Friday, October 27, 2017

Life Outside of God’s Garden

This week I’ve been gathering the last of the summer’s garden harvest in veggies.  A few more tomatoes and peppers ... a bit small, but still so good!

The remaining flowers are trying to make a last grand stand before returning to seed with a few buds still waiting to bloom. Not like this full bouquet of beauty that my neighbor's provided for our viewing pleasure this summer.   

As we worked in the yard I found myself longing for Eden and how we wouldn’t have to “put the garden to bed” so to speak.  When I rambled on to my husband about all that needed to be done this weekend he simply said, “Honey, that’s called living.” 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.

International –  Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; Willemstad, CuraƧao;
Tring & Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom; Trbovlje, Central Sava Statistical Region, Slovenia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Orillia, ON, Canada; New Delhi, Delhi, India; Kathmandu, Bagmati Zone, Nepal; Bijlmer, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. 

USA Canal Winchester & Lima & Fairborn, OH; Albuquerque, NM; Hicksville & Oneida, NY; Oklahoma City, Poteau & Spiro, OK; Woodburn, OR; Ives Estates, FL; Habersham, GA; Sudbury, MA; Russell, VA; Modesto & Perris, CA; Lake Jackson & Old River-Winfree, TX; West Plains, MO; Adena, OH; Glenolden & New Cumberland, PA. 

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Relationships. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

Putting the Garden to Bed 

There’s no getting around fall clean-up, fix-up and preparation for the winter season.  Normally we’re much farther ahead, but with the unusually warm temperatures things just got put on the back burner.   

Well, there are no back burners left and things couldn’t wait any longer.  A few hours turned into entire days of trying to play catch-up before the cold nights came.   

Our garden flowers and plants grew so large that they won’t be able to winter over in our shed.  It will take work and time, but I need to downsize them by repotting some and cutting the roots.  Plus it gives me an opportunity to try experimenting with new plants this season. 

Having to get the plants transferred seems strange this year, especially since the leaves on the trees haven’t fully changed yet.  Even though the yard will go dormant for a few months, my shed will be bursting with greenery and hopefully a few out of season flowers for Christmas such as geraniums. 

The Favor of Fall 

Sometimes daily schedules need to be interrupted to allow for “life” to happen.  Failing to recognize that it’s okay to let the schedule change can cause stress to emerge, which left unchecked could easily turn into squabbles. 

If we forget about how important our relationships are while “changes” happen we’re bound to miss out on the favor that comes with the seasons in nature and our lives.  I don’t want to let that happen do you? 

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV) 

Game Changer 

I guess you can tell by now that this isn’t a regular post, but that’s fine.  Those who follow Daily Favor on a regular basis know that I mostly write about the things that happen in my life and the Lord.  Sometimes that requires me changing things around, and that’s what I had to do which led to spending less time writing this week. 

Like most people, I find that moving one thing to another time or adding more into a schedule can overwhelm me if I let it.   This is when I rely on my relationship with the Lord to help me in my decision making which He did. 

For whoever finds me finds life,, and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:35 NKJV) 

Since I’m not able to be in two places at once, right now I’m out taking care of things in life, which oddly just happens to be playing board games.   Yep, I’m actually nurturing my relationship with hubby and this one is kind of fun. 

For months my husband has been asking me to go with him to Game Day at the Cardio Rehabilitation Clinic.  Once a month after the workout, a group assembles for relaxation, fun and time to talk about their new life as a heart patient.  It’s a good way to get to know one another and share the gospel message of Jesus. 

Playing games isn’t something that hubby likes to do; it’s kind of hard as an only child to get excited about them.  Me … well games were our large family’s way of entertainment.  I have no problem playing them alone with him as a silent partner.  It’s funny, he wins a lot even though I’m playing both parts.  No … I don’t get up and move to another chair … I turn the board! 

My husband is pleased that I’ll be joining him this time, and it’s a change I welcome.  I’m excited at the potential of forming new relationships.  Besides what kind of an example would I be if I didn't practice what I teach in being the help mate God intended a wife to be for her husband?

Sharing Life Challenge:  

Fall is my husband’s favorite season and he looks forward to all the blessings the cooler weather brings.  It’s a great time for us to be outdoors sharing stories of how God has blessed our labor with abundance and favor during the growing season(s).
 
Spending time doing the things my husband likes shows that I care about his interests and what is important to him.  Chores may be a part of what we need to do sometimes, but doing them together brings us closer to one another and lightens the task load allowing more time for the things we both love.
 
Sometimes a change in pace, activity or scenery is a good thing and we need to look at the positive side of what God allows into our lives. As we prepare to “fall back” in time, don’t overlook the favor that comes in every change God allows into your life. 

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV) 

One day when we return to Life in God’s Garden all the toil and preparation will be a thing of the past, but until then we are to tend to His earth as instructed from the beginning. 

Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it." (Genesis 2:15 NKJV) 

A few of the things on our agenda  this week include preparing the garden for cold weather, covering the air conditioners, winterizing the porch, and even though we don’t celebrate Halloween others do so that means making sure the front walkway and yard is clean of any debris. 

Share with us what kinds of things you do to prepare for winter during the fall months?  How do these activities help to grow the relationships in your life? 

P.S. Daylight Savings USA time change for 2017 is November 5th.  Set your clock back one hour. 



Every Season by Nichole Nordeman
 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, God’s favor is “falling” around us! 

“Look for My favor in every change.”
Jesus Christ
 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the link to learn more.

Guide to protecting plants, seasons, projects, garden task lists outline each season's jobs, from sowing and planting to pruning and harvesting. 

As always, all proceeds from this site go to Christian charity.
Follow Favored1 on Facebook, TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles. 

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on salvation and becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted. 
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
 
Life in Gods Garden, Favor of God, Daily Favor Relationships, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Garden of Eden, Hubby Update, Fall, Monopoly Game, Genesis., The Gardener's Year.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Life in God’s Garden: Part 5

“When a man loves a woman,
he’ll give up all his comforts,
and sleep out in the rain if she said that’s the way it ought to be.”   

These lyrics have been sung by a dozen recording artists, but I doubt Percy Sledge originally sang about the relationship of Adam and Eve when he penned those words do you?  Yet, it can be argued that a man will do anything and is practically blinded to the ways of a woman when it comes to true love.  Are you among those “believer’s”? 

For a brief moment let’s step back in time to the beginning where the first romance was formed between a man and a woman.  Just what was it about this new being Adam called “woman” that changed the entirety of what the world would come to know as “head over heels in love?” 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

International – Cagayan de Oro, Northern Mindanao & DasmariƱas, Calabarzon, Philippines; Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; Newcastle West, NSW, Australia; Niagara Falls, ON & Toronto, ON, Canada; Bergamo, Lombardia & Fiorano Canavese, Piedmont, Italy; Haradh, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia; Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; SalĆ©, Rabat-SalĆ©-Zemmour-Zaer, Morocco. 

USA Shreveport, LA; Philadelphia, New Castle & Punxsutawney, PA; Jackson & Kalkaska, MI; Laurel & Mascagoula, MS; Albemarle, Charlotte & Greensboro, NC; Bowman, Buxton & Mandan, ND; Elkton, MD; Pinon & Whiteriver, AZ; Rome & New York, NY; Omaha, NE; Pearl City, HI; Scandia, MN; Independence, Sunrise Beach & Warrensburg, MO; Beckett, Franklinville & Woodbury Heights, NJ; Albuquerque, NM.

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Relationships. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.  

In the Beginning 

The beginning of my own romance didn’t start in a garden, but it did have a sweet aroma so to speak .. that is, it was innocent, flowers were involved, however it was anything but love. 

Well, that is on my part.  Hubby’s version of what actually took place at the start of our relationship tells a different story. 
 
When Boy Meets Girl      

It was around May of our 9th grade school year and it took all the staff could do to reign in these radicals from surrounding districts.  Before our class came along the 9th – 12th graders were in the same school, but that changed when it came to the over one thousand “free spirited” freshmen who would roam the halls.   

Our class was so large that we had to be housed in one place all by ourselves!  On behalf of the teacher, I can attest that they had their work cut out for them with us. 

The last period of the day was homeroom where students were assigned to rooms according to their last names alphabetically.  During that time I asked the teacher if I could go to my locker which was located just outside the classroom. 

Gathering my books and who knows what else from that cramped locker, I heard a door open from the classroom across the hallway from mine.  Without thinking much of it I glanced back to see who it was, when out walked the most gorgeous vision in human form that I have ever seen! 

Her long flowing hair moved side to side as she walked, and her petite build was eye catching to say the least.  I didn’t even notice what she was wearing that day because my mind screamed out, “What a head” … her wonderful features were positioned exquisitely on a perfectly shaped head and she was coming closer and closer to me! 

Kind of weird, huh … I know, but true.  Her face … what a face!  Did I tell her?  Absolutely not. That would be strange!

She seemed focused and intentional in what she was doing, really outgoing and friendly without overdoing it.  Walking up to my locker she started a conversation.  From that point on I totally forgot why I went to my locker in the first place, and had absolutely no idea why she was out of her homeroom anyway. 

“Hi, my name is Fay.  I recognize you from church.  You come with the Hooper family sometimes, don’t you?  Is Davis your cousin?  What is your name?”   

It was Fay who did all the talking, but I was the one out of breath!  Practically swallowing my tongue I could barely open my mouth to speak.  Timidly I finally managed to blurt out my name and explained the relationship between the Hooper’s and my family.  
 
“You should come to church more often; we have a great youth group.”  

That was it … she smiled, turned around and disappeared out of sight only to leave my heart melting in my shoes.  Little did she know from that moment on I planned on being at that church every time the doors were open for anything!  Right then I knew this was the girl I wanted to marry. The problem was convincing her!

Capturing a Social Butterfly

I learned more and more about Fay, the beautiful social butterfly who made tons of friends from traveling with her singing family.  Just like her mother, she could talk to anyone and made them feel comfortable in the conversation. 

After that initial hallway meeting we saw each other in church more than at school, and as we moved on throughout high school our friendship grew to the point of us becoming best friends.  I was able to overcome my shyness with her, but it would take a long time to make a move forward in the relationship I desired to have with Fay.   

Capturing this delicate butterfly wouldn’t be easy.  Competition was something I hadn’t added into the equation, but realized if I didn’t say anything she’d be listening to someone else who could fill her lovely head with lies. 

In December of our sophomore year the church youth group was planning a semi-formal banquet for the week between Christmas and the New Year.  It was at a Sunday night hymn sing that Davis asked me,  

“Who are you going to ask to the banquet?” 

I told him that I would like to ask Fay but was still kind of shy about the whole thing.
 
“I’ll ask her for you”, he said and before I could stop him he jumped up and was over talking to her.  
 
I was a nervous mess waiting for my friend to come back, but didn’t expect Fay to be with him.  Without hesitation she happily gave me my answer. 

“I’ll go with you as long as Robbie (her boyfriend at the time) doesn’t want to go.”  

Nothing like a definite “maybe” to be a real confidence builder for a young man’s ego!  For the next year and a half I was the greatest beggar at the Throne, praying she’d dump every guy that asked her out or had anything to do with her. 

Back then I didn’t understand the favor of God, but gradually my little butterfly started fluttering her way toward the garden  of roses I began sending her.  God heard this teen’s prayers and Fay did wind up going with me to the “social” that Christmas. 

Loving Anyway 

As the next few years unfolded, our friendship turned into dating, followed with the romance of going steady (exclusive).  I fell in love with Fay from the first time we actually met in the hallway at school.  For her … not so much, but she got there, eventually – February 14th of our senior year to be exact when we had our first kiss.   

Through a lot of prayer, patience and listening to my friend (Fay) when she needed a shoulder, I learned to walk in love as Christ tells us before she gave me a second look.
 
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV) 

Our relationship developed not because of who I was, but out of who I needed to be for Fay.  It may have been purely selfish on my part at that time, but God was there from the beginning giving me hope when things didn’t look promising.   

Just like Adam, God put Fay before my eyes.  Thankfully there was no surgery involved and I got to keep all my ribs. It’s kind of funny that she’s never eaten a rib in her life! 

He showed me how to let the butterfly spirit in her fly free and be what He created her to be for Him.  I love the Lord and practically everyone knows my love for animals, but Fay is truly the companion and helper God created her to be in establishing a daily favored relationship.

Life in God’s Garden still goes on for those who seek the Lord and want to grow in relationship with Him.  He will lead you to the person, place or thing that brings Him glory and draws others to Jesus. 

The Blessings of Relationship Continues 


Last week I (Fay) began to talk about the blessing concerning relationships.  Let’s briefly review the first part of blessing nine of Life in God’s Garden and continue on from there. 


Ninth Blessing – God blessed mankind with relationships, with Himself, animals and one another.  No matter how you look at it, we were not supposed to be without companionships throughout our entire life. 

We broke it down into these three sections. 

First God created the relationships He wanted. 

“For by Him (GOD) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16 ESV) 

The Creator of all things wanted relationships in which He could enjoy. It has always been His plan to give Daily Favor to His creation whether it is a human or animal.  

Second God created animals for mankind. 

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’  Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air…” Genesis 2:18-19 NKJV) 

The relationship of animals with mankind wasn’t the same as it is now (after the fall of man because of sin).  Life in God’s garden had different responsibilities than what we deal with in this age.

Jehovah wanted this relationship to be so great that He favored man entrusting him with the privilege of knowing and naming the animals.  God brought and presented them as individual creations.  

“… and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:19b – 20 NKJV) 

Adam would recognize they were not like him, but had the ability to love and be loyal. 

This is where we pick up … 

We notice that everything God made was good, but all of a sudden something isn’t good … something isn’t quite right. 

“… and the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18 NKJV)  

What we learn is that there was a need for a companion that would be suitable for man.  The next thing Jehovah does is rather interesting. 

Instead of God creating another human He brings the animals to Adam to be named (verses 19-20).  This shows that the inadequacy of animals to form the type of relationship man would need for fulfillment and completion. 

Finally God does something wonderful for man that would be beyond what he could ask or think. He would provide a true fit, equal and companion for man. That takes us to the last part of the relational needs for humans. 

Third He created the female Adam – man. 

On the very day man was created God demonstrated that He favored the relationship of a male and female by joining them together.  Contrary to the lyricist I mentioned in the beginning of this post, God didn’t plan for man to give up all the comforts of a loving home, nor did He have to fend off the rain to please a woman … not while living in His Garden that is. 

“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman…” (Genesis 2:21-22a NKJV) 

Are you starting to think more and ask questions that never popped into your mind before this series?  I hope so. 

Adam was barely alive before he had to undergo surgery!  How much time did Adam have before there was his companion and helper Eve?  We know he spent a good part of the day alone with God, so was she made in the “eve” – ning?  After all, God is the one who identified mankind as Adam (man) and Eve.
“Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said: This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2: 22b-23 NKJV) 

When Adam woke from his deep sleep we know what he said, but what exactly was he thinking when his eyes first saw Eve’s “head” … (I couldn’t resist) okay … her face?  Was it love at first sight?  

Was this floating around in his head?

“I wonder what God was thinking when He created you?
When God made you He must have been thinking about me. 

He made the sun; He made the moon to harmonize in perfect tune.
One can’t do without the other; they just have to be together. 

And that is why I know it’s true, you’re for me and I’m for you.
‘Cuz my world just can’t be right without you in my life.”

 

Think on This Challenge:
Head or Heart Relationship 

When it comes to my husband, I tend not to agree that he was blinded to the ways of a woman when it came to love. However, his method of finding “true love” isn’t exactly what I’d call typical either in building a relationship, but it was a godly one that worked. 

In the beginning what hubby felt in his heart concerning love was only friendship in my head.  Time, patience and effort built the relationship into something deeper.  This week’s think on this challenge had me wondering if it was the same for Eve when it came to Life in God’s Garden.

Did the Eden couple fall head over heels in love with one another when their eyes first met?  What if it took Adam three years before he had the nerve to ask Eve out on a date like hubby did with me?  He had a good start to winning her heart with all the flowers at his disposal, and they didn’t cost him a week’s wages either. 

With my husband I didn’t have a clue about his feelings and thought we were just good friends.  The dating thing came as a complete surprise. 

What do you suppose happened when Adam first met Eve?  Was it love at first sight or did the relationship have to grow in favor?
 
How long did it take for Adam and Eve to fall in love … or did they?  Was it a head or a heart relationship?  After all, it was an arranged marriage. 

Wow, now that will keep you thinking!  Go ahead and talk that one over with your loved one! 

Just for the record:

Although I have come to favor my husband’s humorous side, I haven’t gotten past the “head” thing and even to this day he will put his hands on me proclaiming, “I love this head, because you came with it.” Strange! 
 

When God Made You by Newsong
If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.
 

Until next time, wake up to favor! 

“Trust Me; I’ll put favor before your eyes.”
Jesus Christ
 
*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the links. We have two selections.
 
When a Man Loves a Woman: Pursuing Her Heart by Pastor James Ford, Jr. 
 

Ten Skills Every Husband Must Develop to Love His Wife Well
By Darrin and Amie Patrick
 
As always, all proceeds from this site go to Christian charity.
Follow Favored1 on Facebook, TwitterYou Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on salvation and becoming a child of the Savior.
 
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Scripture references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.

When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge Wikipedia
Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  When a Man Loves a Woman  Brown HairTeenage Girl  Social Butterfly  Ephesians 5:12 Perfume Bottle  God Blessed Relationship  When God Created You

Marriage, Life in Gods Garden, Garden of Eden, In the Garden, Adam and Eve, Daily Favor Relationships, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Newsong, Hubby Update, Pastor James Ford, Jr.