Is the Vision Still in Your Heart?

Do you remember what the purpose of the vision in your heart was originally or has it been deflated, tossed aside and cut to bits in your thinking it will never come to pass?  If you have backed away from the vision why should God stick with it?

What dream or vision are you still waiting on to come to pass?  Have you done your part in each step or is God waiting on you?  It is time to search your heart and revisit what God wants to do through and for you.

Following through with the little steps allows God to grant favor in opening the door to the next part of your journey.  It may be as simple as getting your house clean and organized, or even creating a vision board to put before your own eyes like the Lord instructed Habakkuk in the scriptures.

"Write the vision and make it plain on tablets (so that it is easy to read), that everyone who passes by can read it quickly and easily.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time in the future; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie (fail).  Though it tarries or is delayed, wait for it; because it will surely come at the right time, it will not tarry or be late." (Habakkuk 2:2-3 emphasis mine) 

Take a look at my teaching on "Are Christian Vision Boards Necessary" for more help on fulfilling the vision of God through His favor. Then go ahead and have fun creating your vision board.  Be sure to put it in a place where you will see it several times a day.  Remember what the passage of scripture said: What you keep before your eyes will come to pass.

My prayer is that the Lord renews your heart, purpose and vision and in all you do to glorify God. 

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

Until next time, favored blessings!

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 unless noted. 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.  Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels

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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

When Purpose Overrides the Dream

It’s not uncommon for me to get messages, emails and questions from people concerning their life goals, dreams and vision, especially at the beginning of the year.  After a few inquiries about what they’ve been doing toward their aspirations I usually know how to direct them back on a path to achieving their desires.  However, that doesn’t always happen, in which my instruction isn’t always as readily received. 

Recently I had a conversation with someone about how their vision board and life plans were coming along as scheduled.  The response was “What vision board?  I don’t have one.”  This was a little surprising to me especially due to the fact they were a real go getter ... so I thought.  Basically, this individual was going about life without a purpose with no set goals or plan, just doing things randomly when and if an opportunity arose. 

Our conversation deepened as to what they wanted when I realized there wasn’t really a plan of action, only “dreams’ of things they hoped would happen in their life.  I knew that if they really expected to reach their goals, they would have to implement a plan that aligned with God’s purpose.  Clearly, they didn’t know how to do this and I wasn’t sure if they wanted any direction from the Lord (or me) anyway. 

Doing It Whose Way? 

I’m not alone in saying that I’ve been guilty of wanting to follow my own path and “do it my way” when it comes to dreams that are bigger than life.  The problem is, we want the pie in the sky with all the bells and whistles that come with God’s favor, but most don’t want to do their part in making anything happen or even dare to get Him involved.  After all, He might not understand what we want or see things our way, right? 

Ever since I was a little girl in primary school, I wanted to be a teacher.  Throughout my teen and college years I participated in activities such as school clubs, church and nursing home volunteering that kept me on the path leading to an educator.  I never thought of needing God’s favor to open doors and followed the prescribed “schedule” of the world to achieve my goals.  Then came graduation! 

Wow, I achieved my dream of becoming a teacher and had a degree proving I was competent to do the job.  Recommendation upon recommendation led me to great schools, but none opened the door for securing a position on staff. 

For six years I remained a substitute teacher hoping something I did would bring my name to their remembrance when a position opened in several school districts, but nothing happened.  It wasn’t until I got hold of a pastoral teaching message that I recognized my pursuit of trying to get a job as a teacher was mainly done in my natural strength, and believe me when I say, it had been exhausting! 

Sure, I was the “go to” substitute teacher and was widely known throughout the surrounding school districts, but it didn’t matter how popular I was.  No one was interested in hiring me full time … that was until I made a change in the way I went after my vision for teaching. 

Although I was a believer in Christ, went to church, tithed, did all sorts of godly activities, my relationship with the Lord was surface and not really personal.  Who knew that walking with God didn’t mean doing good things for “His” cause, attending church regularly and reading the Bible daily?  Back then I never heard of the favor of God, and that my life had a purpose beyond what I wanted to do with it. 

After being rejected repeatedly, I had plenty of time on my hands while waiting for that special call.  I began listening to and watching preaching messages beginning at 6 a.m.  It didn’t really matter what it was; I was a captive audience and was frankly there to “listen” due to lack of other things to do. 

Being an avid note taker and researcher, I became interested in this new phrase I’d been hearing – “the favor of God.”  There were several takes on what it literally meant, which didn’t help at all.  I had to find out for myself and see if these people were using the Word of God like a genie in the bottle expecting Him to deliver simply by calling out their requests.  There was much to learn, but that didn’t sway me from sorting through all the rubbish until I began experiencing this new thing called “favor” for myself. 

When The Chosen Didn’t Understand

Before learning about what God said concerning His favor, I thought I was in fellowship walking with Him because I prayed and read my Bible – even memorized passages!  Being a teacher was something I wanted to do; it never dawned on me that He put the desire in my heart for His purpose. 

The Bible tells of individuals who “walked with God” (meaning they had true fellowship with Him).  Some of them seemed to grasp the concept while others had a bit of difficulty sticking to the plan – God’s plan, which included His unmerited favor. 

We also learn about the long forty-year journey of the Israelites who gained God’s favor along their path so they could reach the land of promise.  What readers often fail to notice is that only a few of the original lot actually reached the desired land and walked in God’s favor their entire life. 

Sadly, most of “The Chosen” people aka, the Israelites, didn’t understand the purpose of the journey.  Somewhere along the way one-by-one lost the vision and purpose. Due to lack of belief or following the instruction of the Lord, only a small percentage truly walked with God their entire journey.  Oh, if the others had remained faithful to the purpose they would have seen the vision of God for their lives come to fruition. 

God’s Ways and Plans Are Bigger 

When we walk with the Lord it is supposed to be with purpose.  Scriptures teach us that the disciples followed Jesus with and for a purpose – God’s purpose.  All along Jesus had a plan, but they only learned about it one step at a time.  If they were not walking with Him daily, they couldn’t have known the next course of action to take.  They would simply be guessing what God wanted them to do with the information and skills learned through their “teacher” and Master.

Becoming a teacher was part of God’s plan for me, but His vision was larger than my dream.  His ways and plans are bigger and better than I even thought of or imagined. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 NIV)

My thinking consisted of having a great classroom where I could use my creativity, and help students learn the skills needed to achieve their hearts desires.  What else was there?

For all I knew, I would be at the same school for my entire career and be happy to boot in that little world I set in motion with my limited thinking.  That wasn’t God’s plan.  My dream lacked vision beyond the boundaries of what I could think or physically see.  Oh, ye (meaning me) of little faith, or no faith if I were to be truthful.

Not only did my dream of teaching lack vision, but also purpose to do things beyond my God given abilities.  You know what I mean … vision to do the greater things Jesus talked about that we would do with His help and the power (favor) of God.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 NIV)

The problem is, I never asked!  I needed little or no faith really to go to college and walk out the things I knew to do.   Register for college, somehow come up with tuition for each semester, get transportation and go attend classes – that’s about it, right?   Why would I need God to do the things I could do on my own? 

Praying consisted of me asking God to bless my plans and make things work out the way I wanted.  I didn’t have a true purpose other than I liked the things that went along the lines of what a teacher did.  Therefore, go to college – become a teacher.  Not once did I ask God if this was part of His plan, even though I knew what the Bible said on the subject.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIVUK)

All along I was planning my way, disregarding the fact that God already had a plan that included prosperity, hope and a good future that protected me from harms way.  Why didn’t I take the Word of God seriously from the beginning of my career?  If I had understood how God keeps His promises (of and through favor), I would have kept in step walking more closely with Him.

Read part two of "When Purpose Overrides the Dream"!

Until next time, God’s favor always has a purpose! 

 “Favor has purpose.”
Jesus Christ 

 

*Names in articles are not used or 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. 

Encouragement for the Journey: Click on link below.

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness

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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.

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Begin in Favor: Part 3

Recapping our lessons, we’ve learned that as believers we are chosen for Holy favor, and that attracts favor from mankind.  

However, in order to walk in continual favor from the Lord, it comes with a price.  That is, we have to obey God and follow His rules in pursuing the path He has laid out for us from before we were born, which sometimes can be quite difficult.

One of the most important aspects we learned is that all of this is tied to a certain “key” for favor, and that is vision.  God explains in His Word that without vision, a road map to life, people literally die because they aimlessly wander with no destiny in mind.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

I made this statement that I still firmly believe, “Your vision key is attached to God’s favor, and that comes with helping Him fulfill His plan for leading souls to Christ.”  Favor has a purpose, and it isn’t so we can get stuff or have things go our way.

When God sees you have a passion for winning souls, He makes sure that doors of opportunity open so that favor can take place on the situation.  Dreaming the impossible dream is no longer just a dream or impossible, because with God, all things are possible.

“Jesus said to him, if you can believe, all things are 

possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NKJV)

Read more as we continue part three of the teaching series "Begin in Favor".  Catch-up here: Begin in Favor: Part 1  Begin in Favor: Part 2

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Mirror Image

Little princesses, fairy tales and superheroes are fantasies that we read about in books or see on a screen of some type. Although they may be reality in the Disney world for kids, dreaming of being someone beyond what we see in the mirror is not meant to be fiction.

We all grow up dreaming; it’s part of our DNA.  No one enters life without having dreams of being “somebody” special.  Even those who may have physical or mental limitations have desires no one else knows of but their Creator God.

There’s something inside us that cannot be explained, but is felt deeply.  From the moment our brain connects things with words we begin to envision ourselves in roles that we cannot fully comprehend, yet we dream on anyway.

Why is that?  Is what we dream implanted in our spirit from creation or is it something we think of ourselves?  Does God send messages through our thoughts even when we cannot understand what they mean?  Are they signs of what could be or what is to come?

We dream and have grand visions of what life could be because of “imaging.”  It is instinct to think of things on a larger scale based on the truth we were created in God’s image.  He doesn’t think small, and there are no limits to what He can do.

In our minds, mankind thinks like God does in imagining the impossible.  However, when it comes time to put the plan into action, that’s where things get complicated and we put the brakes on our dreams. 

Somewhere between the brain and the hand our vision often gets blurred or lost.  It’s still in there, but we start believing the obstacles are too great so this must not be God.

Instead we seek other avenues trying to capture what we “think” is real, when in fact, it’s a lie from the devil.  We allow fear to cripple our dreams and forget to trust the One who gave us the dream in the first place.

Dream On

There is a phrase that plenty of girls, including myself, have used when it comes to certain persistent boys/men.  If a guy that I wasn’t interested in asked me out or he was acting like a jerk, I’d simply respond to his request for a date, “In your dreams” or “Dream on buddy, it’s not going to happen!”

In other words what he was expecting or hoping for was more than just unlikely to happen, it was pure fantasy on his part.  The reason this dream never became a reality is because it wasn’t in my plans. 

Only when dreams are joined together with a greater source do they ever come to fruition. However, when they are united with the Dream Giver – Jesus, they become bigger than ourselves and more than we could have ever dreamed!

I’d like to share a story that revealed the heart of man to me when it comes to our inner being knowing there is a Living God.  Whether or not mankind admits it is another thing. 

Now bear with me.  I’ll get to the point; but first journey back in time with me.

If I were to ask if you knew of a man called Steven Victor Tallarico you probably wouldn’t have a clue to who he is.  What if I mentioned the name Steven Tyler or Aerosmith, would that hit a cord?  Even if you don’t follow secular music, there are certain songs that we recognize just because they follow artists throughout their careers.

There was a reason this particular person caught my interest.  When Tyler was starting out professionally, his newly formed band purchased sound equipment from a local band from South Jersey (so you can see why), which had broken up and sold off their possessions including their music.  This attributed to the controversy about the famous recording of Dream On. 

Anyway, I don’t want to get sidetracked, but wanted to share how I got interested in this in the first place.  Maybe strange, but that’s what happened and I believe it was for a reason.

This isn’t about the song, but how the song was inwardly connected to the man and the dream that once was.  I’d like to focus on a few lines that Steven (supposedly) wrote, before I go into more detail. Take a look.

“Every time that I look in the mirror

All these lines on my face getting clearer

The past is gone, it went by like dusk to dawn

Isn’t that the way, everybody’s got the dues in life to pay …”

The Bible tells us that what is in our heart (motive) will eventually be revealed or show itself publicly.  I truly believe this is true, and is connected to whether or not we fully live out our dreams or vision for our life.

“What goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adultery, sexual sins, thefts, false testimonies, and insults.” (Matthew 15:18-19 CEB; also 1 Corinthians 4:5; Proverbs 18)

Reading the lyrics, this sounds like a person who has come to grips with life and how they’ve had to fight their way to the top doesn’t it?  Now things really weren’t making sense.  Why would a teen be talking about the wrinkles on his face or paying dues in life when he barely was out of puberty?

“As face mirrors face in water, so the heart reflects the person.

 Sheol and Abaddon (hell) can never be satisfied; so the eyes of mortals (desire for material things) can never be satisfied.” 

(Proverbs 19-20 NABRE)

What if I told you that these so-called profound lines were penned by a gifted seventeen-year-old, poking at an upright piano in his parent’s living room in New Hampshire while he was high on cocaine?  Would that change the way you felt?

I read a comment from a former drug user that said how they felt and how their life was fashioned after false dreams that drugs create in their mind.  That wasn’t “news” especially understanding the conditions.

The thing that really got me wondering why Steven wrote “Dream On” came from something else he wrote. It gave insight to what he already knew in his heart, but chose the wrong path anyway.

“… I know, it’s everybody sins …

Half my life’s in books’ written pages

Lived and learned from fools and sages”

Okay, so was this lad referring to the sages as in the wise where their motto is to think before you act?  He certainly wasn’t referring to sage as in the herb or it’s uses, because why else would he compare it to a fool?

Was he aware of the pages or books recorded by God as in the Lamb’s book of life or recording of deeds in one’s lifetime?  Let’s look at the last bit.

“… All the things come back to you …

Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away.”

Here’s the thing, obviously this boy had dreams of being a successful musician.  He also mentioned his musical father and “imagined” what it would be like following in his footsteps, but on a grander level. 

Anyone could tell there was favor on his talents, yet he felt the need to include the “good” Lord in the unfinished sonnet.  Seemingly there was an understanding of God’s character, and that there was a possibility of his dreams being snatched away for some reason.

When interviewed this superstar said that the song took over six years to write, and it was about hungering to be somebody.  Did you notice the wording he used, “hungering” not wanted or hoped to be someone, but hungered as in having an appetite (yearning) for something he couldn’t put his finger on at his tender age.

Confessions of the Heart

At the time of its origin this was all in the not so famous Tallarico’s imagination; he never expected the lyrics to actually become a song, much less the thing that would define his future.

In later interviews Steven's confessions from the heart revealed how his dreams would be squashed or sideswiped by choices in life.  

He pronounced the same thing as a once young Ringo Starr, “It didn’t come easy”, claiming that there were plenty of struggles in trying to reach the top. 

That’s actually normal for anyone who has big dreams, but it doesn’t mesh with what Tim Tebow claims happened in his life or as I recall, some other “favored” people for that matter.  Something is different and I sense Steven Tyler was referring to more than the music scene rocking his world.

What went wrong for this current day senior citizen or did anything?  Was there any “sage” wisdom gained from his rise to stardom?  Is it possible that the Holy Spirit was trying to warn the younger Steven on a level he had not known, even though there was no evidence of salvation?  

Could it be that there is no escaping the truth that mankind was made in the image of God, and that we have an inner awareness of our Creator when it comes to morality, dreams and vision? 

Does favor from God look different than favor from man, and does it even matter in the end?

This Week’s Vision Challenge:

Open Another Door

It looked like this particular talented musical artist had begun in an environment for favor. Doors did open, but were they the ones God intended? 

Anyone can see he has blasted through the airwaves on the stairway to heaven (no, that was someone else …)

Like Steven, shouldn’t we take all the opportunities we can get in achieving our goals, dreams and vision for what we want in life?  Actually, no.  Not all doors will lead you to your desired end.

Even some good opportunities may not necessarily be the right ones for you, and possibly delay or dispose of your vision entirely.  This is why it’s vital not to lose sight of the real God-given dream by settling for less.

You may rise to fame, but at what cost and will it truly make you happy?  When God is in your dreams and vision, the sacrifices you make won’t cost you your soul.

This week go back to the drawing board of your dream vision and see if there is a place where you should have opened another door.  Don’t get caught up in the past mistakes, but in prayer ask God for His forgiveness.  Then pick yourself up and step out the right door this time.

You know, somewhere in our life we have all opened a wrong door or two, and walked down paths that have taken us off course.  We're no different than the next guy when it comes to wanting to live out our dream.  

Without judging or finding fault we can ask ourselves this same thing:

Was the path Steven (put your name here instead) chose to travel for success really the vision he once had to “dream on, before the good Lord takes him away,” or has his heart actually confessed something else?  Find out as we continue the series “Begin in Favor” on Daily Favor Blog. 

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Until next time, be wise to God’s favor.

God’s wisdom will lead you to His favor.

- Jesus Christ

  

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

Songwriter: Steven Tyler; Dream On lyrics ©BMG Rights Management

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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.

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

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 is geared toward spiritual awareness.

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 credit:  Creative Common License if not specified. Proverbs 29:18  Mirror Image  Dream  Heart Confession  Dream Vision

Salvation, Favor of God, Favor, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Covenant, Obedience, Steven Tyler, Aerosmith, Dream On, Trust, Holy Spirit, Begin in Favor: Part 3, Vision, RIngo Starr, Tim Tebow.