Happy New Year sprinkled with Tears and Hope

Fort Mill, SC 2007

Writers are supposed to grab a thought,

sit down, and write.  And write...

But what if you have so many thoughts going around 

in your head that you don't know where to start?

That's when I let my heart--led by the Holy Spirit--take over.  So through the happiness of the holiday season,

many are experiencing sadness ... so ...

Sometimes we just need to cry, don't we?  

God sees our tears.  

He promises you that even through the blur of sorrow, 

a light of hope shines brightly--no matter what the loss.  

Even when tears fall, hope stands.  

God says to you, 

"I know the plans I have for you ... 

plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for HE who promised is faithful."  

Hebrews 10:23

Now, moving right along ...

For the last two years my "word" for 2021-22 was courage.

Definition: The choice to confront fear with confidence.

So I obeyed God and started "The Boardwalk Babes"

(with the *encouragement* of my friend Jessica)

((notice that *word* has courage right in the middle!))

I had no idea what I was doing but turns out to be

one of the biggest blessings in my life!

The BBabes are gifted, talented, giving, and kind.

I could go on and on but I'm trying to keep this short.

My "word" for 2023 is Daring!

I'm a RED* -- Retired-Extremely-Daring!

Definition: Willing to take risks. Bold and venturesome.

I have no idea what that holds in store, 

but I know it means that 

I won't be sitting around twiddling my thumbs.

To all who are out there in Blog Land,

I wish you an abundance of blessings for

a Happy New Year

and remember ...

Keep reading and keep that body movin'!

www.amazon.com/author/www.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

"From Challenge to Change to Courage ... God's Master Plan" for your Life! Lesson 1

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

Lesson 1

by Sharon Leaf

One nation, under God!

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 ~ Patience, you ask?  

 I admit that sometimes I get impatient for God's perfect timing.  I grab a cup of coffee, then  off I go.  Before long, I'm throwing up my hands and running back to square one, which for me is, "Okay, it's me ... I'm back. I messed up and I'm really sorry. I'm going to do it your way this time, so Jesus, take the wheel." My Heavenly Father smiles, and before long, we're off, this time walking hand-in-hand.

   Timing is everything. Knowing when to act or when to wait is the toughest part for those who are seeking to abide in God's perfect plan. Our desire is to know God's will, and then obey, and if you're like me, I'm not satisfied until a project is finished. But our heart's cry should be, "Oh Lord, to hear your voice and know what you would have me do." God has already told us in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. How wonderful is that?

   God's plans for you are according to your personality and the giftings He has given you. I love to write. I love to encourage people. It's that simple. What are some of your personality traits and giftings? Hey, no negative here--just positive. Surely you can find several positive personality traits.  Okay, one? (lol--laughing-out-loud, a phrase I learned on FaceBook).  God has a divine plan for each of us.  Psalm 139:13 says, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  As we travel on life's journey we discover God's plan for us.  So what are we waiting for?

   The Bible is full of scriptures that tell us to wait upon the Lord.  Sometimes that's a challenge when the world around us is telling us to be productive, be fruitful, and take action!  Our family, our staff, our friends can't seem to understand the waiting concept and might see us as lazy or irresponsible--God forbid that we would appear lazy!

   But we learn to wait.  Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  Then when our success comes, the amazing results will speak for itself.

Part 2 ~ Stop --  Go -- Hurry -- Wait.  

   That has been my life.  There are times when I've gone ahead of God's timing, and the results have been acceptable, but I wonder what the results would have been if I had waited a bit longer  But at my age--I'm 74 and proud of it--I don't sit and ponder much.  Life is too short.  We can learn--even benefit--from our mistakes.  Have you jumped ahead of God lately?  What were your results?  What did you learn from the experience?

   There have been times in my life when I have taken matters into my own hands and made a royal disaster by not seeking God's plan.  Are you having any flashbacks?  My first disaster occurred when I was nineteen.  Raised in a Christian home I prayed for God's direction, especially for meeting Mr. Right.  But one 4th of July I fell head over heels for Mr. Hot--at Disneyland!  There was one too many sparks between us and four months later we were married, five months later I had a baby, and a year later Mr. Hot was gone ... left the building.  I call that a disaster.  But God turned my self-made mistake/disaster into a miracle.  He gave me my most precious daughter, Jacqueline.  I asked Him to help me regroup, and before long I was on the right path again.  God is so faithful, even when we're not (footnote: Jacquie's father later became a Christian).  So, have you had any disasters in your life?  How can you avoid another one?

   I'm an average planner.  I'm organized and I can multi-task ... well, sorta.  Give me a cup of java and I'll get the job done.  But as the years go by I realize more and more what an amazing planner God is.  As I wait and listen to Him, wonderful plans begin to break forth ... international trips to Israel, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Siberia, Turkey, Greece, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain (I'm sure I'm leaving a few out) ... living in Sweden ... living on a WWII ship for 14 month to transport Russian Jews from Sochi, Russia to Israel.  Let me tell you, I could not have planned such an exciting life but God had these plans for me in His perfect timing.  As I wait and listen to Him, wonderful plans are still breaking forth ... like publishing my first novel Lady and the Sea at 65... then my second novel Lady on the Run at 74.

Sunset from our veranda on Lake Murray.  My quiet place. 

Part 3 ~ A Quiet Place   

Find your quiet place, then create and honor that sacred place of prayer, meditation, and rest.  Take time to listen.  Focus.  Process.  Reclaim your time.  Shed distractions.  Be still in your calling, your purpose.  Choose rest.  What is God telling you?  What is He getting ready to do in your life?

    In order for us to participate and support a plan, whether at work or within our family, we must understand the mission.  God was clear on His mission.  He intended to bring man to eternal life and communion with Him while we are here on earth, and when we get to heaven one day soon.  But God's plan for communion with us is challenged by the spiritual forces at work.  You can feel it more than ever.  Right now in our country, there are people in office that are attempting to close the churches down!  The spirit world baffles us so we find it easier to ignore than to comprehend.  But listen: Working with the opposition of Satan makes it much harder for God's plan to work, but we know that God will overcome!  We are on the winning team.  God gave us important tools to help us fight the battle against Satan.

  As we look at Jesus' walk on earth we can see the power of God working in His life.  We have this same power through the Holy Spirit operating in us.  The Holy Spirit gives us continual resources to support God's Master Plan.  Everything we are asked to do from our Master relates to His mission.  But it's the communication that seems to baffle us.  I've often said, I'll do whatever You tell me if I just know what it is.  God wants to reveal Himself to us more than we can imagine but there are several reasons why we find it hard.  I've experienced them, haven't you?

The instructions of the Lord are perfect,

reviving the soul.

Psalm 19:7 NLT

   We'll talk about those negative influences in my next blog Bible study.  

In the meantime ... Whether near or far ... keep reading, and keep that body movin'!

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

"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