"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'!

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

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler in Sweden -- Part 5

Sweden in the Fall

Part 5

European Trip September 2017

May your footsteps set you upon a lifetime journey of love.
May you wake each day with His blessings and sleep each night in His keeping.
And may you always walk in His tender care.

A stroll along the canal in downtown Uppsala

This part of our trip is dedicated to everlasting friendships



Returning to Sweden is always nostalgic for me.

We lived in Sweden for a year in 1991-92

to attend an international Bible college in Uppsala.

I fell in love with the beauty of the land.

The red houses.  The yellow houses.

The castles.  The historic churches.

Most of all,

the wonderful, loving people

who still remain lifelong friends.

Lifelong friend, Dan, and his son, Josef
showing off his new boat.
Don't you know all vikings own a boat, or two?

The canal that runs through the town of Uppsala
Don't you know all Swedes own a bike, or two?

After the long, hot days in Italy and Spain,

the cool, cloudy, and even rainy days of Sweden were inviting.

(that's why I packed summer and winter clothes--all in my carry-on)

Rob and I bought a bus pass and spent a few days

traveling through the old familiar streets of Uppsala.

We stopped at favorite eateries along the way,

laughing and sharing past memories of our many trips

to Sweden over the past 20+ years.

Dan and Birgitta took to The Mall of Scandinavia

Can you believe that I trekked through this four-story mall
and did not buy one item?
That's me, the non-shopper.
My logic kicks in, telling me that I have enough clothes,
too many accumulated treasures ... blah, blah, blah.

A Sunday afternoon at a castle north of Stockholm with Dan and Birgitta. 
We ate the most delicious brunch in a beautiful converted barn.



After brunch, we enjoyed a Sunday drive to Stockholm's
Mall of Scandinavia
(Scandinavia's largest mall).
I've been to some very classy malls in 
Paris, London, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and other major cities ...
And, oh yes, not to mention Rodeo Drive in Bel Air.
But I have to say I was very impressed with the layout of this four-story mall.

Our friend Lennart drove us to a nearby village where his boat is docked.
He is a retired sea captain so of course he has a boat.
Did I mention that he was one of the captains on the MS Restoration?

We stopped for Swedish fika in a quaint little cafe.
Nothing like strong Swedish coffee on a cold autumn day.

Dinner with Lennart and his lovely wife in their beautiful home.

A few days later we drove to another little village
to have dinner with our friends,
Kristen and Helene.


  

At home with friends Kristen and Helene.
Kristen designed and built this home and garden
with the help of her talented father.

Saturday evening dinner with friends in downtown Uppsala.
Every home is cozy and elegant that says,
"Welcome"

Dinner at Barbro's flat was priceless. Hans and Maggie made the night complete.

Love and happiness

Delightful afternoon and evenings with lifelong friends.
The homes are filled with love and coziness that
makes you want to linger over another cup of strong, Swedish coffee.

Our last dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in Uppsala.  Dan's favorite.
Old, yet cozy.  
Thank you, Dan and Birgitta,
for opening your home to us ... again.



Our ten days in Sweden went by too fast.
It's always hard to say good-bye to friends.
We take home the memories,
and hope and pray for more days to come.



Cherish the friends you make along your journey.
Whether one special friend, or many,
they are God's gift to us.



Stand at the crossroads and look ...
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16



Next blog:
To Berlin, with Love.



Here's wishing you oceans of tRavel blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler ~ No place like home for Christmas

Lady Traveler is home for the holydays!  

I'm re-posting this blog from last year (2016) because the message is the same.  

Enjoy, and I'll chat with you next year.  2018!

Christmas in our first South Carolina home in Fort Mill, 2006
The mural painting was in the house when we bought it.
The canal reminded us of when we lived in Uppsala, Sweden in 1991-92
so I kept it and created a little cafe where the Le aRtist's Studio
met each month to share our dreams. 

There's no place like home for the holidays,

No matter how far away you roam...

Fa-la-la-la-la, la la la la!


On the other hand...
For a few moments while we were on the road

traveling cross country in Moon River, our 40-foot motor home,

the thought came to me,

I could do this...full-time.

Everyone is so busy at home...

No one would miss me.

Everywhere Moon River took us,

the wide open roads seemed to be 

beckoning me,

from Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri

across I-70 through Kansas and Colorado.

Even on the I-15 from Utah to California,

the desert, the hills, the blue Pacific

I heard them calling...

Come, stay with us.

Like my Daddy, I have a spirit of wanderlust.

I'm a happy wanderer.

A gilded gypsy.

A vagabond.
A sojourner.

I've traveled the USA by bus, bike, train, plane, car and RV

HOWEVER, like my sweet southern Mama,

I'm a homebody.

I love to nest.

I adore my little treasures

from around the world.

Russia, Siberia. Latvia. Estonia.
Turkey. Greece.

Sweden. Norway. Finland.

England. France. Spain. Italy. Germany.

Israel.

There are more countries but I can't seem to remember.

That's what treasures are for, 

to remind us of those places where we first saw them, brought them home, and 

found a special place for each one.

beLeaf in your dreams and they will come true.
Believe.

Some day I might have to part with these treasures, but not today.
And the highways and byways will have to wait.
Because for now, I'm singing ...


There's no place like home for the holydays,
where
family and friends gather
to celebrate
the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.


No matter what you believe,
I wish you oceans of holyday blessings!


And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son,
and thou shall call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people
from their sins.
Matthew 1:21


and He still does.

Lady on the Sea is available:

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

sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler in Spain... Barcelona! Part 4

Spain in the Fall



Most new discoveries are suddenly-seen things that were always there.

Part 4
Our European Trip September 2017

Famous church. Amazing architecture

I've slowed down on my blogging due to
Life happenings.
I'm sure you understand.


I want to begin where I left off on our last European journey ...


The train from Valencia to Barcelona was scenic and very enjoyable.

Ticket included a nice little breakfast and COFFEE!

Once we arrived in Barcelona,
it was easy to travel to our hotel via taxi.

The hotel was nice. Hot breakfast was available in their cafe.

Our days were filled with touring the beautiful city

and hanging out near the port and the beach.

Beautiful architecture abounds in Barcelona!

Of course, Rob found an authentic Tex Mex restaurant just around the corner.

The owners were from Texas and had moved to Barcelona many years ago.

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was welcoming,
so we returned again before leaving for Sweden.

Little Tex Mex restaurant around the corner from our hotel.

I was determined to walk Las Ramblas
where the terrorist attack happened last August 17th.

I spoke with a young man who made his living by
transporting tourists in his bicycle-buggy.

He still feared driving up and down the walkway

so I encouraged him to take it slow.

"By you just showing up here daily shows that you are

overcoming your fear a step at a time."

He smiled at my encouraging words.

The famous walking street, Las Ramblas, 
where the terrorist attack occurred.

From Las Ramblas, we walked the bridge to the beautiful port of Barcelona,
ate lunch, and sat on a bench to 'people watch',
one of my favorite pastimes.

Port of Barcelona.  Yachts galore!

We spent two days basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea.

We had perfect weather in Italy and Spain.
Our next stop will be Sweden.
Cloudy, rainy, and cold,
but oh so nice after many days of very warm weather.

Can you see why we love to travel?

I have details of this journey on my Facebook page.
(Food, places to stay, etc.)



Our next stop will be Sweden.
We'll be flying to Stockholm to visit friends for 10 days.
Until then,

Wherever you travel, 
take time to smell the roses, the salt air, the pine trees
and most important,
stop to chat with the people that God has placed in your path.



I wish you oceans of travel blessings,
wherever you are!



For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son.
that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

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

Travelin' Across Town To A Birthday Party

Destinee at an orphanage in Mexico

My quick, unedited blog (gotta get ready for a birthday bash):

Twenty-three years ago the sweetest little baby girl was born.

I drove her Mama (my daughter, Jacquie) to the hospital

(I think Tom thought it was another 'false labor').  

It was the typical So-Cal morning traffic, way too slow, 

bumper to bumper.  Jacquie was in labor.  

I was praying while driving (not the same as texting).  

Over the past weeks she had had several 'false labors' 

so I was familiar with the freeway to 

Kaiser Hospital in Anaheim Hills.  

We made it to the hospital just in time for little 

Destinee Taylor Blake to pop out 

(yes, Tom made it to the hospital in time) 

and our lives have been on a fast-track ever since. 

Destinee is my only granddaughter 

(I have three grandsons, thanks to Rob's daughter), 

so you can imagine the dilemma I had when we 

had to leave for Bible school in Sweden 

when she was only six weeks old.  

Whew. Tears. Doubts (am I doing the right thing?)  

But God honored our faithfulness to His calling by 

bringing Tom, Jacquie, AND baby Destinee to 

Sweden for New Year's.  

Two weeks with my sweet lil' darling was my shot in the arm to 

get me through the snowy Swedish winter.  

Then six months later, after touring Israel and 

trekking through Siberia for a month, 

Jacquie and Destinee flew to Sweden for two weeks, 

then we all flew home together.  Double blessing.

Okay, as you can see, this is MY story, so it's all about 

me, Destinee, and God's faithfulness.

LIFE LESSON:

Trust God, obey Him, 

and He will give you the desires of your heart.  

God knew I was longing to see my granddaughter, and Voila!  Thank you, Lord.

A few summers ago
eating at Mellow Mushroom with family

FAST FORWARD:  

Rob and I moved to South Carolina eight years ago, 

and after many plane trips back and forth, 

Tom, Jacquie, and Destinee moved here three years ago

and live fifteen minutes away.  We didn't plan it.  

We still laugh about it.  God did it.  Life can't get much better.  Well, yes it could.  

Son Shawn and wife Frances could end up here.  

How cool would that be?  

But when I pray, I always pray for God's will for my family, 

not my will.  

Destinee loves her mud runs

The 3 GLITS Gals*
*(Girls-Living-In-The-South)

Whether on a mud run, on the mission field, or 

working as a make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics, 

Destinee is a gifted, talented, God-loving young woman.  

She loves her family and friends, but most of all, 

she loves God.

I love Destinee more than words can say.  

Now that I think about it, she has followed me wherever I go ... Sweden, Seattle (when we lived on a WWII ship)

and now South Carolina.  

That says a lot about our love for each other. 

Today, this Grama prays for God's will 

to be accomplished in her granddaughter's life.  

And Destinee, if you read this, 

I wish you smooth sailing on life's journey, 

and oceans of blessings,

Love, Grams Leaf  

www.sharonleaf.com

Waving farewell to 2012!

MS Restoration sailing from the Black Sea to Israel in 1995

Let Christ navigate you through 2013

May this year be the year you wave farewell to your safe shore,

and dive into a new ocean of dreams that will lead you to your God-given destiny.

Through rough seas or silky waters, your Captain will guide you to safe harbors.

I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings for the New Year!

MS Restoration crossing the Atlantic in 1994
(from Seattle, WA to Stockholm, Sweden)

(photos by Julie Langaker)

The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour

WELCOME TO THE GRACE FILLED CHRISTMAS BLOG TOUR!

I am thrilled beyond measure to be participating in the first annual Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour 2012, sponsored by the Grace Awards.  It's another dream come true for me to be in the company of all these talented and gifted authors.  I would like to suggest a Christmas read that took me on a great adventure of sailing the seven seas on a WWII ship, and living to tell about it.  Yes, Lady and the Sea is a novel based on my true story.  You can travel with me without wearing a life jacket or leaving the comfort of your cozy chair by the fireplace.  You'll even spend a white Christmas in Stockholm, Sweden on board the MS Restoration.  So come, sail away with me.

"You cannot discover new oceans until you are willing to lose sight of the shore"

After two failed marriages, forty-eight-year-old Rosie Atkisson struggles to rebuild her life with her husband, Jesse, in Southern California.  But the settled rhythm of her newfound comfort is interrupted in l994 by a tug in her heart when she encounters a haunting photo of another aging lady, the WWII vessel MS Restoration.

A special mission to transport Russian Jews from Sochi, Russia, to Haifa, Israel means an adventure of a lifetime; does she dare pass up this dangerous assignment that will take her thousands of miles from her family and comfortable life?  In spite of her fear of water and the unknown condition of the ship, Rosie says yes to that inner voice that says GO!

After surviving fourteen months on board the old ship--from a hurricane to a heart attack, from miracles to the M word--menopause--and now being held at gunpoint in the Haifa Harbor--Rosie wonders if she will ever return to her own safe harbor.

Christmas on board the WWII ship MS Restoration
 Stockholm, Sweden ('94)

What makes Lady and the Sea perfect for Christmas reading and/or gifting?  Once Rosie found faith to say farewell to her safe shore and dive into a new ocean, her fourteen-month journey full of adventure, romance, and miracles enabled her to find faith for her forgotten dreams.  After traveling with Rosie, you too will find faith for YOUR forgotten dreams!  From teen-agers to 89-year-old great-grandparents, women and men who are reading Lady and the Sea are bidding farewell to their safe shores.  Lady and the Sea is the perfect gift for this season of miracles.

Purchase Links:  sharonleaf.com  amazon.com Books A Million, Barnes and Noble, E-books

I wish you a Merry Christmas, smooth sailing and oceans of blessings for this holiday season!

Please continue the GRACE FILLED CHRISTMAS BLOG TOUR through December at www.graceawardsdotorg.wordpress.com/grace-filled-christmas-blog-tour-2012/

About Sharon Leaf
Born in sultry South Carolina and raised in sunny Southern California, since turning forty, Sharon Leaf has traveled to over fifteen countries, including living in Sweden while attending an international Bible College, traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and volunteering on the WWII ship, MS Restoration, whose sole purpose was to transport Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel.  She received a degree in theology at the age of sixty, proving that it is never too late to fulfill another dream.  Lady and the Sea is Sharon's debut novel.  She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their malte-poo, Popcorn.
http://www.sharonleaf.com
http.//www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com

Hej da! Friends from abroad and at home

Okay, hello everyone!  I confess that I have been unfaithful to my blog.  Forgive me.  Thank you.  Our house full of Swedes departed Saturday, leaving a small hole in my heart.  We've known them for over twenty years, see them once a year if we're lucky.  They either fly this way, or we fly across the pond to spend time with them in Uppsala.  No matter how long or how short a time you've known someone, a friend is a friend is a friend.  And you know who you are.  I've always wanted to be a better friend, but somehow my friends, and there are many ... not bragging, just blessed and want to proclaim it ... accept me just as I am. And for that I am thankful.

I am in the process of writing a special blog for "The Grace Filled Christmas Blog Tour."  Once finished, I will sit down and write a longer and wittier blog.  Hmm, perhaps I'll call Aunt Eunice and have her write a blog for me.  Good idea, Sharon.  Yes, I sometimes talk to myself.

Latest news?  As of today, LADY and the SEA is available at The Lexington Public Library!  Somehow that excites me, mainly because I love libraries.  I checked out a book that I doubt if I'll even open for at least two weeks.  But no problem.  I can go online and re-check it out.  Oh, the joys of technology.  Reminds me, Rob got his iPhone 5G (is that what its called?)  And I, of course, inherited his 4S (?).  Whatever.

More news.  I receive lots of emails.  Well, not lots, but a lot for an 'almost-famous' author.  Today I received a Facebook email from someone who told me that she has been 'following me' and that I have inspired her to finish her manuscript that she started in 2007.  She will have it completed by Thanksgiving.  I inspired someone!  That makes me SO happy!  It's better than receiving a check in the mail!  So I shall celebrate this email by writing a few lines in the manuscript that I'm working on, LADY on the RUN.

Hey, we survived the election!  Now we shall survive the days ahead.  Not only survive, but we shall go out with joy and gladness.  It all begins inside of us, with our Jesus.  If you don't know Him personally, just tell Him that you would like to get to know Him.  And that, my friend, will make Him very happy!

Until next time, I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings,


Sharon

Listen, my son, and be wise, 

and keep your heart on the right path.  

Proverbs 23:19 NIV

A Message for All Generations, Lest We Forget

Photo taken in SoCal on my granddaughter's high school graduation 2009)

Update on my life: We sold our Fort Mill house last week so I've had to speed up the packing process. But while I'm taking my afternoon coffee break today, I had to share something special that happened to me at our monthly Literary Luncheon two weeks ago.

I was feeling a bit guilty for not doing more marketing for Lady and the Sea. Then God smiled at me.

Before the critiquing began, a fellow-writer announced, "I gave Lady and the Sea to my two grown daughters for Christmas, and my 13-year-old granddaughter called me the other day and said, 'Grama, I read Lady and the Sea and I loved it. I have never heard of the Holocaust!'" My mouth dropped as fellow-writer continued, "Then my daughter got on the phone and told me, 'Mom, Lady and the Sea has opened the door for my daughter and me to talk about premarital sex, teen pregnancy, and other hot topics of interest." (yes, my debut novel touches on many hot topics of the day.)

My soul and spirit was touched by this testimony. So attention all you mothers out there, think about giving your daughter a copy of Lady and the Sea. And don't worry if she doesn't pick it up right away; I believe she will read Lady in God's perfect time. There are many layers to the story for women of all ages. My prayer is that every reader will find that certain story within the story to find faith for their future.

I will share another testimony in my next blog, but now I must put my coffee cup down and pick up another empty box. Until next time, oceans of blessings!

You can order Lady and the Sea on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, e-books, and

www.sharonleaf.com

Video is actual footage taken on MS Restoration in 1994.