Care Givers Unite

It's the little things we do and say that mean so much as we go our way.

A kindly deed can lift a load from weary shoulders on the road.

We were awakened at 4 in the morning the other night. It was the assisted living home telling us that Gigi, Rob's 87-year-old mother, had fallen and broken her shoulder and injured her knee. Whatever plans we had for the day were set aside to be with Mom.

As I sit here sipping my sweet tea, a few random thoughts cross my mind. Once again I'm reminded that we are born to be care givers. We nurture and care for our children until they reach a certain age, and then just when we sigh, raise our arms and declare, "Now, it's all about me!" -- it's time to focus on the care of our aging parents. Some of you have made the choice not have children, and that's perfectly fine with me. But the fact is, we all have parents ... unless you came into the world in a different way known to man (yes, I'm sure a few of you were hatched).

I believe that God created us to be caregivers, to reach out to someone other than ourselves. The quote, It's all about me was never meant to be. Well, I take that back ... we all need a It's All About Me Day now and then, but really, have you spent more than an hour with someone who only talks about their life? what they're planning? what they're eating, wearing, blah, blah, blah!! And you patiently wait for them to ask you, "Oh, yeah, by the way, how's your life?" Not that I have anything extravagant to share ... it's just kind of nice that they are actually giving me a minute to give a quick reply. Of course the all about me individual doesn't let me finish my sentence because they really don't care. In a flash, it's back to them.

I can only take about thirty minutes with an its all about me person. And they wonder why they don't have many friends. Perhaps if they stopped looking inward so much, and began looking outward, they would find a big wonderful world out there with big wonderful people who could use a helping hand. Maybe their own child, or a mom or a dad, or a cousin, or a daughter-in-law, or a ... well, you fill in your own blank.

As a caregiver to Gigi and to my father who lives in Utah, I find that sometimes when I make an ugly face or an even uglier remark when I have to rearrange my schedule to run to their aid, afterwards I feel so much better that I was used to be part of giving some tender loving care to a person who needs it much more than I.

So next time we find ourselves hogging the conversation, or making our oh-so-important plans, lets stop a second and ask ourselves, "Who can I bless today, besides myself?" Because God reminds me daily that it is NOT all about me.

Enjoy the days of summer and here's wishing you oceans of blessings,

Sharon

Photo taken on Tybee Island, GA

Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 NLT

Daily Devotions

I hope y'all are having wonderful lazy days of summer. Whether traveling or staying at home, if you are looking for something to do with your spare time, just scroll down to Jane Boston's Bible Study. I guarantee that you'll receive some nuggets to apply to your summery life. And while you're at it, hug a friend, kiss a husband, love thy neighbor. Go ahead and give it a try. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. As Paul McCartney always sings, All you need is love!

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

Use every chance you have for doing good.

Ephesians 5:16 NCV

P.S. Oops! I meant to put this on my other blog for Women's Initiative Network. You will not find a Bible study on this blog. But God bless you anyway!

Writers Unite--celebrations are allowed

It's July first and I'm so ready to celebrate summer. I finished my edit last night and sent it along to my publisher. As all writers know, this is cause for celebration. Out with the wine and dark chocolate with salt. The sky is the limit. In fact, if you write a complete sentence, that is cause for some kind of celebration.

Now for a few quick random words.

Le Artist's Studio met in my bistro this morning and what a time we had. One gal is taking a blog class to learn how to use blogs to their fullest extent. That got me to thinking. How can I use my blog to the fullest without taking a full-blown class? Who is my audience? What message am I trying to convey? What am I here for?? Who am I??? As I especially try to figure out the last question, I decide to rest my brain. Forget it. I have better things to do. Like what? you ask. For one, I'm having a "Girls Movie Night" here in about an hour so I need to swifter the floor and run a comb through my hair, then -- Voila! It's me! Sharon Christine Leaf, a friend for all seasons. I'm here to laugh, cry, eat, make merry and to give a wise word in season to those around me. That's simple enough.

I learned a long time ago to keep things simple. So the purpose of my blog? To help simplify my reader's life. De-clutter your brain. Go for a walk. Read a favorite book. Hug your child (or a friend). Kiss your hubby (or a friend).

Lots of love to you on this fabulous 4th of July! I'm especially loving this holiday because Tom, Jacquie and Destinee are now living in South Carolina just a few southern miles down the road! Another dream come true. And we're going boating tomorrow...yay!

So don't give up on your dreams. They will come true. Some take a little longer than others but they are worth waiting for.

Edit, Workout, Edit, Coffee, Edit

Dad and I at a cafe in Zion National Park, Utah

Think that whatever you are doing as an adventure

and watch your life change for the better.

Let me jot down a few random thoughts since I'm passing by my computer on the way downstairs for my daily workout. I went to the doctor this week for my blood test results. Without going into detail, I must get serious about my workouts ... and NO more sweet tea! So when I mention that I'm sipping my sweet tea, that is a 'catch-all' phrase for any other drinks that I shall be sipping this summer (except coffee, of course!)

The edits from my manuscript arrived yesterday, so that will be my focus for who knows how long. I'm in my zone as I change words and re-write a few passages. I'm excited for the finished product, but I'm so pleased to have chosen an independent publisher (Westbow/Thomas Nelson) so I can go at my own pace. At my age, that can be a little slower than a turtle.

Tom, Jacquie, and Destinee are now settling in their new home on Lake Murray. Popcorn came face to face with her half brother, Lotto the Lab. They are quite a pair. I'll tell a story or two in the weeks ahead. I still can't believe they are only a stone's throw away from us ... well, about an hour down the road to be more accurate.

I'm thinking about my sweet Dad today, as tomorrow is Father's Day. I talked to him on the phone yesterday and he had me in stitches with his cute little sayings. I miss him and wish he lived closer.

Don't forget to check out my Aunt Eunice's Summer Beauty Tips on my website: www.sharonleaf.com

Until next time, I wish you oceans of blessings for the coming week.

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him....fix your attention on God.

You'll be changed from the inside out.

Romans 12:1-2 The Message

A Boomin Bloomin Trail Blazer

Just one more picture! (at Jasmine's Cafe, York, SC)

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

Every time I attempt to sit down to write this blog, something comes up. I need deadlines, but since turning sixty-five, I've given myself permission to put off today what I can do tomorrow. Anyone out there agree?

Random thoughts. June is busting out all over. Sounds like something Aunt Eunice would say about her neighbor. We're having a record-breaking heat wave here in the south while Arizona fires are scorching the desert and flood waters are still threatening the mid-west. But on a lighter note, life is good. I'm soaking in every lazy hazy day. From Lake Murray to our backyard pond, cool waters beckon. My friends are leaving tomorrow for a week at the beach, an annual custom that many southern families partake in, and now that Tom, Jacquie, and Destinee are almost here, I'm sure we'll plan a beachy-vacation, and hopefully our other three kids will want to join in.

Hey, I'm working on a personal brand* before my book comes out:

"Save room for dessert--the sweet stuff is yet to come! And don't be afraid to ask for seconds!"

Tell me your thoughts.

Now that you know that I'm still alive and kickin', I'll sign off for now. Popcorn is looking at me with those sweet hazel eyes, begging me to take her for an evening walk. Oh yeah, I saw fireflies out in full strength the other night for the first time this summer!

Oceans of blessings, and I'll see you on the radio next Thursday!

Use every chance you have for doing good.

Ephesians 5:16 NCV

(*I never even heard the word brand until a published author suggested I think about it. BTW: What is your brand? I know, I know--YOU don't want to be branded. hahaha! That's okay, I'm not all that excited about it either, but it is kinda fun...IF you have the time. Bottom Line: I'd rather write a blog.)