It's About Time ... time for what?

 It's About Time ... time for what?

In the midst of our storms
Remember Who is in the boat with us.
Lake Murray SC 2022

I had put my blog 'on hold' for a year 

but now it's time to pick it up again

if only for a season.

A step at a time. A word at a time.

Like many of you, so much has happened over the past year.

Personally, locally, and nationally.

Remember, you are not alone.

We are in this boat together.

The ones who wear the biggest smile are

sometimes the ones who are hurting the most.

Sometimes we can get out of our

"slumps"

just by reaching out to someone.

A family member. A neighbor.

Someone standing next to us in the cashier line

(happens to me all the time!)

But most important,

we must reach out to our 

Heavenly Father

through His Son

Jesus.

He's riding in the boat with us.

As we take our journey a step at a time,

a day at a time,

I pray that we will draw close to Him.

And see what He will do.

Have a blessed day,

And remember ...

Keep those bodies movin'!

Whenever I'm afraid,

I will trust in You.

Psalms 56:3

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler's Journey with brother John Part 1

(LAST UPDATE on John at bottom of page)

There will always be the unknown.

There will always be the unpredictable.

But faith confronts those frontiers with a thrilling leap.

Then life becomes vibrant with each new adventure!

It all began with these two ... Mom & Dad's wedding at
Shaw Air Force base Sumter, SC  1944

So far the new year 2020 had been good to me.

Just to be alive is pure thrilling.

Even before my first cup of coffee.

But two weeks ago things changed when my sister-in-law Ger called
to tell me that my sweet brother John (72) was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
(several weeks earlier he thought it was just an irritating pain).

A week later, more news.
John calls me with all the test results:
 Stage4 cancer.  Stomach.  Liver.  Lymph nodes ...
6 to 9 months to live.
Now my stomach is hurting ... and my heart is aching.
I pull myself together, and reply, 

"that's the doctor's report.
We believe in miracles, so there!"

Mr. Doctor tells John if he feels up to it,

go ahead and take the 8-day Mexican Riviera cruise on January 25th
that he and Ger had planned months ago.
"And here, take these pain pills with you," he adds.
With a nod from Rob, I immediately ask John,
"Would you mind if we join you on the cruise?"
John started laughing and crying at the same time.
"Could you? That would be so great if you could!"

I hung up and Rob called their Carnival travel agent,
telling her our circumstances and how important it is that we are on that ship.
"Hold on ... let me see ... well, we just happen to have one cabin left."
"We'll take it!" we said in unison through the speaker phone.
She added, "This must be God that we have this cabin."
We replied, "It is definitely God working on our behalf!"

Brother John & Ger in their garden
 Zion Utah Summer 2016

Long story short:
Rob and I are sailing on an 8-day cruise with my brother John and his wife Geri,
his daughter Christy and husband Todd.

I know many of you have been through this when you receive what we call
Bad News.
You've felt the shock, the pain, the hurt, the fear ... every emotion there is.
And then Jesus ...
He reaches out and holds you tight and whispers,
Everything will be all right.

Let me take this opportunity to tell you about my sweet brother.
I'm probably writing to myself but that's okay.
I need to get this part of my journey down in writing.

My brother John is fifteen months younger than me.
We shared the same bedroom until I was in seventh grade.
We had an invisible line in the middle of the room that spoke,
"You keep your trucks and teddy bear on your side,
and I'll keep my dolls and panda bear on my side."
Then one Christmas Santa left him a Roy Rogers and Dale Evans ranch.
That's when I agreed to meet him in the middle so I could pretend to be Dale Evans
riding the range on Buttermilk!

I was elated when Daddy converted our garage into John's bedroom.
My very own bedroom! I never took my bedroom for granted.
I loved my privacy, and my pink walls!
There was only one problem ...
brother John had to walk through my room to get to his room. Yuk!
He still reminds me about the night I made him
walk through the back yard in the rain just because
I was talking on the phone to one of my many boyfriends.
I know, selfish sister.

Years passed, and we were married with kids when Mommy was diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis and needed full-time nursing care.
 John and I worked together to help Daddy cope with this situation
until she went to heaven at the young age of 66.
A few years later when Daddy was diagnosed with Parkinson's Decease
we pulled together again until he went to be with Jesus at the young age of 91.

Yes, we are a brother and sister who loved our parents,
and showed it by giving a little something back to them ...
our time and our love.

You and I have been told over and over that we know not what tomorrow holds.
So again I remind you and encourage you (and me)
to hold close to those you love, both near and far.
And no matter what the circumstances look like,

never lose your faith in miracles.

Bro and Sis at his home in Zion 2016


I am blessed to have a brother that laughs and has a sense of humor
(we inherited these traits from our funny parents).
John is loving and kind and loves Jesus, his family, and his friends.
He is a simple man, like our Daddy.
I have the best brother in the world and I'm honored to be his sassy sister!
I've learned through my 74 years
that a simple, loving, and kind man is the best kind.
And I also happen to be married to one!

I thank all of you for your friendship, both near and far.
And most of all, thank you for praying for John as the Holy Spirit leads you to do.


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

UPDATE EARLY MARCH 2022:

Two years now, and the Keytruda therapy is no longer helping.

The cancer has spread.

John's doctor gave him two options:

Chemo or hospice.

At this writing he is choosing chemo.

He is weak, yet strong in spirit, never complaining,

only speaking the reality of his journey.

Rob and I are on standby but at this writing we'll be driving to

Utah the end of April to spend precious time with him.

UPDATE LATE MARCH 2022:

No time for chemo. Less than a week of at-home hospice.

Rob and I are on the road to Utah mid March

and arrive just in time to give hugs, kisses, and our

last "good-bye, see you in heaven."

Heaven-bound on March 25th, 2022

May 24, 2022

Today is John's first birthday in heaven

and I'm down here missing him like crazy.

I miss his nightly/daily phone calls that we shared over the last two years.

He spoke slowly, softly, and in the end couldn't speak so

our phone calls ended.

That's when Rob and I hit the road to Utah.

Tonight I'll light a candle on a cupcake and try to sing 

"Happy Birthday, sweet brother,

happy birthday to you ...." 

Lady Traveler's thoughts on Palm Sunday

For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only begotten Son.
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Not all roads lead to heaven.

Easter is the time to remember and celebrate
the death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Oh, happy day, Oh happy day,
when Jesus washed my sins away.
(love that song!)

When I recently read an article on Facebook

about Universal Christianity* I felt both anger and sadness.
The article compelled me to write this blog because the Bible warns us that
in the last days many will be deceived, even the very elect.
Don't become another statistic to fall for such lies.
oops ... did I step on someone's toes?
Well, come along for the ride anyway.
It might get a little bumpy but it'll worth the trip.

Jesus said,

"I am the way the truth and the life.

No man comes to the Father but by me."

John 14:6

"For the Son of man came to seek and save those who are lost."

Luke 19:10

Good deeds are good, but not enough to get anyone to heaven.

There is only one way:

"Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin."

Hebrews 9:22

Jesus said,

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life,

that I might take it again.

No man takes my life from me,

but I lay it down myself.

I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

John 10:17-18

Jesus said,

"Thou could have no power at all against me,
except it were given you from above: 
therefore, he that delivered me unto you has the greater sin."

John 19:10

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all,

to be testified in due time.

I Timothy 2:5-6

During this Easter season take time to read the gospel of John (new testament) and 

you will read Jesus' loving and lifesaving words to you and to me.

As you study the Bible, remember to keep the gospel simple.
Don't be deceived by Universal Christianity.

Jesus loves you.  He chose to die on the cross for us so we can have eternal life.
It is our choice to come to him. 

Jesus said,
In my Father's house are many mansions ...

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and receive you unto myself;

that where I am, there you may be also."

John 14:2-3

Jesus is coming again soon.

~I wish you oceans of wise choices~

*For more information regarding Universal Christianity go to:
http/biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2017/03why-hoping-all-men-will-be-savedis.html

http/theheresyofuniversalsalvation.html

www.sharonleaf.com

My 72nd-year photo

Lady Traveler travels to Heaven ...

I Dreamed I traveled to Heaven ...

... I wasn't in a plane over Belize ...

It will happen in a moment,

 in the blink of an eye,

when the last trumpet is blown.

For when the trumpet sounds,

those who have died will be raised to live forever.

I Corinthians 15:52 NLT

... I wasn't in a hot air balloon over Paris ...

I was in my dream,

last Friday night.

And no, I haven't seen

"Left Behind." 

Suddenly,

I was lifted up off the earth,

traveling fast!

Before I knew it

I was in the clouds,

then above the clouds.

Clouds of orange, purple and yellow.

"Yikes!" I thought,

"This is really happening!"

Then I awoke.

I didn't know if I was relieved 

or disappointed.

I thought I was ready,

but the magnificent event took me by surprise!

Most Christians think about the coming rapture,

but no one really knows when this miraculous event will take place.

Some of our family and friends don't even believe in the rapture.

Hmm, perhaps you don't.  Well,

I do.

They think we are Crazy. Weird. Strange.

That's okay.  I'm not trying to win any popularity contest.

I know what the Bible says.

That's why I believe.  I serve a big GOD.

Do you?

What concerns me and saddens me are those people who think 

Christians are Crazy. Weird. Strange 

will be 

left behind.

I certainly don't have all the answers.

I have studied the Bible through the years.

I have studied other religions, 

but all roads led me back to

The Holy Bible.

My 'rapture dream' felt very real,

not like I was dreaming at all.

This particular dream reminded me that we can be

outta here in a flash!

Just like in the movies!

But one day, it will be real.

Will you be left behind?

For GOD so loved the world,

that HE gave HIS 

only begotten SON.

That whoever believes on Him,

will never perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Therefore be ye also ready:
for in such an hour as you think not,
the Son of man cometh.
Matthew 24:44

God loves YOU, and so do I.

A Valentine for All Seasons

Sacred Love

Greater love has no one than this

than to lay down one's life

for his friends.

John 15:13

Valentine's Day is a

Special day

to celebrate those you love

in your own sentimental way.

Whether this day finds you with

a valentine,

or if you're all alone,

there is Someone

who is always there.

His name is Jesus. 

And He gave us His

priceless gift of

Pure Love.

Open your Bible,

then read the book of John

to find this endless love

that passes all understanding.

When we look to others for love, solace, wisdom, and happiness, we can sometimes be disappointed.  Jesus never fails.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  It is man who changes, and who tries to change His simple message.  

Keep your eyes on the One who loves you more than life itself.  He proved it by dying on a cross.  No strings attached.  Just invite Him into your heart.  That is real freedom.

As I suggested, read the book of John.  And I guarantee, you won't stop there.  

Oceans of blessings to all my sweet family, friends, and fans ... and Valentines!

www.sharonleaf.com

ladyleaf@me.com

Advice from Lady Traveler: from Russia to Israel to the USA, be aware of your surroundings

It's a big world we live in!

Since my first trip to Russia in 1991, Rob instructed me, always be aware of your surroundings, so whenever I travel abroad, I'm on the lookout for unusual sitings.  Today, more than ever since the Boston Marathon bombing, I'm keeping my eyes open here in the USA.  In the supermarket.  At the local mall.  Yes, times are changing fast.  Israel has lived for years with this type of terrorist attacks.  Now, again, terrorism has reared its ugly head on our American soil.

I'm not writing this blog to be political or religious, and this isn't meant to be a Bible study, but when I was recently in California visiting friends of different backgrounds, certain topics always seemed to surface:  How can such bad things happen to good people? Did God do this?  On and on.

I don't claim to have all the answers, but the Bible talks about these subjects.  So I'll make it as simple as possible.  If you want more details, you can study further via your Bible.  So here goes.

There were three archangels in heaven, Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer.  Lucifer was the worship leader; he was a beautiful, anointed cherub, perfect in all his ways, but as the years went by (thousands, millions?), iniquity (evil, distortion) was found in him.  Because he desired to be like (as God), Lucifer was cast to earth (Ezekiel 28:12-17; Isaiah 14:12-14).  One third of the angels decided to follow him, now called demons (Revelation 2:4).  Satan brought this evil and distortion with him to earth, and he is temporarily the prince and power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), going to and fro, causing as much havoc as he possible can because he knows his days are numbered.

When I became aware of this revelation, it helped me to understand why evil abounds all around.  But God gave us a way out ... he sent his son, Jesus, and through His death and resurrection, we have power over our enemy, the former archangel Lucifer, now called Satan, or more familiar--the devil.

TiP:  Go ahead, open your Bible and turn to John 3:16.  Once you start reading, you won't want to stop!  Until then,

I wish you smooth sailing ... be aware of your surroundings ... and yes, oceans of blessings and waves of peace in the midst of all turmoil.

www.sharonleaf.com

The Simplicity of the Season

My 40+ year-old nativity

Unto you is born this day in the city of David, 
a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 KIV

During a simple worship song at church yesterday,
I was touched by the loving kindness of Jesus.
My thoughts wandered back to a night in a little southern Baptist church
when I was eight-years-old.  
Someone tugged at my heart.  It was Jesus, asking if He could come in.
With childlike faith, I said yes, and He has been there ever since.
There have been times in my life when I have ignored His presence,
but eventually I always returned to my safe harbor.  

Someone recently told me that I am living the good life, and I agree.  

But like everyone, I've had hard times.  

Single and pregnant at nineteen.

 A failed marriage at twenty-one; another failed marriage at thirty-eight. 

My mother dying at the young age of sixty-six when I was forty.  

And all the tears and mistakes in between.  

But by God's grace, I am still walking with Him, trusting in Him.  

After all,  Jesus is my best friend.

A few random thoughts:  

With the Christmas season upon us, I ask you, has God ever tugged at your heart?  

Take some time in the busy-ness of the Christmas season to get alone with God 

and share your heart with Him.  

Ask questions--I've been asking for fifty-nine years.  

Sometimes I get answers, sometimes I don't.  

Doesn't matter.  

I trust in the Lord with all my heart and choose not to lean on my understanding.  

After all, we're not as smart as we think we are.  

And I'm asking you to please stop looking at us Christians who have let you down, 

act like we don't care, even act holier-than-thou, oftentimes not realizing it.  

We're not perfect, so don't let us stand in the way of God's love and 

His wonderful plan for your life.

I'll write more later, but at the moment, I have a tired patient on my hands.  

Rob had shoulder surgery last week and his body is still in the process of getting back to normal.  And that's what Nursie Leaf is for--to give him drugs, meds, and lots of TLC! 

(sounds like a rock n' roll song to me)

Until next time,  I invite you to give Jesus a chance to tug at your heart.

I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings for the Christmas season.  

And remember ...

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

John 3:16

Popcorn is looking for Rob
Christmas 2012

www.sharonleaf.com