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 2 ~ Goals

 "When the going gets tough, the tough get going ...

... whether they feel like it or not!"

Part 2 ~ Goals

My medal for running a 5K with daughter Jacquie and granddaughter Destinee in 2006 in Huntington Beach (Surf City) CA when I was just 60! Of course we were awarded a t-shirt!

I attained my goal to run the Rose Bowl 1/2 marathon back in the 70's.

And just a few weeks ago I reached another goal -- I turned 75!

"Alive at 75!" is my latest motto!

When my Mama went to heaven at the young age of 66 

I made a goal to reach 66 ... and I did!

Since then, every year I make a new goal ... 70 ... and now 75!

The path wasn't easy. I suffered a heart attack at 49, a knee replacement at 70,

and now I have issues with my back, right leg and hip.  Ugh!

I still have goals. I don't have a goal to run another 5K

but hopefully I'll reach my goal to 'walk' a 5K!

Here is another excerpt from my original manuscript, Let Us Run that is included in my published novel

Lady on the Run

Goals bring forth another quality to our race.  Strength.  When we gradually extend ourselves to reach our physical goals, our body continues to strengthen.  The higher the hill, the harder we work.  And as we patiently run towards that goal, our legs, heart, and lungs work together, giving us the ability to forge ahead.  Finally, we reach our goal, and how do we feel?  Most likely tired.  But much stronger!  We reached our goal.  We are physically fit and prepared to fight off any obstacle that should try to attack our body.

And so it is with our spiritual race.  We approach that hill, which often seems like a mountain, and we begin to seek God through His word, prayer, and fellowship.  You can hear Him with your spiritual ears saying, You can do this.

The higher the hill--no matter how high--the harder we have to fight.  As we patiently run towards our goal, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit works together through us, and we forge ahead.  And guess what?  We reach our goal!  What a challenge!  What victory!  How do we feel?  Most likely tired, but much stronger.  We are spiritually fit and prepared to fight off any obstacle that Satan puts before us.  Through the years, I've had to fight spiritual battles regarding my family.  I'm sometimes blindsided so my mind starts to play tricks on me.  I worry.  Then fear hits.  That's when I adjust my spiritual armor and pray!  When I see the results, I raise my hands in victory!  Another battle won!

After running The Los Angeles Athletic Club 10K race (my first 10K race) I was inspired to set a goal to reach my dream of running the thirteen-mile Rose Bowl half-marathon.  Another challenge.  Another victory!

Perhaps you have no desire to run six miles, or even three, you might want to set a goal of one mile or two miles several times a week.  Perhaps you'd rather increase your speed, or your time.  Whatever suits you and your schedule will work best for you.  Make your goal attainable, always building up gradually.  Your heavenly trainer will take you one physical step at a time, just as He does in your spiritual race.

For it is precept upon precept,

line upon line, here a little, there a little.

Isaiah 28:10

As you reach one goal, you may want to set another.  A few women in my running class who started with a goal of two miles ended up running several 10K runs with me.  Some women increased their speed, while others increased their distance.  My mentor and forever friend, Mary, chose to train with me to run our first half-marathon.  At 56, she always kept up with my 34-year-old body!

There more you run, jog, or walk, as millions of women testify, running can be addictive.  From my personal experience and from those of other runners, a warning is due.  Just when you're settling in a great running routine, Satan will try to hinder you from reaching your goals.  He will put obstacles in your path to keep you from running the race that is set before you.

My first 10K run in Los Angeles 1978

Oh the joy as I crossed the finish line in the Los Angeles Coliseum!

Home of the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics

My first obstacle came while training for my first 10K.  I had been running before, during, and after my runs with an annoying pain in my right ankle.  There were days when I was tempted to give up.  Recognizing this as an obstacle, I iced my ankle and declared, "I'm not giving up and I claim victory in Jesus!"  Slowly, the pain disappeared.  I thanked Him, and continued pressing on to the L.A. 10K race.

What victory we often forfeit in our lives by giving up too soon.  Many blessings we'll receive as we overcome the obstacles in our path.  When our goals are finally reached, nothing can take the place of that feeling of victory.

However, I must add that if or when you are in continuous pain in any area of your body, you should consult with your doctor.

I'll be talking about Boredom in my next blog.  Yes, we can get bored running, walking, just with life in general.  So tune in next time.  Until then,

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 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

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

White Christmas

Our Fort Mill SC yard 2007

I must drop by to say hello and Merry Christmas to my bloggy buddy friends!
This is a busy time of year decking the halls with boughes of holly!
I decorated early this year to get a head start on the
Christmas season.

I just finished writing a magazine article for the summer so
 I had to pretend I was sweating while writing.
Actually, I have my fireplace going in my office.

What are you planning for Christmas? New Years?

Thanks to the China/Corona Virus, we're still practicing 'social distancing.' 

So, will you be hanging with family and friends?
If you're alone, what do you do ... go to a movie? (I think they're still closed),
eat out alone? (are local restaurants even open?)

Invite friends over? (will they have to wear masks?)

2020 brought us into a very challenging era, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

When we lived abroad for several Christmases
I firmly decided that I would not get homesick for my family
back home in California.
It worked for an hour or two.
Then I would cry.
That always seemed to help.

Now I'm blessed to have part of my family nearby.

but this will be our first Christmas without our beloved Popcorn.

She was part of our life for twelve joy-filled years

and we miss her every day.

Thankfully at the ripe old age of 15 she has no more pain and is 

playing with her furry friends somewhere in the heavenlies.

Let's not take our family and friends for granted.

Instead, take this time of year to express
our love to those near to us.

Now it's time to go outside for a cold evening walk.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season ...

You are never alone because He is with you wherever you travel.

... and remember, whether near or far,

keep reading and keep that body movin'!

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

retirementandgoodliving.com

"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

"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your Life! Lesson 3

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

Lesson 3

by Sharon Leaf

God's Master Plan for my life in 1994-95 on WWII ship
to transport Russian Jews from Black Sea to Israel

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 ~ God's Mission

   One thing you can be sure of in this crazy, mixed-up world is that God never moves His mission.  He plans to save the world, one person at a time by using those who will cooperate with Him to share His plan of eternal life.  When I was eight-years-old I remember walking down the aisle of a little southern Baptist church to give my heart to Jesus. When I looked up at my Mama with tears in my eyes, she took my hand and led me down the aisle to where the guest missionary was standing.  That night I inherited eternal life but didn't have a clue about the rest of the package.  That came in time as I grew older and made some mistakes. That's when I realized that God truly wanted me to be happy.

   But lets get back to the basics to where it all began ... at the cross.

   When trying to explain to people why God sent His son to die on a cross, I try to keep it simple.  Simplicity is hard for the human brain, especially for the intelligent ones who like to analyze everything!  That is where our faith comes in.  Now I realize that most of you who are reading this know the basics but for those of you who have never heard, read on ...

   God created man with free will.  He could have created robots that would go around praising Him twenty-four-seven, but He already had that with the millions of angels in heaven.  He wanted to give man the choice to worship Him.  No robots for the Almighty God!

   In this world we are taught to reward good behavior and to discipline bad behavior.  I found it hard to discipline my children when they did wrong but I knew it was for their own good.  We have judges and juries to decide the discipline/punishment on those who have disobeyed the law.  If each criminal, no matter what they did, were sentenced to die for their crime, we would claim the judge ruthless and uncaring.

   God, who created the world, had a dilemma.  He would ultimately solve this through Jesus.  Before Jesus, the sacrificial act of atonement for sin was the slaying of an animal.  This was only a temporary measure until Jesus came to prepare the way of our salvation.

   The wages of our sin is death without Christ.  He paid the price so we might avoid our own criminal charges.  God showed mercy on us.  He could not ignore the sins of the world, nor could He be merciless and sentence us to die for our sins.  Without Jesus stepping in to take our place, we would live a life that ends in death.  Jesus is the lamb who died and set us free from our obligation to die.  Blood is one of the few parts of man for which medical science has not found a true substitute.  The function for blood in our veins is to carry oxygen, the breath of our life.  Jesus' blood was royal; it came from God, the Father, through the Virgin Mary.

   Jesus' blood is rich.  His blood is rich enough to suffice for the debt of trillions.  Man's blood is a cleansing system which is symbolic of how Jesus' blood cleanses us.  The blood runs through every inch of our body, through miles of veins, capillaries and arteries.

   Jesus' unselfish agony brought us eternal freedom.  He was God and man, so He had a choice to accept this assignment, for which He did.  We will never know the depth of pain and agony, physically and spiritually, that He suffered on that cross ... for you and for me.  It was so great a choice that He sweat drops of blood, symbolic of the substance that would set us free from the penalty of sin, which is death.

   For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

   There was nothing greater for God to sacrifice than Hi Son.  Jesus' blood was the only thing in the entire universe valuable enough to clear the record for all sinners.  God, who rules with truth and grace, has to respond to sin, rather than ignore it.

   It is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are spared eternal damnation.  While almost all religions evolve around the concept of a godhead, it is the belief in Jesus that promises life after death.

For whosever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

   At the end of times--which is nearer than we think--Jesus will become the ruler of the earth.  Until then, Satan will continue to be the prince of the earth.  God's plan for us is companionship with Him now, and throughout eternity!  Find your Bible and read for yourself.  It's all there for us to enjoy!

Part 2 ~ What must you do to be saved?  

   It's simple.  I'll write it out in a three-step process:

1. Repent:  Do you believe you have sinned?  At eight-years-old, I had a feeling that I needed Jesus as my Savior.  Are you sorry?  Do you truly desire to strive for less sin in your life?  "Whosoever shall confess me before men him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven."  Matthew 10:32
2. Believe in Jesus:  Do  you believe He died on the cross and was resurrected to give you life after death?  Are you willing to give yourself completely to Jesus?  "For by grace are you saved through faith, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest any man should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Confirm your decision by accepting Him into your heart:  Do you accept yourself as now saved?  Will you confess Jesus before men whenever you get the opportunity?  And be baptized and serve within your church?

   As we grow in the Lord we learn that we must take up our cross daily.  What does that mean to you?

Part 3 ~ Minimum vs. Maximum  

   The minimum plan of salvation is to accept Jesus as our personal Savior, and Savior of the world.  The maximum plan is to work with Him to take others to heaven with  us.  Our growth in the Lord depends on our level of commitment to serve Him in our daily lives.  As we read His Word, the Bible, the fruits of the Holy Spirit begin to flow in our lives.  Galatians 5:22-26 tells us these fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control.  

   When we allow the Holy Spirit to team up with us, these traits become more obvious in our lives.  If you try to do this on your own, it won't work.  Believe me because I've tried.  It's so much easier when we're led by the Holy Spirit that lives within us.  The Holy Spirit uses our conscience as the means to talk to us, advise us, and guide us onto the right paths.

   To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit we must commit to the Maximum Plan.  These gifts stated in I Corinthians 12:8-11 are the gift of knowledge, wisdom, discernment of others, prophesy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, faith, healing, and miracles.

   The more we allow the fruits of the Spirit to shape our personality, the better equipped we are to allow these gifts to grow.  These are power-working, action-oriented vehicles of our Christian walk.  This doesn't mean that you have to go out and pound the streets and preach to everyone you see (unless God calls you to that type of ministry).  Just be available to a neighbor, a friend, or family member.

   As always, the choice is ours to accept the minimum service role, or the maximum service role.  In my years of walking with the Lord I have wandered in and out of minimum-maximum, and I'm a witness that there is no better, happier, joyful way than to be in God's Maximum Plan.

   Where are you today?  The choice is yours.  

Until next time ...

Whether near or far,

Keep reading, and keep that body movin'!

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

http://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!

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