Summertime, and the livin' is easy .... 🌞🏖

Summertime is fun time for the Boardwalk Babes!  2022

But it won't be long before we'll be singing "the autumn leaves rush by my window ..🍂🍁"

My summer has been filled with family, friends, neighbors, and my special new great-grandbaby Sage Ella.  She fills my heart with warmth, joy, and happiness.  She is just what I need to brighten this sometimes cold and hateful world.  

The Boardwalk Babes just celebrated our One-Year Anniversary!  What a great bunch of ladies ... I mean babes!   Our "Faith-Fitness-Friendship" group is off to a good start with our second gathering last week.  We have  enough prayer requests to start a Prayer List, so now we're watching, writing, and waiting for them to be answered.  Scripture says:

I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart,

And watch to see what HE will say to me,

and what I will answer when I am corrected.

Then the LORD answered me and said,

'Write the vision and make it plain on tablets

that he may run who reads it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time;

But at the end it will speak and it will not lie.

Though it tarries, wait for it;

because it will surely come,

it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:1-3

After we pray we must stand our watch, to watch to see what the LORD has to say to us.

Then HE asks us to write the vision (whatever you're praying for) and make it plain.

Then comes the hard part.  Though HE tarries, we must wait for it.  The answers will come in HIS timing, not our timing.  

That is why I decided to have a Prayer List for our community.  I'm excited to wait and see what the Lord will do for those on the list, but just as important, wait to see what the Lord will do in our lives!  It's like the saying, "On your mark ... get set ... WAIT!"  Ugh!  

I confess that I have not been writing as much as I should but perhaps through these blogs, I can share the simple ways that God wants to love us, reach us, and bless us.

Until next time ... Keep those bodies movin'!

Continue to run your physical race and your spiritual race -- at your own pace!

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

Summertime, and the living is ... Easier

(UPDATE ON my BROTHER JOHN AT BOTTOM OF PAGE)

"Summertime 2021, and the living is ... Easier"

View from our back patio

This summer is going to be much easier than last year 

when we were in the middle of the Covid19 pandemic.

Have we learned from this un-announced experience?

I hope so.

I know I value my family, friendships, and FREEDOM a lot more.

Do you have any summer plans?

Robinski and I spent our Spring painting, remodeling, and adding new flooring

in The Man Cave, Lady Leaf's Lounge, and our master bedroom

while I was doing physical therapy for my lower back, right hip and leg.

Walls were dark brown, now a lovely sea mist (photo doesn't do it justice)

I got my barn door!

We moved our bathroom sink outdoors, Rob painted, and Wa-la!

So, this summer we are staying home by the lake,

inviting fam and friends to drop by.

My brother John and Ger are flying in tomorrow night from Utah and I can't wait!

John is my inspiration as he battles stage4 stomach cancer.

As for me, I'm in the midst of taking more blood tests,

a liver ultrasound, and all that goes with this unknown procedure,

plus a third mammogram due to a 'shadow' on right bosom.

I admit I'm still in a bit of shock at the diagnosis since I've always been quite healthy.

But the bottom line:

I'm in God's precious hands 

and my wonderful Robinski is taking good care of me.

I am asking for prayer because I know

prayer works in more ways than we can imagine.

One of my favorite verses is Colossians 3:17:

And whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Lady Traveler is wishing you oceans of summer blessings, and remember to

keep reading and keep those bodies moving!

4/22 Update:  My liver is great, my breast is perfect, and my back still aches, but I'm alive!

My precious brother John went to heaven on March 25 2022.  We were able to drive to Utah in time to give him some hugs, kisses, and to say, "good-bye, see you in heaven."  I'm thankful to Jesus for that.  I miss him every day.  Our phone conversations were a lifeline to our family, our love for Jesus, and ... on and on ....

 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

A New Decade. A New Season

A New Decade.  A New Season

At every crossroad, follow your dream.
It is courageous to let your heart lead the way.

The holidays are coming to a close.

A thankful Thanksgiving.

A joyful Christmas.

The ringing in of a new year.

A new decade.

2020.

Like most of you,

I've been pondering on several things that I plan to change.

(I do not call them New Year Resolutions).

I recently received a rejection of my manuscript

Lady on the Run.

(due to a wonderful editor having to retire for personal reasons)
Disappointment. Questioning my writing gift
(even though the editor loves my story and my writing).
Lots of emotions involved that all writers experience.

So I came to a crossroad and had to make a decision.

Do I continue on until my book is published,
 Or,

do I put it on the shelf and forget about it,
like I did forty years ago?

For this moment in time ... neither.

However, I have decided to lay down my writing for a season.

Writing takes hours upon hours of time spent in front of the beloved computer.

At my golden age of 74 next month,

I'm choosing to cherish my last days, months (years!) on earth

by focusing on

Spending more time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Volunteering locally.

Researching subjects that are near to me, such as Israel.

Reading.  Taking longer walks.

And lots more.

I'll be spending less time on social media and more time 

reading and studying my Bible.

And talkin' to Jesus.

I know, I know!  I can hear all of you dedicated writers saying,
"You can do it all! Just be more organized ... be more .... "
I am organized.  Well, somewhat. Now that I'm a
RED* (Retired-Extremely-Daring)
I often get distracted ... it's the elusive butterfly syndrome.

But whatever else I'm doing (even washing the dishes), I have this little voice whispering in my ear,
"You should be in your office, pounding on your iMac, writing, writing, writing!"
And that little voice is what I want live without for ... maybe a month, or two ... we'll see.

Sunset from our back patio 2019

I recently read about a friend/writer who did this, and she found a new sense of inner peace.

Relaxing instead of stressing about her next blog.

This was another confirmation of what I need to do.

Ahh, yes ... the right thing for me to do ... for a season.

Until Lady on the Run* is published,
you can enjoy my adventures on the high seas in my book
Lady and the Sea
(available on Amazon.com)

As you ponder and pray for God's direction for your next season in the coming year,

I wish all of you, my dear friends, 

oceans of happy and prosperous New Year's blessings!

My aim is to raise hope by pointing the way to life without end.

This is the life God promised long ago--

and He doesn't break promises.

Titus 1:1 (the Message)

*Lady on the Run now available!

www.amazon.com/author/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

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 is now welcoming fam and friends to Leaf's Lake House

There is no place like home.

Author unknown?

Thanksgiving Sunset 2018 (untouched)

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the skies announce what His hands have made.
Psalm 19:1

3 1/2 weeks of packing, tossing, and donating.

Two weeks of unpacking, tossing, and donating.

Then came Thanksgiving.

Our day of relaxation and eating.

and eating. and eating.

Friends dropping by Leaf's Lake House

Sunset from our veranda with Popcorn and friends

Ahh ... the first day in weeks that I've sat down in my new office.
I've really missed writing.

I turned on my iMac and decided to write a quick blog.

Nothing deep.  Just a simple message of

THANKFULNESS.

The recent months have been filled with

hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires.

Our hearts and prayers must continue to

reach those in need, both near and far.

My thankfulness sounds like yours.

Thankful to God for

Family.  Most anyway.

Extended Families: community, church, interest groups (my writing buddies).

Friends.  True friends.  Near and far.

Our homes.  Big and small.

Our country.  Freedom!

The list goes on.

Thank you for listening to this old Lady Traveler who loves

to travel, loves to write ... (who hates to move!) 

but who loves life! 

What do you love to do?

What are you thankful for?

Take a moment to thank God for ...

I wish you oceans of Christmas blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler is on the move!

Lady Traveler is Moving!

The gazebo just outside our back patio
overlooking Lake Murray.
A perfect place to write...and dream

This is Lady Traveler's continued story.

A close of one chapter.

The beginning of a new chapter.

I've been wanting to downsize--again--for the past few years.

Robinski and I love our home here on Golden Hills Golf Course.

I've written blogs about the deer roaming on this former dairy farm.

Three years ago we found a little villa (condo) on Lake Murray.

But we couldn't decide if we wanted to leave our cozy home.

We hesitated, and the condo sold.

I knocked on the new owner's door and handed her my business card.

"If you ever consider selling, please call us."

Over the past three years, I would often drive through the small community,

but no FOR SALE sign.

Rob and I would pull in and admire the lovely lake,

and look for a FOR SALE sign.

None to be found.

Until ...

This past September 29th, the Saturday before we flew to So-Cal

Rob said, "Let's pull in and take a quick look."

"I was thinking the same thing," I answered.

"If anything's for sale, lets buy it!"

I quickly answered, "Only if its on the lake side."

No FOR SALE signs.

"What are you doing?" Rob asked.

"Pull over. I'm going to give that lady another business card."

I knocked on the door and the pretty lady greeted me with a surprised look.

I greeted her as I held up my business card, "I don't know if you remember me..."

She invited me in and replied, "I was getting ready to call you.

I'm putting my condo on the market in two weeks and I was planning to call you first!"

Well, needless to say, we shared a moment of shock.

Rob and I returned the next day, took a good look at the 'turn-key' villa.

I took our daughter Jacquie over and she loved it.

The morning before we left for So-Cal we had to make a decision.

"If we hesitate, she'll put that darling villa on the market and it'll be sold

within a week," I reminded my Robinski.

But wait!

There's more!

An hour later, as Rob was pulling out of our driveway our neighbor was walking across the street.

Rob asked if he knew anyone who wanted to buy our house.

By noon our neighbor's friend walked through our home,

and by the time she drove down the street she called and made us an offer on our house!

SO, we sold our house and bought a villa/condo on the lake all in ONE DAY!

October has been a whirlwind for us 70+ year-olds,

but we're taking it all a 'day at a time.' with lots of 'time-outs' to rest.

I tell you this story to encourage you that God knows your heart's desires.

Hold on to those dreams and keep the faith!

Seek the Lord, trust Him, and He shall direct your path.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life ...

Psalm 23:6

I'll be off social media until I get settled in.

Then I invite y'all to come over and enjoy the tranquil view of
Lake Murray from our veranda.

I wish you oceans of dreamy blessings for this Thanksgiving season!

www.sharonleaf.com