It’s hard to believe March is well underway. Seems like only a few weeks ago, we were ringing in the New Year. I’m glad Spring is near, though. I’m ready for warmer weather!
In less than two weeks, I will begin another online Daniel Fast, this time for the 21 days leading up to Easter, March 18 to April 7. Although we’ll be praying for our own needs on this fast, the focus will be to intercede for the lost.
The theme is “Choose to Live,” based upon Deuteronomy 30:19-20, which says:
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.”
Throughout the fast, we’ll explore the meaning of this verse and how it applies to our lives. We’ll also pray that family and friends who don’t yet know the Lord would choose life this Easter!
Would you commit to fasting and praying with me? To sign up, go to the right sidebar on the blog. By subscribing to the “Choose to Live” newsletter, you’ll receive daily emails to encourage you, access to new Daniel Fast recipes not published in my book or blog, chances to win prizes, and more!
Also, if you haven’t gotten a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, you should try to do that before the fast begins. It will help you tremendously as you prepare and participate in the Daniel Fast.
Let’s join together in praying for lives to be changed this Easter season!
Search Results for: recipes
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Without any sort of a plan when on the Daniel Fast, you can easily get overwhelmed by the food guidelines. Some people, for the sake of simplicity, resort to eating the same foods over and over again.
That's one of the reasons I wrote my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. I wanted not only to provide spiritual encouragement and guidance for the fast but also to equip people with great-tasting recipes. My book and website contain hundreds of dishes that many people choose to enjoy even when they're not on the Daniel Fast!
In this recipe, brown rice is combined with lentils, which forms a complete protein (all the essential amino acids are present in the proper amounts). It's important to choose dishes such as this one to ensure you're taking in adequate amounts of this necessary nutrient.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 4 cups water, divided
- ½ cup lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 3 cups fresh or frozen green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cooked rice, cooked lentils, green beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, and salt. Stir well, and then transfer to a a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Bake 30 minutes.
- Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)
Notes
- If using fresh green beans, steam or boil them for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
Seek and Find – January 2012 Daniel Fast
Today I was privileged to be interviewed live on a radio station in Georgia (89.3 FM, The Lighthouse). Vickie, the morning host, asked me about the upcoming January 2012 Daniel Fast and why I chose the theme “Seek and Find.”
When I asked the Lord to give me a theme for the fast, I immediately thought of the word seek. I quickly looked up all the verses on Bible Gateway that contained it. After reading through several passages, I came to Jeremiah 29:13, which says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” That’s it, I thought.
To seek after something or someone means to look intently and with purpose. It’s not a casual or halfhearted attempt. When you seek, you search. You look carefully. Thoroughly. Completely. You don’t stop looking until you find what you want.
I want to encourage you to begin 2012 by seeking the Lord in this way through the Daniel Fast. Join thousands of other believers as we fast and pray for the Lord’s will to be done in our lives and for His glory to be displayed in all the earth.
You can sign up for the Daniel Fast on my blog. When you do, you’ll receive daily encouragement, exclusive recipes, videos, and a chance to win prizes, such as book giveaways.
God promises that when we pursue Him with great intensity, we will find Him. However, in order to experience the Lord in this way, the Bible says we must do something. We must seek Him with all our heart. Are you ready to do that? The Lord is waiting. He wants to be found by you!
Monday Menu: Daniel Fast Holiday Treats
Even though Christmas is only three weeks away, it seems as if it should have been here by now. After all, my daughters have been listening to Christmas music non-stop on the radio since mid-November. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard “Carol of the Bells!”
A big part of the holiday season includes going to parties and feasting on a never-ending buffet of goodies – cookies, candy, hot chocolate, apple cider, and pies. Most people throw all self-control out the window, vowing to eat healthier beginning in January. However, you can have sweet treats this time of year without putting yourself into a sugar-induced coma.
Today I want to share a few of my favorite Daniel Fast dessert recipes:
1. Almond Butter Bites – These were among my first recipes on my blog and are featured in my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. They’re tiny treats that are packed with flavor!
2. Petite Pecan Pies – Even the most culinary challenged person can make this recipe. It’s about as easy as they come. Plus, they really do taste like pecan pie!
3. Apples with Date Honey – Since creating this recipe nearly two years ago, I have found Date Honey to be an extremely versatile food. Several recipes in my book and on my blog include it because the natural sweetness of dates adds outstanding flavor to any dish. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the taste of Date Honey!
Find healthy treats to snack on, such as the ones above, and you won’t give in to every food temptation that’s placed in front of you during the holidays. When attending a party or Christmas program, take your own goodies to enjoy and share with others.
I pray that you have a blessed holiday season as you celebrate the birth of our Savior. Remember, the holidays aren’t about parties and presents or food and festivities. Christmas is about CHRIST and sharing His love and salvation with the world. Merry CHRISTmas!
Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Cajun Red Beans and Rice
I love to cook, but I'm not too fond of the grocery shopping part of it. Anyone with me? Many times I let my refrigerator and pantry get pretty bare before I finally give in and head to the store. Sometimes, though, that's when my creative juices start flowing. When there isn't much to work with as far as ingredients goes, I often come up with my tastiest recipes.
One night I only had a few canned ingredients, cooked brown rice in the fridge, and several fresh vegetables. The result? This classic Louisiana-style main dish recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped green pepper
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sliced celery
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
- 1 15.5-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add green peppers, onions, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add water and Creole Seasoning. Stir well. Mix in kidney beans and rice. Lower heat and cook another 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Yield: 8 servings (serving size: ½ cup)
Notes
- Serve with sliced avocado and/or sliced green onions.
- Add 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes.
- Stovetop directions using dry rice: Sauté vegetables as directed. While vegetables are cooking, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Lower heat, and add vegetables, 1 cup uncooked brown rice, and beans. Cover, and simmer about 45 minutes, or until rice is light and fluffy.
Daniel Fast Testimonies
I never tire of hearing stories about the amazing things God has done through the Daniel Fast! Following are just a few of the testimonies I’ve received. If you have a story to share, please email me.
“Kristen Feola’s book, The Ultimate Guide to The Daniel Fast, has played a key role in the progress I have made while being on this fast. The time and passion she put into the book really shows. I could relate to her personal stories as well as the stories written by others when they were on the fast. I am thankful for this book being the perfect guide for me while taking part in the Daniel Fast!” – S. Kahn
“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which has now entered a place of honor in my kitchen. We used it as a devotion during the first 40 days of 2013 and found it both uplifting and very practical. I felt like I was walking through the three weeks with a new friend.” – N. Flowers
“This book was very helpful in getting me and my family through the Daniel Fast. I will use it every time I do this fast! I recommend it!” – L. Watson
“When our church went on the Daniel Fast, I bought your book and loved the recipes!” – A. Simmons
“Kristen, I just had to share this with you. I’m on day 8 of the Daniel Fast, and just this morning I was talking with a friend who is going through a very tough family issue. We talked about how God uses trials, difficulties, and challenges for good somehow. When I came home, I read your devotion for day 8, and the words nearly jumped off the page! You quoted Psalm 119:71,”It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” That was exactly what my friend and I were talking about! I’m so thankful for the work you have done through your first book!” – K. Erdel
“We’re thrilled that we found your book on Amazon and have been using your recipes and devotional guide since Sunday. My husband and I realized that we have fasted for other people and at times just personally for individual issues, but this is our first “together” fast. We’re excited to see what God will do in our lives. Thank you so much for your dedication to writing this book.” – A. Rekow
Lemon-Pepper Kale
Lemon-Pepper Kale
Kale should definitely get more attention. This leafy green powerhouse is loaded with nutrients. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, kale scored 4 "excellents," 6 "very goods," and 10 "goods"— for a total of 20 standout categories of nutrient richness, an achievement that is difficult for most foods to match.Kale is milder in flavor than spinach but firmer in texture. Most recipes call for cooked or lightly steamed kale. However, it can be eaten raw, such as with Lemon-Pepper Kale.
Ingredients
- 8 cups kale, ribs removed, torn into bite-size pieces, lightly packed
- ¼ cup chopped green onion, green parts only
Lemon-Pepper Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place kale and green onions in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over kale, and use your hands to massage the dressing into leaves.
- Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
- Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
Notes
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds over kale for a little extra crunch. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups chopped tomatoes.
- Use as a base for a salad.
- Other great-tasting kale recipes to try: Crunchy Kale Chips, Kale with Tomatoes and Onions, and White Bean, Kale, and Vegetable Soup.
Guest Post: Elena Wilkins, Living a Fasted Lifestyle
Elena and I are kindred spirits, so to speak. Although I haven’t yet met her face-to-face, I feel as if I’ve known Elena for years. She came across my blog last year when she was doing research online about the Daniel Fast. She found me, and I found a new friend.
Many people who participate in a Daniel Fast want to continue eating this way even after the fast is completed because they felt so great consuming nutritious foods. Perhaps you feel the same way but aren’t sure if that type of discipline is even realistic. Elena’s story will challenge you…or at least give you something to consider. You will be blessed as you read about how God answered prayer and brought physical healing to their lives as a result of dietary modifications.
Thanks, Elena, for sharing with us.
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| Elena Wilkins |
Guest Post: Elena Wilkins
“Living a Fasted Lifestyle”
Is it possible to live a fasted lifestyle? Much like the Daniel Fast, but permanently? Let me tell you why I think it can be done.
Soon after my husband and I married, I noticed he was experiencing chest pains on a regular basis. There were times his chest pains were so severe I was scared he might have a heart attack or a stroke.
We both believe in the God of miracles, the One who is capable of healing any and all afflictions. We prayed and waited for my husband’s healing. I watched what we ate and felt that we were doing well with our diet, making all of our meals at home. Unfortunately, though, the problem persisted.
In 2006 my husband’s doctor, after running a battery of tests on him, told us that they couldn’t find anything wrong except his “slightly” elevated cholesterol level, which was at 220. The doctor said that the only way to take care of the issue was by taking statin drugs (medication).
At about the same time, I also developed health issues. Up until 2003, I had been completely well physically and rarely got sick. However, I began to develop symptoms such as weight gain, skin problems, dry eye syndrome, depression, anterior knee condition, and hormone imbalance. My doctor tried to help by putting me on birth control medication to help with my hormones. It turned out to be one of the worst decisions we could have made, as medication only covered the problem and did not resolve anything. This went on for several years, and I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism and told that I would have to be on thyroid medication for the rest of my life to control it.
My husband and I kept believing God for a miracle. We didn’t feel that medication was the answer we were searching for.
However, the miracle did not happen as we expected. There was no spontaneous healing for either of us. We knew that the Lord was not ignoring our prayers (John 14:14). So, instead of becoming upset with God, we asked Him to guide us and give us wisdom.
God was faithful. Out of what seemed like nowhere, we started to meet people who reversed various diseases by changing to an all plant-based diet. I also came across a life-changing book, The China Study, written by T. Colin Campbell. It is filled with scientific research and data that show how an all-plant based diet allows humans to live in optimal health and to reverse and prevent diseases.
We went on a vegan, or plant-based, diet overnight. At first we felt a bit intimidated, but our desire to achieve a healthy life was stronger than our fears (1 John 4:18). We informed my husband’s physician of our decision. Under the doctor’s supervision (and against his wishes), my husband went off all medication. Within three months, his cholesterol dropped to 173, and by the end of the year, it dropped to a perfect 149. The symptoms that plagued him had gradually disappeared, as did my fears of becoming a young widow.
My health began to blossom as well. I quit taking birth control and chose not to go on thyroid medication, believing that God would heal my body through His generously provided gifts of whole foods. In less than 3 years my TSH level went from 5.0 to 1.66.. My cholesterol dropped from 176 to 132. All of the symptoms which accompanied hypothyroid condition slowly vanished. I returned to my former self – full of joy with a thirst for life.
During the process of changing our eating habits and establishing a regular exercise routine, we lost a “few” pounds of unwanted weight: 103 lbs total (48 lbs for me and 55 lbs for my husband).
The question that we get from so many is whether we will ever go off all plant-based diet. Our answer, naturally, is NOT IN ANY FORESEEABLE FUTURE! We believe in God’s providence and guidance and we felt His love and compassion along the way leading us to perfect health. We wouldn’t want to do anything to compromise it.
In the beginning, a plant-based diet requires discipline and a few adjustments to eating behaviors, especially in a fast-paced society, such as the United States. However, in the long run, it helped us to be alert and spiritually open. The more we denied our former fleshly desires, the more we embraced what God had for us. We both believe that a plant-based diet is optimal for human consumption (Genesis 1:29, 2:9a, 3:17-18)*. Whole, unprocessed plants are full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Such a diet keeps us feeling satiated.
My husband and I continue to live by God’s promises: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10b)” and “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (1 Peter 1:3a)” We spread the good news that we have learned to others, using it as a conduit to minister God’s love to all, and have seen many heal from various ailments and diseases as a result.
*I want to make it clear that we do not condemn others for eating a non-plant based diet. We were there once ourselves and have many family members and friends who are carnivores. We do, however, wish that more people incorporated more whole, unprocessed foods into their diet, treating their bodies (temples) with respect, staying away from junk foods altogether and animal products as much as possible.
Elena Wilkins is the author of Eat Healthy! Be Happy! blog, which serves as a source of plant-based recipes, living and fitness. Most of the recipes on her blog, save a few that use sweeteners, are Daniel Fast approved. Elena is also a certified fitness instructor and runs a photography business. She is madly in love with her husband of 8 years. Her blog address is: http://eathealthybehappy.blogspot.com/
GIVEAWAY
Elena has graciously offered to give a free copy of her 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. I personally have bought this guide, and it was the primary motivator for the smoothie cleanse I did in January to jump start my Daniel Fast. You will love the information and recipe ideas!
How to Enter
1. Visit Elena’s blog. Read through her recent posts, and return to this post to make a comment on something you’ve learned or a recipe you’d like to try.
2. Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. Let me know that you did it, too!
Rules
1. One entry per person.
2. Giveaway ends Friday, February 25, at midnight.
3. You can live in or outside of the United States to be eligible.
4. Winner must provide his or her email address to receive e-book.
Thanks for registering! 🙂
Her Name is Georgia, Part 8
Many of you are on the Daniel Fast or are getting ready to start it. I’m gearing up to begin on January 9th myself! My plan is to post daily with devotions, recipes, and whatever else might be helpful for your journey with the Lord.
Today, though, I’m continuing the story of Georgia, which is a story I started writing a few weeks ago. If you haven’t read Parts 1-7, take a few minutes to do so before reading today’s post.
Be encouraged today. The Lord is at work all around you. Perhaps there is a Georgia in your life He wants you to touch.
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
One morning after I dropped Isabelle off at school, Jocelyn and I stopped by Georgia’s house to surprise her with two Pineapple Citrus Muffins that I’d made. Georgia greeted us at the door.
“Good morning!” I said. “Have you had breakfast yet?”
Georgia nodded, and showed me the opened can of green beans in her hand. The other hand held a fork. This will not do, I thought.
Even though Georgia had assured me that she gets food and snacks while she’s out walking, I seriously doubted that she was eating enough. Also, I’d suspected that her food choices weren’t well balanced or healthy. Therefore, that day I decided that I would deliver meals to her as often as possible. Since I love to cook, it would be a joy for me to serve her in that way.
Jocelyn headed straight for the stuffed animals, as usual, and I went into the kitchen to prepare Georgia’s breakfast. Along with the muffins, I’d brought butter, honey, strawberry jelly, and peanut butter, trying to cover all the bases of what Georgia might like. She chose peanut butter. I poured her a glass of orange juice to go with it.
This particular visit was about a week before Christmas, so most of our conversation that day centered around what presents Isabelle and Jocelyn were hoping to find under the tree. Curious, I asked Georgia, “What do you want for Christmas?” Fully expecting her to say, “Nothing,” I was taken aback by her reply. “A nice family,” she said.
I was speechless. In her reply, I heard much more. Georgia had shared the deepest longing of her heart to me in those three words. What she was really saying was, “I’m lonely for close relationships. I need people in my life who accept me want to spend time with me. That’s the only thing I want.”
Our family isn’t merely doing a good deed by reaching out to Georgia. Nor are we simply demonstrating kindness in practical ways to an elderly woman. We are literally and figuratively wrapping our arms around this precious lady, embracing her with the love of Christ. By opening our hearts to Georgia and meeting her practical needs, we’re inviting her into our home, into our lives, and into our family.
The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast Release Party
Last weekend, I celebrated the publication of The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast with a book release party at our local Christian bookstore, CPO. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was so much fun! I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures.
This Tuesday, the book is officially released nationwide. My prayer is that The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast is a blessing to everyone who reads it. Thank you to everyone for your encouragement, prayers, and support throughout this whole journey. It has been an exciting ride, but I’m convinced the best is yet to come!
Happy to be signing many books!
With CPO owners, Bruce and Kim Erdel.
Meeting a new friend.
Samples from recipes in the book. Yum!
With my daughters, Jocelyn and Isabelle.
This is Josie, who was adopted from Haiti by a
couple in our church. Josie’s mother, wrote a testimony
in the book about how God brought Josie into
their lives as a result of the Daniel Fast.
Brown Rice Stir-fry With Orange Sauce
Brown Rice Stir-fry with Orange Sauce
I love stir-fry recipes, especially when I'm out of ideas on what to cook for dinner. Usually I have some brown rice already steamed and stored in the freezer, which makes putting together a stir-fry quick and easy. Even if you don't feel confident in the kitchen, you can make this recipe! Toss the vegetables in a little olive oil. Add the rice and seasonings, and you've got yourself a healthy, filling meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli, stems and florets or ½ 16-ounce bag cut broccoli, cooked
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos, Coconut Aminos, or soy sauce
- ¼ cup unsweetened orange juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- ¼ cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and add broccoli, carrots, and onions. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to medium high. Add Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, orange juice, garlic, ginger root, brown rice, walnuts, and green onions. Cook another 5 minutes or until heated through, and serve.
- Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 ¼ cups)
Notes
- Use a cheese grater for the ginger root.
- Add 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained.
- Bragg’s Liquid Aminos is an alternative to soy sauce that has no added salt or preservatives. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos is a Certified NON-GMO (not genetically modified) liquid protein concentrate, derived from healthy soybeans, that contains 16 essential and non-essential amino acids.
- Coconut Aminos is another soy sauce alternative (the kind I prefer, although I used Bragg's for years).
My Story
Our church held a corporate Daniel Fast in September 2009 in preparation for the launch of our second campus. I started a blog on day one of the fast, thinking it would just be fun to write about what God showed me. I never planned for it to be anything more than a journal. While cooking Marinated Zucchini for dinner that night, I thought, “This would be a great recipe for people at James River who are doing the Daniel Fast.”I began posting recipes and devotions daily. Before I knew it, not only people from our church were benefitting from the blog but also people all across the United States and around the world. It was an amazing, humbling realization of Ephesians 3:20, which says:
“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” – The Message
The Lord definitely showed me that He can do anything. This blog, the book…both are indeed far more than my mind could ever have even conceived. Throughout this whole journey, God has led me every step of the way.
Well, that’s the short and sweet version of how the blog began. I’m still in awe that God has allowed me to be a part of something so creative and unique. He has taken two things that I love to do – cook and write – and combined them into one unbelievable blessing! Of course, there is much more to the story, but you’ll have to buy my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, to find out the rest! 🙂