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

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

Introduction

A Swedish chandelier that I wanted to bring home in my carry-on!

I've accumulated various titles along my journey ...

Lady Traveler ... Gypsy Mama ... Road Runner ... Wild (power) Walker ...

... Amazing Author (I just made that one up)

... The Almost-Famous Author ... that's me!

For my next season of writing I'm going to take a shift.

Fourteen years ago (2006) when we moved from Southern California to Fort Mill, South Carolina,

I landed a great job working in the H.R. office at Books-A-Million (traveling included!) 

I soon began attending weekly meetings for working Christian women.

One evening after an energized session I was asked by the founder of the non-profit organization  

if I would write her blog.  "I just don't have time!" Jane blurted.

"And I love your blogs," she added.

She did?  Jane actually had time to read my silly ol' blogs that sometimes 

ramble and drift down bunny trails?

I was new at this whole blog experience, but what could I say?  

As I gazed into her tired, blood-shot eyes, I accepted her offer.

Yes, success oftentimes leads to frustration.

Jane's red eyes teared up, she smiled, then threw pages of notes on the table.

"Here. Take my notes and make the blog your own," Jane said.

One of my favorite places ... Florence, Italy ... Tuscany!  I shall return!

 So now, my eclectic ladies, near and far,  I'll be sharing my 

"From Challenge to Change to Courage" blog with you!

Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom,

a single gal, a retired lady (like me!)

there's something for everyone.

Here's a small sample:

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!

Next time we're going to talk about God's perfect timing, 

Until then,

Keep reading, and

keep that body movin'!

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

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

Thankful Traveler

Columbia River, WA
Photo by Shawn Watson

Tis the season to be thankful.  A few random thoughts:

I've been reading some of my friends' Thankful Lists on Facebook.  I was surprised and honored to find my name as one of Dorean's mentors that she was thankful for (I was a singles pastor way back in '88 and she was an artistic, beautiful single young woman).  This was a reminder to me that we never know who we are influencing.  No matter what our age, we should live ours lives, not unto ourselves, but to draw people to Christ.  Our friends want us to be real, someone they can relate to.  That goes for family too.

Travel Memory:  I spent one Thanksgiving on a WWII ship on the rolling Baltic Sea in '94.  I was too sick to eat the Thanksgiving feast that the American chefs had prepared, so I've been thankful for stable shores ever since.

Thanksgiving Tip:  Be thankful for those around you, and those afar.  Don't judge.  Instead, love ...  and sprinkle with laughter.

I wish you smooth traveling and oceans of blessings for your Thanksgiving holiday!

Life is what we are alive to.

It is not length but breadth...

Be alive to ... goodness, kindness, purity, Love,

poetry, music, art,

flowers, stars,

God, and eternal hope.

We're having a cold Thanksgiving
here in the Carolinas

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement

and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

2 Thess. 2:16-17

www.sharonleaf.com

Making my way back Home ... slowly.

Central Coast, CA

After spending two weeks in SoCal, I'm home.  Home sweet home.  I still have jet lag.  I had JL when I was in SoCal, but I fought it because we had places to go and people to see, but now that I'm home, I can see through blurry eyes that my calendar is clear, so I'm giving into JL ... sleeping later ... naps  ...  slower walks ... no phone calls, emails ... well, perhaps just a Facebook entry or two. 

Besides my 'Lady and the Sea book launch' party last year, our SoCal trips have always been focused on family, but this trip was unique.  This time we connected with friends; I lost count at forty.  The older you get, the more friends you accumulate.  Most were 'spur-of-the-moment' hook-ups (Hey, if you're free in thirty minutes, let's get together!)  Those who weren't able to hook up on a moment's notice, we'll catch next time ... if there is a next time.

Friends are like jewelry ... there's fine jewelry and then there's costume jewelry.  You ask me why I just wrote that?  My answer: I have NO idea!  I'm still suffering from jet lag.  I knew when I sat down at my iMac that I would be rambling on about whatever, and I was right.  So, on that note, I shall close and come back later ... after I've slept in, and after a few more naps.  Until then,

I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings!

Costume jewelry ... priceless

www.sharonleaf.com

I Tripped...oops...Traveled Down Memory Lane

Cemetery (1780) where my maternal grandparents and family members rest.

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or sail, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, 

or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.

The other day I took a road trip to Sumter, the town where I was born, to spend the day with my cousin, Vernon Roy.  After Daddy's passing a few weeks ago, I had a longing to visit the cemetery where my mother's family was laid to rest.  I never knew my grandparents; they died in their late thirties when my Mom was still a teenager.  As Vernon Roy and I shared memories of our younger years, we realized that our family had a few interesting skeletons in their closets.  The more we talked and compared notes, the more intrigued we became.  And curious.  But in the end, we agreed that no matter what the skeletons were, we had wonderful parents who loved us dearly.  And isn't that all that really matters?  

I came to the conclusion that I am happy with the memories I have.  No need to stir the pot, so to speak.  But I have to admit that I was challenged to write a novel about the whole scenario ... something like, "Return to Peyton Place"  ... oops ... I mean "Return to Sleepy Sumter."  Don't worry, cousins, I'm not going there!  *smile*

Have you discovered any skeletons in your closets lately?  Does it make you curious to find out more, or have you decided to keep the closet door locked?  If you decide to unlock the door, make sure you take your friend, Jesus, along so He can keep your heart protected.  I have no idea why I'm writing this, but these are my random thoughts for today, so there must be someone out there in Lady Leaf Land who needs to hear this.

Grandmother Viola Geddings
Gravestone created by their son, Roy Geddings

I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings.  Stay on course, and may Jesus remain the Captain of your ship.

My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul.

They are like jewels on a necklace.

Proverbs 3:21-22

www.sharonleaf.com