Lesson 10 "From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your life!

" From Challenge to Change to Courage...

God's Master Plan" for your life!

Lesson 10

by Sharon Leaf

My Paris holiday with my Robinski  2014

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 ~ Recognizing His Voice

   We can learn to recognize God's voice.  He desires to be heard and He will reveal Himself in different situations and through different acts.  He uses people, both non-believers and believers,  to get our attention.  He's waiting for you to accept the challenge so He can show you what He can do.

   God communicates through physical, mental and spiritual acts.  Throughout our lives we can see God's work take place through acts involving coincidences that are too perfectly timed that we must attribute them to some higher power.  These can be words from people, specific deeds, or even lyrics, poems or scriptures that carry a message that resolves what is going on in your life.  We say, 'God opened the door' or an 'opportunity' crossed our path.  

   When was the last time God opened a door for you?  My latest open door came a few weeks ago when I stopped by a new store in town, Biblestore Outlet.  After chatting with the manager, I received an email, inviting me to have a book signing the first week in December!  Now, still in the midst of the Covid from China, I call that a miracle!

   When did a song, a poem, or a specific situation give you the answer you were looking for?  The Bible is alive with meaning when we are looking for a specific answer.  The scriptures carry God's voice to us, to inspire us, to guide us, and to reveal His recommendations for life's situations.  Have you ever said, I need a verse to give me direction, and then opened your Bible to a scripture that jumped out at you?  I experienced this when after several years of writing Lady and the Sea, a feeling of discouragement came over me.  I asked the Lord, "Did you really ask me to write this book, or was it just my imagination?"  A few moments later I opened my Bible to Psalm 26:7 and read, "That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of thy wondrous works."  My answer was loud and clear!  Yes, God challenged me to write, so I changed my attitude, and Lady and the Sea was soon published.  That was the answer I needed for that moment.

   How do you know if an act is really from God or just a coincidence?  Physical acts that relate specifically to the matter-at-hand will bring God's voice to you.  Does the coincidence meet a need, bring a feeling of peace, lift our hearts, and keep us on the path that God is directing?  My friend Debbie experienced this a few years ago after I had moved to South Carolina.  She called to tell me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  For a moment, I stopped breathing.  How could this be happening to my true friend?  After the ringing subsided in my ears, I heard her say, "I'm so glad we planned our GRITS Getaway to visit you ... it's just what I need, to be surrounded by friends."  As we talked we realized that it was no coincidence ... God had orchestrated the GRITS Getaway just for Debbie.  She flew from California with my daughter Jacquie and two other friends to spend a few days of laughter, relaxation, great food (Bernadette is a wonderful chef!) and lots of fellowship (with little sleep I might add).  This increased my knowledge even more that God directs our paths for our future.  Think about it.  Meditate on this: if God watches over those cute little birdies that fly around in the sky, how much more He watches over His cute little women fluttering around down here on mother earth.

Part 2 ~ God can and still does speak to us through ...

... dreams, visions, thoughts, an audible voice, angels, and the gift of tongues.  One example was when Rob and I were in downtown Moscow in the winter of 1991 just before Communism fell.  We gave Vladimir the cab driver the address to our destination, he shook his head then after driving for several miles through the city, the cabbie shook his head again as if to say that he had no idea where he was taking us.  Our group's interpreter was in the other taxi and they had left us in their dust, so there we were, two Americans with no way to communicate to our lost Russian cabbie!

   Vladimir finally stopped and asked another taxi driver for help, but they both shook their heads.  At that moment I knew they were in the wrong profession.  What could we do?  We looked at each other and started praying in tongues (I'm sure Vlad thought we were trying to speak Russian).  

   After driving around the busy streets for another hour, Vlad pulled over to a curbside where a tall man in a black coat was waving at us.  Vlad gave the man the piece of paper with the address.  The stranger smiled at us, then spoke to Vladimir as he pointed west.  So off we sped into the night until we finally reached our destination on the outskirts of the city.  

   Rob and I arrived at our destination late, but safe!  Now, who do you think that tall man was who just happened to be standing on that specific corner at that time of night?  That, my friends, was an angel unaware that the Bible speaks about (Hebrews 13:2).  They seem to appear at just the right moment in time.  Have you ever encountered an angel along your journey to your destiny?

Fun at Chip and Joanne's Magnolia in Waco, Texas 2018

Part 3 ~ We are all unique

   We are all unique so Jesus will reveal Himself to you in special ways when He asks you to accept His challenges.  As the Holy Spirit guides you to all truth, according to the Bible you will feel even more changes take place in your life.  All you must do is ask, believe, and then let God do the rest.  He wants our walk with Him to be easy; we're the ones who make it difficult ... trying to figure out every little aspect of our life ... it's actually more exciting when we take a deep breath, stand back, and allow God to direct our path.  That's when courage rises up in us!

   So let's try allowing God to direct our path this week!  In this crazy, mixed-up world, we need to try this every single day of our lives!

P.S:  I had a wonderfully fun and successful 'social distancing' book signing for Lady and the Sea and Lady on the Run at the Biblestore Outlet!  I sold all my books.  Now I must go online to order more!

And remember,

whether near or far,

remember to keep reading and

keep that body movin'!

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

   

A New Decade. A New Season

A New Decade.  A New Season

At every crossroad, follow your dream.
It is courageous to let your heart lead the way.

The holidays are coming to a close.

A thankful Thanksgiving.

A joyful Christmas.

The ringing in of a new year.

A new decade.

2020.

Like most of you,

I've been pondering on several things that I plan to change.

(I do not call them New Year Resolutions).

I recently received a rejection of my manuscript

Lady on the Run.

(due to a wonderful editor having to retire for personal reasons)
Disappointment. Questioning my writing gift
(even though the editor loves my story and my writing).
Lots of emotions involved that all writers experience.

So I came to a crossroad and had to make a decision.

Do I continue on until my book is published,
 Or,

do I put it on the shelf and forget about it,
like I did forty years ago?

For this moment in time ... neither.

However, I have decided to lay down my writing for a season.

Writing takes hours upon hours of time spent in front of the beloved computer.

At my golden age of 74 next month,

I'm choosing to cherish my last days, months (years!) on earth

by focusing on

Spending more time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Volunteering locally.

Researching subjects that are near to me, such as Israel.

Reading.  Taking longer walks.

And lots more.

I'll be spending less time on social media and more time 

reading and studying my Bible.

And talkin' to Jesus.

I know, I know!  I can hear all of you dedicated writers saying,
"You can do it all! Just be more organized ... be more .... "
I am organized.  Well, somewhat. Now that I'm a
RED* (Retired-Extremely-Daring)
I often get distracted ... it's the elusive butterfly syndrome.

But whatever else I'm doing (even washing the dishes), I have this little voice whispering in my ear,
"You should be in your office, pounding on your iMac, writing, writing, writing!"
And that little voice is what I want live without for ... maybe a month, or two ... we'll see.

Sunset from our back patio 2019

I recently read about a friend/writer who did this, and she found a new sense of inner peace.

Relaxing instead of stressing about her next blog.

This was another confirmation of what I need to do.

Ahh, yes ... the right thing for me to do ... for a season.

Until Lady on the Run* is published,
you can enjoy my adventures on the high seas in my book
Lady and the Sea
(available on Amazon.com)

As you ponder and pray for God's direction for your next season in the coming year,

I wish all of you, my dear friends, 

oceans of happy and prosperous New Year's blessings!

My aim is to raise hope by pointing the way to life without end.

This is the life God promised long ago--

and He doesn't break promises.

Titus 1:1 (the Message)

*Lady on the Run now available!

www.amazon.com/author/sharonleaf.com

Farewell to Summer. Welcome Autumn!

God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor,

light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Author Dorthea Benton Frank's service at The Cathedral in Charleston, SC

I ended my summer in Charleston
at the funeral service of low country NYT best-selling author
Dorthea Benton Frank.
Her death was a shock to all.
Gone at the young age of 67.

I was introduced to Dottie in 2004.
When Rob and I flew from California to the south to visit
family, we spent a few days in Georgetown, SC at a quaint B&B.
After dining at a seafood restaurant, we walked along the river walk
and of course I ended up in a small bookstore.
I was looking for a summer read so the first book I picked up was
Sullivan's Island by Dorthea Benton Frank.
Never heard of her, but I liked the cover. So I bought it.
(Side note: I returned home to California and told my daughter,
"You must read Sullivan's Island."
Jacquie answered, "Mom, I bought that book at Barnes and Noble last month."
Small world, huh?)

Since Dottie's first book, I've read many of her twenty novels, and had the pleasure of
meeting her at several book signings at Books-A-Million when I worked there.

DBF lived a brilliant life but her sudden death once again reminded me
of how short life can be.  We don't know when we'll be taken out of
this world and placed into the next.
Saying that, I'm here to remind us that life is precious.
Love those around you.  Give a hug where a hug is due. Or even when it isn't due.
Speak a kind word to someone.

Simple autumn decorations sprinkled around our cozy condo

I love my Fall mantle. Pumpkins and shells.

Boating as much as possible before the chilling weather blows our way.

I wish you oceans of Autumn blessings, and remember ...

Keep those bodies movin'!


Then I will lead the blind along a way they never knew...
I will make the darkness become light for them,
and the rough ground smooth.
Isaiah 42:16

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

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

To wRiters, tRavelers, and Runners #walkeRs out there in Lady Leaf Land ...

To wRiters, tRavelers, and Runners #walkeRs out there in Lady Leaf Land ...

A safe-sorta-sunny harbor day in Ventura, CA 2018

I'm loving my time at Leaf's Lake House,

but a touch of cabin fever was beginning to settle in.

Not to complain but ...

so much rain ... too cold.

Then just in time, it's time for

The Carolina Christian Writers Conference!

Two days hanging with

fellow writers, friends,

gifted speakers, editors, and authors

left me inspired to continue my writing journey.

Mostly.

I admit there were moments I caught myself thinking, 

What are you doing here?

What makes you think you can write?

You still have SO much to learn.

All the negatives that haunt the writer

loom around every corner,

waiting to tear you down,

shred any confidence you may have

in your writing skills.

So I wait for those profound words

that will drive me to keep typing on,

forging me ahead to finish 

that article, that blog, THE BOOK.

The words come from the guest speaker.

She softly says,

Reclaim your time, your activities.

Shed distractions.

Be still in your calling, your purpose, your anchor.

Choose rest.

Create and honor a sacred place of prayer, meditation, and rest.

Ahh.

Such kind words.  Wise words.

So much better than all the worrying and negative thoughts

that invade our minds each time we receive yet another

Rejection letter.

On Lady Leaf's Loft wall as a reminder to ... Type! Type!! Type!!!

The last moments of the conference

gave me a very positive meeting with a
major representative from a trad-publishing company

regarding my manuscript, Lady on the Run.

Another Ahh.

There is light at the end of the writing tunnel.
I am called of God to write.

It all shall come to pass in God's timing, not mine.
I'm again inspired to write on!

Your angel is running with you!
Drawing from my original '70s Lady on the Run manuscript

In the meantime,

What Now?

This RED (Retired-Extremely-Daring) lady continues to
venture to the gym, walking with the international Run 4 God group,
and head out my door for the invigorating power walks.

Living healthy is keeping our bodies moving---at our own pace.
And to plan the next tRavel tRip to ....

I wish you oceans of wRiting, Running #walking, and tRavel blessings!

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us--at our own pace!

Hebrews 12:1

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

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www.retirementandgoodliving.com