The Life of Daniel

What does a wife do when her husband tells her that he has decided to do a 21-day Daniel Fast? Well, she gets creative and calls on the advice of good friends, that's what she does. Eric and I have been fasting sweets for the past 38 days now. That has been discipline enough. And yes, I have 3 pounds to go until I hit pre-pregnancy weight (can I get a Hallelujah?) Easter Sunday will be a grand day as our sweet tooth(s) can finally be satisfied. But along with that Eric felt led, in addition, to fast meats, breads, coffee, and all animal products including eggs, milk, cheese, etc. He is eating lots of fruits and vegetables. I am astonished at all the junk we feed our bodies without thinking about it. I've done a lot of research and we are following a book as well. It's been very eye-opening as I find myself perusing down aisles at the grocery store and wondering, "What's in this stuff? Quinoa, matzo, lentils?" Daniel led a fasted lifestyle and for this reason God shared things with him that He could not with other men. Eric is seeking deeper intimacy with the One who created him and I believe he will reap what he is sowing.

This Mennonite girl is not used to cooking like this! And yes, I am nursing Isaac so I need to add meat to the dishes I'm creating as well as other things. For a woman who does not enjoy being in the kitchen, I've made it my home for the past several weeks and feel quite educated if I might say so. It definitely takes a lot more effort on my end. I've tried homemade veggie burgers, honey baked lentils, sweet potato/veggie soup, meatless chili and tonight on the menu is tomato pumpkin soup. My friend, Dori gave me this one and it involves the blender. When I was finished, it looked like my three-year old, Malakai was running the on/off button, but indeed he is upstairs snoring in his bed. As the piping hot soup blew up all over the counter, floor, and myself I decided to just laugh about it. So I did. For quite awhile. Out loud. I decided I should grab my camera to document the mess since everyone who knows me well thinks I don't make them and my house is always in tact. Not today, girls...not today!





If you are up for something new for your tastebuds, give this recipe a try:

Tomato Pumpkin Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1.5 cups of canned or pureed pumpkin (I subbed in sweet potato)
1 quart canned tomatoes
2 cups of water (or broth)
1 tsp sugar (unless fasting sweets)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
black pepper to taste
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt (garnish)
2 Tbsp chopped parsley (garnish)

Heat oil. Add veggies and sautee for 10 minutes or until softened. Add pumpkin, tomatoes, water. Bring to boil. Lower heat and cook covered for 10-15 more minutes. Remove half of the soup and transfer to blender (this is where it gets messy) Puree until smooth. Do the same to other half. Pour back into pot and reheat for five minutes.