Suggested passages are Isaiah 58, 2 Chron. 20:1-4, Ezra 8:21-23, Neh. 1:1-4, Est. 4:15-17, and Matt. 4:1-11).

3. Buy a journal or use a notebook.
Use a journal or notebook for prayer requests, praises, and answers to prayer. Record what the Lord shows you through his Word.

4. Write down prayer requests.
What do you want to see God do during your fast? Take time to identify your primary motivations for fasting. Record your prayer requests in your journal or on a separate piece of paper. Keep the list visible, and pray over those needs throughout your fast. Make sure you include requests for others and not just your own requests.

5. Find a prayer partner.
It’s important to have a trusted friend or family member who can be your prayer partner during your fast. Ideally, you should choose someone who is doing the fast with you, but it’s certainly not a requirement. The key is to ask someone who will lift you up and keep you accountable.

Physical Preparation
1. Ease into the fast.
Start cutting back on restricted foods about a week before the fast begins. Reduce your intake of caffeine, meat, dairy, sugar, and processed foods. Doing so will help your body adjust to the Daniel Fast and also reduce the severity of any unpleasant side effects. Trust me, the temptation to eat everything you can’t have on the fast will be strong, but splurging will only make the transition much more difficult. Also, it’s a good idea to increase your water consumption before your fast begins.

2. Plan your meals for the first week.
The key to success with the food portion of the Daniel Fast is proper planning. It will save you time in the long run and help prevent the frustration of trying to decide at the last minute what to eat. Having a plan will also keep you from indulging in foods that don’t fall within the Daniel Fast guidelines. If you want help with this process, you can find three weeks of meal plans in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Take advantage of the fact that some of the meal planning for your fast has already been done for you!

3. Make a grocery list for the first week.
Putting a list together before you go to the grocery store will make your shopping much more efficient. Again, I provide a grocery shopping list for each meal plan in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

4. Get your kitchen ready.
Make sure you have the proper appliances (ex. blender, cutting board, food processor, etc.) and utensils (ex. knives, spatula, garlic press, etc.) before embarking on this three-week adventure. When preparing recipes, having the tools you need will make everything much easier. Check out my blog post, “5 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Your Daniel Fast Easier,” for help in this area.

5. Prepare food ahead of time.
Look at the first week’s recipes on your meal plan to find ways you can speed up food preparation and make it more efficient. For example, if you’re making Taco Soup for dinner on Sunday, go ahead and prepare the Taco Seasoning on Saturday, so it’s ready to go.

6. Cook and freeze meals.
Every time I do the Daniel Fast, I carve out a few hours the weekend before the fast begins and make a few meals, such as Baked Oatmeal, Black Bean Chili Bake, and Tuscan Soup. Then I freeze half of each recipe. That way I have food when I don’t have time to cook or need a quick go-to meal. You’ll really appreciate this step when you reach the third week of your fast.

Proper preparation is the key to making your fast successful. My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, provides the resources you need. It includes 21 daily devotions, 100+ Daniel Fast recipes, grocery shopping lists, meal plans, and more. You can find The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast in bookstores or online.

When you do your part in getting ready, God will do the rest!

January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast – FIGHT!

December 3, 2015 By Kristen Feola

This past year I’ve struggled more with prayer than during any other time in my life. There have been days I haven’t wanted to pray. And I didn’t. There have also been times when I couldn’t pray because the hurt was so deep.

My heart has been heavy for family members who continue to reject the Lord. Friends whose marriages are falling apart. People who are facing life-threatening illnesses and addictions. And, of course, I’ve been broken over my own sin.

So much devastation. So much despair. And I’m weary.

But God has reminded me that I must not let up. Now isn’t the time to get lazy in prayer. Now is the time to FIGHT!

The struggles we face aren’t random or coincidental. Forces of good and evil are in conflict all around us. A powerful and present enemy, Satan, wants to steal, kill, and destroy God’s work in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. But God doesn’t want us to shrink back in fear. He wants us to engage! But, in this battle, physical weapons like guns, knives, or hand grenades are useless. We must put on spiritual armor and fight through prayer!

The good news is that we’re not alone. God is fighting FOR us and WITH us. And, the best part is, He won’t be defeated.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deut. 20:4).

This January you have the opportunity to fight the good fight with thousands of believers around the world. Make plans now to participate in the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast. The three-week online fast will be held January 3-23, 2016, and the theme, of course, is, “FIGHT!”

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4).

Will you make the commitment to participate in the Daniel Fast this January? Will you fight on your knees in prayer?

(Online registration has closed for this event.)

God has great plans for you in 2016. Seek His face through prayer and fasting, and praise Him now for the victories to come!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Your Future Starts NOW

October 15, 2015 By Kristen Feola

This past weekend I attended the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. It was a power-packed event – not just because of the world-class speakers – Robert Madu, Holly Wagner, and Julia A’Bell – but because God spoke.

Each message I heard challenged me, but one in particular stood out from the rest. It was a session with Julia A’Bell (Hillsong Church, Australia) entitled “Your Future is Now.”

When Julia was younger, she wanted to be a successful point guard, so she worked hard to sharpen her skills. Every day after school, Julia practiced dribbling the basketball in her garage – first with her right hand for 30 minutes and then with her left for even longer (because her left hand was weaker). Over time, Julia got good – really good – and was able to achieve her goal.

But in order for Julia to reach her preferred future – being exceptional in her sport instead of average – she had to make a choice. Actually, she had to make a series of choices, day after day. Julia learned to travel the difficult path of discipline. She traded afternoons with friends for hours alone in the garage. Bounced a ball instead of watching television. Pushed forward instead of giving up.

Julia’s story made me think about my goals. What things do I want to see happen in my life? And what choices do I need to make to get there?

I have several goals that I envision to be part of my preferred future, such as more date nights with my husband, for our daughters to love the Lord and His Word, and to travel on more outdoor adventures as a family. But there’s one area of my life that keeps tripping me up – my body.

When I look in the mirror, I don’t recognize the person I see. It’s not me. It doesn’t feel like me, either. No longer do I jump out of bed in the morning, eager to start my day. Now I sort of roll off my mattress and slowly put my feet on the floor. I feel old and sluggish, and I don’t like it. Not one bit. The extra 10 pounds I’m carrying right now feels like 50. My preferred future, which is getting back to my “normal” size, seems like a huge mountain in the distance. I feel as if I’ll never get there.

I exercise regularly and make nutritious food choices (most of the time), but I can’t seem to lose the extra pounds. Even though I’ve never struggled with my weight, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to stay fit as I’ve gotten older. I don’t like the fact that I’m getting fluffy and soft! Some people might blame my new shape on hormones. After all, I’m in my 40s now, and supposedly a female’s body chemistry goes wacko in this season of life. I could use that excuse for my excess baggage, but I won’t. I take full responsibility for my actions.

But I wonder, How did I get here?

The answer is simple: By taking one step at a time . . . in the wrong direction.

Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly sliding into a pit of despair because of this whole weight thing. A thick blanket of shame has covered me. I’ve been crying out to God, desperate for answers. Desperate for change.

During Julia’s session, she shared a simple truth I needed to hear: “God will help you with the changes you need to make now to experience your preferred future!”

Since the conference, the Lord has given me insight into how to reduce the inflammation in my body.

Stay away from foods that are problematic for me: gluten, corn products, grains, chocolate, sugar, and nuts (especially peanuts).
Drink six to seven 8-oz glasses of water each day.
Stop eating a snack after dinner (when I’m not hungry but want something sweet).
Get back on track with strength training (3-4 times per week).
Discipline myself to eat slowly and to stop eating when I’m nearly full.
Recognize the temptation to eat when stressed and choose to do something else instead (like pray!).

What is your preferred future? Maybe you want get healthier and lose a few pounds (or a lot). Or perhaps the extra weight you’re carrying isn’t physical at all. Your marriage is falling apart and you don’t know what to do. Your child is far from God and doesn’t seem interested in spiritual things. You battle an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Whatever your struggle, you need to know that you can break free from patterns of sin. Your situation is not hopeless and not beyond God’s ability to heal.

The transformation you desire begins with one step – a move toward God. When you turn to the Lord, He will show you the way to go. He’ll provide everything you need to pursue the wonderful plans He has for your life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11 NLT).

Today you can turn your back on negative self-talk and listen to what God says about you.

Today you can refuse to be immobilized by discouragement and defeat.

Today you can stop trying to make strides in your own strength and lean on the Lord’s power.

Today you can choose a different path.

Today you can decide to take the steps necessary to achieve your dreams.

So, what are you waiting for? Get moving! Your future starts NOW!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

In Your Anger, Do Not Sin

September 28, 2015 By Kristen Feola

Last year I saw an interesting road sign at Virginia Beach. I knew I’d use it in a blog post at some point. Well, today is the day. It’s an appropriate visual for what I experienced this afternoon.

After working on the computer for a few hours this morning, I decided to take a break. I went rollerblading. As I started out, I prayed, “Lord, you often speak to me when I’m exercising, so I’m listening.”

Boy, did I get an earful!

At about the four-mile mark, I was passed by a dark gray Acura. The man who was driving yelled, “Are you blankety-blank kidding me?! Get on the blankety-blank sidewalk!”

At first, I was offended. The street was very wide and even had a passing lane. I was practically hugging the shoulder on the right side of the road, so the car had plenty of room.

The man’s nasty words stung, but only for a few seconds. Then I started thinking, What kind of pain does he have in his heart? What’s going on in his life that caused him to scream obscenities like that?

Then it hit me. I’ve done the same thing. I’ve spoken harsh words. I’ve raised my voice for no good reason. I’ve lost my temper with strangers. And family. And friends.

I can’t judge that guy because I am that guy. And, if you’re completely honest with yourself, so are you.

Anger isn’t wrong. It’s a normal, God-given emotion. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). How you handle feelings of irritation can be destructive, though. If you spew forth venomous words when you’re upset, that is sin. When the guy in the car screamed at me, he was essentially saying, “You’re in MY way. I’m more important than you are, and I’m going to let you know it!”

Human beings are naturally self-centered. We tend to think of ourselves first in most situations, and when someone threatens our comfort, we tend to get a little miffed. Sometimes a lot miffed.

The only way to respond rightly when angry is to stop thinking about yourself. Turn to God in those heated moments, and rely on His power. He will give you strength to resist the temptation to lash out and teach you to develop self-control.

Think about how you’ve spoken today. Have your words been life giving? Or have they caused deep wounds in the people around you?

Choose to follow God’s standard for your conversations: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 NLT).

You can be angry and not sin. With God’s help, you can.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

God is Proud of You

September 10, 2015 By Kristen Feola

I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

I was having lunch with my friends who are missionaries in El Salvador. For about an hour, we shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. Mostly, I just sat and listened, gleaning from their godly wisdom. I soaked in their passion for ministering to hurting people, secretly hoping it would rub off on me. Then, as we said good-bye, my eyebrows raised when I heard, “We’re proud of you.”

What?! I thought. They’re proud of ME? No, no! It’s the other way around!

What I wanted to say was, “It’s your commitment to the poor that touches my heart deeply! It’s your tenacity to share the gospel in one of the most dangerous countries in the world that challenges me! It’s your faithfulness to share the love of Christ that reminds me to reach out to others! I’m so proud of YOU!”

But I didn’t. I was too shocked to speak. As I drove home, I wondered, Were they praising my achievement of being a bestselling author of two books? Patting me on the back for having a successful online Daniel Fast ministry? Applauding my abilities as a speaker?

No, I don’t think so. I doubt that their affirmation was prompted by any accomplishment or accolade. Instead, they wanted to communicate, “We’re proud of who you are. We see the Lord at work in your life, and we thank Him for what He’s doing.”

I thought about those four words several times throughout the day. Such an unexpected gift from my dear friends. Such a priceless treasure I will hold in my heart always. Then I realized that their declaration was God’s message to me as well.

The Lord is proud of me simply because I’m His child. I belong to Him, and He thinks I’m pretty special. My heavenly Father loves me when I’m generous and kind. He loves me when I’m selfish and mean. God doesn’t focus on all the bad stuff when He looks at my life. That sin has been covered by the cross! What He does see is His beloved Son, Jesus, and He is well pleased.

If you’ve been born again – if you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation – the Lord sees you the same way! Your Father wants you to know that He’s proud of who you are! You’re precious and valuable, not because of anything you’ve done, but because you’re His.

The message the Lord spoke to my heart is also meant for you:

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you” (Is. 43:4).

Receive those words as God’s gift to you today!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Your Failures and God’s Grace

September 1, 2015 By Kristen Feola

I blew it yesterday. Not once. Not twice. But three times. If I’d been playing baseball, I would have completely struck out.

The day started out well. I went to the gym, rode 17 miles on my bike, worked on the computer, and visited a friend. By 3:00pm, though, I was tired. As I sat in carline, waiting to pick up my daughters, I prayed about my attitude. “God, you know I’m worn out. Please help me to be patient with the girls, despite how I feel.”

The first five minutes went well. I asked Isabelle and Jocelyn to tell me something good that happened at school, and we chatted about their experiences. But as soon as we started discussing homework, everything went downhill.

Isabelle got annoyed because I was asking too many questions. I got frustrated with her for being defensive. My blood pressure rose and so did my volume. By the time we pulled in the driveway, I was steaming mad.

Strike one.

My husband met us at the door with a smile on his face. “Hi, babe. How are you doing?”

“Just great,” I replied through clenched teeth. Though Justin usually greets me with a kiss when he gets home from work, he decided to steer clear. My body language and facial expression communicated that I was not in the mood for a little smoochy smoochy. Justin got the message and kept his distance. In fact, he bolted to his shed to escape the obvious tension in the room.

Strike two.

The next few hours were pretty uneventful. I calmed down. Isabelle studied for a test. Jocelyn, the peacemaker, played her guitar. Justin finally dared to reenter the house. We had a peaceful dinner.

Just when I’d almost forgotten about the events of the afternoon, I was blindsided by another wild pitch. At bedtime, Jocelyn brought me her Language Arts paper and asked if I’d look over it. Right away, I could see that she hadn’t followed directions, and many of her answers were wrong. When I told her so, Jocelyn started crying. “But I put my paper on the kitchen table so you could check it! I don’t want to redo the whole thing!” she said. “Jocelyn, you didn’t tell me about the paper, so I didn’t know. You’ll just have to get up early in the morning and correct it,” I told her.

Jocelyn kept wailing. Even after I tucked her into bed, she was still hysterical. Eventually she cried herself to sleep.

Strike three.

Do you ever have days like I did? When your poor choices lead to conflict with family or friends? When your words aren’t loving and kind but sharp and cutting? When gentleness and patience are nowhere to be found?

Mistakes cause us to struggle with bouts of sadness, regret, and self-loathing. And the Enemy loves every minute of it. He takes great pleasure in beating us down and then stomping all over us in our moments of weakness.

But that is never God’s response to us! The Lord knows we will blow it sometimes. His Word promises, “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lam. 3:22-23 NLT).

When we disobey God and hurt others, we don’t need to walk around in shame. But we do need to repent and follow this two-step process of restoration as outlined in God’s Word:

1. Confess your sin to the Lord.
Tell God what you did wrong. Yes, He already knows, but your confession is not for Him. It’s for you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

2. Forgive, and ask for forgiveness.
Forgive the person who offended you. If you hurt someone, humble yourself, and say, “I was wrong. Will you forgive me for _____?”

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Col. 3:13 NL).

Maybe you struck out yesterday. Or maybe your no hitter is happening today. Just remember, your failures don’t ever exclude you from God’s glorious grace. Just turn to the Lord, and let His love cover your failures.

Today when I pick up my daughters from school, I’m determined not to swing and miss. Today I’ll rely on the Lord to help me hit a home run.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Pray for Our Babies

August 24, 2015 By Kristen Feola

She was only 16. Pretty, outgoing, and full of hope for the future. Her plan was to attend college after graduation. Then she got pregnant. But despite the shame and fear she felt, a scared, young girl chose to let her baby live. And, I’m so thankful she did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Since the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in 1973, more than 57 million babies have been murdered. 57 million. That’s the equivalent of annihilating a whole country the size of Italy or France, all in the name of a woman’s “right to choose.” And Planned Parenthood is the primary organization that’s providing this barbaric procedure.

Currently, there are 820 Planned Parenthood clinics in the United States. One of them is less than a mile from my house. Ironically, it’s positioned between a Goodwill Store, where people drop off unwanted items, and Other Mothers, which carries second-hand maternity and children’s clothes.

Even though I drive past the clinic several times each week, I don’t like to think about what happens there. It sickens me to consider the atrocities occurring within those brick walls. But, I need to think about it. For far too long I haven’t.

But recent reports on Planned Parenthood’s activities have jolted me to action. I’m horrified by how they’re harvesting babies’ organs for financial gain! And I’m angry. Angry at Planned Parenthood for committing such evil. Angry at our country for letting it happen. Angry at myself for being apathetic and uninvolved.

America, it’s time to wake up! Our babies are being murdered. Living, breathing human beings are being destroyed because of pure selfishness and greed.

What Planned Parenthood is doing is wrong. They must be held accountable and punished for their crimes. If we allow them to continue their practices, we share in their guilt. By doing nothing, we condone their actions.

If you’re like me, you feel helpless. You want to change the situation but feel powerless. Let me remind you this is a spiritual battle. And, we must fight with spiritual weapons. We must pray.

Every time you see an article about Planned Parenthood online or when you drive past a clinic, take a few minutes to intercede. Pray for:

Women who seek the services of Planned Parenthood – That they will understand the full impact of abortion – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pray they won’t be deceived and will choose life.
Employees who work at Planned Parenthood – That they will be convinced that what they’re doing is evil and unethical. Pray they will quit their jobs.
Our government – That they will see the truth of what is happening and withdraw all financial support from the organization.
Believers – To take a stand for the unborn and to be faithful to pray regularly.
Our nation – That that we will repent of this wickedness and turn to God.

I’m passionate about this issue because I could have been a statistic. After all, my life was unplanned. My conception wasn’t convenient. But, thankfully, I had two parents who wanted me. I had a mother who valued the growing baby inside her body.

A few days ago I made the five-minute walk to the Planned Parenthood clinic in my neighborhood. I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the building and bowed my head. At first, no words came. Only tears. I wept for the babies. For the hurting girls. For the deceived workers. For our nation’s sin. For my sin. “God, forgive us!” I cried.

Our country is making a grave mistake by not protecting our babies. God’s judgment is coming if we don’t repent. But the good news is, there’s hope. God promises to show mercy if we turn to Him.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Will you cry out to God for our little ones and the women who carry them? We can’t continue to be silent. Unborn babies are relying on our prayers!

Please share this blog post on social media so others will join us in prayer.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Say “Yes” to the Daniel Fast!

August 4, 2015 By Kristen Feola

This past Sunday morning was like déjà vu. You know, when you feel as if you’ve been in the same situation before. The thing is, I have. Nearly six years ago.

In August 2009, I sat in the same church under the same pastor, hearing the same challenge to seek the Lord through the Daniel Fast. I eagerly accepted. Even though I’d never done a three-week partial fast, I was excited to see what God would do as I submitted to Him. But I had no idea how that one decision – that one “yes” – would change the course of my life.

I couldn’t have dreamed I would write a bestselling book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

That my website would become a worldwide resource and ministry tool.

That God would open many doors for writing and speaking.

That I’d publish a second book, Spiritually Strong.

And, that’s just the beginning.

Two days ago, as my pastor shared his reasons for calling our church to a time of praying and fasting, I heard a familiar voice: Will you trust me? Will you commit to three weeks of fervent prayer? Will you set aside your agenda and seek my will?

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

Less than two weeks from today, our church will begin a corporate Daniel Fast. Already, I’m beginning to pray. Already, I’m asking God to prepare my heart and to move powerfully among our church and community. Already, I’m believing this Daniel Fast will be miraculous in ways I can’t even imagine.

God is also calling you. Can you hear His voice? Listen closely because He is speaking.

Will you accept His invitation? Will you step out into the unknown and pursue a deeper relationship with God? Will you commit to a three-week Daniel Fast?

The Lord wants to show His love to you and demonstrate His power in your life. Don’t let fear or disobedience rob you of the blessings God wants to give you.

Just trust Him. Just say, “Yes.”

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Join the Spiritually Strong Online Bible Study!

March 24, 2015 By Kristen Feola

A few weeks ago, the first Spiritually Strong Online Bible Study was launched, and more than 675 people signed up! If you missed out or weren’t quite ready to commit, you have another opportunity to participate.

But, first, let me explain what Spiritually Strong is and what the online study offers.

To grow stronger in the Lord, you must exercise your muscles on a regular basis. My book, Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul, outlines six exercises that will train your spiritual core – Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others. (Watch the Spiritually Strong book trailer for more information.) As you develop self-discipline in these areas, you will learn to:

Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you.
Pray with power.
Incorporate periodic fasting into your life.
Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise.
Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you.
Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love.

Spiritually Strong includes a 6-week Bible study and workout plan. You can go through the book on your own, but I recommend doing it with others. A group setting provides accountability, encouragement, and support, which will help you be more successful.

That’s where the online opportunity comes in.

The second Spiritually Strong Online Bible Study begins April 20th. When you register for this session, you will receive a weekly email from me that includes a short devotion, video message, recipes, and other helpful resources. You’ll also have access to a private Facebook forum that’s only available to study participants.

So, what is your first step? Get a copy of Spiritually Strong (bookstore or online), and begin reading. You need to finish Parts 1 and 2, as well as Chapter 10, before the start date. The last day to register for the study is April 9th. Please note that registration for the April-May session is closed. If you’d like to be informed about future online study dates, sign up for my monthly newsletter.

God has called you to be strong in Him and in His mighty power (Eph. 6:10). So do your best to get physically and spiritually fit. You don’t want to miss out on God’s best for your life!

Kristen Feola
Author and Former Personal Trainer

Top 10 Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

January 30, 2015 By Kristen Feola

In three days, thousands of Americans will gather to watch the biggest sporting event of the year. That’s right, friends. It’s Super Bowl time!

Next to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday ranks as the #1 day for food consumption. The big game is as much about the snacks as it is about the sport. It’s pizza and hot wings. Chips and dip. Chex Mix and cookies. For someone on the Daniel Fast, though, this type of setting presents a huge challenge. If you can’t have meat, dairy products, sugar, or caffeine, what can you eat on Super Bowl Sunday? Plenty, if you refer to the tasty recipes on my website.

Following are the Ultimate Daniel Fast’s Top 10 Super Bowl Snacks:

1. Almond Butter Bites
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
3. Salsa
4. Spinach-Artichoke Dip
5. Super Easy Guacamole
6. Fruit Pizza
7. Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts
8. Date Honey
9. Confetti Hummus
10. Grilled Veggie Kebabs

Which one (or two) will you take to your Super Bowl Party?

January 2015 Online Daniel Fast Testimonies

January 28, 2015 By Kristen Feola

For the past four years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast during the first three weeks of January. I’m always so encouraged by the number of believers who join me in prayer and fasting.

Our theme for this year’s online Daniel Fast was, “Spiritually Strong,” because our desire for 2015 is to, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The fast ended Saturday, January 24th, and already I’ve received many testimonies about God’s faithfulness. The Lord has given victory over sin, strength during weakness, wisdom in job situations, and salvation of loved ones!

One fast participant emailed to share the miracle God did in the life of her Buddhist father. Her dad, who lives in Singapore, has never been interested in the things of God. But in the last two weeks he began attending a Chinese church with a friend. On day 20 of her fast, the woman received word that her dad gave his life to the Lord! She wrote, “I’m overjoyed! I have been praying for his salvation for 28 years.” This woman’s story is a perfect example why we must continue to pray fervently, not just in January but throughout the year.

Following are more testimonies from the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast. I pray you’re encouraged by them as you hear just some of the wonderful things God has done!

“I have a testimony to share from my Daniel Fast in 2010. I prayed for a job and got the job while doing the fast. I’m still working at that same job four years later. Praise be to our faithful and loving God who gives us the desires of our heart.” – Pam

“This was my first Daniel fast in many years, and God has truly worked wonders in my life. Two days into the fast I was praying about my relationship, and the Spirit began revealing to me that I had been battling a spirit of perversion. But my submission to God during the fast loosened the enemy’s grip on me. Deliverance is mine! I also prayed that God would lend professional guidance to my business partner. Three days later, he received word that a new company was taking them over, and his new bosses would be people he used to work for that he LOVES and respects. I began the fast giving my living arrangement to God. I was renting way above my price range, and now 21 days later I’m working with a Realtor on the purchase of my first home! I cannot believe how my life has changed. I give God all the glory and the honor.” – Jerome

“I used your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, for my New Year’s Daniel Fast in 2014, but this year it has been a WHOLE NEW level since I received the daily newsletters with the videos, focused prayers, and other information. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. ” – Seary

“Thank you for all the good recipes and encouraging pieces every day. My thinking is renewed, and I know God is at work in me. ” – Henriette

“I wasn’t sure I could do this fast, and I have to say at times it wasn’t easy being such a huge coffee drinker and meat eater. I prayed every day that God help get me through the next day. I’ve always been a huge food addict. I weigh more than 300 lbs, and food has always been my go-to. Each day was a little easier as I looked forward to reading more of my Bible and your emails. I lost about 20 lbs in the 21 days, but the weight loss was just a plus. Thank you for helping with your encouraging words every day. I can’t wait to continue on this journey and learn more! God is good!” – Keri

“The fast was inspiring, and we believe many of our group members here in Saudi Arabia have entered into a closer relationship with our Savior.” – Marcel

“I found the Daniel fast to be fun and easy compared to two years ago when I did it the first time. This year I lost 11 pounds and had a substantial decrease in heartburn and gastric reflux. Now I’m looking forward to eating this way the rest of my life at least 75-90% of the time. Spiritually, I have been blessed in many other ways. Thank you for your website and encouragement.” – Deb

“I’m so grateful I was looking up recipes on Pinterest and saw an invite to join for the daily fast emails! My church does a fast at the beginning of every year so this was perfect! This fast was so much needed for me to get a handle on the sweets I overdid during the holidays, and I’ve been so excited to see what God has for me this year! Thank you so much, Kristen. Your encouragement was much needed and appreciated!” – Ann

“Thank you, Kristen, for the Ultimate Daniel Fast and your videos. They’ve been so encouraging and have helped me make it through the whole fast. The Lord has done so much for me, just in more freedom in my walk with Him (a weight loss of 10 lbs and getting those cravings back into control again). I love fasting and what it does so much that I plan on implementing it in my life in smaller time frames.” – DeDe

“I’m learning how to focus on the positive even in negative situations. God is showing me how to do that. Thank you for your website. It has been a blessing to me.” – Wray

“The past 21 days have been cleansing both spiritually and physically. The daily videos, recipe ideas, and your encouraging words, Kristen, were God-anointed. I praise God I stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for being obedient. You have helped other soldiers in the fight. I will continue to do this fast annually as it’s a perfect way to start out the New Year!” – Debbie

“You did a great job with the devotions, suggested meals, and videos. The videos made it feel like you were cheering me on. The fast has helped me reach a new level of a relationship with my Lord and Savior.” – Lynette

“My husband and I did the fast, and it was a great adventure in so many ways. Your book is a fantastic resource, and we experimented with recipes that we would never have tried before. While it’s true we’ve denied ourselves some food items, we’ve gained much more than what we didn’t have. Thank you!” – Kathy

“This was my second year on the Daniel Fast, and it was the most difficult. And I thought last year was rough. But the two times I was about to throw in the towel, give up and quit, I cried out to the Lord. I actually felt His strength and grace overwhelm me. ” – Barbara

And, then, one final testimony from Chase. It’s a bit long, but well worth your time in reading through it. I like how Chase sat down to list what God showed him on his fast. It’s a great way to reflect on God’s many blessings and lessons. If you participated in the online fast this year, I encourage you to do the same!

What I Learned:

Food is not my master!
Fleshly desires are not my master!
God is so much greater than we can even think or imagine!
Never give up on friends no matter what they did in the past!
Always trust in God. If you believe in Him, He will show you everything!
The flesh will always be weak! (Don’t give into it!)
There is so much power in the blood of Jesus! It covers all and heals all!

What Has Happened:

I got a new job on the second day of the fast! I am so excited for the future!
I rekindled an old friendship and have forgiven this person for what happened!
I’ve learned how to take control of my mind, spirit, and body to focus as one unit!
I’ve had more Spirit-filled goodness than I can account for!
I’ve grown not only closer to God but also closer to my accountability partner through this fast!
I realized very quickly that what I was doing in life was wrong. Life is not about money and possessions. It’s about what we can do to serve others.
I completely and totally changed my thinking and thought process to what God wants, and I play the background!

“There’s a whole lot more that has happened on this journey. I can’t believe it’s already finished. I gave up sugar, salt, preservatives, and meat for 21 days straight, and you know what? I feel better than I ever have! I feel renewed! I feel like I am once again reborn to a new creation! I encourage any believers to take the time to do this fast as well. It has been amazing!” – Chase

Praise the Lord! All glory to His holy name!

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2015 Online Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year! My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Also, you can get a list of the 21 videos I sent out during the online fast. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts!

Top 10 Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

January 31, 2014 By Kristen Feola

In three days, thousands of Americans will gather to watch the biggest sporting event of the year. That’s right, friends. It’s Super Bowl time!

Which one (or two) will you take to your Super Bowl Party?