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

Paris 2014

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

any more than He wanted St. Paul to~

Today my mind is wandering.

Dreaming about past journeys to Belize, Costa Rica,

Sweden, Russia, Greece, 

Israel...on and on.

Thinking about spring and our upcoming road trip to Missouri.

Facebook flashing now and then.

Pondering our autumn road trip to the Florida Keys.

Praying about a mission trip to the Philippines.

And all the while feeling slightly guilty for not

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

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

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

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

each process -- 

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

seems a bit overwhelming to me now.

Is it because I'm turning seventy next year and 

my time is of greater value to me?

Istanbul 2008

I'll be honest,

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

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

And then there's the marketing.

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

I'm thinking about publishing one chapter a week of

Lady on the Run

on my Lady Traveler Blog.

Nine chapters in nine weeks.

There. Done.

Just like the musicians who post their songs on YouTube.

Right?

Belize 2010

I know, I know.

I must pray.

For guidance, wisdom, patience.

I know, I know.

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

In the world's scheme of things,

Lady on the Run

is not so important.

BUT

if God called me to finish His story,

then I must.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for praying.

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

I press on to take hold of that

for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

www.sharonleaf.com

Traveling through Time

Jacquie's 48th Birthday
Me, Jacquie, and Destinee (my granddaughter)

As we travel on life's way, we meet with angels everyday.

Our daughter turned forty-eight last week.  

When did my sweet little girl grow up to become this 

charming, beautiful woman?  

If we could only hold time in a bottle.  

If we could remember every moment.  

But life isn't that way.  

Where was I when I was forty-eight?  

On the WWII ship, MS Restoration, as a 

volunteer on the maiden voyage from Seattle, Washington, 

to Stockholm, Sweden, and 

ultimately sailing to the Black Sea to 

transport Russian Jews to Haifa, Israel.  

Wonderful memories.  

Glad I can remember.

in my little cabin on WWII ship MS Restoration 1994

I'm not feeling poetic today.  

Words are not coming smoothly.  

In fact, my mind is a bit cloudy from all of the 

different directions it is going 

... planning Rob's mother's 90th birthday ... 

... planning our Costa Rica holiday... 

... attending meetings for the opening of NewSpring Church-Lexington ... 

... making doctor's and dentist appointments ... 

... just your ordinary daily activities.  

I have mine.  You have yours.

In the midst of our daily routines, we must 

take time to sit, relax, reflect, meditate, and pray. 

That is where our peace flows from.  

The Lord is waiting for us to calm our minds and focus on Him, even for ten minutes.  

He enjoys our friendship. 

Before I sat down at my iMac, 

I had so many great thoughts to share.  

Now I cannot remember them. 

Happens a lot lately.  

So I write what's on my mind at the moment.  

Take time for loved ones.  

Send a note.  Make a phone call.  

Take a short visit.  Plan a lunch date.  

Surely you can think of a kind gesture to make someone happy.  

I did.

Mary and Me
Morro Bay, California 2013
We haven't changed much!

Mary and Me
Half-marathon day 1982

The other day I picked up the phone and 

called my 90-year-old friend, Mary, who 

lives near Morro Bay, California.  

She was so happy to hear from me so that made MY day.  

We didn't talk long, just long enough to share our love. 

 I love traveling to see Mary.  

You see, she has been my mentor for years.  

We ran our first half-marathon together 30-some years ago 

when we both lived in southern California 

(I write about it in my upcoming book, Lady on the Run). 

 That's one great way to bond, wouldn't you say? 

Whether near or far, I see Mary's smile, hear her laughter.  

She loves the Lord, has a glass of evening wine, and has 

stayed active through the years.  

Mary still takes short hikes up the hill behind her house 

(with an escort now).  

She didn't know she was my mentor until I told her on the phone.  

I wanted her to know how much her life had influenced me.  

She was stunned and happy at the same time.

Today's Tip: 

Make someone happy today.  

Has someone influenced you?  

Have you told them yet? 

 Lets remember, it's not all about us. 

I sometimes need someone to remind me of this.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 

for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2

Wherever Lady travels, there are families

From the USA to across the pond, Families are a blessing

I love meeting families from all walks of life.  Familia.  Familj.  Familie.  I enjoy learning their different customs.  Russians.  Greeks.  Israelis.  Swedes.  No matter where my tired feet have ended up at the end of a long day, families have always restored my energy and well being.  But no matter what country, city, or state I hang my hat, I can always sense the harmony ... or disharmony in that home.

When God created man and woman, He said it was very good.  They were to be fruitful and multiply,  and so they did.

God created family, so we can see why Satan tries to split them apart--he wants to tear down what God created.  Satan's happy when he succeeds.  And we are the ones who suffer ... the husband, the wife, the kids, a nation.  And the damage can last for years.  Dysfunction loves to settle in.  Estrangement often arises and its hard when the family member was once close and you still love them dearly.

We have family members who are easy to love.  We also have those who are challenging for us to be in the same room at the annual Christmas gathering.

There are the one-sided relationships.  YOU want it; they don't, for whatever reason.  Over the years I've found myself frustrated about a family member who I just can't get close to, no matter how I've tried.  But I can't read minds.  What am I doing wrong? I asked myself over and over.  Finally, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, "Sharon, you can't expect something from someone that they don't have to give."  I thought about that one sentence long and hard, and it helps me a lot when I start to mull over the situation in my head for the hundredth time.  I admit that I'm a slow learner.

So what to do?

A few tips:  First of all, I'm not a psychiatrist, but I have enough common sense to know that it begins with me.  So my friends,  let us be the ones who pray and break the generational curses of dysfunction over our families.  We cannot force relationships, whether they are our spouses, our children, or our siblings, but we can let go of our own years of family baggage and continue to love them and pray for peace and reconciliation.  God will show us the way, step by step.  It is our choice to follow Him, trust Him, and love Him.  When to say I'm sorry?  Perhaps never, but you will know in your heart when and if it is time to say those two words that causes your heart to flutter, yet brings so much freedom afterwards.

One thing I know:  right now, I am thanking God for my blogging family!

I wish your family smooth sailing and oceans of blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

When all else fails, get a dog!!