Dealing with Life’s Distractions: Part 3

 Dealing with Life's Distractions: Part 3  

Read Part 1    Read Part 2

A Day in the life of ....

Distraction #3 - Errands and Scheduling Fix: Value the Moments

Part of the training I do with hubby includes helping him regain his freedom to do things safely, and that takes an enormous amount of time and patience that are not figured into normal vision plans.  For him, it falls in line with daily goal setting, which in turn becomes vision manifested in his healing and liberty to do things on his own. 

Although his goals and vision are part of my daily life, they are not always part of my personal vision or goals for me specifically and vice versa.  I need to work both into the schedule and that is not always easy, which often brings in more distractions (from the vision or life goals).

I'm often asked, "How are you doing everything you're doing without getting overwhelmed?"  Who said I do not feel overwhelmed?  There are times when in tears I reach a breaking point like everyone else, and when I feel that happening, I run to God and ASK for Him to intercede with strength, favor, and wisdom for that moment.

I may need to do it over and over on some days, but every single time the Holy Spirit helps me discern why I am feeling the way I am and how to snap out of it so that I cause no harm to anyone in poor decision making.  Here are some things I do to "fix" a situation (or counteract possible distractions) so that both my husband and I are achieving all God wants us to be as we journey toward our life vision.

Daily Goal Setting Toward the Vision

When I know my husband has an appointment or we need to go out for errands, the following day is more relaxed so he can regroup.  I make it a part of the plan so the current goal is within short reach for him, plus it allows me to get other things on the "to-do" list done that do not require him relearning something.  Sometimes this results in me staying up all night to watch over him if his medications are off, so I take that time to work online (I am doing that right now and have for this entire teaching series).

The next morning while he is awake, he does training for reading aloud, recites his affirmations or reviews what he wants to do that day.  I then get a few hours sleep because he is not out doing anything that requires my help and he can also rest if needed after four hours of taking his medications.

Our schedule changes according to his needs, which affects my day and what goals get finished.  My daily planner and journaling are essential tools for helping achieve short term goals without getting discouraged or down on myself.  The joy in the journey is that he is getting better and that vision of total restoration for him is my heart's greatest desire.

Blocking time is a skill I learned from teaching when writing out daily or weekly lesson plans.  Truly, I do not know what I would do without it.  This has been so valuable in maintaining some sense of discipline over my schedule and in goal setting.

(A little inside tip.  If you are having issues with getting your days on track by failing to block out your hourly time, go invest in a simple teacher's schedule yearly planner. Forget all the other stuff it has and only use the weekly block planner for time management. It will change your life and help you get more done.  You will be stress free and your weekends will once more be fun and not work loaded. Use your other planners if you like for lists, goals, and other things.)

While washing dishes or doing laundry and at bedtime I listen to teaching or educational podcasts.  These encourage me to stay focused on my goals and vision despite what is happening at the time.  Faith filled messages give me strength not to give up when I feel my get up has plumb got up and gone!

You may have noticed the lack of television viewing, and that is because we do not have "TV" networking channels that come in our area without internet or cable.  We have a set for DVD use only and that is usually for movie night, which is part of the schedule on weekends.    

Paying for tv has never been a part of our marriage and we do not feel we are missing out on anything.  So movie nights are always special and full of our favorite snacks.

Write, Write and Write Some More

I study and write daily even though it is hard to get online, journal my prayers and thankfulness, and keep an ongoing checklist of what goals were achieved that day.

In keeping everything in control including errands, before I go to bed each night I write the list of things that need to be done for the next day (another thing I learned from teaching six or seven levels in one special needs classroom).  I write two lists, one for my husband (like I did for my students) and one for me to help each of us stay on target so that we can spend more time together in the evening not doing tasks or chores.

My list has everything on it for the day, including things like: wash hair, cut his hair, sort mail, check the propane tank, call the doctor, go to pharmacy, groom the pets, replace light bulb, fertilize plants, etc.  Even little things get put on the schedule, because it is easy to think you have done nothing when in reality you have been working all day. 

Writing things down in a daily schedule builds confidence and is rewarding to see things actually are working out for your good as God intended. Plus it helps you not listen to the enemy when he tries to tell you otherwise.

Hubby's list has two or three things on it so he does not become overwhelmed and it is written on a dry erase board on the refrigerator to keep it before his eyes as scripture says in Habakkuk 2:2.

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he (everyone who passes by) may be able to read it easily at a quick glance."

He knows exactly what to do and what he wants to do for that day.  When the task is finished, he checks it off and when I see it done, I erase it.  It is rewarding to see a clean board for both of us.  

Sometimes it may take days or the entire week before he finishes one thing, but that is okay.  He knows to work on it the next day and I do not add to his list until he finishes what he wants to do on that board.  The board lists his goals not daily tasks so it is entirely up to him whether it gets done or not, and it is in his timing not mine.

For his "to do" list, he keeps a steno notebook by him so he can refer to it all day.  He writes everything and anything he wants to remember on that pad. I have used steno pads for my daily writing since my high school stenographer classes, so he was used to me doing it and followed in what I do.  It seemed natural so he just does it on his own.

At night I get his medications and vitamins ready for the next day; morning and night.  I take these from the weekly containers I assemble on Saturday's this way I only have the "big" distribution count once a week.

After I give my husband the medication(s) throughout the day, it is his responsibility to write them down on a charted paper on the refrigerator so he remembers he took it.  I keep a watch to see if he misses writing anything down and remind him to do it.  This helps him keep track of what day of the week it is, time management and have some control over his medical health needs. 

Schedule Down Time

Regardless to how busy we may be, there is always time for a fun picnic lunch in our back yard and we do this all year long.  When we eat meals, we do not spend time on our phones, but actually talk to one another.  What a concept!

No matter how life is treating you, make sure to spend more quality and quiet time with the ones you love and rebuild your relationship continually.

We have learned to value the moment you are in at the time.  It is kind of hard to stay stressed when watching birds or squirrels during a meal.  By the time you are finished eating, you are relaxed and ready to get back to your day.

Our schedule has become extremely flexible and we are not upset if things do not always look the neatest around the house or get done as planned.  When they do, we celebrate ... really, because another goal is reached and we are one step closer to the dream or vision being manifested.  All the little steps count!

Over all, what gets done God knew would get done, and we are finally okay with that.

Three Things that Make It All Work: 

Wisdom, Discernment and Favor

My husband and I have learned that there are certain things that mesh everything you want to achieve together.  We ask God for wisdom, discernment, and favor in each goal making decision and we take this seriously.  

Everyone deals with the things I've discussed in this series including various errands and all it takes to keep a household going; we are no different in encountering these challenges.  Asking God to grant you wisdom, discernment and favor is key in not giving up on a dream, goal or vision when you feel like nothing is going right.  Using these tools from the Lord will help you reach any goal in life, despite all the distractions that sometimes take you off course. 

What I am about to share next time may not seem to be vision related, however, it does help us achieve what is important at any given moment, which includes living a goal-oriented life.

Read Part 1    Read Part 2

Until next time, Favored Blessings

My Goals Planner: Write the Vision Make it Plain Habakkuk 2:2

Undated Christian goal setting notebook designed to help you get

super clear goals and take action steps to reach them.

Hardback     Paperback

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and 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 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.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified.  Image

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels, Distractions, Goal Setting, Goals, Vision, Ask God, Solutions, Problem, VIsion and Goal Planner

Dealing with Life's Distractions: Part 1

Doing Some Re-Vision

Can you believe that the year is half gone? Have you gotten behind on the goals and vision you set for this year?

Seems like it is flying by and I am still working on my first quarter goals.  How did that happen and how did I not achieve what I expected during the time set for them to happen? I will tell you how, life's distractions!

For the last several months I have been looking over the goals and life vision I had in my heart for this year.  As I went down the list, I noticed minor things were getting done, but the focus areas were not where they should be.  

I thought about what was stealing my time and taking me away from what I really needed or wanted to be doing.  It was easy to see what was happening.

Distraction #1 - The County Fair

Normally springtime is when I prepare my garden so that I have entries for the County Fair along with things we want to grow for our own enjoyment.  For around fifteen years now the fair has been a highlight and favored event for me, plus winning brings in an income that keeps me on budget in planning the garden for the following year. It also contributes to pet rescue needs during the summer months when donations are low.

With careful planning and a lot of studying I have gained knowledge in the joy of gardening and crafting fields specifically in the interest of competition in county or state fairs.  I compete not only in herb and vegetable gardening, but also in home economics such as baking, crafting, flower arrangements and centerpieces using live or dried materials.  In the end there are on average one hundred plus entries, which is not unusual for many people in these competitions.

With my thumb in a brace since October, it may have limited what I could do, but I was not about to let that stop me.  Some things may take longer to do in getting ready and perhaps there were not going to be as many categories I would enter, but nonetheless, in my heart I was entering.

We were well on our way when the second severe storm of the year happened on May 7th, cutting my hopes for the fair in half, because there realistically was not enough time to get things growing again in such a short time.  The harsh winter took out three-fourths of my bushes, so the selection was extremely slim and the late frost finished off pretty much of what I wintered over in my shed.

I gathered what was left and got to work on my flower arrangements and single entries.  Although I lost all my large rose bushes and the mini roses were mostly gone as well, I still managed to make some descent displays.  The only thing they needed to do was get larger and stay nice until the fair later in the summer.

Feeling pretty good that I was back on track, the next morning when I went to work on more entries I was greeted with flowerless plants!  ALL the flowers were gone!  My "friend" was back ... the eager groundhog decided to make my garden his midnight buffet.  Now what am I going to do?

I finished a ribbon wreath I had been working on for six months (which normally would have taken me a few hours at the most, but the thumb thing you know ...)  for another entry in the fair.  It looked nice, but I did not like how it turned out and already decided to skip that category because I had others to enter.  Well, there went that plan!

Distraction #2 - Weekly Lawn Care

In the past we had no problem keeping up with the yard when hubby was on top of things.  However, since the two brain bleeds things are not quite as easy for him as some might think, especially in doing "regular" tasks.

Do not get me wrong, I am not using my husband as an excuse for not achieving my goals, but I do have to consider things in my life currently that did not exist before in our lives.  Weekly yard care was one of those "things" that hubby usually took care of and I did not even think about it.

When we had more acreage, I did the tractor mowing in the pastures while he maintained the yard closer to the house.  Together we got things done and never tripped over each other in knowing who was to do what each week.  He mowed, weed whacked, fertilized the large gardens and yard, etc. while I did the fun stuff (for me anyway).

Riding the Kubota and mowing the fields gave me time with the Lord and I absolutely loved it.  This property is quite a bit smaller and does not require the use of a tractor.  Regardless to the size of the land, things have changed dramatically.

Re-visiting the Vision

For those who are parents (especialy single), you know how difficult it is to keep track of a toddler, let alone get something else done.  You try to give them freedom in making some decisions, but for the most part, you are their constant care giver and guardian angel so to speak in making sure they are always safe during their development.  Well, caring for an adult who has experienced two brain bleeds along with over twenty surgical procedures in eight years is along the lines of caring for that toddler.

Many of you are familiar with my husband's miracle health journey over the past years, but you may not comprehend the extent of how our lives have changed.  The responsibilities I once had have doubled, and the way he used to easily do things no longer happens.  With that in mind I need to figure these considerations into my schedule and yes, "vision" and life goals without getting angry, discouraged, or placing blame.

My extended educational background and training permit me to help my husband in areas that many would have to pay for in care giving.  I am thankful God gave me a vision to become a teacher in this area back when I was a teenager, and I was able to see it fulfilled in my life.  Who knew it would be for "such a time as this"?  God did.  Everything that happens in our life is for a purpose, God's and for His Kingdom, we just do not realize it.

Let me give you an example of how things changed for us.  Mowing the lawn is relatively a "simple" task most would agree with when it comes to regular responsibilities for an adult with a piece of land, regardless the size of the property.  Lawn and mower care fall in line with those things as well.  For someone who experienced brain trauma such as bleeds or injuries, these simple tasks often overwhelm them.

Hubby can see the lawn and not have a clue how to start the mower, use a weed whacker or how to mow.  Once he figures it out, he may be confused over what and where to mow.  He may fall due to balance or mow in an area outside where he has been told.  Like a toddler, I can get him started, go back into the house to do something quickly, but in a few minutes need to go check on him to see if he has fallen, gotten hurt or done something else.  He may be standing in the middle of the yard and not doing anything because he needs someone to tell him what to do next.

A task of mowing the lawn used to take around thirty minutes for the entire property.  It now takes him several days because of health restrictions.  If he mows, he does not weed whack because he cannot do both on the same day as in the past.  However, it is important that he tries in order to regain skills he once had and relearn using other parts of his brain.

When it comes to using other equipment such as a chain saw or weed whacker, I am out of my league!  I can use them, but the main reason I do not is that they are too big for me to use safely and properly.  We have a mini chainsaw, but I bought it for my husband several years ago and have no clue how to operate it without him showing me what to do.  The roles have since been reversed!

Distraction #3: Errands

One of the benefits of having an amazing spouse is that he (in my case) does not mind running errands. No matter what it is, hubby has always done those things for me so I could teach, write, work on writing courses, taking courses, blog, or do a million other things I have my hands in at the time.  He helps me in many of those interests, but they are not something he does on a regular basis - as in gardening or entering fairs.  Helping hands are offered and they are so appreciated, but going solo on some things is not happening at this current time.  Everywhere I go he goes; everywhere he goes, I go ... 24/7.

This is where I can relate to those single parents trying to make everything work.  Picture your day and all the things you need to do and then add in the "want to do " list as well.  On top of that add your errands, paying bills, meals, dishes, laundry, pets, yard, etc.

Next on the "must do" list for the day is handling medications, doctor appointments, following your toddler or child around for the entire day to make every single decision, while teaching the individual to do these things on their own. That is the typical day of a person living with a brain injured adult, only they have a stubborn will because they have a life time of experience doing things their way and they do not realize why it is no longer working.

While you are out with your "toddler" trying to get everything done for that day, someone says to you, "Having a good day?"  How do you react?  The truth is you may want to yell back and shout, "Good day ... how do you think my day is going?" ... but instead, you smile and say,  "Good, yes, thanks." because that sweet man is trying his best to regain the life he once knew and does not have any idea how hard it is for you or he would change it right then and there.

All of a sudden your vision does not seem as important as helping him with his.  Two visions are becoming more like one ... but both are still there and part of God's vision and overall plan.

Scripture teaches that we are not to grow weary in doing good, because at the proper time of God, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up on doing what is right in God's eyes.  Sometimes we do not see things the way He does and that often turns into distractions or what we think may be a distraction.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please God the Spirit, from the Spirit God will reap eternal life.  

Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (from Galatians 6 NIV)

With understanding what had been stealing or consuming the precious time I had scheduled for my dreams becoming a reality, what did I do to get back on track to my vision and goals?   

Read Part 2

Until next time, Favored Blessings

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life (in Heaven; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken) as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

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

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and 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 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.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified.  Image

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Fay Ann Daniels, Distractions, Goal Setting, Goals, Vision

Hospital Corners

She was on everything but the floor.

The word “distraction” is an understatement I’d say with trying to gain any ground on my Inward Journey to Christ this week. 

As I was writing this I heard a big thump.  It was my cat opening the cupboard and pulling out a can of tomato paste.  

For the past hour she has grabbed my lunch, sat on my notebook, walked across the desk and gotten into as much trouble as she can just so I’d notice her.  It wasn’t until I got up and spent some time with her that she finally calmed down.  Her behavior actually got me to thinking about myself and how Christ tries to get me to notice He is always there.

What kind of things does God do to get our attention?  I wonder how many times I have been preoccupied and didn’t notice Him at all.  If I didn’t take the time to recognize God is always present, how in the world could I learn from Him?

After this reading I hope we change our approach in how we act on what we have learned. We will learn to listen, ask questions and “be excellent” as we seek the heart of God.

Welcome new friends this week from: (the USA) West Virginia, Michigan, Massachusetts, Missouri, Florida, France, Germany, UAE, South Africa, Canada and the UK.

Inward Journey circle is growing and I’m so glad to be a part of it with you. Please continue to share this site along with praying for your brothers and sisters of faith following Daily Favor from around the globe.

Don’t miss out on this week’s challenge and the new Q & A tab.

 

Listening to the Father

OK, this isn't us, but it felt like it.

Learning to do what a parent asks isn’t always easy.  As kids we sometimes got distracted by what was going around us and didn’t really focus on the task we had been assigned.
It was when I was in 6^th or 7^th grade, I’m not sure, that my father chose to teach us girls (my older sister and me) a lesson.  My Dad’s timing just happened to be when his sister and her family had come for a visit from New York. 

We had finished dinner and part of our daily chores was washing the dishes.  No biggie, we got up from the table and started the duty.

Being a beautiful summer day, all the kids were hoping to go outside for a while after the dishes were done.  Back then we didn’t have a dishwasher … “we” were the dishwasher.

The stack of tableware was finally dwindling and then my father walked into the room.  He reached up, opened the cupboard doors and proceeded to take out every dish (including the ones we just washed) placing them on the counter.  Without raising his voice Dad made this statement: “You will also wash all the dishes in the cupboard and put them back, because I found a dish that was dirty. Do them over.”

You can imagine the fight that we gave, “No, you have to be kidding!  We were going outside … we have company!  You can’t do this… but Dad!”  He didn’t say anything else, but left the kitchen and went back to visit with our guests.

What I didn’t tell you is that our cousin … male teenage cousin, was also visiting.  I was so humiliated by what my Dad did and couldn’t find the right words to say.  Instead of making a big deal out of it, my cousin picked up a towel and began helping us.  He said something to the effect, that with more hands we could get done quicker, and we did.

I’m not sure if that punishment is why I can’t stand to do things over, but it taught me to do things right the first time.  Staying focused has its benefits.

Even though we may be adults, we are still God’s kids, and He expects us to listen (observe) to do the job correctly.  Growing closer to our Heavenly Father on our journey requires a lot of listening in order to get it right the first time.  If we don’t get it right, don’t worry, we’ll get a “do over.”

Hospital Corners

Yesterday was the anniversary of the day my mother met Jesus.  Although mom is now living in a different realm, I still learn from her because of the things she set in motion before she left earth.

When my mother was a young woman she had the desire to be a nurse, and was even a candy striper (of sorts).  I can remember her entering into my bedroom when I was about 13 years old while I was making my bed (it was part of our responsibilities).   

How the conversation about hospital bed sheets began I couldn’t tell you, but in a matter of minutes she was demonstrating how to put hospital corners on my bed.

My bed looked so much nicer and crisp, that even my Dad noticed.  Of course, he then did a Navy bed check.  Oh, you don’t know what that is?  Well, he took out a coin from his pocket and said that if the sheets were done correctly they would be tight enough (no wrinkles at all) that a coin would bounce up in the air when it was flipped on them.  I barely passed the test.

Now my parents didn’t demand I make my bed with hospital corners, but merely satisfied my curiosity.   What my mother did like is that I had a desire to make my bed with excellence, and it all started with a couple questions.

Within a few minutes I learned how to make my bed with hospital corners and have done it ever since.  I spent a few quality minutes listening to my mom and learned something that is still operating in my life today. 

When I asked her why she made her bed this way, or why she did anything for that matter the way she did, her response would be: “No matter what you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  I never forgot that. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NKJV)

Having a willing heart and a desire to learn is what I needed in order for Mom’s lesson to take root in my soul.  I was willing and obedient from that time on without any prompting from my mother.  This is what God is looking for from His children. 

No, I don’t think He cares if your bed has hospital corners or not, but I do think He wants us to be eager to learn so that we carry out what has been taught.

You Didn’t Ask

God invites us to ask questions.

The next step in our Inward Journey is for us to ask questions so that we can understand what we are to do in the plan. God’s desire is that we ask questions with the intent to do what He has said. 

Some of my students have come to me concerning asking questions in class. They were embarrassed about the subject so they never said anything.  When they came to me in private I encouraged them by saying that no question is a dumb one, and the only dumb thing was not asking it. 

How could they follow my instructions if they didn’t understand them?  They couldn’t.  Jesus said we don’t have because we don’t ask, so ask. (James 4:2)

The Bible tells us that it’s OK with God that we ask Him stuff.  James 1:5-6 says that if we lack wisdom in something we need to ask God, so that we get the answers we need and don’t become discouraged or waver in our faith.

If you have questions concerning the next step you are to take, talk to the Lord about it in prayer.  While you are waiting for His answer, study the Word of God on that particular subject using a Bible concordance or Bible dictionary.  Talk to a pastor, Christian counselor or Bible teacher about the area that needs addressing.  Be patient and have an open  ear and heart when it comes to listening for instruction.

Action Plan: Doing What is Right

"When are you going to pick that up?"

 Sometimes we get frustrated not knowing what God wants us to do.  Start with what you do know is right, and more will come as you go.  It’s simpler than you think as long as we keep out all the distractions.

Where to begin?  Why not here?

I’m pretty sure somewhere along your journey you had an adult tell you to “pick that up.”  That command is pretty much set for our entire life.  If you see something on the floor, don’t walk past it, pick it up and put it where it belongs. 

When you are in a store and see something on the floor, put it back on the shelf or hanger even though you aren’t the one who knocked it on the floor.  Why do it?  Because it’s right.  In helping someone else, it opens up opportunities for others to help or bless you.

Do it even when no one is looking.

You might not believe this, yet nevertheless, it’s true. February is “return a shopping cart month,” but I hope you don’t restrict this action to one part of the year.

Last week I sat in the car while my husband returned the grocery cart to its stall.  I noticed that a man was watching him in the car in front of us as he rolled 5 stray carts into the location.  Someone saw what he did, but more importantly, God saw it.

As Christians we are never to forget that we are always being watched, and it’s not just by unbelievers. People are looking to see if you are true to your faith not only by your words, but by your actions.  They want to see excellence so it gives them a reason to believe.  Something has to be different in our behavior if we are to make a difference.

"Take that off, and that, and that ..."

Let me share another incident that happened to my husband.  While he was standing in line to check out he perceived the woman in front of him didn’t have enough money with her to pay the bill.

The cashier was so kind and asked her what she wanted to do. 

“I have the money in my account, but don’t bank in this town.”  She decided that they would start removing items from the cart until it reached the amount she had in cash.  When my husband noticed what she was doing he finally said out loud, “Stop.  Don’t put anything else back, I’ll make up the difference.”

As he was about to give her the funds, the store manager spotted what my husband was doing, and reached into his own pocket pulling out a large bill and gave it to the checker.

Someone else stepped up when they saw my husband doing the right thing.  He didn’t do it to be recognized, but does this on a regular basis because it is the Godly thing to do.  If we are to be blessed, we are to take action in looking for ways to bless others in order to build an excellent character that God can use.

Serve with Excellence 

One time we have a lady minister come speak at our church. When she was leaving she expressed that she was impressed how everything was done with excellence, and that it wasn’t part of her experience in many other churches where she preached.

Pastor Sandy noticed that we had signs throughout the church building encouraging people, and that one said we were to “Be Excellent (not strive to be) in our service for the Lord.”  Having signs like that in the sanctuary, halls and bathrooms were for the benefit of the congregation and stemmed from lessons our pastor taught. Our church was on its own journey.

Our outreach church was learning to be Disciples of Christ and needed continual reminding.  That meant keeping what we learned before our eyes in church as well as in our homes.  All of us practiced the lessons as the pastor led us according to scripture each week.  No one realized that those signs were having an effect on visitors until that minister said something.

What we were doing in private was made public.  I’m just glad it wasn’t the first week of the teaching. The report would have been quite different.

What, When and Where

Wanting to live a life of excellence before the Lord isn’t something we are to take lightly.  These few things I’ve mentioned may sound silly or too easy, but how many of us do them “religiously”, that is, all the time without guilt, question or resentfulness?

A man recently talked to my husband about serving in the church by volunteering in the parking lot ministry.  He wanted to do more, but there was a discipleship class at the same time. 

The problem was that being a new believer he didn’t actually know how to greet people or direct visitors to the correct places that fit their needs.  Before he could serve with excellence he had to learn and become stronger in Bible knowledge, yes, even in serving in the parking lot.  He realized that and wasn't upset by the pastor's suggestion.

Whatever God asks us to do He has given us the strength to obey to the point that we excel at it physically and spiritually. (Philippians 4:13)

When we press forward in becoming more Christ-like, God has something He can work with and bless.

 

Our Inward Journey continues this week as we:

First listen to God and those who instruct in the Word “to observe” correctly to the point of action.  Thank God for giving you wisdom to act on what you’ve learned.

“For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12 NKJV)

Second, if you don’t understand ask questions. God doesn’t want us floundering around not knowing what to do next.  Ask him to shed light on a matter so that you gain understanding on what to do, when to do it and where.

“I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. (to guide you on this life journey - emphasis mine)” (Daniel 5:14 NKJV)

Third, do the right thing as you move toward an excellent Spirit.

“Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3 NKJV)

This week’s challenge:

I’m not challenging you to put hospital corners on your bed or take every dish out of the cupboard if one happens to be dirty. However, I am asking that in everything you do, no matter how big or small, with a change of heart do it with excellence and all to glorify God.

Something I really need to get under control is my research mail.

So my action toward excellence this week is to get through some piles (yes, I said piles). 

My husband said he is going to work on cleaning out the trunk of his car.  We all have to start somewhere.

As you progress in the things you are trying to improve, let me know what you are doing in the comments.  Your suggestions may help someone else, so let’s share things we will work on this week.

 

Listen, Ask, Be Excellent

Change This Heart - SidewalkProphets

Until next time, let excellence work to your favor.

What's New this week: What Are You Afraid Of?

Follow Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube and 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 becoming a child of the Savior.

 
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. A.N.A. logo by J.C. Penney, Inc.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Bible Gateway
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image: Keyboard Kitty  Dishes  Hospital Corners Diagram Shopping Cart  Checker  Excellence  Parking Lot  Journey