Fasting - The Purpose (Day 4)

So by now we are clear on what fasting is, how it works, the benefits of fasting and just about how long we should commit to it.  Now let's get into the PURPOSE of fasting.  Like I've stated in previous posts we can fast as part of a diet or for spiritual reasons.  A good friend once said that without prayer, you're merely on a diet anyway.  If your sole purpose of fasting is to lose weight then may be only focused on what you don't eat and you're missing out on the revelation that awaits you when you implement prayer. 

However, if you are fasting to lose weight the purpose is simple - to lose weight?  With losing weight you will gain a lot more energy and cut out any health issues that may have arisen due to bad eating habits. 

For the Spiritual fast, ideally, we should spend most of the waking part of a fast period praying, studying and reflecting. The Bible has a great deal to say about both fasting and praying, including commands to fast and pray. The Bible also gives us examples of people who fasted and prayed, using different types of fasts for different reasons, all of which are very positive results. Jesus fasted and prayed. Jesus' disciples fasted and prayed after the Resurrection. Many of the Old Testament heroes and heroines of the faith fasted and prayed. The followers of John the Baptist fasted and prayed.  Many people in the early church fasted and prayed. What the Scriptures have taught us directly and by the examples of the saints is surely something we are to do.

In the society we live in, it's hard to comprehend that fasting is unpopular. People tend to think that every day they need three large meals plus snacks. In a culture of continual feasting, it seems there is no place for fasting! From that standpoint alone, fasting is good for character building—developing self-discipline, commitment, moderation and better eating habits.

"If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray.........." 

Wednesday's Consumption
Breakfast - Banana and Mixed Berries Smoothie
Lunch - Mixed Greens Salad
Dinner - Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

WEDnesday Love!! "The Ring"

Would you set a date without a ring?  Did you know that most engagements take place between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day?   With Valentine's Day being in two weeks, this post is dedicated to all of those that are considering popping the big question.  I hope the BLING below encourages you. 

www.michaelcfina.com

Hearts Of Fire by Michael C. Fina

Knox Jewelers

"Live Life With NO Regrets"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fasting - How Long? (Day 3)

Three Day Fast? One Day Fast? Twenty-One Day Fast?  Whenever I begin a fast my goal is............the goal.  However many days that goal is; THAT is what I set out to do.  Isn't that wonderful?!  Now, let me be truthful with you.  In years past, the first day of the fast was wonderful but by day two and three it felt like punishment. 

Know that there is not a set length that makes a Spiritual fast acceptable.  However, there are some general tips that may help you decide on a duration that will work well for you.

In Bible times, fasts were generally one day in length. Judges 20:26 says, "Then all the sons of Israel and all the people went up and came to Bethel and wept; thus they remained there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening. And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD."

Occasionally, fasts in Bible times were three days (Esther 4:16) or even seven days (1 Samuel 31:13). And on three occasions, fasts lasted 40 days: Moses receiving the 10 Commandments (Exodus 34:28), Elijah encountering God (1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4). Since these were unusual circumstances, it is normally not recommended for a person to fast for 40 days without medical supervision.

If you are limiting your liquid intake to water, it is important not to fast for more than 1 or 2 days without medical supervision. If you will be drinking juice and water, a longer duration may be considered and most importantly, if this is your first time fasting; it is wise to start with a shorter period of time and work up to fasting for longer durations.

Whatever the time frame you decide, stay the course. It may be difficult in the beginning but the road gets smoother as the days go by and you focus on the purpose.

What is the PURPOSE? We'll hit that on tomorrow..  Until then, "Live Life With No Regrets"

Day 3 Consumption
Breakfast: Grapefruit, Orange, Mango, Celery, Apple JUICE
Lunch:  Grapefruit, Orange, Carot, Cucumber, Apple JUICE
Dinner: Mixed Green Salad with Roasted Chicken


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fasting - How it Works (Day 2)

Day 1 was all about the benefits of fasting and writing down your thoughts in a custom "Your Journey's Journal" by Designs by Shay.  Today we'll go more into what fasting entails and one fast in particular.  How many of you fast for either spiritual or dietary purposes?  I'd love to hear your stories. 

What is Fasting?
Fasting, the act of willingly abstaining from all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.  Though it may not be the most practical -- or safest -- diet, some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or to cleanse the body of toxins, although some experts say our bodies are perfectly equipped with organs that already do the job. Most religions use periods of fasting as a means of demonstrating faith and an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
 

What is The Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is the most "popular" fast used by many of faith and is a biblically based partial fast.  In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast: (1) Only fruits and vegetables (2) Only water as a beverage.  Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline: (3) No sweeteners and no breads.

You may be saying, "OK, no meat, only water, no sugar; but why no bread?"  Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast. So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.

When my daughter asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I simply stated "it is a vegan diet with even more restrictions."

DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT a doctor. Fasting should never bring harm to the body. And if you have concerns, be sure to consult your health professional before going on the Daniel Fast.  Although the Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat I suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, I just recovered from the Norovirus and am taking antibiotics so I fast until 6pm and eat only chicken and fish. (if any meat at all)   My daughter and niece are athletes (cheerleading) so their eating plan is slightly altered as well

WHAT I HAD ON THIS DAY~
Breakfast - Mango, Orange, Grapefruit, Carrot, Celery JUICED juice
Lunch - Oats, Flax Seed, Banana, Raspberry, Blueberry SMOOTHED smoothie
Dinner - Corn and Potatoes
Late Night Snack- Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries..... yummmmmdelish!

~Live Life With NO Regrets
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

The Benefits of Fasting...

A few years ago I created a custom handmade journal entitled From the Heart ~"Your Journey's Journal" to help me with my personal struggle when it came to fasting.   

In the journal, which is 8x8 wire bound and made to order, can be kept in your nightstand and even travel with you as you are out and about.  It's amazing the clarity you get when your body is consumed with processed foods.  In the journal I give scripture references and tips to aid in the struggle that I know I'm not alone in.

On Sunday, January 27, 2013 we started a fast at church.  Knowing if properly implemented, fasting is a good practice, this year I introduced my 13 year old daughter to it as well.  Not only does it teach discipline, it also promotes elimination of toxins from the body, healthy eating habits and boosts immunity. Here are top 10 health benefits you ca derive from fasting.

Fasting has many benefits, here are a few of my favorites.

1. The first response of the body to fasting is break down of glucose. When the store of glucose is exhausted, ketosis begins. This is break down of fats to release energy. The fats stored in kidney and muscles are broken down to release energy.
2. Fasting promotes rapid weight loss. It reduces the store of fats in the body. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.
3. It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits. This is one way fasting promote healthy lifestyle.

References
Seliger, S. & Haines, C.D. (2012) 'Is Fasting Healthy?' Accessed from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is_fasting_healthy

Panjwani, M. (2009) '11 Health Benefits of Fasting', Accessed from http://mushpanjwani.com/2009/08/23/11-health-benefits-of-fasting/

 

Enjoy this Vegetarian Chili (from the journal) that my family LOVED!!  Interested in your own custom Journal for Fasting?  Email me at designsbyshayp@gmail.com and put YOUR JOURNEY'S JOURNAL in the subject line.

 

"Life Life With No Regrets"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

I am NOT my hair.. or am I?

When I was about 25 my moms friend Mrs. Dobbins whom we hadn't seen in years stopped by for a friendly visit.  I've always known her to be clean and fly and this particular day was no different except she was rocking a close salt and pepper cut with no relaxer!  Stop the press...she looked amazing!  Coming from a family with thick tresses, and having done some modeling, a press then a perm was the natural progression for the girls in our family.  At 25 you can about imagine I was right in the middle of the perm phase but quickly decided when I grew up I was going to also be "natural"

Throughout the years I've worn my hair long, black and straight.  Then I got brave during the Halle era and cut it super short.  Having a fantastic hairdresser, I worn a twist out long before I knew it was a twist out.  The hair on my head is durable meaning I could perm it and color it wit no consequences other than..... straight,colored hair.  Then in 2005 my first born was coming out of high school and I realized "I'm grown and enough of this mess" so I got my hair twisted and when it was time to take them out, I opted to cut them out!  I reminded myself that the only thing to it is to do it; put a scarf on my head, went the barber shop and said "fix it".

Since the "big chop" I've worn various styles; both short and long; dark and even blond.  My preference is short because to me it's my best look and I still don't like combing my hair.  "How do you keep your hair looking so nice?"  I wash it on occasion and condition it like it means something to me.  Nothing gets my goat more than hearing people say "A woman's hair is her glory".  Does that only means relaxed long hair? Absolutely NOT..

Ladies, you are NOT your hair but the way you manage your hair is a reflection of YOU...

What did I do? 
I do NOT wash my hair every day.

Daily usage: Coconut Oil and one of these (Cantu Strengthener which prevents breakage before it starts by penetrating and moisturizing hair from the roots to the tips, Carols Daughter, Miss Jessie's, Jamaican Mango & Lime which smells yummy)

Weekly or whenever I think about it it: Wash with Creme of Nature and/or Mane 'N Tail.   Then condition with Real Mayo, Aphogee and Knot Today by Kinky Curly... Then do a hot oil treatment with Doo Gro, Coconut Oil and Mango Butter.  Delish right?  I couldn't agree more!

Styling?
I do NOT comb my hair ever day but sometimes I'll do a two strand twist if I'm bored.  Otherwise it's "this is who I am..." there you have it :)

~Live Life With No Regrets
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog  "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~  Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..."  You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Holiday Weddings - Rude? or Considerate?

This coming Monday, we not only have Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but also the Inauguration of President Obama.  Considered a holiday weekend, some offices are closed and that gives you an extra day to get away.  But somebody somewhere is getting married this weekend, which means you may be wedding-bound instead of DC or couch bum bound. 

My question is, do you think it's rude to plan a wedding on weekends that friends and family normally have vacation plans? One that might also trigger higher airfare or hotel costs?

Or do you think by having it on a weekend where they don't have to burn a vacation day is considerate? 

Etiquette says host an event where you choose any date and time, and that guests may decline. So if you choose a holiday weekend, you aren't rude. But you're risking a low turnout.

What are your thoughts on hosting a holiday weekend wedding or event?


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

WEDnesday Love: January ~ COLOR Me Red!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! This first WEDnesday of the month is dedicated to the color RED.  Although February is the month of love and usually tied to red roses, haute red shoes and more; RED is actually the birthstone of January.

Vivier Red

Jimmy Choo Red & Gold

GARNETS are the modern birthstone for January. They are the Zodiac birthstones for Aquarius, and an alternate for Capricorn. Garnets are given on the 2nd and 6th anniversary. Garnets are associated with strength, prosperity, and health.

Here are some really cool color finds ~ Enjoy

 

 

NOTE:  Although most garnets are red in color, leading many to believe that all are when in fact a few varieties, such as grossular, can have a wide range of colors, and uvarovite is always a bright green.

photo credits: www.weddingcircles.com, www.1-derful-red.tumblr.com, Weddingwire.com photo gallery

~Until Later
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.