Peace is attainable in this crazy mixed-up world!

 Peace is attainable in this crazy mixed-up world!

Walking the beaches in Costa Rica 2014

Now that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11

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!

Obtaining Peace

   The world is searching for relief from their stresses.  Today crisis-driven, money-motivated hectic lifestyles are pressing people to the limit, especially since the Corona Virus struck.

   Have you ever wondered if it was possible to live stress-free?  Would you buy peace if it was advertised as a product?

   Well, you can be the first person on your block to have peace!  The Bible is full of comments and teachings on how to live without stress.  Peace is Priceless.  But peace cannot be bought or sold.

   When we moved from California to South Carolina, the above verse became very real to me.  No matter what state I lived in, I would be content.  But I think Paul was talking about something deeper.

   Peace is a state of mind.  When we live a life of prayer, we can build positive mental health.  I'm not talking about sitting all day with our hands folded.  If you're like me, I talk to God while I'm making my bed.  My Lady Leaf's Lounge is now a no-phone zone, but I can dial up Jesus anytime!

   It is the Holy Spirit that transcends our own weak spirit to lift us to a point of  being content.  This peace described in the Bible is defined as a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).  Man cannot create this product; it comes from God.

   Giving up our wants is a major key.  I find that the more I want, the more demands I put on myself, thus propelling me out of my peace mode.  I have to remind myself:

What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?  Mark 8:36.

Remove Stress by Eliminating Sin

   There are many peace robbers--money, power, and physical temptations, to name a few.  These can be forms of sin when they are taken to the point of losing our peace.  God gave us the Ten Commandments to make our lives peaceful, not to make our lives harder.  Think about it, most of our stress is self-inflicted.

   Most of us know what is right and wrong because our conscience tells us.  So let's focus on correcting any stress-caused sin.  Simply, God knows we are not perfect.  In planning for our transgressions, the Bible tells us how to remove stress by eliminating the sin.  We are called to ask for forgiveness.  God calls us to confession because secret sins cannot co-exist with peace of mind.  When we confess our sins, God forgives us before we finish the sentence.  In Psalm 51:10 David asked God to forgive his sin and to create in him a pure heart and renew a right spirit in him.  God forgives us, just as he forgave David.  God takes pleasure in watching the cleansing of our conscience.

   A few years ago I experienced a stressed-caused peace robber.  I asked a Christian editor who I met in California if she would be interested in editing my Lady and the Sea manuscript before I sent it out to the mad world of publishing.  She jumped at the chance, we set a price and some deadlines, and because she needed the money, I mailed her $300.00 up front.  Three months of communicating via e-mails, she continued to give me excuses why she hadn't shown me any work.  Is my writing that bad?  Is she bored to tears with my story? went through my insecure mind.

   My flesh worked overtime trying to figure out how I should handle this unexpected incident. She finally confessed that she was in an alcohol rehab program.  Oh, my.  It was obvious that she wouldn't be editing for awhile, so I quickly offered her an easy payment plan to reimburse my $300.00.  Instead, she asked me if I would forgive her $300.00 debt.  Oh-me-oh-my.  

   I asked God, "What shall I do?  I don't want to let her off the hook if You're trying to teach her some kind of lesson."  I prayed.  Know what He answered?  Forgive her.  And I did.  Wasn't easy.  And I beat myself up for days because I thought He had told me to hire her in the first place.  Finally, when I quieted my spirit down--and my flesh--the Lord explained, "The incident isn't about the money.  It's not about forgiving the debt.  It's about forgiving her."

   Well, I forgave her and her debt, but like I said, it wasn't easy.  I felt that I had been betrayed by a person I trusted.  Has that ever happened to you?  This incident reminded me once more that we must always put our trust in the Lord.  He will never disappoint us.  And there is where I find my peace.

If God says we are forgiven ...

   ... then we are!  The hardest part about forgiving is forgiving ourselves.  Long after we have confessed our sin to God, we often carry the guilt with us, day after day, sometimes year after year.  The devil enjoys this because it paralyzes us from having perfect communion with our Father.  I did hear from God about hiring that editor, even though the outcome didn't turn our the way I had planned.  There is always more to every situation we find ourselves in than meets the eye.  God forgives us, so we must carry on to the next assignment that awaits us!

Let it all go!

   I remember the story of an old friend who said on her deathbed that she had a lot of trouble in her life, most of which never happened.  Isn't that the truth?  Am I preachin' to the choir?  Most things we worry about never come to pass.  Worry and fear creep in, and before we know it, we are paralyzed to go about our daily tasks, much less make any decisions that need to be made.

   Our Heavenly Father wants us to give it up!  Stop beating yourself up over the 'what if's'.  Jesus says, Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your soul.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30.

   Right after my brother John was diagnosed with stage-4 stomach cancer, the Corona Virus from China hit the USA.  We had no longer returned from the Mexico cruise than Covid-19 closed everything down. These are the times when you must accept the gift of peace that God gives you.  Jesus says, I am leaving you with this gift--peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace that the world gives.  John 14:27.  This gift defies all logic, so in order to receive this peace we must learn to hear God's voice through whatever the process takes.  

   Sometimes peace robbers are just life's misfortunes.  Stuff happens.  I know, you call it something else, but it's all the same!  We can only see our situation through our eyes, but God sees the big picture.  No matter what comes our way, we learn to weather the storm, and just walk through it.  When I lived on the World War II ship for fourteen months, stuff happened on a daily basis, whether it was a hurricane in the Pacific, a conflict between the crew, or my heart attack in Greece (I still don't know which was worse).

Peace prevents wrinkles.  Forgiveness gives you that extra glow!

Why Live a Peaceful Life?

   Life becomes a pleasure when we learn to dwell in peace.  It's hard to stop and smell the roses when we're under the burden called stress.

   I find I can work in harmony with Christ more when I demand less from myself and from the people around me.  Simplify is my motto.  When we lived on the WWII ship Restoration, our cabin was the size of a walk-in closet.  I had three small lockers for my clothes.  The rest of our belongings were stored in boxes underneath the double bed my husband Rob built for us (there was no way he was going to sleep in a single bunk bed for fourteen months!).  The rest of our stuff was stored in one of the holds below the main deck.  I learned to live light and travel light, for which my hubby is grateful.  Now, I'm not suggesting that you give away all your beautiful handbags and shoes, but perhaps try asking yourself before you purchase the next item, Is this going to clutter my life, or will it bring me more peace?  I know, that's a loaded question for you Prada purse-collecting gals.

   If you've noticed, it's hard for us to reach out to the needs of others if we don't have peace ourselves, so lets endeavor to keep our 'want list' short, simple, and necessary. (oh, thou shoe collector, please don't turn me off!)

   Through the years, I have found as my faith grows, my stress level decreases.  Since moving to South Carolina, whenever a stressful situation hits me in the face, I take a deep breath, lasso my little malte-poo Popcorn, and head out the door for a walk.  The pond, the trees, and the fresh air does wonders for my soul.  I can pray and walk at the same time so by the time I return home I'm surrounded by a peace that passes all of my understanding.  I've given myself time to process the situation, and I have a happy dog!  

What works for you?  A long walk?  A hot, relaxing bubble bath?  A good, sweaty workout?  A trip to the mall to look for another pair of shoes?--kidding (delete that last suggestion--I don't want to be responsible for a stressful purchase!)

   Living in peace is impossible to teach because it is a personal journey of knowing and loving the Lord and getting close enough to let Him teach us how it works.  If He can give me peace through my brother John's Ketruda treatments, He can give you peace to whatever you are going through at this moment in time.  

   Good decisions and wisdom lead to peace in the challenging journey of life.

Until next time ...

whether near or far,

keep reading and keep that body movin'!

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

Running our race--at our own pace! Part 4 ~ Endurance

 Running our Race at our own pace!

Part 4 ~ Endurance

And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

Matthew 5:41

My idea, my dream, my vision became my reality!

LADY on the RUN

What are your ideas, your dreams, your visions?

Sorry, its been awhile since I blogged.  Life caught up with me.  We did some remodeling in our cozy condo.  All the while I was under a doctor's care with my back, right hip and leg.  After weeks of Physical Therapy--ugh and yay--I'm feeling like the old Lady Traveler again, strolling the boardwalk, and eventually reaching my goal of my famous thirty-minute walk.

So now, let me continue with another aspect of our physical and spiritual journey.

Like I mentioned in my last blog I've learned that the more we start replying, Okay, Lord, I'll obey and go the second mile, is when it will become second nature.  It won't be long before we'll find ourselves wanting to go the third, fourth, and beyond.  That's obedience, endurance, and victory!

Endurance is an attitude that is required in becoming physically and spiritually fit.  Webster defines endurance: to remain firm under; to undergo; to tolerate; to bear with patience.

As we endure with patience, the second mile will become more natural and more comfortable in both races.  There will be times when we have trouble enduring, but God's word says that his ways endure forever.

His name shall endure forever.  Psalm 72:17

His righteousness endures forever.  Psalm 111:3

The word of the Lord abides forever.  I Peter 1:25

His lovingkindness endures forever.  Jeremiah 33:11

Jesus tolerates, remains firm, and bears with us patiently.  He is patiently performing the good work that he has begun in each of us.  That should encourage us, whether we are running the first mile, the second mile, or beyond.

One morning after returning home from a hard, five-mile workout, I headed for my long awaited shower.  As I passed my bedroom mirror I glanced at my reflection.  Eight months of faithful running had paid off.  My figure had changed ... for the better!  But why did I still have that one area?  I was hoping it would be gone by now.  Will it ever go away?  

That one problem area happened to be my tummy (I bet you already guessed--most women have one!)  Although my tum-tum was firmer since I had started running, I thought surely it would be flat as a pancake by now.  I was aiming for perfection.  That's when God used this to teach me a spiritual truth on perfection.

Though we are shaping up spiritually in many areas, there seems to be that weak area that continues to hang on.  For me?  Impatience.  Our imperfections (my impatience) are reminders that we may not attain total perfection, physically or spiritually, until we receive our heavenly bodies.  Meanwhile. we are not to be discouraged and give up.  Instead...

... Our imperfections can be turned into our challenges.  Everyone has their problem areas, physically and spiritually (tummy/impatience!) but as we continue to run our race, let's allow God to perfect us in His time.  It's a continuous process, one that requires teamwork and ... endurance.  I'm just a coach, but with God as our Captain, we have the victory!

My 'running body' when I was in my 40's*

 (our honeymoon in Mazatlan 1988)

At 75, this is what walking, biking and swimming did for me!

At 40 running 2 miles, 3 times a week did wonders for me!*

Biking across the USA 2015-2019

Hopefully by sharing a few of my personal parables, you'll be encouraged to run a successful race.  Be prepared for God to teach you through your own real-life experiences (write them down!)  This is the most effective way to learn how to run your race--at your own pace.  Feel free to contact me via comments, email, or Facebook!

Listen, then obey God's voice, and you'll also acquire a love for running a victorious race!

Who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation,

that it may be conformed to the body of his glory ....

Philippians 3:21  

* Yes, I must brag a little.

To order Lady and the Sea  and/or  Lady on the Run  go to:

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

Running our Race -- at our own Pace! Part 1 ~ Discipline

"When the going gets tough ... the tough keep going ...

... whether they feel like it or not!

Part 1 ~ Discipline

Rosie running up the hills behind her house

La Habra Heights, California

A note from Rosie* to Sharon:

"You never really understood me.

What I really want is to run free for the rest of my days.

Simple freedom to run where my body and spirit take me.

No car.  No plane.  Just me."

*Rosie is the main character (protagonist) in my books

On my Lady on the Run Facebook page I asked what topic would you like me to cover.

(running, walking, strolling, or whatever your exercise-of-choice may be)

Carolyn, an avid runner, jumped in:

"How about mindset to keep going when the going gets tough?"

"Great idea", I answered.

So I'm sharing what I wrote in my original 1974 non-fiction manuscript

"Let Us Run"

It is also in the back of my latest book

"Lady on the Run"

This is a sample of what I taught in my running class back in the '70s ...

... the journey of running your physical race and your spiritual race -- at your own pace!

Running is my special time, but I confess there are days when I must push myself out the door.  Most of my running time is enjoyable, but there are other times when it's just plain work.  But joy comes afterwards, when I've finished my physical race.

This is true of my spiritual race.  There are times when I have to push myself to read my Bible, pray, and even go to church.  Most of the time it's enjoyable, but some times it is work.  However, the joy comes afterwards, when I've finished.  I call it "crossing the finish line!"

Self-discipline enters all areas of our lives, physical, mental, and spiritual.  We often have to exercise self-discipline to attain the things of value in our lives, whether it's being a helpful wife, a joyful mother, a successful businesswoman, or a faithful runner.  To be successful at the tasks-at-hand is not always easy.  They require a combination of self-discipline and patience.  God will always do His part, but we must do our part as well.  Sometimes we expect God to do it all, but if He did, we would miss the many blessings intended for us.

Our salvation didn't come easy.  Jesus had to obey the will of His Father by humbling Himself to die on the cross.  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Philippians 2:8.

By Jesus doing His part, God could do His part.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name ...  Philippians 2:9.

Through the name of Jesus we not only have eternal life with Him, but we can experience an abundant life right now.  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10.

Women often express to me their excuses for not running.  But true confession usually follows.  Want an example?  I'm just not disciplined enough ... or ... I don't want to put forth the effort ....

Lack of discipline is the major problem most women face for not running (or walking).  Why are we so hesitant to reveal this weakness?  Once I acknowledged my lack of discipline as a weakness in my life, I knew that I would have to do something about it.  Bummer.  But you see, Jesus wants us to live a disciplined life for our own good.  When I finally made the choice to exercise self-discipline, it was the beginning of a new way of life.  It did not come easy.  It took months, and yes, that word again--patience.  When I was single I would often come home from work exhausted, just wanting to grab my bag of Fritos and a glass of wine and turn on the TV.  

For running to become part of my daily schedule I had to establish my priorities so I took inventory of my schedule, asking myself a few questions.  If you're finding it difficult to fit running into your already busy schedule, perhaps you too should ask yourself these questions:

• What is more beneficial, grabbing my Fritos and turning on the TV (but it's my favorite program!) OR taking that time to run off those extra calories?
• What is more beneficial, lying in my warm bed an extra thirty minutes in the morning (I need my beauty rest!) OR running out and creating that extra energy needed for the day?
• What is more beneficial, sitting by my window sipping my second cup of coffee as I watch the dedicated runners go by (it's too cold outside!) OR running out the door and creating my own body heat?

No wonder I was so out of condition.  When I was home and the kids were at school, without realizing, I had many idle hours filling my days resulting in a semi-sedentary lifestyle.  Yes, even with kids!

Once I established running as one of my top priorities, I had to exercise discipline to keep running.  An example?  I often had to give a polite no thank you to a friend when asked to join them for breakfast after I had already made plans to run while the kids were at school.

Take inventory of your daily schedule and you'll discover a few activities you can omit, or cut down, or reschedule.  Once you realize the importance of running (energy, health, and mental awareness) you'll include running at the top of your priority list.   

When you accomplish this, both physically and spiritually, you will be set free from the bondage of guilt, frustration, condemnation, laziness, defeat, and all other negative feelings that come with an undisciplined life.  I am not perfected in this area but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm patiently running toward that goal.  And as I run, there are other valuable lessons.  Do you have time for an example?  (If not, finish reading this blog later)

Running with Jesus running class 1978

I was training for my first 10K race (6.2 miles) in Los Angeles when the Lord had an opportunity to teach me the value of pacing.  While running down Lindauer Lane one morning, I found my feet dragging my body along.  I started talking to myself, Why is my run so hard?  I'm going slower than usual so it should be easier.  That's when my heavenly trainer began speaking to my spirit.  Actually, you make it harder by dragging your feet.  When you run at the pace I have set for you, you will find your race to be much more comfortable.  

Listen to your body.

So I began listening to my body and started experimenting until I found the pace that was right for me.  But then came the challenge.  While running my first 10K race in L.A. I looked around.  There I was, talking to myself again!  Why are men, women, and children of all ages passing me?  

I was compelled to speed up to avoid being left in their dust.  However, after awhile I began noticing that a few of those runners were dropping behind and I was passing them--at my own pace!  The Lord reminded me, Some people charge out ahead but fall behind because they have not learned the secret of running at their own pace.  In our everyday language, that's called burnout.

By the time of the Rose Bowl marathon, my pace was minutes faster and I was feeling a sense of inward pride.  Look at me passing all these runner (pat on the back).  Once again my heavenly trainer spoke to me in His special way.  Now, don't let this go to your head.  Better is is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.  Yes, Lord, I hear you loud and clear.  Through the years I've tried to keep a sense of humble pride. (hmm, I wonder if that's scriptural)

Now instead of lagging behind or speeding ahead, I run at the pace that He has set before me.  This is vital to running a successful physical race and spiritual race.

After finding your own peaceful pace as I call it, you can begin setting personal goals, giving you the motivation that is oftentimes needed.  

We shall talk about goal setting in my next blog!

And remember ...

whether near or far,

keep reading and keep those bodies movin'!

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

www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com

"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your life! Lesson 5

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

Lesson 5

by Sharon Leaf

Our first home in Fort Mill, South Carolina...Snow!!!  2006
A view from our upstairs veranda. We lived on a pond.

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 ~ Understanding the Will of God ~  God's Perfect Will vs. His Permissive Will

   God chose us before we chose Him.  It is a divine concept that we humans have been given a free will to run our own lives.  God wants us to choose Him, not by force or coercion, but by love.  One of the many ways He shows us His love is by giving us the freedom to handle our destiny.  For Christians we are told in God's word that our steps are directed by the Lord.

Man's goings are of the Lord.  Proverbs 20:24

    We can do good deeds and good works.  We can live morally and properly.  We can reach people in helpful ways.  A determined spirit can be good, but not perfect in doing the actual tasks we are called upon to do.  Actions that are under God's permissive will may be good, but it is different than acting in God's perfect will.  To follow God's perfect will, we take the time to listen, then hear, and then act.

   Self efforts are deceiving, though they may look and feel wonderful.  Few choose to wait for God's perfect direction, but it is here that the Lord is glorified in us, and self becomes dead.  It takes greater wisdom to seek the Master for divine direction.  This wisdom lifts up God so that others are drawn to Him.  When God's perfect will is carried out in our work, our daily tasks, it is anointed.  Non-believers marvel at the results, and believers bask in the glow as they see the touch of God on the task.  Why has God given us free will?  What is the difference between God's permissive will and His perfect will?

   Waiting on God's direction brings clarity to confusion.  How do you perform God's will in your daily tasks?  You must wait for His direction on even the smallest steps  Waiting allows harmony among your workers, among your family.  Waiting allows perfection on the task as God's perfect will flows.  God gives His glory to those who wait.  As He arises within you, you will know it is Him, for He is the one who anoints.

   Rob and I were convinced that God's perfect plan for us was to move to Sweden to attend a year of Bible school.  So, in planning we made a two-page 'to-do' list, and then we sat before the Lord and presented the list to Him.  Daily, one item after another was met--our visas were processed in record time, two round-trip airfare tickets and school tuition were paid in full, warm coats for Sweden't freezing winters (remember, we lived in Southern California where shorts and t-shirts can be worn year round!) were given to us.  The list went on and on.

   Then there were the times when the list looked impossible.  One night when I was packing boxes for storage, I blurted out, "What are we doing?"  I sat down in the middle of the bedroom floor and asked, "Lord, are you sure this is your perfect will for us?"  As I sat awhile and quieted my spirit, I heard a still, small Voice answer.  Yes.  That's all I needed to pick myself up and continue packing.

   Our faith in God increased before we ever set foot on Swedish soil because we trusted God and had to exercise our faith each step of the way.  Have you had one of those Are you sure, God? moments lately?  What did  you do?

Part 2 ~ The WHO Test to find God's Will

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, 

and show thee great and might things which thou knows not.

Jeremiah 33:3

   "WHO do you say I am?" and "WHO do you serve today?" are the questions that help us know if we are drawn to God's perfect plan.  Do you see it?  

    W--wait;  H--hear;  O--obey.  

   You can use the WHO test to find where you are in God's will on a specific matter.  As David spoke in Psalms how he had fellowship with God, so can we!  This usually comes by your personal experience with the living God.  I refer back to the dear old babushka.  If I had hurried out the door, I would have missed a divine appointment scheduled by God.  Instead, I stepped out of my plan and stepped into His glorious plan.  I think I received more out of that encounter with Miss Babushka than she did.  I can't wait to see her again some day to find out!

  How can you apply the WHO test to a current situation in your life to stay within God's will for you?  When has God positively affirmed an optimistic outcome to you?  How did it make yo feel?

Part 3 ~ Prepare for Service

   There are many gestures of kindness we can give to those around us who are in need.  Look around.  Listen.  Hear.  Obey.  We may never know how that kind word or gesture changed the atmosphere of that person in need.  I experience this almost daily since we downsized to our villa on Lake Murray.  We are surrounded by young and old who need an encouraging work OR just someone who will listen to them.

   Can you recall a time when someone reached out to you and touched you?  God knew you needed that touch, that encouraging word.  He asked someone to come to you, and that person listened, heard, and obeyed.  That is total teamwork.  

My friends gathering at my "Le Artist's Studio"
Janet (Popcorn), Jennifer, and Maribeth

   When I first moved from California to South Carolina, I felt lonely.  I had left my dear friends behind to obey God with a new adventure.  From west coast to east coast, all decided within a few months.  But God always provides.  One Sunday I recognized my neighbor at church.  She could have smiled, chatted, then politely walked away.  Instead, she asked for my phone number!  She reached out to me!  I had a friend!  A friend to laugh with, and who gave me wise counsel when I was going through some hard times.  Her name is Janet and I shall never forget her warm, kind heart.  She soon introduced me to her sister Jennifer and a sweetheart of a gal, Maribeth.

   Now, can you recount an instance where you committed to serving others in their time of need?  Think about it.  Pray about it, and I'll see you next time!  We have five more lessons to go, so until then ...

Whether near or far,

Keep reading,

and keep that body movin'!

http://www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

http://www.sharonleaf.com

"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your Life! Lesson 2

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

Lesson 2

by Sharon Leaf

                                        Our backyard in Fort Mill SC. Our 1st home in SC.

NOTE:  I've been told that blogs are to be short and to the point.  This is not my normal blog.  For the next few weeks I'm writing a Bible study that can be used as your personal devotions ... in a home group setting ... anywhere!  So grab a cup of java (or tea), relax and read away ...

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 ~ Lack of faith

  Our lack of faith sometimes hinders us from thinking that God can actually speak to us.  We must accept--by faith--that He will direct us.  We must let go of our own plans and let God show us His plan for our lives.  There are days when I've walked right past moments that I could have responded to a request from above.  Too busy--must hurry to get home.  Sound familiar?  Life can become so much more abundant when we surrender to His voice.

   Proverbs 16:9 says, In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.  We are on a journey with God.  Understanding God's will and our will is an important concept in knowing when to act, and when to wait.

   God places in us a desire for what He intends for us to do.  We are incredibly preprogrammed to become what fits into His master plan.  Nursing, engineering, writing, and painting can all be professions that bring rewards.  God not only cares about our destination,  He cares about our steps along the journey.  When I decide to go to Utah from South Carolina to visit my brother there are many ways I could travel.  God wants to have the right to direct my travel.  Why?  He has planned many miracles--big and small--along the way that ties into His master plan for my life.  The more I seek His plan, the better my journey goes.  Whether it's a day trip or a move from the west coast to the east coast--that's what I did fourteen years ago--He wants to direct our path.

   It took Rob and I two years after our first visit to the Carolinas for God to say, Okay, now is the time to move.  And by the way, we had no idea why we were leaving California--we often said that we would never leave (We have since discovered why).  We flew to South Carolina and toured houses for three days and we ended up buying the first house we looked at!  Why?  Because we felt that God had chosen the brick house on the pond before we ever made the plane reservations!  Question:  Are you planning a trip?  A move?  Do you want miracles along the way?  Don't take that trip or make that move until you've bounced it off God first because He has some strategic plans for you.

            The bistro in our first home in Fort Mill SC.  The mural was identical to the canal that runs through Uppsala, Sweden where we once lived.  Coincidence?  I don't think so. "Le Artist's Studio" was my happy place where I wrote my first novel, Lady and the Sea and invited my artistic friends to join me.

   

Part 2 ~ God is a Problem Solver

   I don't know anyone who at some time doesn't have a problem that needs solving.  In the Psalms, David described God as Sovereign, which means to solve.  What is so beautiful about waiting on the Lord is that you find yourself reacting more than acting.  As I wait, He brings the solutions right into my hands.  For instance, three months after Rob and I moved to Fort Mill I still hadn't started the process of looking for a part-time job.  Since I had worked for Target in Huntington Beach, CA for several years, I went to the Charlotte Target kiosk to input my application--several times--with no response.  

   As I was having coffee at a nearby Books-A-Million, I looked around and thought, I love books, and I've always wanted to work in a book store.  Without hesitation, I submitted my resume online and didn't think anything else about it until I received a phone call the next day asking me to interview with their area manager.  She wanted me to consider working as her extended arm in the opening of the new Books-A-Million--just 10 minutes from our house!  I accepted and she received approval for that position that same day!  I'd be working thirty-two hours a week and I could choose my days!  Why was that job so easy?  I believe that God had that job waiting for me in His perfect timing.  Question: What are you impatient for?  If you want to see God's hand in the matter, be still and continue to rest in Him, and He will bring it to you, in His perfect timing.

THE PHONE CALL: "I'm getting published!" After hours of writing/editing/re-writing Lady and the Sea in Lady Leaf's Lounge--aka my office--I received the phone call! O happy day!

Part 3 ~ Day planners anyone?  

   Or I should ask, who doesn't have one? (smart phones do count)  Our lives are busy with family, friends, jobs, and errands galore--and we must fit that hair appointment in somewhere!  God loves to deliver!  He loves to please His children.  He loves to see His plan come together in the lives of His children ... it's part of His master plan for us.  

   Have you ever placed your calendar aside for God's plan?  He only wants to know if you're available.  That's when the divine appointments come along, when we go with the flow.  What flow, you ask?  The flow of events around us that are not crafted by our hands.  God is the scheduler, searching us daily to know how available we are.  If God only cared about us accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior, He would not have promised to direct our path. Proverbs 3:5 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Are you willing to give Him control of your schedule, a little, a lot, or completely?  Why don't we take this week to give God's perfect plan a try ... I'm all in!  Are you?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

And remember, whether near or far,

Keep reading, and keep that body movin!

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New Discoveries...really?

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

I miss you, Tuscany!

I took a summer sabbatical break from blogging
and devoted more time to relaxing, reading, and boating.
And adding thousands of words to Lady on the Run

A little update:

As of April 2019 I needed to write 12,000 more words to transform 

Lady on the Run from a novella to a novel.

Here I thought I just wanted a novella.

God had a bigger plan.
As of August 2019 I added those 12,000 inspired words
and now have a little over 51,000 words!

Now I'm speaking words of faith, believing that
my novel will be published within a year.

As writers know, the publishing process can be stressful.

This is where I wrote my last inspired 13,000 words of Lady on the Run.

Through my writing journey I have learned a lot about myself.
I'm still in the process of learning to apply patience to my daily life.

This journey has been lots of fun,  

meeting writers, young and old.

Seasoned. Newbies. And all the in-betweens.
I'm in there somewhere.

I love taking our South Carolina road trips. Ya never know who you'll find along your journey!

I have a confession.
As a writer, there are moments when my insecurities outshine all the
confidence that I've tried to muster up over the years.
I'm a member of an awesome writers group that has many
successful authors, bloggers, speakers, etc.
Out of the blue, a feeling of jealousy comes over me when they speak of their success.
Then I shake myself! "Wait! What's wrong with me? I'm happy for them!"
Then, as I speak blessings over them, my negative, selfish feelings disappear! Yay!

I have another confession ... just being honest.
As a woman, I still go through the insecurities of being
the good wife and mother.
When certain circumstances arise, as they did recently,
I find myself asking, "what am I doing wrong now?"
I literally have to fight off the glooming darkness of depression.
Many call that 'feeling sorry for yourself.'
Yep, that's me.
I was tempted to write a post when I was in the middle of my selfishness,
but decided that no one would read it.
And besides, I choose not to dwell on the negative.
God has a much better way.
I run to His Word.

Giving more time to our church...feeding the poor,
encouragement to those who have lost a loved one,
and fun fellowship.

Since we sold our motor home, we have more time to spend with our
friends at Flourish Church.
I recently joined a women's Bible study where we are learning through scriptures
'who we are IN Christ.'
This is where our confidence lies.
Through the years I've been an insecure gal who literally has had to
jump in the ocean and leave my insecurities on the shore.
And that, my friend, is what I choose to do every day.
Fighting the good fight for Jesus!

I leave you with these positive words:

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His
lovingkindness is everlasting.
Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, 
or can show forth all His praise?
Psalm 106:1-2

Lady Traveler wishes you oceans of Autumn blessings!

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

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

Birthdays, BeLeaf, and Patience

Happy days in California (Shawn, Bosco, and me)

Today is my son's 39th birthday.  Shawn is my miracle child.  Thirty-nine years ago, after extensive tests, our family doctor said it was not likely that I would conceive again.  His words brought me temporary sadness, but they didn't shake my belief that all things are possible with God.  I wanted a baby now, but the Lord had a different plan.  Unlike us, He doesn't stress over the timing of things.  My trust was in Him, so I waited, and waited, and waited.

I already had a darling daughter from my first marriage, a child that was conceived out of wedlock when I was nineteen.  Yes, I admit that thoughts of abortion entered my mind, but deep inside I could not do something that was against my moral principles.  So I made a choice that would change my life forever.  I would not do away with my unborn child, and nine months later, Jacqueline Shane was born, one of the biggest blessings of my life.  But I wanted a brother or sister for her to  grow up with.  I was twenty-seven and time was running out.  I laugh now, but back then my clock was ticking loud and clear.

So I would exercise faith, and patience, for my miracle baby to arrive.  But things don't always happen in a day.  If you have ever wanted something now--a job, a mate, a book published--but had to wait, and wait, then you know what I'm talking about.  Many have lost the joy and reality of God's abundant life due to frenzy and lack of patience.  We try to force our own plans on God, who becomes more of a delivery boy for our flesh than the Almighty One.  Many times we have missed God's best because of our impatience.  Selfishly running about, comparing ourselves with others, we bustle into something that never was God's plan.

Therefore, patience is a great strength.  It is the ability to remain focused and to rest assured that even though weeks, months, and years pass, the earth will eventually yield its harvest.  Life involves constant growth.  Life is sowing and reaping.  If we do not grow weary, we will reap in due time.

A few years later I finally said, "Okay, Lord, if you want me to have another baby, I'll be elated.  If not, then I'll accept your will and be content."  Two years later, I delivered a healthy baby boy, Shawn Christopher.

Today, thirty-nine years later, I'm still exercising patience--presently it's regarding my novel, Lady and the Sea.  It is so easy to get swept away into hours of marketing research, wondering if perhaps I should be doing more -- book signings, speaking engagements, blog interviews, and such.  But I admit as time goes by that it's becoming easier to lean on God's timing and to see what He has for me, not what I can conjure up.

So today I wish a very Happy Birthday to my miracle son.  I pray that he is learning, like his mother, to have patience for those dreams that God has placed in his heart.  And I pray this for you too, my dear bloggy readers.

I wish you smooth sailing, sunny days, and oceans of blessings!