Traveling to a place where there is HOPE

My brother's garden in Zion 2009*

Unto the upright there arises 
light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion.
Psalm 112.4

There is so much turmoil happening in the world that 

I my day-to-day problems seem trivial.  

Just when things start settling down a bit, 

there's another news flash

(this week, in the state of Missouri), 

the continuing conflict between Gaza and Israel, 

Russia and Ukraine,

ISIS terrorist genocides and the 
be-heading of an American journalist,

and the suicide of comedian/actor Robin Williams.

Flying over island off Belize 2010*

Its hard for me to sit at my computer to

write, re-write, and edit my next novel,

Lady on the Run

when the world is crumbling around us.

Does anyone else feel this way?

So I haven't written much lately,

but I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying.

Mostly praying.

I know there are many people out there in Blogland

who are hurting.

Your situation seems hopeless,

like Robin Williams.

You may be fighting depression.

Or worse.

But wait!

There is help. 

You just have to reach out and ask for it.

To start somewhere, in the privacy of your home,
I ask you to PLEASE 

go to our church website, www.newspring.cc

go to bottom of page to Sermons, click on the Overwhelmed message #2

"Spanx, Sickness and Suicide"

It may save you.

(Pastor Perry Noble shares his personal journey

with depression and suicidal thoughts;

yes, pastors are human too).

Our former hometown, Huntington Beach, CA*

Why am I sharing this?

To promote my church?

No.

I want to reach out a hand to let you know that someone cares.

I care.

Jesus cares.

Crying out for help--

--from others and from God-- 

may be the strongest moment of our lives.

Hope comes with help from God and others.

Costa Rica 2014*

If you're not be experiencing 

anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts,

you may know someone who is.

Reach out in love, not condemnation.

You may be the one who changes their direction.

*i thought a few of my nature photos would make you sigh, smile, and feel that there is HOPE.

www.sharonleaf.com

...if I perish, I perish....

(I wrote this post in 2014.  Since that time, since the recent terrorist attacks, the French Jews are now making Aliyah (moving) by the hundreds, possible thousands, to Israel.  Thus my reason for reposting while I finish my recent post.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.)

WWII ship, MS Restoration, at sea

...and who knoweth whether thou art come

to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

ON A SERIOUS NOTE:
Have you ever wondered why you are living now

rather than in the 1800's, the 1900's, or earlier?  

I have.

Personally, I'm glad I didn't have to wear those long, bulky skirts, wash my laundry by hand, and walk fifty feet to an outhouse.
(oh my, I just realized that there are those who still
do the above...hope I didn't offend anyone!)  

  

Lately, however, another thought has crossed my mind.  

God has called me to live in these last days for a purpose.  

For such a time as this.

WWII ship MS Restoration

FLASHBACK:

God planted a love for Israel in Rob's heart 

in the early '70's when he lived on the West Bank.

God planted a love for Israel in my heart 

in 1991 when I was in Bible school in Sweden.

Rob and I were volunteers on the
MS Restoration for fourteen months in 1994-95.  

This old WWII ship was put in moth balls 
by the government after WW2. 
Why?

For such a time as this.  

Together, we transported Russian Jews 

from Sochi, Russia to Haifa, Israel.

Seattle, WA to Stockholm, Sweden;
Shoreham, England to Athens, Greece;
Black Sea to Israel

He protected us on our entire journey 
and among the nations

through which we traveled.  Joshua 24:17

We stand with Israel

Whether or not you believe the Bible, 

you only have to watch the news or read the newspapers

to see a rising in anti-Semitism.  

Thousands of Jews all over the world 

have begun their journey (aliyah) to Israel.

We don't have the full picture yet, 

but God's Word predicts certain events 
shall begin to take place in Israel in the last days.

Don't take my word for it; 
read God's Word for yourself.

I KNOW ONE THING:

I have been created for such a time as this 
to take a stand for Israel.

And like Esther declared, 
if I perish, I perish 
(Esther 4:7)

When Esther was asked to go before the king
to save the Jewish people,
she had to make a decision:
Put her life on the line, 
or keep quiet and live.
We don't know what would have happened 
if she had said no to the request, 
but she said YES,
and the Jews were saved.

LESSON:
Is this YOUR moment? -- If it is, then don't miss it! 

QUESTION:

Do you want God's blessings or curses?

I made my decision in 1992; 

Hope you will too.

I will bless them that bless thee,
and curse him that curseth thee...
Genesis 12:3

I Will Stand with Israel Ralley
Charleston, SC 2012

Read the book of Esther, a very inspiring story of adventure and making right decisions.

To order Lady and the Sea: go to www.sharonleaf.com or www.amazon.com