"From Challenge to Change to Courage ... God's Master Plan" for your Life! Lesson 4

"From Challenge to Change to Courage ... God's Master Plan" for your Life!

Lesson 4 

by Sharon Leaf

Istanbul, Turkey 2008 ~ strong, delicious hot turkish coffee!

Today's women are facing many Challenges.  Challenges that call for Change.  Speaking from experience, I can tell you that Change can be scary, but as we trust in the Lord we realize that God allows Change for our benefit.  However, when we're going through these Challenges and Changes we sometimes 

cannot see the forest for the trees.  

But when we allow God to direct our path, 

Courage comes on the scene ...

then anything can happen!

Part 1 ~ The love of Jesus

Throughout your life, have you ever been drawn to Jesus?  If so, what brought you to Him?  Was it a preacher yelling fire and damnation?  Was it a friend (or a stranger) quoting Bible verses to you?  For me, I was drawn to Jesus when I was eight-years-old because my Sunday School teacher always told me how much Jesus loved me (we even sang about it... you know...Jesus loves me, this I know...).  What could I do but accept His love and ask Him to be my personal Savior.  Since then I've heard just about everything that would 'turn off' the average person who was seeking truth.  But what is truth?  Jesus is the way, the Truth, and the Life but yelling, preaching and pounding is not the best way to show it.

   When Rob and I traveled through Siberia for a month in 1992 right after Communism fell, our small team piled into an old Russian army van and drove miles over a bumpy dirt road, out to the countyside to visit a home for the elderly.  Let me tell you, it was nothing like our senior homes here in the USA.  We spent the morning visiting the old folks, just loving and hugging on them.  We didn't speak the Russian, but they could not resist God's love flowing through us, and after we shared the simple gospel of Jesus Christ, more than 90% of them received Him as their Savior.  

   Later, as we walked down a dark musty corridor that led to the parking lot, I glanced in a room where an old lady lay on a broken-down bed.  I motioned to our interpreter to follow me.  As I sat beside the eighty-two-year-old babushka she cried, "I have been waiting for seventy years to talk to someone about Jesus."  Then through my tears, I shared, "God sent me all the way from America for you to talk to me about Jesus."  I knew at that moment that I was sent to that woman by the Lord.  She made all the sweaty days and mosquito-bitten nights worth it.  "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16.  That day, our team's lights were shining bright!  How is your light doing?

Part 2 ~  Manager or Hoarder?

   God wants to establish us in our field to allow us to rise to places of recognition so that His power can become clearer to those who have only known an invisible God.  When people hear our testimony and see our outward blessings--a beach home in California, and now living on a lovely lake in South Carolina--they ask us, what is your secret to success?  Rob always smiles and says, "It has to be God because I'm just not that smart!"  Rob is being modest--he's very smart--but we always take the opportunity to share what God has done in our lives and how He wants to do the same for them.  We have been tested through the years but even through challenging times, we have always chosen to dedicate everything we have to him and to tithe to God's kingdom.

   Sometimes God moves slowly, testing our ability to see if we can handle more status.  Part of the test is in discovering if we can love Him through the droughts, the emptiness, the unknown, and the non-support of others.

   While you are waiting, know that He is watching over you, and that He cares.  In His timing there will be provision.  It doesn't matter where you are in life--a stay-at-home mom, a business woman, a single working mother, a famous beauty queen, an almost-famous author--God wants you to share your testimony right where you are, to draw those around you to Jesus.

Part 3 ~ God cares about the Small Stuff 

"No eyes have seen, nor ears have heard... the things I have for you."  I Corinthians 2:9.  

   Do you like to be in control?  Most of us do.  Life is about control most of the time.  We think we're happy when we're in control.  But I often hear God ask, "How much control are you willing to give Me?"  Oh, my.  That means I have to trust Him in every delicate challenge that I find myself in.  I did that in the past, but am I willing to do it now? I ask myself.  I can give Him the big tasks to handle, but can I give Him the smaller ones too?  He wants it all.  He really does care about the small stuff.  Why?  Because everything is small stuff in His eyes.

Part 4 ~  God has the perfect Master Plan for each of us 

   A new chapter of my journey began in 1987 when God brought Rob into my life, via the telephone (before smart phones were the rage).  We were married a year later, then in 1991 our friends who were living in Sweden invited us to stay with them and go on a week's 'ministry trip' to Russia and Estonia.  At the end of our two-week journey we felt that God was asking us to lay down a large singles ministry at a mega church, leave our family, and move to Sweden for a year to attend an international Bible school!  Why would He ask us to do such a thing?

   Our daughter Jacquie, who was pregnant with her first baby asked, "How can you leave with your grandchild that's on the way?"  A close friend asked, "Do you have enough money to live in a foreign country for a year?"  Good questions.  A pastor on staff inquired, "Why do you have to go all the way to Switzerland?"  I answered, "Excuse me, we're going to Sweden."

   That did it!  We knew everyone was concerned, but the bottom line was that we heard God speak to us.  As crazy at it seemed, we made the choice to obey.  Our intent was to receive everything we could at Bible school, then return to impart what we received to those who were hungering after God.  But we were getting hammered on all sides.  The elders didn't understand, so they informed Rob that he had to resign as singles pastor ... immediately.

   Through it all, we stayed faithful to the call of God and by the time we left for Sweden five months later, God had supplied the money for school tuition and round-trip airfare. Love offerings abounded in our Swedish mailbox for the duration of our stay in Switzerland--oops--Sweden.  And God smiled on me when Jacquie and our granddaughter flew over for Christmas ... the best Christmas gift ever!

   You see, when you obey God's Master Plan, He will never let you down.  That doesn't mean we won't have challenging times.  I wish He would have given us all the finances first, but He waited until we made the choice to say yes to Him.  That's when His provisions came, step by step.  That's part of His Master Plan!

     Has God ever called you to do something that was totally against the norm of your life?  If yes, then encourage someone by sharing your testimony.  If no, it's not too late.  Just wait, and listen.

                                                   Istanbul, Turkey 2008

Part 5 ~ Learning to Listen 

   The more we walk under His Master Plan, the more we will be amazed at the results.  Doors will open and chances to give God the glory will be ours to share.  Being able to access the mind of Christ through the Holy Spirit enables God to guide us.  I love it when the Holy Spirit and I work as a team.

   But we have questions.  If God is leading me, should I plan to go to college?  If God is leading me, should I finish the online business class I started?  With His leading, God wants us to use our abilities and resources ... our God-given gifts.  When we use our mind to think ahead, the more ready we are to act when He shows us where to go.  By working our thoughts through options and plans we can be more ready to respond as God to the Challenge that He directs.

   I'll give you an example.  In 2008 Rob and I wanted to go on a mission trip so we prayed for guidance, and then called the missions department at the Swedish church.  When they told us of the upcoming Istanbul, Turkey missions trip, my first response was, "I'd rather go to Switzerland."  But we made the Choice to say yes to Turkey.  We had no idea what we would be doing once we arrived, but at each church meeting and home group, we saw that the leaders needed encouragement.  The Holy Spirit gave us the words to speak over them, and when Rob preached at the Sunday service, we prayed for many who came forward for personal prayer and ministry. This is what I mean by listening to the challenge, then making the choice to act.  When we accepted the Turkey Challenge, God gave us the Courage to act upon that Challenge.

   Learning to Listen and Act is an Art.  We want to learn from this Bible study how to grow these skills.  It's not that hard when we follow God's Master Plan, in His perfect timing.  The world around us notices.  His plan is a perfect plan and has an awesome outcome.  Sometimes we can't even explain it to those around us.  Have you had one of those instances where you just couldn't explain?

   God is appealing ~ God intended to make our faith in Him look appealing so that we can draw others to Him.  By drawing attention to our worldly success we find moments to share the greater source of our power and abilities.  God is glorified, and man is amazed!  In what ways do yo bring glory to God daily--in your work, your home, your church, your community--so that those around you may see and be amazed?  "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."  John 12:32

God has a plan for your life!

Listen, then act!

And remember, whether near or far,

Keep reading, and keep that body movin'!

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www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler Travels the 7 Seas on a WWII ship

~ You cannot discover new oceans until

you are willing to lose sight of the shore ~

Photo of me on deck of the MS Restoration, raising my hands to God,
thanking him for a successful--and challenging--voyage!

Have you ever had a day when everything was going great ...

dancing on the deck of a ship in the middle of the Mediterranean ...

when suddenly, out of nowhere,

there's a rifle staring you in the face?

Well, that was me.

Entering the port of Sochi, Russia in 1995 to pick up Russian Jews.
Liv, the beautiful ship's nurse, and I on deck of the MS Restoration.
Note: Liv went to heaven on August 2017. She had recently married,
and was a strong pro-life advocate in Norway and Sweden.
She is missed.

I'm going to take you back to 1995.

Here is Chapter One of my book:

1

July 1995

Within minutes of the MS Restoration's entering the Haifa harbor, an Israeli gunboat sped from the port and circled the World War II vessel.  Two soldiers aimed their deck-mounted machine guns at the ship. Another soldier shouted instructions in Hebrew through a loudspeaker.

     The captain of the MS Restoration responded over the ship's radio, "Please speak to us in English!"

     Rosie grabbed the rail.  "Do they think we're terrorists?"

     Jesse touched her arm.  "Rosie, calm down."

     "They think we're pirates."

     "Just calm down," her husband repeated, holding her hand.

     "Will they make us jump overboard?  I don't have my life jacket," she spoke, fighting back her fear of water that was trying to surface once more.

     "Rosie, you must get hold of yourself."

     Her mind raced as she gazed up at the man who'd brought her on this unpredictable journey.  Jesse's right.  What's come over me? Rosie asked herself, all the time wishing she didn't have to go down below to the head.  She didn't dare leave his side.

     The ship, her fellow crew members, and their special passengers--the Russian Jews--had finally reached their destination.  No more troubled waters.  No more hurricanes.  No more delays.  On this hot July morning, they were home free--or so they thought.

     Rosie looked at the crew, poised as if they were ready to hit the deck.  "Isn't this ironic?  We've traveled halfway around the world, and this is the welcome we get."

     "Stop your engine!" the soldier shouted.

     Within seconds, they were dead in the water.

     Rosie's stomach churned.  She hung her head over the side of the ship and let it rip.  She wiped her mouth with a hankie, then grabbed hold of Jesse's arm.  She'd heard stories about people who'd experienced close calls.  Her seventy-year-old father once told her about the time his ship almost went down in the China Sea during the war.  "At that moment, my whole life passed before me," Talmage said.

     Feeling lightheaded as the Israeli soldiers glared at the Restoration through their binoculars, Rosie wondered if this was her moment.    

end of Chapter 1

(60-second video of crossing the Atlantic Ocean, sailing by Istanbul, and Israeli gunboat in Haifa Harbor is available on my website)

After being in mothballs after WWII,
this is the MS Restoration after dry dock in Seattle, Washington 1994.
The beginning of her complete make-over. Isn't she pretty?
Believe me, she was a mess!
What began as a week of volunteering, Rob and I stayed 14 months
as volunteers on her maiden voyage to Haifa, Israel.

Map of Restoration's 1994-95 maiden voyage from Seattle, WA to
Panama, Stockholm, Sweden. Scandinavia. England.
Latvia.  Greece.  Russia.  Israel.
I visited places I never dreamed of.
And a few places that I had.

We sailed under the two bridges of Istanbul, on our way to the Black Sea.

One of many lessons I learned during this journey:

If God can bring an old ship out of mothballs and use her for such a time as this,

how much more he can use us for that which he has planned for us.

The crew truly saw God do great things before our eyes,

on shore, and mile after nautical mile at sea.
Many miracles.

I consider it an honor to have been chosen to be a small part of God's prophetic word

to help bring the Jews home to Israel.

Always remember,
it's never too late to say yes to what God has called you to do.

Whether big or small, the task that he has chosen for you is 

GREAT in his eyes.

The Restoration transported almost 2,000 Russian Jews

before she was laid to rest.

If you haven't read my book, jump on board

for a great adventure!

Until then,

I wish you oceans of travel blessings!

Shout and sing for joy, you people of Jerusalem,

because the Holy One of Israel does great things before your eyes.

Isaiah 12:6

You can order at www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

or go to my website:

www.sharonleaf.com

My 72nd year portrait

Lady Traveler tips on preparing you for your next journey

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half the clothes and twice the money

Overnight bag purchased in Istanbul  2008 

Robinski and I are on the road in our motor home, Moon River.

We'll be gone for two months.

Popcorn ready to hit the road in Moon River,
our 40-foot American Tradition motor home

Traveling is fun!

Preparing for the journey is not so much fun.

However, preparation is necessary to entail a successful and fun trip.

Whether we travel near or far,

whether for two months, two weeks, or two days,

we need to throw something in a suitcase, a backpack, or a bag.

 Two week trip to Costa Rica  June 2014
Rob's backpack.  My backpack.
And a large purse (already in our rented little SUV)

Most of you know the necessities ... don't you?

Toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, and oh, yeah,

underwear.
At one time or another, I've forgotten all of the above.

Actually, wherever we travel, 

we can buy almost anything we need 

at a nearby store.

Except, perhaps, in some third-world countries.

I remember Siberia quite well
where I had to carry my own toilet paper.

Two week trip to Paris  September 2014
My carry-on and a large purse.
Rob: one carry-on and small backpack

I can give more packing details upon request,

(leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer)

but I feel the most important aspect of any trip is to

prepare emotionally and spiritually.

Many surprises can occur along our journey.

If I haven't spent time in prayer and reading my Bible,

I can easily come undone.

Just ask Robinski.  On second thought, please don't.

Now, don't fret ... I'm not talking about spending hours on your knees

(although I'm sure you'd come away lighter and happier),

And I'm not saying you must read your Bible for hours at a time

(although you'd most likely come away stronger and mightier).

Begin right where you are.

Believe me, a little is better than nothing.

I usually read a variety of one-page devotionals in a sitting,

then I say a prayer similar to The Lord's Prayer.*

My bags are packed, now I'm ready to go.  Are you ready to go ...

... to another country ... to a different state ... to the next town?

It's not that difficult at all, so ...

Here's wishing you oceans of travel packing!

Please feel free to add any suggestions that you may have
in the comment box below.

(To remember the words, I'll sing the following scripture as I write 

... so glad I'm alone, except for Popcorn, and she's hiding under the bed)

*THE LORD'S PRAYER

*Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power, and the Glory,

FOREVER.

Amen

Matthew 6:6-13

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler's memories of Turkey and Sweden

Lady Traveler's memories of Sweden and Turkey

Dinner with my Swedish girlfriends 2008

There is much talk about the world's refugees,
which takes me back to our journey
to Sweden and Turkey in the fall of 2008.

It's hard to believe that it has been 9 years since this journey.
We were blessed to have a house-sitter and dog-sitter
that enabled us to be gone for three weeks.
When God asks you to do something,
He always provides.
First, we flew to Sweden.
I was honored to be asked by my Swedish friend, Helene,
to speak to a group of Kurdish refugee women from Turkey.
Although they were completely covered, the lovely dark-skinned women lit up the small room.
They were timid.  They were kind.  They were hungry.
We gathered around a long table where they served, in my honor, 
the most delicious Kurdish dishes.
I usually can't eat before speaking (its called nerves),
but I made an exception.

Then it was time for me to share what God had placed on my heart.
At first it felt strange to once again be speaking with an interpreter,
but soon we were flowing together like old friends.

Afterwards, I offered to pray with those who wanted prayer.
Every woman waited patiently as I spent time
holding their hands and praying for them.
We hugged, then ate delicious desserts.

Believe me, I was the one who was blessed that day.
I thank Helene for the opportunity to spend time
with these refugees that needed a safe place to live.
To this day, the women and their families are not able to return to Turkey
due to the political atmosphere.
(no photos available)


A week later Rob and I took another leap of faith.
A small team of three Swedes--and us-- flew to Istanbul.
Planes, trains, buses, and hours of walking in a city filled with thousands of people.
Bus lines were blocks long.  How did they get to work on time? I wondered.
So many people.  Strangers to me, but not to God.
He sent us to minister to a handful of Armenian refugee leaders who had begun a 
Christian work in this city of millions.
Leaders that needed encouragement, love, and prayer.
That's the least we could do for these brave, courageous men and women.

In the flat of leaders of a local Christian church in Istanbul
(that's me and Rob on the right)

Praying for people in a beautiful church after an evening service.

Eating lunch with Pastor and his family, and other church members after Sunday church service
(Rob preached that morning. Afterwards we prayed for the congregation)

Istanbul, Turkey 2008

We saw many famous sites in this magnificent city,

but it was the beautiful people that left the most profound memories.

We met in small flats throughout the city, and in local churches.
Their courage to obey the call of God on their lives,

no matter what the cost,

will stay close to my heart forever.


Wherever I travel, near or far,
I am always knitted closely together with my Christian brothers and sisters.
I'm sure you find this to be true in your travels.

Let us not forget those who have fled their land in search of a

safe haven until they are once again able to return to their safe home.

A few travel tips:
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and carry snacks.
Travel light.
Always have an interpreter with you whenever possible.
Much can get lost in translation.


I wish you oceans of travel blessings!


Now, I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that you speak the same thing,
and that there be no divisions among you;
but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind,
and in the same judgement.
I Corinthians 1:10

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler asks: Writer's Blog...or Writer's Block?

Paris 2014

~God doesn't want us to live in the past

any more than He wanted St. Paul to~

Today my mind is wandering.

Dreaming about past journeys to Belize, Costa Rica,

Sweden, Russia, Greece, 

Israel...on and on.

Thinking about spring and our upcoming road trip to Missouri.

Facebook flashing now and then.

Pondering our autumn road trip to the Florida Keys.

Praying about a mission trip to the Philippines.

And all the while feeling slightly guilty for not

working enough on my latest project, Lady on the Run.

Are there any writers, artists, musicians out there in Lady Traveler blogland

who are wondering if the project you're working on will be as good as your last?

Although I have published a book, Lady and the Sea,

each process -- 

the writing, re-writing, editing, publishing, marketing --

seems a bit overwhelming to me now.

Is it because I'm turning seventy next year and 

my time is of greater value to me?

Istanbul 2008

I'll be honest,

I'm not looking forward to all the hours needed to research

finding the right editor, deciding which way to go in the publishing field.

And then there's the marketing.

Is there anyone out there who is experiencing these same feelings?

I'm thinking about publishing one chapter a week of

Lady on the Run

on my Lady Traveler Blog.

Nine chapters in nine weeks.

There. Done.

Just like the musicians who post their songs on YouTube.

Right?

Belize 2010

I know, I know.

I must pray.

For guidance, wisdom, patience.

I know, I know.

Oh, great.
I just read an article on a writer's blog with a warning:
Don't whine and complain about the writing process on your blog
incase a publisher might read it.
Yeah, I'm sure a publishing house is going to
read my blog.
(laughing out loud)

In the world's scheme of things,

Lady on the Run

is not so important.

BUT

if God called me to finish His story,

then I must.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for praying.

Coffee always helps!
Until next time
I wish you oceans of Easter blessings!

I press on to take hold of that

for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler has traveled to how many capitals?

Lady Traveler has traveled to how many capitals?

Paris is always a good idea

A friend of mine recently asked me, 

"How many capitals have you traveled to?"

Hmm, I've counted countries, but never counted capitals.  

Lets see ... I must think about this one ...

Jerusalem, Moscow, Stockholm, Athens, Istanbul, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Oslo, London...

... and then there's Paris.

And I'm probably leaving out a few.
(it's the memory factor)

On a mission in Moscow

First trip to Jerusalem

On a mission in Istanbul

In all my travels, I have come to this conclusion:

It's the people who make the country inviting, or not.

I sailed the seven seas on a WW2 ship,
and lived to tell about it!

People come from all over the world to tour our nation's capital,

Washington DC.

I've never been there.

Must go some day.

But I do live next door to our state's capital,

Columbia, South Carolina.

There is something special about capital cities.

Most of the capitals I've explored were not intentional.

I just ended up there.

A few were intentional:

Jerusalem.  Istanbul.  London.

And of course, Paris.

When I'm asked, 

"What country do you suggest?"

I answer, "It depends on what you are looking for."

Adventure?  Relaxation?  Romance?  History?

A spiritual experience?

Good questions to ask yourself before you spend all that money.

Where would I like to travel 
while I'm still able to load my backpack?

Israel, again.
Israel has 'all of the above.'

Have you been to any capitals lately?
If not, where would you like to go?

Or are you satisfied to stay around home?

I'm a 'homebody' at heart.

Like my Mama, I love my familiar surroundings.

Farm table overlooking the pond

But like my Daddy,
when that wanderlust spirit begins nudging me,

I reach for my backpack

and begin planning.

Wherever you go, near or far,

be sure to ask the Lord to be your Guide.

That is when the fun really begins!

We are not alone on our journey.

The God of love...

sent us His only Son to be with us

at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost.

My foot has held fast to His path;

I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Job 23:11  NASB

www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com

This Christmas, I'm a Stay-at-home Traveler

Christmas at the Leaf's
beLeaf in your dreams

For unto us a child is born ...
A Savior ...
Christ the Lord!

Christmas is my favorite time of year, especially if it snows like it did several years ago when we lived in Fort Mill, SC.  Snow or no snow, it is very cold, windy, and rainy, with a touch of sleet and snow flurries, creating a holiday atmosphere in our small southern town.  I'm more than content to stay at home around the fireside and celebrate Christmas with loved ones.

I feel blessed to have more family members close by.  Our daughter's mother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and their three dogs moved to Lexington last month.  New homes, new beginnings.  Of course I would love the rest of the fam to join us, but I leave that in God's hands.  

It's not even New Year's yet and I'm already looking forward to a new year to focus more on my writing.  I have a book to finish (Lady on the Run); today I registered for the Writer's Advance Boot Camp at The Cove in Asheville, NC in February; I've been asked to share my book, Lady and the Sea, at The Golden Hills Garden Club.  And that doesn't even touch on all the family events, church activities, and friend gatherings.  And I think Rob has a big Christmas gift surprise for me up his sleeve (a trip to Paris?  Israel?).  Yep, that's what retirement is all about.  Enjoying life and serving God.

A few of my favorite things ...

Me and Teri (Jacquie's mom-in-law)
enjoying the snow at Riverbank Zoo
December 2013

All I want for Christmas is

little 'Popcorn'

Jacquie, Destiny and me at

The Riverbank Zoo

Christmas 2013

My ice skate tree

The love of my life

Istanbul 2008

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas 

and oceans of blessings for the New Year

www.sharonleaf.com

Order Lady and the Sea for the readers on your Christmas List!