Earning My Wings

It was a trip that we anticipated for some time and the day had finally arrived for us to leave.  We were flying out of Philadelphia with a stopover in Dallas, then on to Honolulu, Hawaii our dream vacation.  All total we’d be on the plane for twelve long hours. 

Once on the plane in the First Class section we were directed to our seats, with hubby on the aisle and me next to the window.  After we reached cruising altitude, the flight attendant handed us our ice tea and we stretched out comfortably in those roomy seats.   

We were having a little chit chat when we noticed an arm coming over the top of the seat tapping hubby on his left shoulder.  A man’s voice from behind us muttered, “Excuse me, may I ask a favor?”   

Looking back to see who it was Hubby said, “Sure how can I help you?” 

“Hi, I’m Don Moen and I was wondering since we are going to be up here for a while, would you mind listening to a new song that I have been working on and help me work out a few kinks?” 

Wouldn’t That Be Great?

Wow, getting to hear Mr. Worship Leader one-on-one. Wouldn’t that be wonderful if that really happened? 

 

It didn’t, read on…   

The flight to Dallas was on a plane that once seated felt like we were sardines stuffed in a mini-can.  I sat next to the window, hubby positioned himself the best he could squished in the middle, with another man seated in the aisle seat.  

My broad shouldered husband tried not to squirm by folding his hands uncomfortably in his lap like a second grader that had been scolded by his teacher.  His goal was not to encroach on the other chap and that almost worked. 

As we were served breakfast decorum flew out the window.  The third party in this newly formed relationship suddenly became an octopus with his lengthy arms waving around the place. Hubby’s cheeks were filling up like a blowfish and his eyes led me to believe that he was counting the minutes until he could dislodge himself from his “neighbor.” 

Once we landed at Dallas Fort Worth airport, we scrambled to make our connecting flight in less than thirty minutes.  The flight was leaving from the last loading platform for that particular airline located at the far end of the terminal.   We had to “boogie” but thankfully made it with about five minutes to spare.   

Things to Do on an Airplane 

Inside the aircraft it was bright and spacious with all the “sardines” packed in some other plane. The flight attendant pointed to our seats (middle and window seats for real) but stated that the aisle seat would be empty so we were to “feel free to stretch out and use all three seats”.  It was then that hubby jumped to his feet singing the Hallelujah Chorus!  Not really, I just wanted to see if you were still reading, but he did move to the aisle seat. 

It was upward and onward jetting to Honolulu with gorgeous sights to behold.  Anyway, we were ecstatic with the breathing room for this nine hour leg of our journey. 

So what do you do for nine hours on an airplane? 

 

I’ve compiled a short list: 

1.  Look out your window.

2.  Eat peanuts, drink soda.

3.  Watch an in-flight movie.

4.  Read.

5.  Watch someone else read.

6.  Eat a meal … (doubled as a game of “name that item”).

7.  Go to the bathroom … lots of times.

8.  Look out someone else’s window (Yep, more clouds).

9.  Eat more peanuts.

10. Finally try to doze off without being a bobble head. 

Hubby wasn’t really successful with the last one.  On the other hand, I was prepped for action having taken Dramamine for motion sickness while in Dallas.  It wouldn’t be long before it kicked in making me drowsy. 

While I Was Sleeping 

Raising the arm rests I moved to the middle seat. Positioning the airline pillow on hubby’s leg, I laid on my side with tucked feet under me stretching across the seat next to the window.  Covering up with a blanket I went out like a light. 

Wide-eyed hubby nudged me, “Honey, honey, we’re about to land.  You have to get ready.”  

Still groggy I sat up in the seat and saw my husband wearing a silly grin and smiling.  While I was sleeping the flight attendant pinned a set of plastic wings from the airline on my blouse. 

 

Evidently she thought that I was a young girl and gave me wings as part of a “good behavior” gift pack, which included mini playing cards.   The stinker went on letting her think that the entire trip.  

Around the World Tour 

It had been a long time since I thought of that story, but it came to mind when I started compiling the information I’ve gathered here on Daily Favor.  The total mileage from that particular trip was 5,086 miles (from Philadelphia to Dallas to Honolulu) and took a little over twelve hours to complete. 

I’ve been able to take a much longer voyage than the flight to Hawaii.  This was an around the world tour that didn’t come with airplane “wings”.  

No, not in eighty days like the book depicts, but it has taken five years to trek virtually around the world across the internet with you by my side. 

At the equator the earth is 24,874 miles, but I’d have to circle the globe many times to actually visit the thousands of cities of the people who have faithfully followed this blog. 

 

It would take a lifetime to fulfill that task.  This is one of the reasons why I acknowledge those who visit faithfully or are new to DFB each time I post.  

Because of You 

I cannot express how truly grateful I am for your love, support, faithfulness and prayers over the years.  With that I’d like to applaud and commend you for sharing Daily Favor to your friends and in reality, the world. 

Jesus commanded believers to “go, tell and share” the gospel (good news) of salvation and the benefits that accompany it.  Daily Favor Blog is foundational seed that is supplied through God using the internet. Every time you share this on social media or tell someone about the message of this blog, you unashamedly openly publish the good news and fulfill the command of God.  

“And He (Jesus) said to them, Go into all the world and preach

and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature

(of the whole human race). (Mark 16:15 AMPC) 

It’s because of you that nation upon nation logs on each week to read what the Lord is doing for His children.  Obedience like that gets the attention of God and He looks favorably on those who willingly follow His plan.  It shows that we want a relationship with the Master and desire for others to learn of His abiding love, unending grace and unmerited favor. 

I smiled a lot because of you.  Take a look …

 

This happened because of your gracious heart!  Thank you!

 

Top Ten Visiting Countries

In order from most to least visits over the past 5 years.

 

United States

Russia

France

Germany

Ukraine

United Kingdom

India

Canada

Philippines

Turkey

This is the actual visitation list of countries/areas over 5 years.   

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan  

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belgium

Belgrade

Belize

Benin

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burundi  

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Caribbean Netherlands

Cayman Islands

Czech Republic

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Cuba

Curacao

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic/Czechia 

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

DR Congo  

Ecuador 

Egypt

El Salvador

England

Estonia

Ethiopia

Equatorial Guinea 

Fiji

Finland

France 

Gabon

Gambia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guyana 

Haiti

Honduras

Hungary 

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Ireland 

Italy  

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan  

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Korea

Kuwait 

Latvia

Lebanon

Lesotho

Lithuania 

Macedonia

Madagascar

Malaysia

Malawi

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mexico

Moldova

Montenegro

Monaco

Morocco

Mozambique

Myanmar  

Namibia

Nepal

Netherlands

Netherlands Antilles

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Norway

North Korea

Oman 

Pakistan

Papua New Guinea

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico 

Qatar

Romania

Russia

Rwanda 

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Samoa

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent & Grenadines

Scotland

Serbia

Seychelles

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Somalia

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Sri Lanka

Spain

State of Palestine

Sudan

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria  

Tanzania

Thailand

Timor-Leste

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Turks and Caicos 

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United States of America

Uzbekistan 

Wales

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen    

Zambia

Zimbabwe  

There are currently 195 countries listed (Taiwan is not listed as an actual country) and we’ve reached a great deal of them. However, our work isn’t complete.   

You can help us reach even more people by letting others know about what’s going on here at Daily Favor.  Relay the news that Lord willing, we’re about to start a new series on relationships soon.  Invite them along for the journey to God’s favor. 

I’m almost positive these countries/places haven’t visited, but if I’m wrong please let me know. 

Andorra

Bhutan

Burkina Faso

Comoro

Cabo Verde

Chad

Eritrea

Guinea-Bissau

Holy See (*Note below)

Kiribati

Liechtenstein

Luxembourg

Micronesia

Nauru

Palau

Sao Tome and Principe

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Suriname

Tajikistan

Togo

Turkmenistan (take this off; they visited this week)

Tuvalu

Vanuatu  

Note: Holy Chair referred to as the See of Rome, a jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome.

So each week when you see this at the beginning of each post:  

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Is this you? 

USA – Or is this where you live?

… please know that with all my heart you are appreciated, loved and very much welcome to join us on the next Daily Favor journey. 

 

Until next time, share God’s saving favor around the world! 

 P.S. You could say this IS a challenge I hope each of you take!

Follow Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest   

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.  .

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Scripture references provided by Bible Gateway in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.

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

Image:  American Airlines Airplane  Don Moen  Things to Do on a Long Flight  American Airlines Junior Pilot Wings  Around the World in 80 Days   Because of You  Heartfelt Thank You in Many Languages

 

Earning My Wings, Daily Favor Relationships, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, America, Airlines, Christian Living, Don Moen, Teaching Series, Anniversary, Countries in the World, Around the World In 80 Days, Weekly Challenge

Be Prepared

If you know anything about the Boy Scouts of America you’re probably aware that their club motto is: “Be prepared.”  That’s a pretty good thing to live by in theory, but not always so easy to follow. 

Every day we make preparations for something. We get up with preparations on our mind. Whether it’s preparing meals, getting ready for work, planning activities or retiring at bedtime, we’re always in a preparing mode. 

With all the preparing we do, you’d think we’d always be ready for anything right?  So then how can prepared people get caught off guard in being unprepared so many times?  It’s easier than you think. Take a look at these three situations. 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Gaborone, South-East District & Francistown, North-East District, Botswana; Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Congo, Democratic Republic; Ethiopia; Guatemala; Conakry, Guinea; Ranchi, Jharkhand, India; Kazakhstan; Mombasa, Coast Province, Kenya; Peru; Freetown, Western Area, Sierra Leone; Hemyock, Spalding & Cheddington, England, United Kingdom; Apata Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Kikinda, Serbia; Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain; Da Nang, Vietnam. 

USA – Coal Hill, AR; Green Valley, AZ; Culver City & Fresno, CA; Magnolia, DE; Pearl City, HI; Bettendorf, IA; Roscoe, IL; Hoisington, KS; Mandeville, LA; Middle Earth, MD; Mount Pleasant & Watership Downs, NC; Brotmanville & Verona, NJ; Buffalo, Celoron, Lakewood & Rotterdam, NY; Rutherford, Jeannette, New Kingstown & Sugar Grove, PA; Florence & Darlington, SC; Mayfair Estates, Strasburg & Vansant, VA; Omak, WA. 

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.

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

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Read Messages, updates on Hubby’s Heart and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

1 - Thinking you’re prepared but really aren’t … 

It was early in the morning when my husband was about to return some videos we rented from the library. After we exchange “kisses and I love you’s”, I run through a list of things that he needs to have in his possession everywhere he goes, such as medications, etc.  This way he’s prepared in case he is longer than expected.  With his hand on the knob closing the door he nods, “got it” and left the house . 

I barely had time to sit down when the phone rang.  My husband called from the car in the driveway asking me to unlock the door, because he had forgotten his water bottle.  Venturing out for the second time he was half way down the street when I heard the phone ring once more.   

Making the same request to unlock the door, I wondered what he had forgotten this time. It was the videos that he was going to return … the sole reason for his trip.  

This is why I ask him before he leaves, “Are you sure you have everything?  Keys, phone, wallet, pills, water?”  Even though he gave me an answer, he wasn’t really as prepared as expected.  Although a little inconvenient and comical, the situation didn’t have consequences that hurt anyone.  What caused hubby to be unprepared? He was distracted right before leaving the house. 

2 – Good Intentions Cake 

My brother was a newlywed and wanted to bake a cake for his wife’s birthday. He called and asked if I had any eggs.  A few minutes later he rang back and asked for several more ingredients, including icing for the cake.   

My brother wasn’t trying to be funny in his actions, but was totally unprepared to make what he had in mind.  Chalking it up to young love, we giggled and fulfilled his request. 

What was the cause of my brother’s being unprepared?  He simply didn’t think ahead to purchase the things he needed to make the cake.  In his defense, that was the only time it happened.  Being unprepared only left egg on his face. 

3 – Without Answers

Ellie had finished her shift at the hospital and was waiting for her husband in the parking lot.  When Don arrived she asked if he would go with her to visit a lady she met that day, who was extremely upset by the doctor’s report.

Sharon learned she had a brain tumor and was quite frightened by the procedures planned for her, and understandably so.  Don and Ellie told the lady she needed to have faith. At that time Don stated it was about all he could muster up in the moment, and they didn’t know if the woman knew Christ as her Savior. 

Not knowing what else to do, they told Sharon that they would pray for her and knew some people who would definitely pray as well (us). They exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch and were about to leave the hospital when something happened that made Don freeze in his tracks. 

Leaning forward Sharon stretched out her arm and slid her hand around Don’s squeezing it as if clinging to hope.

With a soft voice and tears filling her eyes she spoke, “It’s going to be alright, isn’t it?”  Don didn’t know what to say, but looking into eyes full of fear he confirmed, “Yes, it will be alright.” 

Later that night Don spoke to my husband, and confessed that he really didn’t know what to say to her.  He merely repeated everything was going to be alright because he couldn’t think of any scriptures that applied off the top of his head.  He wasn’t ready to give an answer because he wasn’t prepared for this to happen. 

When Being Prepared Matters

Trying to help Don feel better about the situation, hubby shared that God has given us favor through our journey with Jesus to speak His Word over any situation; we do that by being prepared with an answer in biblical form.

The Word of God is powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12) Jesus has given us permission to use this power by speaking, praying and sharing His Word.  In this case, healing scriptures were needed to give hope in what seemed a hopeless situation. 

Reasons to Keep Studying

Last week we learned that studying God’s Word has a purpose; gaining approval from God.  Christians are also supposed to study the Bible to “be prepared” to use it as a defense weapon against satan at any time for ourselves and others. 

 

Studying also shows us which verses are right for a given situation.  Using the verse “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) is not applicable for Sharon’s situation, but it does show the Lord had feelings.  However, quoting “By His stripes you are healed” is spot on and one of the many verses that could have been shared at that time. (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24) 

Ready with an Answer

In the first story distractions led to unpreparedness, while the second story not having what was needed was because the person didn’t think out his plan.  Our third story is the one we need to concentrate on, because it can happen to any of us at any time.  

Don knows the Bible, but he wasn’t used to encountering situations like this.  As soon as he realized it, he wanted that to change and did something to rectify the shortcoming and be ready with an answer. 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready (prepared) to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV)

This Week’s Challenge:

Be Scripturally Prepared 

Being prepared with the correct answers in anything takes time and we’re not always going to get it right.  There are times when quoting the gospel works, but others it’s not the best way to handle the situation. 

No one wants scriptures blasted in their face when in the midst of a crisis, but there’s a way of using verses to give someone hope during that difficult time.  Knowing the correct timing of a situation takes walking in God’s favor for discernment, and that comes with spending time with Jesus along your journey. 

When Sharon reached out to Don, it was because he already laid the groundwork in his own journey of faith.  She realized there was something to what he was saying and in desperation wanted him to ease her fear with words of hope, not just agree with what she said. 

Our challenge this week is a follow-up from last week in studying the word for a specific topic.  Since health was the subject that God has put in my path this week, that’s the one we’ll learn.

I could go into all sorts of ways to go about this, but there really isn’t any point if we don’t know any scripture to back our words. To put it bluntly, get scriptures in your head that apply to what you are doing or your situation. 

Take out some paper and put it in your printer, then print out the verses from the link provided.   Make multiple copies so that you always have an answer of hope available in your hands. (Be sure to use the translator tab before printing.) 

Keep a copy in your purse, wallet, car or desk … any place where you may need to grab it in an instant.  Memorize them so that they are the first things that come out of your mouth in prayer or conversation when confronted with a situation like Don was. There are many more promises of God concerning specific types of healing, but these are basics that cover them all. 

See Details

Having a folded paper is great, but if you want to go one step further purchase the book of the week by Charles Capps. I have lost count of how many of these little pocket sized books we’ve given out over the years. At any given time I have a least 6-8 on hand with one by my night stand. 

We’re not always going to be prepared for everything that may pop up along our journey, even if we’re walking in faith. 

 

This week I wasn’t prepared to receive a call that my Dad was in the hospital for the second time in a month.  I wasn’t prepared to care for a rescue cat that had been shot and has a shattered leg, nor was I prepared to hear about Sharon’s illness.  

My husband and I learned to be prepared in speaking and singing the promises of God laid out in His Word, and we did so over all three of these situations.  If you have followed hubby’s heart, you know he has experienced favor in healing the past 18 months.

 

Healing is a gift from God and part of His favor on His children.

Learn to pray for others so you will be healed.

- Favored1

Start now by singing this scripture song: “I Am the God that Healeth Thee” by Don Moen.  Claim healing over your own life and sing God’s Word’s back to Him, so that next time someone asks what is your hope based on you will be prepared with an answer.   

 

Print Copy - Favor for Healing Scriptures

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

I Am the God That Healeth Thee by Don Moen 

and

Heal Me Oh Lord & I Will Be Healed by Don Moen

 

Until next time, may God favor you with healing!

 

“My favor is seen in healing.”

Jesus Christ 

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

Note: 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 book or link.

 

God’s Creative Power for Healing by Charles Capps

Pocket size book 46 pages (10 copies)  

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages Articles.  

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

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Boy Scouts Be Prepared  Cake Ingredients  1 Peter 2:24
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Boy Scouts Motto Be Prepared Vanilla Cake 1 Peter 2:24 By His Stripes Healing  Charles Capps Favored1 Daily Favored Blog