Dealing with Life's Distractions: Part 2

Dealing with Life's Distractions: Part 2

Read Part 1

Distraction #1 - The County Fair Fix: I ASKED God for help! 

Being an instructor, there is one thing I always encourage my students to do ... ASK me if you need help in anything!  Just ask!

The Bible tells us in James 4:2-3 that, "You have not because you ask not ... you ask amiss."  Could it be that many of our situations could easily be taken care of if we merely asked God for His help?

Throughout my years as a believer in Christ Jesus I have learned that the only fix for lack of wisdom or direction in a situation when you do not know what to do, is to ask God for it.

Looking back, I see how my wanting to enter the fair, this year in particular, was not exactly "fair" when it came to placing blame on why I did not get things done or how all my efforts were in vain due to the storms.

Do you remember the scriptures I left you with at the end of the last teaching found in Galatians 6?  Let me give a little reminder ...

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.

Focus on the underlined words and see if you do not gain insight to what God is saying in how we go about handling life, people and vision.

"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?  

Going about the plans for the competition was "normal" for my goal setting and in that I was not off track.  However, I did not consider how the weather events would change things and my pride was what kept me going, not God's plan.  Wanting to enter the fair again was not wrong, but the reasoning behind winning to gain the ultimate prize was prideful which canceled out my compassion.  Even winning is not wrong, but when winning is about everything else, it is wrong and God will not take part in it.  Lesson learned.

In the end I felt that maybe the land and garden needed a rest after all so we could focus on the storm clean-up (the physical vision - literally).  It was hard to accept, because my goals were set high after winning championships and qualifying for the "States" in three categories last summer, which was a goal that had taken me all these years to achieve.

This was supposed to be a record breaking (self-set goal mind you) year for me ... but apparently not something God had ordained for this season.  My desire to win was not against God, but not realizing the way I was going about it when other things were taking place was the issue.

What else had interfered with the vision in my heart for this year?  Time for a visit back to the vision board to see where else I may have missed a target and what needed to be done to get myself back on course.

Distraction #2 - Weekly Lawn Care Fix: ASK Others!

I asked God for direction and then I asked others for help concerning all the lawn yard work.  Truthfully, no one can do it all, and God does not expect us to either.  He wants us to be a blessing and sometimes that results in others showing "favor" to us in return.  

Not long after the second storm uprooted two trees, my husband and I tried  to clear out as much debris as we could reach or pick up so we could walk about in the yard safely.  Without thinking twice, I picked up branches, brush, garbage, trash - you name it, if it blew in the yard or came down from the trees, I picked it up and carried it out to the curb.  There was only one problem with what I did.

Not thinking how the storm blew stuff in our yard, I forgot to put on gloves or change my clothing.  Instead, I got to work to get as much out for the trash collection the next morning and did not go back in the house to put on slacks or a long-sleeved jacket, nor go get my work gloves.

Why in the world did I neglect to do that?  I never work in the yard without covering my skin. I let the size of the mess distract me and disregarded my usual practices in "Basic 101 Yardwork"!

Two days later I was covered with some type of poison, which now made it impossible for me to wear much clothing.  Doing any more yard work or fair arrangements was out of the question.

What I had also forgotten is that last summer we hired men to clean out a section of the yard that had poison ivy in it.  We had not contacted them to come back this year due to the storms, but intended to do so later when the downed trees were removed so they would not be in any danger while working in the yard. I forgot about the poison ivy and that it can be spread through the air by flying debris.  It never crossed my mind.

In figuring out the yard situation, these men were going to do that part of the yard, but the rest still needed attention and care.  My prayer for help was heard and God's favor set the rest in motion.

While my husband was putting out the trash that day a neighbor came over and made this statement to him, "I would like to mow your front yard all this summer if that is alright with you."  What?!  She did not know what I prayed!  My husband did not know what I prayed ... only God did!

Okay, now the front is taken care of (thank You Lord), what about outside the back gate?  While hubby was mowing, I could see how difficult it was for him to push the mower because the grass had gotten too high, and at that time I could not do it due to the poison ivy condition.

I happened to look across the back ally and saw another neighbor on a riding mower.  The Holy Spirit reminded me of the verse ... "You have not because you ask not ... go ask her to do this section.  It will take her only a few minutes to do it."

Walking over to hubby I told him what the Lord said for me to do (in my spirit). So, like any good wife would do, I told him to go. Like a good husband, he did.

A few minutes later the back area was mowed.  The only section  left to mow was inside the gates, and that was where the trees from the storm were, so that would come later.

The following week when we mowed a small section around the fallen tree area that stretched out to where we fed the birds and walked to the shed, we noticed something.  Outside the back gate had been mowed.  The woman on the riding mower came back and did it again without us asking!

By now I was wondering what was happening ... Lord, women were mowing, not men!  Why?  For some time I had been taking on the tasks of my husband and they noticed without me saying anything.  They were watching both of us and our Christian-walk.  God was rewarding us openly for what we were doing privately (so I thought).  Never under estimate the power of prayer and that the Lord does care about every detail of your life, especially in difficult times.  He will provide what we need if we only ask.

Wait! It gets better ... we grew in more favor!

After the storm took down the trees, we called the electric and internet companies inquiring if they would come trim the branches that were near their lines.  The internet company responded, "Do you still have service, if so, we will not come."  That surprised us, so we did not know what to expect from the electric company.

They agreed to come see if there was any danger in the positioning of the trees regarding their lines. Once again, we were surprised,  but this time in what actually happened.  Frankly I do not know why I was surprised, especially since I prayed and asked the Lord for help.  God was faithful in answering prayer; He always is, but does not always do things the way we expect!

According to their regulations (the electric company's) anything "in" the yard is not their responsibility, and if they do anything there will be a charge on the next bill for services rendered.  However, this gentleman offered to cut the branches close to the lines so that when the trees were removed, they will not knock out the power.  

He took care of it that very moment and by the time I got outside he had already gone.  Problem taken care of immediately without charge!  Thank You Jesus!

The next person to contact was a tree service to come give us an estimate on the removal of the trees. They did and we did not!  With a price around $1,000 or more we told him we would have to get back to his company.  Again, I went to the Lord for guidance and trusted in His plan on how to get this tree situation out of the yard.

A neighbor across the street recently moved in when we saw him doing yardwork in his new place.  We went over and introduced ourselves.  The house next to him had been demolished by the city a few days before and he was cleaning out the areas between the two properties.

Somehow a conversation about trees started and we explained how there had been two major tornadic storms recently and that was why there was so much debris everywhere.  That is when we mentioned the downed trees in our backyard and that we were cleaning up debris (like he was) as well.  We never said anything else about it.

We were about to leave when he looked at us with a smile and said, "I have a chainsaw and could help with the removal of the trees if you can wait a few weeks until I get back."  He was still in the moving process of bringing his things from another state and did not have the chainsaw at the time.

I answered, "If you can remove those trees safely, we'll give you our new firepit that has only been used once."  "Deal" he said.  Our new neighbors - that women who asked to mow our front lawn ... wanted a firepit for their new backyard!  It was on her desired "vision" or wish list for the property.

How amazing is that?  They did not know about the trees and we did not know she wanted a firepit before that day, but God knows everything and how to bring the right people into your life to fulfil His plans for good things to happen.

When we finished our conversation, the gentleman said he would do the weed whacking as well after she mowed. Unbelievable? Not at all; it is God's favor and timing to help me get back on track with the goals and vision He has for my life (and hubby's), which He put in my heart.

See you next time for the third part of this series with the solution to "Distraction #3 - Errands and Scheduling Fix.  

Read Part 1

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, Ask God, Solutions, Problem 

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

Surrounded by His Favor Shield

For the past few months, we have been experiencing major storms, including tornadoes causing tremendous damage throughout the city.

On May 7th, 2024, the winds from a tornado brought down another set of trees in our back yard.  The thing is, we did not even know this had happened until the following morning when my husband went outside to feed the birds.

Going out to see the damage for myself, it only looked like a branch had broken, but that was not the case.  Apparently, one tree was uprooted and fell on the tree near it, resulting in both trees leaning but not quite touching the ground.

When I looked at it, the first thing that came to mind was, "How neat, it looks like a tree rainbow." ... then I followed it back to the roots!  The only thing that appeared to be holding these trees up was the huge trumpet vines that were growing around the base of the trees and along the fence.

As we walked around the area something more amazing caught our attention.  The tree limbs did not crush anything when it fell and they totally missed all the power lines.  As a matter of fact, all the branches "surrounded" our picnic table area where I potted up plants, and they wrapped around the closed umbrella but never touched it in any way!  How was that even possible?  I can tell you how, God kept His promise of protection over us, the house and property.

(Not a branch on the table, just the neighbor's cat!)

How many times have you been in danger and somehow you were spared?  I can remember so many times where angels had to have intervened in a situation or it would have been a disaster.  

There were other incidents where simple things like something falling from above just missed me by a hair!  Who can count the number of times when those things happened, not me!

Then I got to thinking, how many other times was I  in danger and never knew it?  Times where accidents happened and I had been in that intersection or area minutes before it took place.  Or times when people tried to cause harm but they could not ... that's when God surrounded us like a shield with His favor, protection and mercy.

"For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)

As I was typing this, it was almost ready for posting when the electric went out three times due to a storm that rose suddenly.  Thank God everything was fine and we regained power. Friend, this is another prime example of the Lord's faithfulness to His Word.

The enemy does not want God's children to know that the promise of God's shield of favor is always present, and he will try to stop the message of faith from going forth.  It was no coincidence that I was teaching on Psalm 91 when we lost power, but God's hand of protection prevented the devil from stopping the message of hope from being spread abroad!  This powerful tool, the promise of protection with God's favor shield, is mightier than anything the devil tries to throw your way, so use it by speaking it daily into and over your life.

It is easy to give in to fear over what could or might be, but when you know God is literally watching over your life, you can live in confidence instead of fear.  The Lord's shield of favor is surrounding you in every situation, so quit worrying and begin living the life God has planned for you.

God's faithful promises are your armor and protection, speaking these over your life should be a vital part of every believer's morning and evening routine.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High (God) will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." (taken from Psalm 91:1-2 NLT)

Make this declaration a part of your daily confession like we do in our family.

"Thank You Lord that I abide in the shadow of the Almighty, and that You continually surround me (my family, my business, etc.) like a shield with favor, mercy and protection."

Until next time, Favored Blessings

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.  For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease, He will cover you with His feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 91:1-3 NLT)

Scriptures of promises to declare God's Daily Favor: 

Psalm 91, Psalm 5:12

*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 Fay Ann Daniels/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.