Friday, October 25, 2019

Waiting for Favor Season: Part 3


“The Northern East Coast Region including the fabulous State of New York is a favorite among tourists when it comes to the glorious fall season weather. 

There is lots to see and do whether you are traveling alone or with family. Visit the historical sites and drive through the mountain range or walk along the lake shores.
  
Throughout the state, stop by area farmland produce markets, and include time for visiting the various shore points for great entertainment and fine dining. 

Have fun in the sun strolling the sandy beaches, then watch it all come to life at night with live entertainment and rides for any age.

While at the lake areas, drop by the shops for some special gifts and souvenirs you can only get in New York.  Don't forget those post cards you promised to mail!

There's a sweet time to be had watching candy makers while they make homemade candy, fudge or mouthwatering salt water taffy.  A gift like this is sure to please loved ones and friends back home.

If you are into boating, water skiing, fishing, camping or trailing, NY is a fantastic place to take the family on vacation.  Be sure to bring your camera and capture this season of fun for everyone!" 

Reading this little snippet, you might think it’s an advertisement brochure for tourists, or perhaps it's merely a summary of the first parts in this teaching series.  Although it does make the Lake District sound like an intriguing place to visit, in reality, it’s something else. 

As promised, I mentioned in past posts that there is always a reason behind any season of waiting on God, and I'd like to share that with you now.

Need to read the beginning of this teaching series?  No problem.

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Getting Understanding

The photo in the introduction and this one above is the glorious view we woke up to each morning from our villa stay at Sun Castle on the shores of Lake George.  In those moments we experienced how big God really is, and that waiting on His season of favor is totally worth it.  Thank you Lord!

Being able to take mini-vacations is an extreme blessing that many people have never been able to do, and neither did we for years after our honeymoon.  It was during the difficult seasons that we learned to lean on God for His preparing us to receive the blessings He gives through favor.

We had to learn about God’s seasons, which teaches us to wait for His perfect timing for what is best.  It’s easy for us to understand the changing of seasons when it comes to the weather, but the same applies to differing seasons in our life.

Take a look at these verses from the book of Proverbs in the Bible:

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (1:5)

“…Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding.” (2:2)

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding (2:6)

“Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you.” (2:11)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (3:5)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and gains understanding.” (3:13)

If you haven't noticed there is something that is identified as “key” … here is the perfect scripture that sums it up entirely.

“Wisdom is the principal (main) thing; therefore, get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.” (4:7)

Recognizing our own seasons in life will help us handle situations and circumstances more effectively.  Through the counsel of the Lord we gain knowledge and understanding as did King Solomon, which led to gaining wisdom for operating in God’s Daily Favor.

The Purpose under Heaven

Yes, it may have taken years, but when we made our first trip to the Adirondack area things worked out for our good because it was the right timing and season as the Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3.

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

At the time we didn’t realize there was a purpose for those trips.  As the years went by God opened doors providing the finances for bringing couples to the mountains on an all-expense paid trip, to refresh and save rocky marriages.  It literally birthed my counseling career by introducing them to God’s idea of being united.

We sowed seeds into other during the season we were in at the time.  Our "season of life" has completely changed since then, but God’s promise of favor on those who trust in Him has not.

Season of Hope

Maybe you’ve been waiting for your season of favor to come, but it seems like it’s just out of reach.  The season of hope is taking forever and there’s no way the desires of your heart will ever be met.

Bills keep piling up, out of frustration arguing with your spouse has reached new heights over finances, you feel depressed, repressed, oppressed and every “pressed” there is.  

About now you’re completely stressed with no strength to fight back.  

Let me lift the veil of discouragement so the Light of God is able to shine hope on you with His truth. 

But the people’s minds were hardened (closed to understanding), and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth.

This veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.  Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.  But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16 NLT)

The veil that is keeping people from understanding their season can only be removed when they put their faith in Christ.  Without belief the covering that prevents them from seeing the truth will stay on them keeping confusion, discouragement and oppression alive and active.

Believing and trusting God removes the doubt and lies of satan that cover our being able to stay in faith or think clearly.  Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith it’s impossible to please God, and the devil knows that.

“A man cannot please God unless he has faith. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.” 
(Hebrews 11:6 NLV)

We have no control over life or nature seasons, if we did, we wouldn't have to wait.  Some seasons seem to fly by while others take their good old time.  What we have to be mindful of always is that if faith is gone, there is no hope of a season of favor to ever happen.  

"And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." (Daniel 2:21 NKJV)  

So what's happening that we can't seem to "get" understanding from the knowledge we've learned?  Confusion has set in because we don't understand the season and why things are taking so long. 

We wonder "why is this happening" instead of being in awe of what God is doing.  Later we finally see that God was working for our good all along.  

"God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT)


There is A Reason for Your Season

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

Although it may be hard to see or understand, God has a reason and purpose for every season we experience, even in waiting on His favor.  He sees the whole picture and knows the right timing for everything so the situation works out for good in the long run. 

"And we know that God causes everything to work together 
for the good of those who love God and are called according 
to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28 NLT)  

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about seasons in life.  We'll go through lots of them in our lifetime and can't change what God has already set in motion.  Often a season will bring on "spring" cleaning attributes where we empty out our lives of the junk that has been clouding our life vision and relationship with the Lord.  

Most understand the concept of sowing in one season and reaping in another when it comes to agriculture.  We have no problem waiting for the seeds to take root and grow to maturity before harvesting.  However, when the season comes to an end we rejoice not in the waiting, but in the final product that came with patience.

This theory also applies to spiritual seasons as well. The difference is how we respond to the waiting that will determine the outcome and length of time we have to wait.  Usually we grow weary, impatient, frustrated and abandon God because He's taking too long to grant favor on something we pleaded for in prayer. 

How many times have we forgotten the promise of God for that "due" season which is to come?  It's during the times of waiting that we need to reflect on past experiences where God has shown up and delivered on His Word, because we were disciplined enough to obey Him when we didn't understand what was happening.  

“You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments. Know this day that it is not your children who have known and seen the discipline of the LORD your God: His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm; the signs and works He did in Egypt to Pharaoh king of Egypt and all his land …”  (Deuteronomy 11:2 BSB)

Just like the Lord reminded the Israelites of what He had done for them, we need to remember what was learned through our own experiences.  It will help us stay faithful to God during the waiting season.

This Week’s Challenge:
Trust God with Your Season of Favor

I hope you enjoyed reading about a few things I've shared personally.  With each trip we could see God's mighty work, blessings and favor on us and those who put their trust in Him.  We also witnessed His hand withdrawn from a situation when the enemy (satan) was believed instead.  

Maybe you aren't waiting to take that fabulous vacation because you desperately need a break, but are in need of something much greater. Perhaps your season of favor is for a better job with benefits, healing for your body, food for the family, new shoes for the kids, a home complete with all the "extras" (running water mainly), some means of transportation or a windfall of cash to finally get out of that mountain of debt.  God knows it all and is ready to fulfill His promise to you.

“But I keep praying to You, Lord
hoping this time You will show me favor.  
In Your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer 
with Your sure salvation.” (Psalm 69:13 NLT)

Take this challenging opportunity to gain insight, knowledge, direction and intimacy with the Lord.  What is He telling you?  If you don't know Jesus as Savior make that commitment to Him right now and receive the favor gift of salvation.  

There is a good reason and purpose for having you wait on certain blessings.  Do you love God? Then trust Him and His timing; the result will be better than you could have ever imagined. 

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined 
what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Don’t give up on hope!   Be encouraged that God’s work lasts for eternity and you will receive the benefits for waiting on His best.

The Lord has heard your prayers, and watched your faithfulness. You are gaining knowledge that brings understanding.  Through application of this information you are becoming wiser in decision making.

Patiently wait and stay in faith.  Keep studying the Word of God and be obedient.  Jesus knows where you are and what you can handle.  Your season is about to change and the favor you’ve been waiting for is going to come – believe it.

Everything Has A Season - Your Favor Season is Coming!

To everything there is a season,
and a time for every purpose under Heaven."
 (Ecclesiastes 3:1 BSB)

 Let this mind be in you ... 
Lord speak wisdom to me through Your Word!

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

Until next time, pray for wisdom during a season of favor.

“Seasons of favor do come.”
- Jesus Christ


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

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

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 link.
                 
How the Shifting Patterns of Your Life Reveal His Purposes for You
by Richard Blackaby

Favored1 on FacebookTwitterYou TubePinterest 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.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting for Favor Season: Part 3, Hope, Waiting on God, Obedience, Understanding, Teaching Series, Inspirational, Faith, Vacation, Relationship, Weekly Challenge, Wisdom

Friday, October 18, 2019

Waiting for Favor Season: Part 2


It had been a while since my husband and I were able to spend time relaxing in a restaurant.  Without fail we would rush through dinner or even have to skip it in order to be at some after work activity.

Whether it was out on the ball field as coaches to a few dozen Little Leaguers, choir practice, teaching Sunday School, Advanced First Aid classes, graduate school or social events, life was pretty hectic with calendar overload.  Having the opportunity to sit down at a table without papers to grade was a “real” blessing (as the saying goes) and God made a way for that to happen.

Let’s continue with the story on how hubby and I went from waiting on God for a favored season to waiting in line for a table …

Haven't read part one?  Click here.

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog. 
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Food Glorious Food

You didn't have to drive far to find a good place to eat.  One of the first places we tried was Luigi's Italian Restaurant.  How could it be anything but Italian with a name like Luigi's?  It had a romantic atmosphere and our table (by a side window) had the view of a small waterfall that flowed off a creek on the mountain and down into Lake George.  Beautiful!

The Log Jam Restaurant was (and is) probably the hottest place in town.  It's always busy, crowded with lines reaching out into the parking lot.  

However, once inside, you are greeted with logs and timber and the feeling of being inside of a giant cabin with antler chandeliers. 


The food was jammin' (get it?).  It made you glad that you braved the lines and waited for a table.

Our hands down favorite restaurant was The Coachman, located between Lake George and Glens Falls, New York.  They extended such favor to us going out of their way to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience.  Plus, their buffet was excellent with desserts to match, making it a “have to eat there” place every time we visited the area.

Fun ‘till Daddy Takes the Skee-ball away!

Being able to take a deep breath and not have it followed with needing to be anywhere in particular is calming in itself.  It makes my heart happy and it’s pleasing to the Lord.

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, 
but heartache crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13)

Adding a few of my FAVOR-ite game activities sends me merrily on my way and sure makes hubby’s life happier without taking meds!  We all know the phrase: “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”  Research has proved this is pretty much on target, but since God said it first, I’ll take His Word as truth for everyone.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, 
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Canada Street (the main street in Lake George Village) is one of my favorite places to stroll for popping in to some fun spots and arcades.  Since hubby got to do a few of his fav’s it was my turn to let loose.  My idea of exciting includes playing indoor miniature golf. 

(It’s not in NY, but on my Facebook page you can see the video of us playing Glow Miniature Golfing.)

Although that was pleasurable, whack a mole was on the agenda before settling into a game series of Skee-Ball in the arcade. If permitted, I could play it for hours and hours or until hubby took the tokens and said it was time to leave!  Who knows where my love for the game came from, perhaps it was because the inventor Joseph Simpson was from Vineland, New Jersey! 

The Sweet Life

I know that this is probably a stretch, but it definitely was a heavenly idea.  The Bible tells us in James 1:17, that every good and perfect gift comes from God.  

He certainly was in our plans during all our recreational activities and the next stop was one place where thanksgiving always came out of our mouths!

After a vigorous golf game (not really, but I am VERY competitive) or time at the arcade, we made sure to finish out the day at Wagar's Soda Fountain and Confectionery Shop stepping back in 
time as we entered the nostalgic styled ice cream parlor. The day only got better relaxing in that “old-time” atmosphere eating freshly made hand-dipped ice cream.

It was easy to forget about the rest of the world and get caught up in the moment, while inside listening to the Nickelodeon player piano tunes of the twenties or thirties.   

You can hear what the piano sounds like and see the style of the one in the shop here: Player Piano Demonstration

A large scaled train circled the perimeter of the store from the suspended tracks on the ceiling.  You could see it make its way around the room as you dipped into your sundae.

The entertainment didn't stop there.  Before leaving we’d browse through their selections of candy.  A must try was their signature Adirondack "bear claws" with your choice of almonds, cashews or pecans (my favorite for this candy) smothered in their famous caramel, then hand dipped in the finest milk, dark or white chocolate.  You just had to try them all ... it was a no brainer!

Standing in front of the glass cabinet full of goodies we watched the owners making their homemade fudge, offering each onlooker a piece of the creamy delights.

I was so sad when they closed in 2011 with the passing of the owners.  Visiting them was always the sweetest part of our day.

Making it Educational – A Bit of History

What is a trip for an educator if we cannot find something of interest for our classrooms, especially when it comes to the subject of history!  Each time we visited this part of New York we always found new sites to visit and learned something different about our country.

Fort William Henry was built in 1755 and sits at the southern end of Lake George.  Those interested in International war history surely would find it a point of interest. 

There are quaint shops at the bottom of the hill in front of the fort, one where I indulge in my only soft caramel candy apple of the year and a container of hot Mr. B’s tater tots.  As people come in and out of the stores its’ hilarious to watch the ducks quacking with disapproval when folks walk their dogs along the waterfront.

The Minnie-Ha-Ha Paddle Steamboat

Full Steam Ahead

At the head of the lake you can gather a boatload of information and knowledge concerning the three steamboats that cruise along Lake George - the Mohican, Lac du Saint Sacrement and our favorite, the Minne-Ha-Ha.  (You can see all three in this short clip from the company.)


All three steamboats traveled back and forth in front of our chalet on the lake at Sun Castle.  We loved to watch them pass by and wave to the people as we sat out on our villa deck in the crisp October air. 

View as the Minnie passed by our deck.

This is a sample of what we saw and heard from our villa.

There was something really special about the Minne-HaHa.  She had a steam powered calliope (a paddle wheeler) that played old time songs at various times throughout the day. 

Calliope on the Minnie-Ha-Ha
As more and more outsiders purchased property along the lake, they failed to appreciate the music or “carnival-like” atmosphere it evoked and petitioned to have it shut down from operation. Unfortunately for visitors of this historical vessel, the Minnie-Ha-Ha became silent!

To see what the fuss is all about concerning the famous Lake District, here is a new video of a family who just finished their summer Lake George trip ending it with a ride on the famous Minnie-Ha-Ha.  No music, just a few whistle blows.  You can see people waving on the shorelines, while watching the glorious majestic view of the lake and mountains.


Minne's calliope was dismantled and all she does now is puff a little steam like any other ship of her kind.  Disheartening ending, but our memories of her play loud and free. 

There’s Always More to It

Being able to get away for a few days every so often isn’t what this article was about, nor was it to promote some fun sites (even though they were cool).  With everything I write, there is an underlying purpose and I’ll get into that more next time.

I’d like to leave you with this thought when it comes to waiting on God for your favorite season, or whatever it is you’re hoping for in prayer.  No matter what I was doing whether making my bed, cooking dinner, doing homework, slipping away a few days for a mini-vacation – whatever it was, my mother would quote this passage of scripture to me:

"And whatever you do or say (no matter what it is), do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:17 NLT)

Whether we are at work, home, relaxing or out having fun even on a mini-vacation ... "whatever we do (or say) should always be pleasing to God.  He has provided means of clean amusements as gifts.  They should not be taken lightly, but are to nourish our relationships and reflect the joy of the Lord that lives in those who have received the favor gift of salvation.

" ... I will rejoice in the Lord.  I will joy in the God of my salvation."
(Habakkuk 3:18 NKJV)

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of our weekend excursions from over the years. Come back next time for part 3 and final part of Waiting for Favor Season and learn what happened as a result of our Columbus Day weekend lake trips.

… but before you leave, I’ve listed some information below about the places mentioned in this article.

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

Until next time, your favor season is coming!

"Seasons of favor take patience." - Jesus Christ


Helpful Points of Interest & Information:
Places to stay, where to eat, shop, activities and enjoy the view.

Where to Lodging & View
Adirondack Region https://visitadirondacks.com/
Sun Castle Chalets: 3178 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845 (518) 668-2085
Sagamore Resort 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 (518) 644-9400

Where to Shop & Outlets
Lake George Village Mall 204 Canada St. #1442, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 685-5331
Shopping at Bolton Landing, NY 12814 518-644-3831
Glens Falls Mall Shopping Outlets https://www.glensfalls.com/shopping/malls-outlets-plazas/
Aviation Mall 578 Aviation Rd., Queesbury, NY 12804 phone (518) 793-8818

Where to Eat – Food, Food, Food
Log Jam Restaurant (always packed) 1484 U.S. 9, Lake George, NY 12845 phone (518) 798-1155
Coachman Restaurant (our favorite outside of town) 99 State Street, Glen Falls, NY 12801 phone (518) 793-4455

More romantic and the view was fabulous.
Luigis (personal waterfall outside the window while you dine.)

Now closed, but it was fun –
Wagar’s Soda Fountain & Confectionery Shop on Canada St.
Lake George, New York with the Nickelodeon Player Piano

Activities & Entertainment
Minne-Ha-Ha & Steamboats, Lake George,
Adirondack Mountains, horseback riding,

Historical, Educational and Family Fun
Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions,
Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop.

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.  
Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

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 link.   

The Trails of the Adirondacks: Hiking America’s Original Wilderness
by Carl Heilman (Hardback/ full color)     

Favored1 on FacebookTwitterYou TubePinterest 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.
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting on Favor Season Part 1, Holidays, Columbus Day Weekend, Columbus Day, Seasons of Favor, Waiting on God, Steamboats, Lake George, Adirondack Mountains, Horseback Riding, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, Vermont, New York Regions, Lake Placid Olympics, North Pole New York Santa’s Workshop, Vacation