Hi Friends!
So, I’ve already gotten a jump start on my goals- One of the things I wanted to do was a Daniel fast the month of January. My family used to do it every year, but have not the past few years. I have found that when I’m where I need to be spiritually, most other areas of my life seem to fall more in line.
I think it’s very easy to get distracted with life, college, jobs, and everything else in the world. Sometimes we just lose sight of ourselves and I know I have in a lot of way. But, I want to change that! What are some things you feel like you need to change or areas you need to grow?
In addition to the spiritual aspect, fasting is a great way to find discipline when it comes to our food intake. I am not fasting to lose weight, but I know a weakness of mine is anything having to do with bread/pizza/pasta/fries/potatoes in some form. Just like Oprah, “I LOVE BREAD”. But, too much of anything is a bad thing. I want to see how my body reacts and changes during this fast and then after January see how I want to proceed.
If you are planning on trying a Daniel fast, I would suggest thinking and praying about what exactly you want to fast and to what extent. Some people are not able to do as strict of a fast due to health conditions, etc. I have decided to eat fruits, veggies, some dairy, and minimal meat (for example, egg whites for breakfast or chicken in a salad). I know that I need some meat in my diet due to the amount of weight lifting I do. So, I have modified, but the biggest struggle of all for me will be the lack of bread-y carbs and I won’t be having another cheat meal until February so believe me, your girl is sacrificing. (February 1st you can find me at Whataburger)
Here’s sort of a list of what I eat in a day if you are trying to visualize what this fasting would look like-
Another big thing I have started is my reading 2 books a month- I’m still working on finishing my two for January, but I wanted to share a few that I have already read because I think every person can gain something from these.
It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way
I read this book a few months after my engagement ended. Reading this book was probably the greatest thing I could have done for myself at the time. Lysa Terkeurst is one of my favorite authors, but I think this book is her greatest work simply because of just how real and vulnerable she is with her own life. It really helped me heal and if you’re going through a difficult time and you don’t understand why, you need to read this.
The Magnolia Story
Confession- I’ve read this more than once. I love Chip and Jo! I love their show and I watch a lot of HGTV because of my career (always looking for new ideas), but I have fallen in love with who they are as people. It is so cool to read their story and watch how they’ve build the empire they have. They are both incredibly hardworking, driven people. But, they are also an amazing team and I think that is probably the coolest thing about them.
The Sparkle Effect
My pageant girls! If you have not read this, you need to. Kristen Wolfe was a Miss North Carolina USA and then went on to become Miss USA. I read this book right before I competed at Miss Alabama USA for the first time and it really put me in a good head space for competition. However, even if you aren’t a pageant contestant or are no longer competing, there is so much in this book that any young woman needs to hear and be reminded of.
In summary- fasting and praying can be life changing. Reading books to give you a different perspective can be life changing. Take this month of January to set your mind and yourself straight for the rest of the new year. 2020 is going to be a great one!
Bailey Kennon 