The Book Nook: The Daniel Fast

  {The Book Nook}

Yes, I love books and I'd like to share what I think about what I've read...

The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory

"Feed your soul, strengthen your spirit, and renew your body".

Before I received this {complimentary} book from the Tyndale House Publishers I had no previous intentions in participating in the Daniel fast...I'll skip to the chase and let you know that I have my calendar marked "fast begins" right under January 1 of the New Year.

Susan Gregory not only enthusiastically convinced me that this would be a fantastic idea for me to engage in, but she also guided me step by step on how to prepare for the fast. 

This is really important because most of us don't know how to fast and some of us don't know that fasting is not all about food. Susan adds that the definition of a biblical fast is "to restrict food for a spiritual purpose". In addition to changing eating habits or restricting food, fasting has to have a spiritual face, otherwise it's just a diet.

Susan has also shed light on the aspects of fasting that most of us are not familiar with and she has spent a lot of time giving facts and quoting scripture.

She tells Daniel's story and explains which certain foods are restricted and why.

I also love the easy-to-follow biology lessons that she throws in there just to remind us of what our bodies are doing and why.

From my previous experiences with fasting I know firsthand that it's not easy to complete a fast, but Susan Gregory has written this book to ensure a successful Daniel Fast {surmising you follow her instruction}.

She gives you ample resources and suggestions on how to fully prepare yourself mentally and physically. 

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"...and with Susan Gregory's help, I'll be partaking in the Daniel Fast and am eager to experience a renewal in the spirit of my mind. 

I highly recommend getting the the extended version-copy of this book which includes a 21 day Daniel fast devotional. 

You can also find Susan Gregory's blog here

Happy fasting!

The Book Nook: Thank You Sarah!

{The Book Nook}

Yes, I love books and I'd like to share what I think about what I've read...

 "Thank You Sarah", by Laurie Halse Anderson.    
 

I feel as though this is a very appropriate Thanksgiving post...a true story that perhaps many of you have never heard {I hadn't until my seven year old told me about it} 

This is a great book!

Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care! 

Not until Sarah Hale, came along and demanded that we have our turkey and eat it too! 

She wrote letters to every president spanning a 30 year period to persuade him to make it a national holiday, but nobody budged...not  until honest Abraham Lincoln received one {or maybe a few} of Sarah's letters in 1863. That's when Thanksgiving became the important event it is today. 

In the book the cartoonish illustrations are well-done, and they use warm hues that are reminiscent of the warmth associated with Thanksgiving. 

Sara Hale, the "super hero" and her secret weapon "the pen" are responsible for saving Thanksgiving...so let it be known! 

Thank You Sarah!