Unity in our Community

 Unity in our Community

Some of our Boardwalk Babes!

I only have less than an hour to write this blog,

so I'm just going to cut to the chase and copy and paste what I wrote on 

Facebook and our "Boardwalk Babes" group a few minutes ago.

I'm so proud and thankful for our little community.

Read on:

10/27/22: The Boardwalk Babes had another wonderful Thursday eve "Faith, Fitness & Friendship" gathering. We all agreed how thankful we are to be living in a community that 'reaches out' to each other in times of need. I won't mention names, but each one of us can be used by God to encourage and help those around us. After all, we are His hands and feet down here. He tells us what to do, and we obey. That's what makes our community special. No hard feelings, no harsh words or 'grumpy' looks...just a wave and a smile will do!

We closed in prayer for our family and friends, our community, and our nation.

 

"Unity for our community!"

This says it all. God wants to do a mighty work in our family, friends, community, our nation ... BUT He needs our hands and feet to do the work!

Are we ready? I pray that I am. Each morning my simple prayer is:

"Lord, let me be a blessing, not a curse, to those around me."

I'm not perfect, but who is? If you think you are, then you just blew it!

Our time is at hand. At 76, I want every day to count,

only if I spend time praying for those around me.

I love my neighbors. I feel blessed to know each one.

We're all different, but we can learn from each other if we allow the time.

October is almost over and November brings lots of thankful days.

Now I must go ... my Robinski awaits to haul me off into the sunset!

This verse popped out on my daily verse:

"And now abide faith, hope, love,

these three;

but the greatest of these is LOVE.

I Corinthians 13:13

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

"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your life! Lesson 5

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

Lesson 5

by Sharon Leaf

Our first home in Fort Mill, South Carolina...Snow!!!  2006
A view from our upstairs veranda. We lived on a pond.

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 ~ Understanding the Will of God ~  God's Perfect Will vs. His Permissive Will

   God chose us before we chose Him.  It is a divine concept that we humans have been given a free will to run our own lives.  God wants us to choose Him, not by force or coercion, but by love.  One of the many ways He shows us His love is by giving us the freedom to handle our destiny.  For Christians we are told in God's word that our steps are directed by the Lord.

Man's goings are of the Lord.  Proverbs 20:24

    We can do good deeds and good works.  We can live morally and properly.  We can reach people in helpful ways.  A determined spirit can be good, but not perfect in doing the actual tasks we are called upon to do.  Actions that are under God's permissive will may be good, but it is different than acting in God's perfect will.  To follow God's perfect will, we take the time to listen, then hear, and then act.

   Self efforts are deceiving, though they may look and feel wonderful.  Few choose to wait for God's perfect direction, but it is here that the Lord is glorified in us, and self becomes dead.  It takes greater wisdom to seek the Master for divine direction.  This wisdom lifts up God so that others are drawn to Him.  When God's perfect will is carried out in our work, our daily tasks, it is anointed.  Non-believers marvel at the results, and believers bask in the glow as they see the touch of God on the task.  Why has God given us free will?  What is the difference between God's permissive will and His perfect will?

   Waiting on God's direction brings clarity to confusion.  How do you perform God's will in your daily tasks?  You must wait for His direction on even the smallest steps  Waiting allows harmony among your workers, among your family.  Waiting allows perfection on the task as God's perfect will flows.  God gives His glory to those who wait.  As He arises within you, you will know it is Him, for He is the one who anoints.

   Rob and I were convinced that God's perfect plan for us was to move to Sweden to attend a year of Bible school.  So, in planning we made a two-page 'to-do' list, and then we sat before the Lord and presented the list to Him.  Daily, one item after another was met--our visas were processed in record time, two round-trip airfare tickets and school tuition were paid in full, warm coats for Sweden't freezing winters (remember, we lived in Southern California where shorts and t-shirts can be worn year round!) were given to us.  The list went on and on.

   Then there were the times when the list looked impossible.  One night when I was packing boxes for storage, I blurted out, "What are we doing?"  I sat down in the middle of the bedroom floor and asked, "Lord, are you sure this is your perfect will for us?"  As I sat awhile and quieted my spirit, I heard a still, small Voice answer.  Yes.  That's all I needed to pick myself up and continue packing.

   Our faith in God increased before we ever set foot on Swedish soil because we trusted God and had to exercise our faith each step of the way.  Have you had one of those Are you sure, God? moments lately?  What did  you do?

Part 2 ~ The WHO Test to find God's Will

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, 

and show thee great and might things which thou knows not.

Jeremiah 33:3

   "WHO do you say I am?" and "WHO do you serve today?" are the questions that help us know if we are drawn to God's perfect plan.  Do you see it?  

    W--wait;  H--hear;  O--obey.  

   You can use the WHO test to find where you are in God's will on a specific matter.  As David spoke in Psalms how he had fellowship with God, so can we!  This usually comes by your personal experience with the living God.  I refer back to the dear old babushka.  If I had hurried out the door, I would have missed a divine appointment scheduled by God.  Instead, I stepped out of my plan and stepped into His glorious plan.  I think I received more out of that encounter with Miss Babushka than she did.  I can't wait to see her again some day to find out!

  How can you apply the WHO test to a current situation in your life to stay within God's will for you?  When has God positively affirmed an optimistic outcome to you?  How did it make yo feel?

Part 3 ~ Prepare for Service

   There are many gestures of kindness we can give to those around us who are in need.  Look around.  Listen.  Hear.  Obey.  We may never know how that kind word or gesture changed the atmosphere of that person in need.  I experience this almost daily since we downsized to our villa on Lake Murray.  We are surrounded by young and old who need an encouraging work OR just someone who will listen to them.

   Can you recall a time when someone reached out to you and touched you?  God knew you needed that touch, that encouraging word.  He asked someone to come to you, and that person listened, heard, and obeyed.  That is total teamwork.  

My friends gathering at my "Le Artist's Studio"
Janet (Popcorn), Jennifer, and Maribeth

   When I first moved from California to South Carolina, I felt lonely.  I had left my dear friends behind to obey God with a new adventure.  From west coast to east coast, all decided within a few months.  But God always provides.  One Sunday I recognized my neighbor at church.  She could have smiled, chatted, then politely walked away.  Instead, she asked for my phone number!  She reached out to me!  I had a friend!  A friend to laugh with, and who gave me wise counsel when I was going through some hard times.  Her name is Janet and I shall never forget her warm, kind heart.  She soon introduced me to her sister Jennifer and a sweetheart of a gal, Maribeth.

   Now, can you recount an instance where you committed to serving others in their time of need?  Think about it.  Pray about it, and I'll see you next time!  We have five more lessons to go, so until then ...

Whether near or far,

Keep reading,

and keep that body movin'!

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

http://www.sharonleaf.com

Lady and the Sea vs. Lady on the Run

 Lady Traveler answers the question

I've been asked this question over the last few weeks:

"Which book should I read first?

Lady and the Sea

or Lady on the Run?"

My answer:

It doesn't really matter.

Set in the '70s, Lady on the Run is a prequel to 

Lady and the Sea (set in the '90s).

Both novels will encourage and inspire you to

inhale deep breaths of faith, exhale out all the fears

then run toward your dreams!

A note from Rosie to Sharon:

"You really never 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."

If that's you, then read Lady on the Run first.

Then you'll be ready for Lady and the Sea

where Rosie and the MS Restoration--two resilient ladies

who find their lives re-purposed--set on new courses

as they share a transforming journey from dry dock to

crossing the open seas.

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

... keep that body movin!

Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying,

yet our inward man is renewed day by day!

2 Corinthians 4:16

http:/www.sharonleaf.com

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

NEW Book Release! Lady on the Run is published!

Lady on the Run is now published!

Rosie ... on the Run!
(the cover tells a story)

My journey to have my latest novel published

has been a long one, but so rewarding in many ways.
I compare it to running a marathon and finally crossing the finish line!

I have learned (over and over)
the importance of God's timing.

In fact, He gave me the last sentence of the book
the night before I was to have my manuscript formatted!

A little history of this story ...

I wrote Lady on the Run in the 70's as a non-fiction,

but due to several 'life-happenings'
I tossed my manuscript in a box ... until a few years ago.

As I sat and re-read the forty-some-year-old typed pages

I knew the story would become a novel.

That's when Rosie's journey began ....

Lake Tahoe 1977

Rosie's running days began in the mid-70's.

Years before she traveled the world,

Rosie was a stay-at-home Mom 

who by happenstance became an avid runner.

Her inspiring story will find you laughing on one page,

perhaps crying on the next,
and like Rosie, challenging you personally to ask,
What am I running from? 
and more important,
What am I running to?

If you're already into health, fitness, and fun,

or thinking about health, fitness, and fun*,

or would rather just read about health, fitness, and fun,

then Lady on the Run is for you.
(*A Ladies on the Run Handbook in the back of book)

Here is one of several reviews:

"Sharon Leaf's 40 years of running experience, quirky characters, and engaging story produce a book guaranteed to motivate, educate, and entertain.  Lady on the Run will inspire wanna-be runners to take their first steps toward physical (and spiritual) health.  Those who already run will be challenged to set new goals and  train not just for running their physical races, but for running their spiritual race--at their own pace!"

              Lori Slice Hatcher, author of Hungry for God, Starving for Time, 
              5-minute Devotions for Busy Women

You can now order
Lady on the Run
Paperback and ebook
on the following links:

www.amazon.com/dp/B08BMKCGH5

amazon.com/gp/product/B08B379FBY

My Author Page:

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


I wish you oceans of joyful Reading, wRiting, and Running blessings!


Smooth out your road in front of me,
straight and level
so that I'll know where to walk.
Psalm 5:8

The Los Angeles Marathon 1978
My first 10K ... 6.2 miles ... running in my baby blue Brooks!
The finish line was in the Los Angeles Coliseum
Home of the 1932 and 1984 Olympics

... let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

www.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

pRepaRing to tRavel to ...

pRepaRing to tRavel to ...

The view never gets old.

I've downsized. I've simplified.

Now I'm Ready ... to Travel.

Next week I'll be taking a shoRt Trip to

the CaRolina ChRistian wRiteRs ConfeRence in

SpaRtanburg, South CaRolina.

I love spending time with fellow wRiters

and listening to talented, gifted authoRs, editoRs, and otheR

renowned guest speakeRs.

Lady's Loft ... my office. My  iMac is behind closed shutters.
Artwork, books, photos ... all my dear-to-my-heart treasures.

I'm enjoying each and every day for what it has given me.

The lazy, balmy ones,

sunny and waRming to the heaRt and soul.

And oh, the cold, rainy, windy ones

that cause my body to shiver

when I step outside to walk little Miss PRincess PopcoRn 

on the boaRdwalk by the lake.

It's on those 30-degree days that I welcome

the warmth of our cozy condo.

These past weeks have given me much to warm my heart.

Having our son Shawn here for three days lit a fiRe inside me

that has kept me peaceful and somewhat melancholy.

I have many memories to cheRish until we're together again.

Thank you, LoRd, for giving me a very special birthday gift.

I always look forward to the times I can spend with daughteR Jacquie.
She drops by whenever she can,
for hot tea and hot conveRsation.

They're in the midst of building a house.

(Oh, the patience they have shown during this process).

Makes my heart happy to see my book in the Lexington Library
(it was checked out the next day)

Knowing daughter CaRRie (in North Carolina)

and son Jason (in SoutheRn CalifoRnia and Spain)

are happy and doing well

keeps the ambeRs glowing.

Yes, I'm a blessed lady,

thankful to God for allowing me to live anotheR day.

So, what can I give back?
A smile at the marRket.
A hug to a neighboR.
A phone call to a fRiend.
An encouRaging word to someone who is
waiting for good...or disappointing...news.

After reading what authoR/fRiend StaRR(light) AyeRs

shared about me in her inteRview with me yesterday,

I Realized once more how blessed I am to be living my life in full technicoloR!

Please Read when you have a few minutes:

www.starrayers.org/2019/02/23/sharonleaf

And the peace of God,
which passes all undeRstanding,
shall keep your heaRts and minds
thRough Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6

I wish you oceans of daily blessings!

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

Lady Traveler loves those Christian Chapel Singles of '87-'91

Women's Retreat 1987
Can you recognize any of these singles?

If we never met again in our lives

I should feel that somehow the whole adventure of existence 

was justified by my having met you.

Hello all of you former Christian Chapel Singles out there in blog land.  

This blog is for you.

Yesterday while I was swimming -- glub, glub -- my thoughts turned to those
wonderful days long ago when we were all together
serving Jesus. 

Friday Night Singles, summer camps, winter camps, and all of the fun times in between.  

Many of you, including Rob and I, agree that those days were very special and
can never be replaced or forgotten.  

Why?  Because God showed up.

Lasting friendships were born.

And all those weddings, including mine--yay!

Our Wedding 1998

I miss all of you.

We are now spread across the globe.

For this reason I'm thankful for Facebook, emails, and blogging

so we can keep connected

as we travel on our personal journeys and share

the joyful times of marriage, births of children, healings, 

and the more challenging times of personal heartaches, illness, and the loss of loved ones.

And through it all, God is with us.

His love never fails.

Our testimonies are a witness of His faithfulness.

Why am I writing?

The days ahead are questionable.

Our days on earth are numbered.
But through it all --

We must continue to be a light in the midst of darkness.

So I encourage you all to stir up the gifts that are in you.
Read your Bible.

Pray for one another. Laugh together.
Why?

Because the best is yet to come!

A little older but us girls still wanna have fun!

Here's wishing you oceans of blessings!

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

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler's ideas on Reading, Writing, Traveling versus Relationships

Paris is always a good idea ~ Audrey Hepburn

Wake up, Sharon!

You're not in Paris anymore.

There's work to be done.

A book to finish...

Lady on the Run
"How to run your physical race and your spiritual race--at your own pace"
I was an avid runner in the 70's, taught a running class, and I'm writing a book about my journey.

Lady on the Run
Me and My 90-year-old mentor and friend, Mary in 2013
at her home in Morro Bay.
We ran a 1/2 marathon together in the late '70's

... A conference to prepare for.
And, oh yes, the book club next week.

Book signing at "Living Real Conference" March 2015
Book Club March 2015

Business cards, flyers, poster, pens, Square, etc.

Yes, the almost-famous author has a full schedule.
But when it comes down to it,
what is really important in life?
You have it right.
Relationships.
With God.
With family.
With friends.

My true friend, Debbie Kreitzer,
Laguna Beach, CA 2007

There is no 'distance barrier' with
God, family, or friends.
Although Debbie went to heaven almost two months ago,
I can still hear her whispering in my ear,
"It is what it is."
"Get over it."
Thanks, Debbie, I needed that.
Confession: 
When I can't hear her voice in my ear,
I listen to a Voicemail she left me when she was
still able to talk.
I cry from the pain of missing her in 'real time.'

Whatever your passion--
writing, traveling, painting, photography, singing,
gardening, cleaning house, reaching out to help someone--
remember to take time for those
special people in your life.

To know someone here or there with whom 
you feel there is an understanding
in spite of distance or thoughts expressed --
that can make of this earth a garden.

Wherever you travel,
I wish you oceans of moments with God,
with family,
and friends.


All sunshine and sovereign is God,
generous in gifts and glory.
Psalm 84:10

www.sharonleaf.com

Tennessee Traveler

For the pathway that lies before me,

my Heavenly Father knows--

I'll trust Him to unfold the moments

just as He unfolds the rose

When I was invited to the Loving Well Retreat in the Tennessee mountains two months ago, something inside said, GO.  I knew only one woman among the intimate group of 20+, but from the moment our Friday road trip began two weeks ago, I knew this would be a special three-day journey.  The four-hour drive gave us four gals time to laugh, chat, eat Mexican in Asheville, NC, and get to know each other.  The cozy cabin we stayed in was our haven away from home for three days, and after the first evening of listening to Session 1 of Beth Moore's Loving Well, we realized how much we needed this getaway.

On Saturday, we all lounged in the main cabin in our PJ's from breakfast until lunch (so fun!).  After Session 3 of Beth Moore's video, we had afternoon free time, which I spent resting, hiking, and talking to God about life's issues He already knew all about.  Without going into detail, Beth spoke on four types of people in our lives who we are commanded to love:

Joy:  Joy is easy to be around.  Hopefully, we know lots of them.  And hopefully, YOU are a joy to be around.

Testy:  Testy rubs us the wrong way, annoys us, and makes us want to run in the opposite direction.  Oh, by the way, sorry to bring this up, but it's usually a family member.  And guess what?  YOU might be someones Testy!    

Foe:  Foe is someone you hope you never come in contact with again; your feelings towards Foe sometimes teeters between dislike and hate.   Do you have a Foe in your life?

Far:  We don't come in contact with Far, but Jesus tells us to love them by reaching out, perhaps by giving an offering or something they need, or better yet, taking a mission trip to meet Far.

The weekend gave me much to ponder and pray about.  I came home refreshed, and I plan to spend more quality face-to-face time, and less social networking time.  Can I get an Amen to that?

  

Thank you, Kathy Owens, for working so hard to make our week-end special and loving.  I made some sweet friends in those Tennessee mountains.

Tips for retreat-travel:  (1) bring a pocket full of flexibility with you. Change is good, (from food to daily scheduling), no matter what you may think. (2)  If your Testy, try being Joy for the week-end and see what happens. (3) Travel light, incase you have to trek up a steep hill to your cabin.

I wish you oceans of blessings and smooth sailing on your next retreat-getaway.  Let me know how it goes!

My foot has held fast to His path;

I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Job 23:11 NASB

www.sharonleaf.com

Christmas Cheer is Here!

Thanksgiving in our new home

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  All of us have much to be thankful for.  I cooked a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal for family and friends.  What a special time it was celebrating the holiday in our new home.  But life moves on.  This past Tuesday my hubby, Rob, had his shoulder surgery (his first, I might add).  He is a trooper and I'm a great nursie, so we're doing pretty good, learning as we go.  I'm a bit tired and he's a bit grumpy (I blame it on his drugs ... oops ... meds.)  

As a friend, I need to make some phone calls.  As a writer, I just finished a writing project (finally).  As a Mom, I never come close to being the kind of Mom I would like to be ... saying the right things at the right time ... sending lots of money to kids and grandkids across the miles ... am I the only mother who goes through this?  The good news is that I come to my senses a lot sooner these days than in years gone by, realizing that no one is perfect.  So I continu, pressing for the prize that is set before me.

I'm rambling; I feel like I've taken some of Rob's drugs.  That's because two o'clock in the morning arrives just as I'm entering my REM sleeping zone.  But I must be faithful to rise up and give my Robinski his meds every four hours.  That's what all good nursies do.  I appreciate all the prayers you have sent our way.  We're feeling the love!
Oceans of blessings for the Christmas season!

Life begins each morning ... each morning is the open door to a new world -- new vistas, new aims, new tryings.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends.  His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness.  His mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIT

Farewell Fort Mill, I will miss you.

Moving is always bittersweet. The packing is very bitter and the cleaning is even bitterer (is that a word? it should be). The sweet part of our move is now we'll be ten minutes from our daughter, Jacquie, and her family. They are the family who drops by just to say hello, or calls and asks if we can come over for a BBQ, or go boating on the lake. Rob and I are so looking forward to that. Ahh, family.

Today I took Popcorn and we drove down some Fort Mill country roads for the last time. When I moved here six years ago, I loved exploring the back roads. As I listened to Tim McGraw with the wind blowing in my face, I couldn't get enough of this country feeling. I still can't. Never will. This is where I belong.

I might be saying farewell to my hometown, Fort Mill, but I will never say good-bye to my Fort Mill Friends. They have made my country move complete. Anyone who knows me, knows that I hang on to my friends, from my junior high school buddies, Teri and Kathy; to my neighbor, Shirley--we raised our kids together and opened our homes to the weekly "Good News Club." And my friend who always has an ear to listen to my whining, grumbling, and other negative attitudes--Debbie, what would I do without you?? Friends are those who stay in our hearts no matter how many miles apart we may be, and when our paths cross, it is like we never parted. Friendship takes two. I'm blessed to have friends who feel the same way as I do.

My last box is packed, but the memories that I take with me to Lexington can't be put in a box. They will live in my heart. I love you, my Fort Mill Friends, and I plan to have many parties and y'all are invited! Much love, smooth sailing, and oceans of blessings,

Sharon