December 23, 2024

Glorious Living w/ Coach Megan: Fasting

June 21, 2013 by

GL header

Dear Coach Megan,

For years I have been hearing a lot about fasting and I even know that you are in the middle of a seven month fast night now…but I am sad to say that I do not even know where to begin with doing a fast on my own. I feel like, as a Christian, I am supposed to know what to do and supposed to be fasting, but I need help knowing why we fast and how to actually partake in one. Can you help? Thank you! ~G

Oh, G! I am so happy you asked about fasting! Yes, it is certainly dear to my heart…especially being in the fourth month of a seven month fast.

“A fast creates margin for God to move…
and was commanded or initiated in the Bible
during one of six extreme circumstances.
Mourning, Inquiry, Repentance, Preparation, Crisis and/or Worship.“

~Jen Hatmaker

I think that one of the biggest challenges we have as humans with fasting is that we try so very hard to make the fast fit our comfort and lifestyle…but that is NOT what God calls us to do with fasting.

So, what does the Bible have to say about fasting?

This might surprise you, but Scripture does not command Christians to fast.  God does not require or demand it of Christians.  At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial.  The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23).  Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).  Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food.  Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and to ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God.

Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).  Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body.  Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God.  Fasting should not be considered a “dieting method” either. The purpose of a biblical fast is not to lose weight, but rather to gain deeper fellowship with God.  Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example).  However, everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God.

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ.  Fasting is not a way to get God to do what we want.  Fasting changes us, not God.  Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others.  Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.  Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Here are some tips for you as you consider fasting:

1. Plan Your Fast

The Bible has examples of one-day, three-day, seven-day and forty-day fasts (Judges 20:26; Esther 4:16; 1 Samuel 31:13 and Matthew 4 respectively).  You should enter your fast with prayer, and then pray for a specific plan for how long you will fast.

There are various types of fasts as well.  Some people fast with only water for short periods, while others maintain multi-week fasts with juice and broth maintaining a strict liquid diet.  Both are valid.  You simply need to decide what is right for your body and your purposes.

Part of planning your fast should be to educate yourself on different types of fasts and reasons to fast.  It is also important to know how to break your fast properly.  This becomes more critical the longer your fast lasts.

2. Consider Your Schedule

While a fast, by nature, is inconvenient, it should be an inconvenience to you—not to those around you.  You should not obligate your family to skip Christmas dinner because of your fast. This takes away the personal nature of fasting.

3. Tell Only the People You Must

Your spouse will need to know you are fasting. Beyond that, you would be better off not telling many people that you are fasting. Fasting can also become a source of pride and boasting as you spread the news to more and more people. Now, you might be thinking, “But Megan, you are blogging about your seven month fast almost everyday…”  Yes, I am… and I am doing that because God specifically told me to.  I didn’t want to blog it or tell people about it but God very clearly told me He needed me to.  I am being obedient as I am an example.

Telling your pastor can be a help both to you and to him. It will be an encouragement for him to pray more specifically for you during this time. And you will know that someone is praying for your spiritual and physical well-being.

4. Wean Yourself Off Caffeine and other Toxins

Several days before your fast begins, you should start weaning yourself off caffeine and other toxins you ingest. Some people experience unbearable headaches 2 to 3 days after ceasing to drink caffeinated products. During your fast you will already be acutely aware of your stomach. There is no need to add a second discomfort if it can be avoided.

5. Avoid Media

Disconnecting from TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet can help you stay focused on your purpose for fasting. You will be less tempted by the constant bombardment of advertising as you become physically and emotionally challenged. Avoiding media will give you more time to focus on the Lord and His Word.

6. Disconnect from people

Fasting is not necessarily a vacation, though dedicating time off and away from people during your fast can help you get the most benefit out of this precious time. Leave your email and cellphone behind. If possible, find someone who can cover your responsibilities at work and ministry. Many people fast and still carry on their normal daily activities. But if you can get away, it will give you more time in quietness and stillness with the Lord.

7. Beware of Your Emotions

Some people experience vast mood swings during a fast. One moment they are totally focused on God and the next they are wallowing in pity. Knowing that this is likely to happen will help you react properly. Learning to refocus on God and His goodness during this tough emotional time will help when your fast is over and you experience similar emotions.

8. Rest

Laziness is a problem that the Bible speaks against, but most of us today suffer from being too busy and not getting the rest we need. If you disconnect from the media and other people you will have extra time allowing you to get a full night’s sleep. During your fast you will be forced to slow down since you won’t be needing long meal breaks. A fast will reveal to you that you have too many activities and busyness in your day-to-day routine.

9. Stay Physically Active

You should take time to rest but this does not mean you should do nothing. Enjoy a walk in God’s creation. Outside of His Word, His creation is one of the best ways that God has revealed Himself to us.

10. Be Still and Focus on God

Fasting  is a time to study God’s Word, meditate and pray.  To help with this, plan a specific Bible passage or topic you want to study during your fast.  Look for verses you want to memorize and meditate upon.  Fasting by Jesus and the disciples was always accompanied by prayer.  Spend time talking to God and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you in His Word.

Fasting gives you God’s focus for your life. It is a major key to hearing God’s voice (the other is true worship – the two are related). We need focus from God more than anything as the world we live in is working overtime to distract us, to entice us, to win our hearts and minds, our focus, and to determine our vision. Fasting cuts out the world so we can tune into God. If we are obedient to God fasting will make us catalysts for revival and awakening.

I pray this is a blessing to you,

Coach Megan 🙂

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At Home with GCH – Perfect Soft Boiled Eggs

April 15, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH  blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month I am on a “7” month journey with a few friends AND my husband!  We are fasting from some of the excess in our lives, and endeavoring to establish better boundaries to help us keep God as the focus of our hearts.  It is a ‘mutiny against excess!’ Our journey has certainly come along with quite a variety of challenges…but not necessarily setbacks!

This month, our journey is focusing on dealing with excess in the category of food.  In keeping with the “7” theme, we are choosing seven (ONLY!) foods.  That comprises our menu choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  Total.  So here’s what Robert and I are keeping in our NON-excessive food list for 30 days (20 down…10 to go).  (Ready? it really is a short list.) Eggs, chicken, salad greens, grapes (me) and strawberries (him), potatoes, broccoli, -and- protein bars/smoothies.  Also, I am endeavoring to have everything that my husband and I eat be UNprocessed and made from fresh ingredients.

Needless to say, I am becoming very proficient in different methods of cooking eggs.  (Practice makes perfect, y’know!  If you made eggs virtually every day….)  But I have never prepared the PERFECT soft-boiled egg.  You know…firm, tender white with runny, yummy yolk.  I perused the Internet and found out that *Cook’s Illustrated and America’s Test Kitchen had set out to accomplish this task and communicate it to all of us.*  I am here to tell you that you, too, can perform this task in your own kitchen…here’s how!

Perfect Soft-Boiled Eggs

Be sure your eggs have no cracks and are straight out of the refrigerator. You can use this method for one to six large, extra-large, or jumbo eggs without changing the timing.

tools:
medium saucepan, with lid
tongs

ingredients: 
4 large- or extra large-size eggs
kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

frozen hash-brown patties

directions: 
Follow package directions for baking the desired number of hash-brown patties.

Bring 1/2 inch water to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Using the tongs, gently place eggs into the boiling water (eggs will NOT be submerged). Cover saucepan and cook eggs for 6+1/2 minutes ONLY. Remove saucepan from stovetop.

Bring saucepan to sink, remove lid and run cold water over eggs for 30 seconds to stop cooking. Remove eggs from saucepan and serve, liberally seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.  Perfect!

IMG_0211

God loves you!   ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥ coleen

______________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen, in regards to this blog, please email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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* Read all about it!  This is a link to the article from Cook’s Illustrated.  Very informative!   http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/article.asp?docid=41579

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

At Home with GCH – Protein Bites and Bars

April 8, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month, along with the next six months also, I am on a “7” journey with a few friends.  We are fasting from some of the excess in our lives, and endeavoring to establish better boundaries to help us keep God as the focus of our hearts.  We are, it has been said, having a ‘mutiny against excess!’ It has been very good but not without challenges!  But I think challenges and trials are a necessary part of the journey when you are making lifestyle changes.  If you would like to take a peek at what we have committed to do, please follow this link and visit my friend Megan’s website,  The Future

Also here is a link to Jen Hatmaker’s book we are reading on our journey:  7 Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

This month, we have begun the journey dealing with excess in the category of food.  (Say, WHAT?!?) Yes, yes…. So here’s what Robert and I are keeping in our NON-excessive food list for the next 18 days (ready? it is a short list): eggs, chicken, salad greens, grapes (me) and strawberries (him), potatoes, broccoli, -and- protein bars and smoothies.  Also, I am endeavoring to have everything* that my husband and I eat be UNprocessed and made from fresh ingredients.

A few of my friends are supporting their desire to keep to this discipline of  “7” by having protein shakes and bars as part of their foods.  ‘Wow,” I thought, “that is a great idea…why didn’t I think about that?!?”  So, I did think about it!  And found some incredible ideas out there!  The two recipes that follow are adaptations of what I found.

I think that these bites and bars are healthy and satisfying on so many levels!

IMG_0207

  • The bites are “raw;” so good for you.  The bars are only lightly baked.
  • They are loaded with protein.
  • They are chock full of nutritious dried fruits.
  • Use ‘better-for-you’ alternative sweetener.
  • Great chew factor – ok, maybe only important to me 😉
  • Easily adaptable to fit almost any eating style (vegan: substitute agave nectar for honey; gluten-free: substitute chia seeds–or just more flax–for wheat germ)

This recipe comes together almost more quickly than you can gather the ingredients!  Super simple, easy…and in the end…super healthy but oh-so-yummy!

Pistachio-Cranberry Energy Bites (makes 48 or so)2013-04-07 10.20.51

Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 1 packed cup) chopped dates
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon wheat germ
pinch of kosher salt
1+1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (dry, not cooked)
1 cup shelled pistachios
1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:
Combine the dates, honey, flax seeds, wheat germ and salt in a food processor, and pulse until smooth and combined. You should be able to stir the mixture—if it is too thick, add in another tablespoon or two of honey.

Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and add in the oats, pistachios, dried cranberries until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mixture has been refrigerated (so much easier to work with), use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the energy balls, and give a quick roll to them.  (Mine were about 1-inch in diameter.)  Occasionally, you should rinse your hands and dry them; then start rolling the mixture again.  Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Storing them in the refrigerator especially helps the bites keep their shape.)

Note: Instead you can line a small baking pan with parchment paper, and press the mixture evenly into the pan, let it cool, and then cut into bars.

  * ————————————- *

Now, these bars are of a totally different consistency…more like a cereal bar.  Very filling, tasty and delicious!

Breakfast Protein Bars (Paleo-friendly)2013-04-07 11.54.51

Ingredients:
1 cup blanched almond flour**
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.  In a food processor combine almond flour and salt.  Pulse in coconut oil, honey, water, and almond extract.  Pulse in coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and raisins.
Press dough into a 8x8inch baking dish, (your hands should be slightly damp to pat dough down.)  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool.  Cut into 16 pieces.

NOTES: *The only “processed” thing that I am including in anything that I am preparing is protein powder for our bars and smoothies.

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

______________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen, in regards to this blog, please email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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