Bakin’ me some oatmeal {And other Step 1 details}

In my last post, I shared three steps that the Lord has laid on my heart for the new year, specifically for the new passionate pursuit of Him, of life, and of others. While Steps 2 and 3 both involve relationship building with both the Lord and the people He has put in my life, Step 1 specifically dictates a period of time where I embrace a partial fast in order to focus on renewing my spiritual and physical body. I couldn’t be more excited. This has been a long time in coming…

A time for putting off the old and running wholeheartedly toward the new.
A time for denying my own desires in order to seek Christ for His. 
A time for interceding for my family and friends. 
A time of refreshment. 

Isaiah 58:6-9 couldn’t be more clear: “This is the kind of fast day I’m [God] after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’”

I’m entering into this fast without a set agenda. Do I have prayers that I would like answered? Yes. Do I have family and friends that need miracles? Most assuredly. Am I looking forward to the physical detox and benefits from the healthy diet ahead? That was my original reason for pursuing the Daniel Fast.

Yet, I deny myself for one simple reason. To know my God and to understand His heart.

I invite you once again to join me. After my last post, the response was both heartening and confirming. This is what I’m supposed to be doing. This what we are supposed to be doing. Becoming passionate believers again. It’s not too late to take the plunge.

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With my fast’s start date quickly approaching (scheduled for after my birthday weekend), a bit more preparation today went into the logistics of this fast. The food. I’m reading a wonderful book by Kristen Feola called The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. Not only is there a sound biblical foundation provided for the concept of fasting, but also there is additionally a 21-day devotional to accompany the fast and a bevy of appropriate recipes and meal plans. The follow recipe, “Baked Oatmeal,” is one of the many breakfast options provided. 

Mix together 1 1/2 cups of oats, 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, 1/2 cup of applesauce, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped apricots, 1/4 cup raisins, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans. 

Spread the mixture into a lightly-oiled 8×8 pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until the top is brown and slightly crispy. As I am waiting until Tuesday to begin the Daniel Fast (and planning on enjoying both Starbucks and fine dining with David tomorrow for my 25th birthday), I’ve covered the dish in Saran Wrap and stored it in the fridge until Monday night.

Feeling productive, I also whipped up a batch of homemade hummus for the week. Unfortunately, the recipe is not exact, but basically you blend two 14.5 oz cans of garbanzo beans (one drained, one not), 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp. fresh garlic, olive oil, and garlic salt to taste. My mom has been using this recipe since I was little and it is still my tried and true “go-to” for inexpensive, delicious hummus.