Simplify means Slower

Simplify means SloweR

Just another day in paradise ... in our backyard

I'm finding that when I slow down a bit,

I actually get more done.

I spend time in the morning

sipping my coffee, talking to God,

and making my mental to-do plan.

Through the years I've learned to be flexible.

Why?

Because I know that somewhere between

morning coffee and bedtime

God will invite me to step into His story.

I've learned that His story is always better than mine.

Morning coffee at Hemingway's Restaurant at

Bass Pro Headquarters in Springfield, MO

Don't get me wrong ... this RED (Retired-Extremely-Daring) hasn't always been all that flexible.

I like things my way.

Who doesn't?

But after a few minutes, I give in to God.

I sigh.  He smiles.

And we walk together hand in hand,

fulfilling another success story.

I know I'm a simple person,

and I'm simply okay with that.

I am who I am.

In my travels, whenever I compare myself to someone else who has

accomplished great and mighty things in their lives,

I become gloomy and self-critical ...  you know what I'm talkin' about

because you often feel the same.

My advise.  Don't compare.

Run the race that is set before you

Run--or walk--at your own pace.

The results?  Happy feet!

Happy heart!

Happy life!

I'm simply happy with my family, daughter Jacquie and son Shawn here in the south.
(my recent 73rd birthday celebration)

Author Hallee Bridgeman invited me for an interview on her blog.

You can read all about this RED on 

www.halleebridgeman.com/interview-with-sharon-leaf-and-a-giveaway/

Until next time

I wish you oceans of simple blessings!

www.halleebridgeman.com/interview-with-sharon-leaf-and-a-giveaway/

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

Lady Traveler Fever

Lake Michigan @ Silver Lake Park sand dunes 2016

Anything, everything, little or big

becomes an adventure

when the right person shares it.

I'm sitting in my living room, sipping water and taking my morning vitamins,

daydreaming of our past road trips, 

and planning for our next big road trip to California.

Rob walks in from our screened porch and notices that familiar look on my face.

"Where are you now? Here? Myrtle Beach? Lake Michigan? California?"

"All of the above. I feel that vagabond spirit coming over me."

"And I can see it. I have an idea.
Why don't we go to Dreyer Island next week for a few days?"

Yes!

Upon returning home a few weeks ago, we decided to stay home for the summer.

The decision sounded good at the moment.

Traveling in our home-on-wheels three weeks after my knee replacement surgery

was the perfect Physical Therapy for me.

But now, the thought of lounging around our home for two months,

sitting in our screened porch in the evenings 

while thunder storms surround us.

Ahh, nothing could be finah

than to be in Carolina...

Daydreaming in Springfield, Missouri 2015
Shawn Watson Photography

That lasted until mid-July.

Hot July. Hotter August on the way.

Now we shall pack a few items,

and off we'll go,

just an hour north on Lake Murray,

to Dreyer Island.

Everywhere I go people say to me,

"I wish I could travel like you."

Last week at a writers conference

I met a woman face-to-face that 

friended me on Facebook.

Smiling, she told me,

"When I grow up I want to be just like you."

Smiling, I simply answered,

"We never know where our journey will take us.

We must learn to be happy right where we are.

We must be happy with who we are.

Then we can enjoy our journey

wherever it takes us."

Dreaming of Myrtle Beach, SC

God has given each of us a unique journey.

Through good times and challenges

your journey will change you, and will influence those around you,

even those you have never met face-to-face.

Always take a moment to encourage those who seem lost,

or someone who just might need a hug.

Now Popcorn must take me for my morning walk,

which is part of my PT.

I wish you oceans of cool summer blessings!

Share each other's burdens,

and in this way

obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

www.sharonleaf.com