Lesson 10 "From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your life!

" From Challenge to Change to Courage...

God's Master Plan" for your life!

Lesson 10

by Sharon Leaf

My Paris holiday with my Robinski  2014

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 ~ Recognizing His Voice

   We can learn to recognize God's voice.  He desires to be heard and He will reveal Himself in different situations and through different acts.  He uses people, both non-believers and believers,  to get our attention.  He's waiting for you to accept the challenge so He can show you what He can do.

   God communicates through physical, mental and spiritual acts.  Throughout our lives we can see God's work take place through acts involving coincidences that are too perfectly timed that we must attribute them to some higher power.  These can be words from people, specific deeds, or even lyrics, poems or scriptures that carry a message that resolves what is going on in your life.  We say, 'God opened the door' or an 'opportunity' crossed our path.  

   When was the last time God opened a door for you?  My latest open door came a few weeks ago when I stopped by a new store in town, Biblestore Outlet.  After chatting with the manager, I received an email, inviting me to have a book signing the first week in December!  Now, still in the midst of the Covid from China, I call that a miracle!

   When did a song, a poem, or a specific situation give you the answer you were looking for?  The Bible is alive with meaning when we are looking for a specific answer.  The scriptures carry God's voice to us, to inspire us, to guide us, and to reveal His recommendations for life's situations.  Have you ever said, I need a verse to give me direction, and then opened your Bible to a scripture that jumped out at you?  I experienced this when after several years of writing Lady and the Sea, a feeling of discouragement came over me.  I asked the Lord, "Did you really ask me to write this book, or was it just my imagination?"  A few moments later I opened my Bible to Psalm 26:7 and read, "That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of thy wondrous works."  My answer was loud and clear!  Yes, God challenged me to write, so I changed my attitude, and Lady and the Sea was soon published.  That was the answer I needed for that moment.

   How do you know if an act is really from God or just a coincidence?  Physical acts that relate specifically to the matter-at-hand will bring God's voice to you.  Does the coincidence meet a need, bring a feeling of peace, lift our hearts, and keep us on the path that God is directing?  My friend Debbie experienced this a few years ago after I had moved to South Carolina.  She called to tell me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  For a moment, I stopped breathing.  How could this be happening to my true friend?  After the ringing subsided in my ears, I heard her say, "I'm so glad we planned our GRITS Getaway to visit you ... it's just what I need, to be surrounded by friends."  As we talked we realized that it was no coincidence ... God had orchestrated the GRITS Getaway just for Debbie.  She flew from California with my daughter Jacquie and two other friends to spend a few days of laughter, relaxation, great food (Bernadette is a wonderful chef!) and lots of fellowship (with little sleep I might add).  This increased my knowledge even more that God directs our paths for our future.  Think about it.  Meditate on this: if God watches over those cute little birdies that fly around in the sky, how much more He watches over His cute little women fluttering around down here on mother earth.

Part 2 ~ God can and still does speak to us through ...

... dreams, visions, thoughts, an audible voice, angels, and the gift of tongues.  One example was when Rob and I were in downtown Moscow in the winter of 1991 just before Communism fell.  We gave Vladimir the cab driver the address to our destination, he shook his head then after driving for several miles through the city, the cabbie shook his head again as if to say that he had no idea where he was taking us.  Our group's interpreter was in the other taxi and they had left us in their dust, so there we were, two Americans with no way to communicate to our lost Russian cabbie!

   Vladimir finally stopped and asked another taxi driver for help, but they both shook their heads.  At that moment I knew they were in the wrong profession.  What could we do?  We looked at each other and started praying in tongues (I'm sure Vlad thought we were trying to speak Russian).  

   After driving around the busy streets for another hour, Vlad pulled over to a curbside where a tall man in a black coat was waving at us.  Vlad gave the man the piece of paper with the address.  The stranger smiled at us, then spoke to Vladimir as he pointed west.  So off we sped into the night until we finally reached our destination on the outskirts of the city.  

   Rob and I arrived at our destination late, but safe!  Now, who do you think that tall man was who just happened to be standing on that specific corner at that time of night?  That, my friends, was an angel unaware that the Bible speaks about (Hebrews 13:2).  They seem to appear at just the right moment in time.  Have you ever encountered an angel along your journey to your destiny?

Fun at Chip and Joanne's Magnolia in Waco, Texas 2018

Part 3 ~ We are all unique

   We are all unique so Jesus will reveal Himself to you in special ways when He asks you to accept His challenges.  As the Holy Spirit guides you to all truth, according to the Bible you will feel even more changes take place in your life.  All you must do is ask, believe, and then let God do the rest.  He wants our walk with Him to be easy; we're the ones who make it difficult ... trying to figure out every little aspect of our life ... it's actually more exciting when we take a deep breath, stand back, and allow God to direct our path.  That's when courage rises up in us!

   So let's try allowing God to direct our path this week!  In this crazy, mixed-up world, we need to try this every single day of our lives!

P.S:  I had a wonderfully fun and successful 'social distancing' book signing for Lady and the Sea and Lady on the Run at the Biblestore Outlet!  I sold all my books.  Now I must go online to order more!

And remember,

whether near or far,

remember to 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 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

Aunt Eunice visits Lady Traveler

When someone knocks on your door,

make sure you look through the peep hole before opening.

Don't get me wrong.
I love my Aunt Eunice.
But did she have to visit me
unannounced?
right when the Coronavirus hit?
"I took the wrong turn" was her excuse.
Then there was the 'shutdown'
So she couldn't GO home.
Aunt Eunice just smiled.
"That's okay, I'll just hang out here."
What?  How am I going to entertain my crazy aunt?
"Oh, don't worry about me, darlin'
We'll manage somehow.
Let's go fishin'!"

Aunt Eunice
Miss South Carolina 1946

I actually enjoyed our quarantined time together.
She reminded me of all her natural beauty secrets.
"Vaseline every night on that purtee face of yours."

Now, days later ... riots are everywhere!
Has our 'nation under God' gone mad?
Has our world gone crazy?

I'm avoiding most news.
Instead I continue to turn my eyes upon Jesus.


I would like to travel light on this journey of life,
to get rid of the encumbrances I acquire each day ...
I come to be only as I lose myself.
Madeline Engle


In the midst of all this madness,
I finished my book!!!
Lady on the Run 
has a beautiful book cover (thank you Sharla Wailes!)
Lady on the Run
is being formatted as I write.
It's a prequel to Lady and the Sea.
So the next few days will be a little crazy for me,
but I shall take it one step at a time.

In the meantime, you can order my book
Lady and the Sea
A Novel Based on a True Story
on Amazon.com


I zoomed my local Word Weavers meeting last night.
Most writers experience the same highs and lows,
so we encourage each other to stay faithful to their writing.

Some writers are new in the field and I can relate to them.
I was a novice writer many years ago.
Today at 74, I'm just a cesspool of knowledge,
but I'm still learning from
writers and authors who are much more
dedicated than I.
Ok, I admit that I get side-cracked in my daily life
so the words stay in my head longer than than those
who are dedicated to write every day. To you,
I salute you!

Hopefully by my next blog I will introduce my novel,
Lady on the Run
A Novel Based on a True Story
I love this book because I experienced the journey of
Rosie firsthand.
But that's all I'll say for now.
I must go vote, then go to Walmart!

I encourage you to continue on your path that
God has prepared for you.
I wish you oceans of peaceful and serene moments!

I'll stride through wide open spaces as I look for Your truth and Your wisdom.
Psalm 119:45

Sharon Myrtle Beach SC Summer of 2014

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler ... Home for awhile. What Now?

To know someone here or there
with whom you feel there is an understanding
in spite of distances or thoughts unexpressed~~
that can make of this earth's garden.
Goethe

Sunset from our back yard on Lake Murray

Rob and I are settled in our cozy condo on the lake.
But there's still lots of odds and ends to do.
For example, Rob is painting the backyard deck as I write.
Bought a pontoon boat.
Sold the motor home.
Took a vacation to Texas.  Now what?

We've spent the last four years on the road.
so after a few days around the house,
we look at each other.
Rob: "What do you want to do?"
Me: "If I watch another HG TV show, I'll scream!"
"Boat ride?"
"Yes!"

Fun with family & friends on the pontoon

The RED (Retired-Extremely-Daring) dog days of summer are in full swing.
I'm doing a little gardening in our front yard.
We've continue to have family and friends over for
BBQ's (grillin') and boat rides.
I'm taking time to visit with our
wild and crazy neighbors.
Truthfully, the place is pretty peaceful.

Leaf's Garden. It's grown lots since this pic.

The most positive aspect about being home more?
We can be more involved in our local church
 Flourish Church.
I'm excited about the ladies Bible study that began last week
(not to forget our ongoing Bible study that meets on Wednesdays).
Rob led the Men's Monthly Fellowship breakfast last week.
Rob: "The food is scrumptious!"
And I only have 2,700 more words to add to
Lady on the Run.

The lazy days of summer are blissful, just the way I like it.
But we always need to be ready in season and out of season
because we never know who God will send across our path
that may need an encouraging word to get them through their day.

I wish you oceans of peaceful summer days.

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

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retiredandgoodliving.com

Remember Lady Traveler's First RV Road Trip?

What were we thinking?

We weren't.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.

Our first little motor home at the Wimberley Texas Flood 2015

For those of you who are new to my Lady Traveler blog

here's Part 2 of a little story about our very first

RV Road Trip in 2015.

We didn't plan to buy the 1987 Mallard Sprinter motor home,

but for $5,000, how could we go wrong?

Part 1 and Part 2 blogs are posted on the website:

www.retirementandgoodliving

Part 1, my previous blog on this website, tells how we stumbled across

this little darling.

Read and enjoy!

Relaxing after a long day volunteering with first-response team
Christ In Action (CIA)

Now, after reading my story, perhaps you might want to hit the road

in some sort of RV ... motor home, 5th wheel, trailer ... lots to choose from.

The choice is yours.

Whether you're retired and/or looking for some way to help others,

or you just want to go travelin',

an RV can take you just about anywhere your

little heart desires.

All in a day's work to help bring hope to America's families
Volunteering with Christ In Action 2015 at the Wimberley Texas flood

We traveled in our Mallard Sprint for six months

until we met our beautiful 2004 American Tradition 40-foot home-on-wheels,

Moon River.

That's when we really took off for places unknown.

25+ (I've lost count) states and have loved every minute.

After watching hours of the Travel Channel,

we began experiencing God's beautiful country first-hand ...

... east, west, north south.

We've met wonderful friends of whom I still

communicate via Facebook, blogs, e-mails, and Instagram, 

and even meet again on life's highways!

It is a small world after all.

Lots of states on Route 66, including Missouri to visit son Shawn (4 times).

I love expanding my boundaries.

Rob and I have lived in Sweden and traveled to over 25+ countries,

including living on a World War II ship for 14 months.

(I have my favorites and perhaps I'll return one day to

Israel and/or Italy).

Tuscany, I love you!

Wherever you are, make this a good day ... your best day!
It's your choice.

And ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

You can order my book, Lady and the Sea at:

www.sharonleaf.com

or

www.amazon.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

Lady Traveler ... What Now?

Lady Traveler asks ... What Now?

Writing in Barcelona, Spain

Have you ever asked yourself, what now?

Most of the time we don't have time to ask ourselves that question.

We're too busy going from one project to the next, one destination to the next.

Before we think, Do I really want to do this?

or

Do I really need to do this?

We forge ahead.

Today I'm wondering if I'm biting off more than I can chew.

Most of you know I published a book several years ago,

Lady and the Sea.

Have I bit off more than I can chew?

Over the last few years I've shared this story at many venues.

Now, in the near future, my next book

Lady on the Run will be published.

If you can't run, then walk

So now, I'm asking myself,

Can I begin this process all over again?...

...to gather even more followers...they're now called tribes.

And, oh, all the marketing that it entails,

not to mention the speaking engagements.

The theme of Lady on the Run is

Finding the joy of running your physical race and your spiritual race~at your own pace!

Since my knee replacement three years ago my pace is power walking.

Hours of walking.
Keeping my body movin'.
With a title Lady on the Run, 

I have to be an example, right?

The list goes on...and on.

You writers, walkers, business owners know what I'm talking about.

Me running 1/2 marathon  in 1979

So what now?

Do I stop mid-stream?

or

do I run the race that is set before me?

I wouldn't be asking myself these questions if I were younger.

But I'm 73!
I move slower. I look forward to my afternoon siesta.
On and on.

Then I remember the words spoken by the main speaker at the 

Carolina Christian Writers Conference last month:

"Reclaim your time...shed distractions. 

Be still in your calling, your purpose, your anchor.

Choose rest.

Create and honor a sacred place of prayer, meditation, and rest."

I'm not a philosopher nor am I a counselor.

But through the years I've learned a thing or two.

One,

If I don't have an answer,

I ASK GOD.
Two,

Our Creator has the answers.
He's waiting to walk with us through life.
Three,
so I wait to hear from Him.

As I'm writing this blog, I realize that I must close for now

and go to my sacred place to find my answers.

That is where God is.

I suggest you do the same.

Let's find our answers together as we run--or walk--the race that's set before us!

Hebrews 12:1

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retirmentandgoodliving.com

Lady TraveleR is back on the island.

Lady TraveleR is back on the island

On the Road again ... foR the last time?

I no sooneR Returned fRom my wRiteRs confeRence

than Rob planned a Road tRip foR us.

Yes, I was getting Restless,

but a road trip so soon after I returned home?

"We're only driving up the road," he said.

"We're going to Dreher Island?" I asked.

"Why not? It's one of our favorite hangouts.

Besides, this might be the last trip before we sell her."

That did it.  I almost forgot that we're planning to sell
Moon River, our beautiful home-on-wheels.

"Yes, we shall go to Dreher Island," I replied with a note of sadness. 

I'm glad Rob had the bright idea to spend some days at Dreher Island State Park.

Pure serenity and peace to be surrounded by the
tall pine trees, the chirping birds, not to mention all the friendly campers.

So here we are, camping on Lake Murray in our motor home, 

just an hour north of our cozy condo on ...

Lake Murray.

I'm glad that God put the bright idea in Rob's heart to come here.

where there are less distrRactions.

Today I'm typing aways at our little table in Moon River,

sipping on FolgeRs, glancing out the window

at the same lake I admire every day from our patio.

We've enjoyed many sunny days at Dreher Island on Lake Murray
Prosperity, SC

But at this moment I'm looking at the lake from a different angle.

This might be the last time I'll be glancing out the window of our

home-on-wheels.

Wheels that has safely taken us thousands of miles to over 

25 states in the past three years.

Sadness and thankfulness fill my soul.

Campsite at Dreher Island State Park, one of our favorite getaways.

I continue typing, trying to fill my mind with thoughts of what to write

in my next blog for the Retired and Good Living website.

Then I stop and say a little pRayeR.

Sometimes that's what we have to do with our present situations.

Instead of looking with our narrow minds,

we need to pray and ask God to show us our
circumstances from His angle.

For you it might be your relationship with your mate, a friend, a neighbor, or a recent loss,

a change in lifestyle ....

Now, I can turn my thoughts to an unwritten blog,

chapters that needs to be revised ....

Yes, I'm really enjoying my days here at Dreher Island,

just an hour north of our home on the same lake,

in my home-on-wheels,
perhaps for the last time (tear).

I shall Rejoice in the LoRd foR all that He has done for me,

and foR what He has foR me in the days to come.

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

Lady Traveler Travels the 7 Seas on a WWII ship

~ You cannot discover new oceans until

you are willing to lose sight of the shore ~

Photo of me on deck of the MS Restoration, raising my hands to God,
thanking him for a successful--and challenging--voyage!

Have you ever had a day when everything was going great ...

dancing on the deck of a ship in the middle of the Mediterranean ...

when suddenly, out of nowhere,

there's a rifle staring you in the face?

Well, that was me.

Entering the port of Sochi, Russia in 1995 to pick up Russian Jews.
Liv, the beautiful ship's nurse, and I on deck of the MS Restoration.
Note: Liv went to heaven on August 2017. She had recently married,
and was a strong pro-life advocate in Norway and Sweden.
She is missed.

I'm going to take you back to 1995.

Here is Chapter One of my book:

1

July 1995

Within minutes of the MS Restoration's entering the Haifa harbor, an Israeli gunboat sped from the port and circled the World War II vessel.  Two soldiers aimed their deck-mounted machine guns at the ship. Another soldier shouted instructions in Hebrew through a loudspeaker.

     The captain of the MS Restoration responded over the ship's radio, "Please speak to us in English!"

     Rosie grabbed the rail.  "Do they think we're terrorists?"

     Jesse touched her arm.  "Rosie, calm down."

     "They think we're pirates."

     "Just calm down," her husband repeated, holding her hand.

     "Will they make us jump overboard?  I don't have my life jacket," she spoke, fighting back her fear of water that was trying to surface once more.

     "Rosie, you must get hold of yourself."

     Her mind raced as she gazed up at the man who'd brought her on this unpredictable journey.  Jesse's right.  What's come over me? Rosie asked herself, all the time wishing she didn't have to go down below to the head.  She didn't dare leave his side.

     The ship, her fellow crew members, and their special passengers--the Russian Jews--had finally reached their destination.  No more troubled waters.  No more hurricanes.  No more delays.  On this hot July morning, they were home free--or so they thought.

     Rosie looked at the crew, poised as if they were ready to hit the deck.  "Isn't this ironic?  We've traveled halfway around the world, and this is the welcome we get."

     "Stop your engine!" the soldier shouted.

     Within seconds, they were dead in the water.

     Rosie's stomach churned.  She hung her head over the side of the ship and let it rip.  She wiped her mouth with a hankie, then grabbed hold of Jesse's arm.  She'd heard stories about people who'd experienced close calls.  Her seventy-year-old father once told her about the time his ship almost went down in the China Sea during the war.  "At that moment, my whole life passed before me," Talmage said.

     Feeling lightheaded as the Israeli soldiers glared at the Restoration through their binoculars, Rosie wondered if this was her moment.    

end of Chapter 1

(60-second video of crossing the Atlantic Ocean, sailing by Istanbul, and Israeli gunboat in Haifa Harbor is available on my website)

After being in mothballs after WWII,
this is the MS Restoration after dry dock in Seattle, Washington 1994.
The beginning of her complete make-over. Isn't she pretty?
Believe me, she was a mess!
What began as a week of volunteering, Rob and I stayed 14 months
as volunteers on her maiden voyage to Haifa, Israel.

Map of Restoration's 1994-95 maiden voyage from Seattle, WA to
Panama, Stockholm, Sweden. Scandinavia. England.
Latvia.  Greece.  Russia.  Israel.
I visited places I never dreamed of.
And a few places that I had.

We sailed under the two bridges of Istanbul, on our way to the Black Sea.

One of many lessons I learned during this journey:

If God can bring an old ship out of mothballs and use her for such a time as this,

how much more he can use us for that which he has planned for us.

The crew truly saw God do great things before our eyes,

on shore, and mile after nautical mile at sea.
Many miracles.

I consider it an honor to have been chosen to be a small part of God's prophetic word

to help bring the Jews home to Israel.

Always remember,
it's never too late to say yes to what God has called you to do.

Whether big or small, the task that he has chosen for you is 

GREAT in his eyes.

The Restoration transported almost 2,000 Russian Jews

before she was laid to rest.

If you haven't read my book, jump on board

for a great adventure!

Until then,

I wish you oceans of travel blessings!

Shout and sing for joy, you people of Jerusalem,

because the Holy One of Israel does great things before your eyes.

Isaiah 12:6

You can order at www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

or go to my website:

www.sharonleaf.com

My 72nd year portrait

Lady Traveler recalls her gutsy year, 2015

Our front yard Christmas 2008

Stand at the crossroads and look...
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16

January was the hardest month for me this year.

I lost my dear mother-in-law, Marcella Leaf (Gi-Gi),

my sweet South Carolina cousin, Ronnie McLeod,

and my true friend, Debbie Kreitzer.

I'm still grieving the loss of these precious people.

But now, eleven months later, in the midst of December,
I'm walking in sunshine!
And I have to tell somebody...so here goes....

Christmas at the Leaf's

Since this is the last year of my 60th decade,

I decided to make a few gutsy changes

before I entered the

Decade of my 70's.

So in April I agreed to make a gutsy decision ...

On a whim, Robinski and I bought a vintage motor home
and committed to volunteer indefinitely with
Christ In Action (CIA).
We have been on two flood deployments,
Wimberley TX (June) and Kingstree SC (October)

On the road with Resti2

I swam my summer away to keep in shape,
losing a few pounds here and there.
Then I made another gutsy decision ...
I got on board the
IsaGenix bandwagon.
I'm so glad I did because
I reached three of my major health goals:
I lost 20+ pounds
AND
with the blessings of my doctor,
I was able to go off my
blood pressure and cholesterol meds.
YAY!

While praying one day,
I made a gutsy deal with Jesus ...
I told him that I would say yes
to whatever he asked me to do.
And just like Jesus,
I received an invitation the next day
to speak at a local women's conference.
All I could answer was meek, gutsy yes.

Lady Popcorn waiting for Christmas

I celebrated my upcoming January 70th birthday
in this past August. My one birthday wish:
To have my two kids here with me for a week.
 So Rob flew Shawn
 from Springfield, MO to our home.
Having them with me for a week--
--something we haven't done in years--
was all this gutsy lady needed.
(I know you moms understand)

So blessed to have Jacquie and Shawn together again. August 2015

Happy early 70th Birthday to me!

As Christmas draws near,
I am proclaiming that I have had a grand ol' gutsy 69th year.
and I am more excited than ever to see what
my gutsy 70th decade has in store for me.
Why?
Because as I have traveled near and far on this
somewhat challenging journey,
I know that it is NEVER too late for your
gutsy dreams to come true.

So, my friends, remember ...

You can never discover new oceans
until you are willing to
lose sight of the shore.

My gutsy anthology is published in the book, My Gutsy Story Anthology 2, by author Sonia Marsh.
www.soniamarsh.com
www.sharonleaf.com
www.christinaction.com

Aunt Eunice the Traveler

Sharon's Aunt Eunice

Hi Y'all!  If your wonderin' where my niece, Shaaren is, 

I'd be happy to tell you, but I don't know myself.  

It's summer, so she takes this time to wander around here and there.  

That's why I decided to post this short blog for her.  I'm sure she won't mind.  I hope.

I'm thrilled beyond recognition that Shaaren and that husband of hers ... 

... whats his name ... 

Jesse, Robinski ... oh yeah!  Robin, er Rob.  

Anyway, I'm thrilled that they finally broke down and purchased one of those 

homes on wheels ... 

... what do they call em?  Engine houses?  

Oh yeah, motor homes.

I thought since they weren't going to use it for the next few weeks that

 I would borrow it and 

take my longtime friend, Betty White, on a trip across America, 

like Oprah and her best friend Gail did a few years ago.  

Well, when I mentioned it to them, they looked at each other 

with a look of fear that I hadn't seen since 

that skunk ran across their backyard last year.

Resti2 in background; 'Rent-A-Ride-Across-America' in foreground

"Honey, I don't think you can drive that big thing," Sharon said gently.  

Rob added loudly, "You will not drive that big thing!"  

And that was that.  

I learned a long time ago that you can't argue with these youngins, 

so I quietly made my exit,

 took a taxi down the road to "Rent a Ride Across America" and rented one!

  

Me and Betty will be headin' out next week.  

If I have time I'll write you a post card, or a letter, or what do they call that new technology?  

Oh yes ... or a tweeter!

Bye for now y'all and Happy Summertime!

www.sharonleaf.com