The Daniel Plan

^7 "The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

⁸ But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. ⁹ Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel," 

Daniel 1:7-9

     Last month I read this incredible book:  "The Daniel Plan"  by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman.   When I first packed it I thought it would be a complex study over the Daniel Fast and where that came from.  Instead, I found out that it was based over Daniel and his choices and how we can make life changes that will give us a better quality of life with five basic aspects:  Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends.  They all work together and if we neglect one, then the other parts suffer.  Faith is putting God first and allowing Him to reveal things to you about yourself.  Food is the best medicine and if we eat well, then we will not need doctors as much as we seem to need them.  Fitness we have heard all our lives, but it necessary strength.  Focus is thinking about things and looking daily for the good in life.  Out mental status will affect how we handle things.  Friends is finding people to keep you accountable.  People who will speak truths to you in love.

      I downloaded the Daniel Plan app onto my phone.  Everyday, I basically journal in it on all five aspects.  It has really helped me search everyday all the little things that God is doing in my life.  This week was Carnival which means I got to do a deep clean of my house, rest, and only work two days.  In those two days, I was able to help with a couple of kids with their English which made me feel useful.  Then, yesterday the Denmark team came and performed for the kids.  They loved it!   It made me so happy to see them so excited.  Today, I am going to the burn unit at the hospital to see kids that have major burns from life in the campo.  Hopefully, I will be able lift their spirits. In the evening, I go to feed the homeless and carry one good conversation for my level of Spanish.  I am finding little joys everyday again.