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

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 

Lady Traveler asks, What are you wRiting for? and Who are you wRiting for?

Stay focused

Whether you are a wRiter, fRiend, aRtist, or just like to stop by my blog, I must share a story that will make you think twice before beginning your next venture.

One winter night composer Johann Sebastian Bach was scheduled to debut a new composition.  He arrived at the church expecting it to be full.  He soon learned that no one had come.  Without missing a beat, he told the musicians that they would still perform as planned.  Bach raised his baton, and soon the empty church was filled with magnificent music.

Doesn't this story make you want to do some soul searching?  I closed my laptop and asked myself, would I write if God were my only audience?  Would my writing be any different?

Bach's story reminded me to stay focused on what God has called me to write, whether anyone shows up or not.  The stories will fall into the hands of those who need to be encouraged along their spiritual journey.  That is why I wrote and published Lady and the Sea, and that is why I am continuing my writing journey with Lady on the Run, a book to help women run their physical and spiritual race at their own pace.  Believe me, I'm writing from my own personal experience--I know the importance of not comparing our race with others.  From walking to jogging, from jogging to running, we can run our race successfully if it is at our own pace.

That my ways might show forth Your glory,

That You, dear Lord, greatly deserve!

With Your precious blood You've redeemed me--

In all my days, You I would serve!  ~  Somerville 

God's Word reminds us,

Do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Matthew 6:1

I'm writing for you, Lord

To order Lady and the Sea  and/or  Lady on the Run  go to:

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

www.sharonleaf.com