Earthquakes and Hurricanes

What a week this has been. I was sitting on the floor with Popcorn, when the earth started quaking. Not a lot, but just enough to remind me of when I lived in southern California. I've been through enough of them to know what they feel like, and I don't care to experience them back here in the south.

Then there was Hurricane Irene. Watching the TV broadcast of her magnitude sent chills up and down my spine as I recalled the days on the high seas on the WWII ship, MS Restoration, and we found ourselves headed into the eye of Hurricane Hector off the gulf of Mexico. I won't tell the whole story now, but God had mercy on us, and Hector became a tropical storm as he headed further out to sea and we continued toward the Panama Canal. Adios senior! I proclaimed as I lay in my bunk, still reeling from his fury.

On a lighter note ... I just finished my final edits to send to my publisher. Every step toward having Lady and the Sea published is a step closer to my dream coming true. A few random thoughts. Bigger dreams sometimes take longer to accomplish. Like Hector, the seas are sometimes rough, but keep hanging on, ride out the storms, and before you know it, you'll arrive at your destination.

Just looked at the clock ... I'll talk more later ... right now I have to prepare for Rob's homecoming ... he's going to paint the dining room, and guess who's his assistant?

Oceans of blessings!

Which Way to your Destination?

When I look back at where I've been,

I see that what I am becoming is a whole lot further down the road from where I was.

A few random thoughts on this lazy Saturday afternoon: Do you ever ask yourself, "how in the world did I get to this place?" I love the fact that a thousand different choices, good or bad, right or wrong, have taken me to the place where I am now. Do you ever wonder where you would be if you would have made the other choice instead? For example, going on that dreaded blind date instead of staying home ... or answering the phone instead of watching your favorite TV reality show ... on and on ....

The twists and turns you have made led you to your sweetheart, your soul mate, to that country you always dreamed about traveling to but never thought you would, having your own catering business, an art studio, a printing company. Your dreams, along with the disappointments and failures, now find you highlighted in the last month's Romantic Homes Magazine* ... you signing your debut novel in the local Barnes and Noble* ... now, fill in YOUR dream.

Whether you like it or not, here you are. Hopefully, you love where you've landed. If not, what are you going to do about it? Make a choice ... good or bad, right or wrong, make a decision, then go for it! It's your journey, and your destination.

Make the best of your days. And while you're at it, make friends, not enemies. Wipe that frown off your face! Smile! There! You're beautiful when you smile.

Have a great summer's day. Keep making those turns in your road, hopefully to the right!

God is gently calling you ... to an open place of freedom where He has set your table full of the best food. Job 36:16 NCV

*true stories

Mama Mia! Don't you have a Dream?

There will always be the unknown.

There will always be the unprovable.

But faith confronts those frontiers with a thrilling leap.

Then life becomes vibrant with adventure!

I had no idea when I watched Mama Mia the other night that I would hear what I'm calling my theme song for my website*. "I Have A Dream" by Abba resonates in my heart for several reasons**. The words say so much ... I have a dream ... a song to sing ... to help me cope with anything ... I believe in angels ... something good in everything I see ... pushing through the darkness ... you can take the future, even if you fail ... when the time is right, I'll cross the sea ... I have a dream. A non-religious simple song. Take a few minutes to listen to "I Have A Dream" on the home page of my website. Close your eyes and ask yourself, what is my dream? Has the busy-ness of my life tossed my dream aside? How can I bring my dream back to life? Is it too late?

A few random thoughts: It is never too late for your dream(s) to come true! A few of my dreams have already come true as I released my faith. I beLeaf that God is working in my behalf with his angels to perform that which he has begun in me. You see, God is the one who plants dreams in our hearts, whether we acknowledge the fact or not. We all have different gifts that enable those dreams to come true. My latest dream, as many of you know, is having my novel Lady and the Sea published in the fall. How did this happen? Well, I love to write. I enjoy research. I'm intrigued and challenged by the whole process. Hasn't been easy. Hours of isolation. Worth it? Yep!

And it's not all about my dream(s). This week I talked to two special gals who are excited about their new, fresh dreams. One is going to take her painting to the next level; the other is going to write a children's book! I am so excited to be part of their journey. I will be there to cheer them on each step of the way, just as I've had several wonderful ladies cheering me on.

I've had a lovely day with my granddaughter; now sleep is calling me. But before I drift off to welcome slumber, I will spend a few moments thanking God for helping me reach yet another dream. I thank him for my wonderful husband, my loving family, and a roof over my head and food to eat, and Rob's job, and ... so much to be thankful for.

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT

*www.sharonleaf.com

**Lived in Sweden so I love the Swedish group Abba!

Also resided in Greece so I love their zest for life!