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

   

Lady Traveler tips on preparing you for your next journey

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half the clothes and twice the money

Overnight bag purchased in Istanbul  2008 

Robinski and I are on the road in our motor home, Moon River.

We'll be gone for two months.

Popcorn ready to hit the road in Moon River,
our 40-foot American Tradition motor home

Traveling is fun!

Preparing for the journey is not so much fun.

However, preparation is necessary to entail a successful and fun trip.

Whether we travel near or far,

whether for two months, two weeks, or two days,

we need to throw something in a suitcase, a backpack, or a bag.

 Two week trip to Costa Rica  June 2014
Rob's backpack.  My backpack.
And a large purse (already in our rented little SUV)

Most of you know the necessities ... don't you?

Toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, and oh, yeah,

underwear.
At one time or another, I've forgotten all of the above.

Actually, wherever we travel, 

we can buy almost anything we need 

at a nearby store.

Except, perhaps, in some third-world countries.

I remember Siberia quite well
where I had to carry my own toilet paper.

Two week trip to Paris  September 2014
My carry-on and a large purse.
Rob: one carry-on and small backpack

I can give more packing details upon request,

(leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer)

but I feel the most important aspect of any trip is to

prepare emotionally and spiritually.

Many surprises can occur along our journey.

If I haven't spent time in prayer and reading my Bible,

I can easily come undone.

Just ask Robinski.  On second thought, please don't.

Now, don't fret ... I'm not talking about spending hours on your knees

(although I'm sure you'd come away lighter and happier),

And I'm not saying you must read your Bible for hours at a time

(although you'd most likely come away stronger and mightier).

Begin right where you are.

Believe me, a little is better than nothing.

I usually read a variety of one-page devotionals in a sitting,

then I say a prayer similar to The Lord's Prayer.*

My bags are packed, now I'm ready to go.  Are you ready to go ...

... to another country ... to a different state ... to the next town?

It's not that difficult at all, so ...

Here's wishing you oceans of travel packing!

Please feel free to add any suggestions that you may have
in the comment box below.

(To remember the words, I'll sing the following scripture as I write 

... so glad I'm alone, except for Popcorn, and she's hiding under the bed)

*THE LORD'S PRAYER

*Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power, and the Glory,

FOREVER.

Amen

Matthew 6:6-13

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler's Travel Tips wherever you may wander

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money,

Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

One of my favorite summer shirts you'll see in many of my RV travels
(Kentucky Lakes, Kentucky 2016)

There are hundreds of websites, U-tubes, and such
that focus on various travel topics.
but I thought I'd share a few of my own personal thoughts to make
packing a little more personal.
Today I'll write about wardrobe tips for your upcoming summer trips.

When packing clothing for a long or short trip,
take a look at what you packed, then cut it in half.
I promise you won't wear half of what you packed so no need to
add work to the process.
When there is climate changes involved, packing can be a bit more challenging.

A favorite t-shirt-- wash-N-wear items to throw in the washer-dryer in our 40' motor home
(Aspen, Colorado 2016)

We drove our motor home to California last September,
so shorts, a few of my favorite t-shirts, and my favorite pair of 'safe' sandals
were my priority wardrobe.
Fortunately, the weather was warm and beautiful on our 6,000 mile, 2-month journey.
(In colder weather I pack a sweater, a pair of jeans,
and a pair of boots incase the weather turns cool).

The most important thing to wear everywhere is your
SMILE!
Your smile will outshine anything you will wear.
So don't forget to pack it!

See? I wear the same t-shirts over and over and over.
 (in Zion, Utah)

My only piece of luggage when traveling international to warm countries such as
Belize and Costa Rica is my faithful backpack on wheels.
For cooler countries, such as Paris, London, or Scandinavia,
I roll everything in a carry-on, take a large purse, dress in layers,
carry my coat on the plane, and wear my boots.
Look for websites and u-tubes for packing information.

My very favorite shirt; I wear it everywhere.
I love Paris! (2014)

I wear and pack very little make-up.
I use facial wipes to cleanse face every night,
smear on lots of lotion, and drink gallons of water.
We love to eat at local restaurants in every town and country,
so I keep my Isagenix shakes and vitamins nearby to keep me on the straight and narrow.

I love Paris when I eat!
(Dreyer Island, SC)

So whether you love to travel,
enjoy watching TV travel programs,
or just enjoy reading about traveling on blogs, hopefully mine,
I'm happy to have you on board.

We'll soon be heading to the beach for two weeks.
I'm looking forward to relaxing days of reading, wRiting, walking, blogging,
eating, swimming, meeting new friends ... sound fun?
Please come along!
You can find more about my travels on my website
www.sharonleaf.com

A few more important tips:
#1: Before we leave our house, we call our local police department.
They'll drive by our house several times a day or night, at random times.
#2:  We contact our local post office to hold our mail.
#3:  We have a trustworthy neighbor that keeps an eye on our home.
Now, we're off to a great start!


You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in your providence watched over my spirit.
Job 10:12

Whether you travel around the world or around your block,
I wish you oceans of travel blessings!

Lady Traveler asks: Writer's Blog...or Writer's Block?

Paris 2014

~God doesn't want us to live in the past

any more than He wanted St. Paul to~

Today my mind is wandering.

Dreaming about past journeys to Belize, Costa Rica,

Sweden, Russia, Greece, 

Israel...on and on.

Thinking about spring and our upcoming road trip to Missouri.

Facebook flashing now and then.

Pondering our autumn road trip to the Florida Keys.

Praying about a mission trip to the Philippines.

And all the while feeling slightly guilty for not

working enough on my latest project, Lady on the Run.

Are there any writers, artists, musicians out there in Lady Traveler blogland

who are wondering if the project you're working on will be as good as your last?

Although I have published a book, Lady and the Sea,

each process -- 

the writing, re-writing, editing, publishing, marketing --

seems a bit overwhelming to me now.

Is it because I'm turning seventy next year and 

my time is of greater value to me?

Istanbul 2008

I'll be honest,

I'm not looking forward to all the hours needed to research

finding the right editor, deciding which way to go in the publishing field.

And then there's the marketing.

Is there anyone out there who is experiencing these same feelings?

I'm thinking about publishing one chapter a week of

Lady on the Run

on my Lady Traveler Blog.

Nine chapters in nine weeks.

There. Done.

Just like the musicians who post their songs on YouTube.

Right?

Belize 2010

I know, I know.

I must pray.

For guidance, wisdom, patience.

I know, I know.

Oh, great.
I just read an article on a writer's blog with a warning:
Don't whine and complain about the writing process on your blog
incase a publisher might read it.
Yeah, I'm sure a publishing house is going to
read my blog.
(laughing out loud)

In the world's scheme of things,

Lady on the Run

is not so important.

BUT

if God called me to finish His story,

then I must.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for praying.

Coffee always helps!
Until next time
I wish you oceans of Easter blessings!

I press on to take hold of that

for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3:12

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler has traveled to how many capitals?

Lady Traveler has traveled to how many capitals?

Paris is always a good idea

A friend of mine recently asked me, 

"How many capitals have you traveled to?"

Hmm, I've counted countries, but never counted capitals.  

Lets see ... I must think about this one ...

Jerusalem, Moscow, Stockholm, Athens, Istanbul, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Oslo, London...

... and then there's Paris.

And I'm probably leaving out a few.
(it's the memory factor)

On a mission in Moscow

First trip to Jerusalem

On a mission in Istanbul

In all my travels, I have come to this conclusion:

It's the people who make the country inviting, or not.

I sailed the seven seas on a WW2 ship,
and lived to tell about it!

People come from all over the world to tour our nation's capital,

Washington DC.

I've never been there.

Must go some day.

But I do live next door to our state's capital,

Columbia, South Carolina.

There is something special about capital cities.

Most of the capitals I've explored were not intentional.

I just ended up there.

A few were intentional:

Jerusalem.  Istanbul.  London.

And of course, Paris.

When I'm asked, 

"What country do you suggest?"

I answer, "It depends on what you are looking for."

Adventure?  Relaxation?  Romance?  History?

A spiritual experience?

Good questions to ask yourself before you spend all that money.

Where would I like to travel 
while I'm still able to load my backpack?

Israel, again.
Israel has 'all of the above.'

Have you been to any capitals lately?
If not, where would you like to go?

Or are you satisfied to stay around home?

I'm a 'homebody' at heart.

Like my Mama, I love my familiar surroundings.

Farm table overlooking the pond

But like my Daddy,
when that wanderlust spirit begins nudging me,

I reach for my backpack

and begin planning.

Wherever you go, near or far,

be sure to ask the Lord to be your Guide.

That is when the fun really begins!

We are not alone on our journey.

The God of love...

sent us His only Son to be with us

at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost.

My foot has held fast to His path;

I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Job 23:11  NASB

www.sharonleaf.blogspot.com

I Dreamed I Traveled to Paris ~ Part 2

NOW, moving right along ... 

No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel

until he comes home and rests his head on 

his old, familiar pillow.

There is the city life,
and there is the country life.

I like the city, but I love the countryside.

France has the best of both worlds

and for eight days I experienced both.

It was a breath of fresh air to leave Paris for a day

and travel through the Seine Valley

to the village of Giverny.

Claude Monet's home in the village of Giverny, France

Monet Gardens, Giverny, France

Monet Gardens, Giverny, France

Meanwhile, back in the city ...

Paris Opera Garnier

                                    Paul McCartney performed at this beautiful opera house.

I would have bought tickets if he had been in town.

Oh well.  

I shall be content with memories of Garth Brooks in Las Vegas.

When I ask someone, "How was your trip?"
I'm disappointed when they answer, 

"It was okay. Actually, a waste of time and money."

How sad.

Every trip has its ups and downs.

Choose to embrace the ups, and let go of the downs.

That way, you will have sweeter memories.

On the other hand, I'm disappointed to arrive at a destination

that everyone has exclaimed,

"Oh, it's perfect!"

when in reality I'm thinking, No its not!

There are usually downsides on every journey.

When we were in Costa Rica in May the mosquitoes followed us, 

along with the humidity.

As for Paris? Well, the crowds were bothersome; followed us everywhere, 

taking away from the romance and ambiance of the beautiful city.

And I will share this fact with those who ask

in order to prepare them ahead of time.

However, I still choose to cling to my fond memories.

And I close by saying with a sigh,

There is no place like home.

So, wherever you travel,
whether to the market or to another country,
Think of each journey as a fond memory.

Now I must fly away!
Until we meet again, 
I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings!

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content.

Philippians 4:11-12 NIV

www.sharonleaf.com

I Dreamed I Traveled to Paris ~ Part 1

We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly,

but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey,

or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.

I always dreamed about Paris.
Now, in my sixty-eighth year, my dream came true.

La Vien Rose

Our eight days in Paris lingers in my mind.  

Warm memories to last through the coming cold winter.  

Paris' September weather was like summer, reaching the mid-70's.  

Luckily, I brought a white sleeveless silk blouse, 

(you will see re-runs of my wardrobe in my pictures,  

a downside of packing only a carry-on and large purse).  

Upside: I don't have so much to unpack when I return home 

(Rob is smiling; he taught me well).

Our hotel was a block off the Champs Elysees

Our four days with our Swedish friends, Danne and Birgitta were carefree. 
Oh, how Birgitta loved traveling through the city on the underground metro.  

Oh, the hundreds of stairs.  And oh, my left knee!  

But Lady Leaf is a determined, tough traveler, 

even with accumulating blisters on toes from 'too-tight-comfortable' shoes.  

Yeah, right.  And I know better.  Oh well, keeps me on my toes.

Yes, we ate--and sunned--at
many cafes along our journey

I adore goat cheese melted over toast

The architecture throughout the city is breathtaking.

The Opera House, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the museums.
I don't care to travel with tours, but they have their positives:
They do all the planning and thinking for you
(no wrong turns, no lines)
Negatives:
Strict schedules, no sleeping in, no napping when needed,
no exploring and/or getting off the tourist trails. 

If you'll be taking your first trip to Paris, I recommend taking a 2-day bus tour, 

hopping off whenever and wherever you choose.
(unless you love the metro and thousands of steps)  

Of course, spend a few hours boating up and down the Seine, day or night.
Spend an extra twenty+ minutes over lunch ...

...  a little street shopping and/or

... indoor shopping at the La Fayette.

My friends had wonderful suggestions of where I should go while in Paris.
There are websites and books galore.
I chose 'Walking Paris' pocket guide by National Geographic.
I studied the map closely--right bank, left bank--
then told Rob,
"I am creating my own journey.
Relaxing.  Fun.
Memorable."

Have you been to Paris?
Take a moment to share your own journey with me
(leave a comment)

 As you travel your journey, remember,
Let God direct your path
and you will never go wrong.

My foot has held fast to His path;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.
Job 23:11 NASB

More to come next time!

www.sharonleaf.com

This Christmas, I'm a Stay-at-home Traveler

Christmas at the Leaf's
beLeaf in your dreams

For unto us a child is born ...
A Savior ...
Christ the Lord!

Christmas is my favorite time of year, especially if it snows like it did several years ago when we lived in Fort Mill, SC.  Snow or no snow, it is very cold, windy, and rainy, with a touch of sleet and snow flurries, creating a holiday atmosphere in our small southern town.  I'm more than content to stay at home around the fireside and celebrate Christmas with loved ones.

I feel blessed to have more family members close by.  Our daughter's mother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and their three dogs moved to Lexington last month.  New homes, new beginnings.  Of course I would love the rest of the fam to join us, but I leave that in God's hands.  

It's not even New Year's yet and I'm already looking forward to a new year to focus more on my writing.  I have a book to finish (Lady on the Run); today I registered for the Writer's Advance Boot Camp at The Cove in Asheville, NC in February; I've been asked to share my book, Lady and the Sea, at The Golden Hills Garden Club.  And that doesn't even touch on all the family events, church activities, and friend gatherings.  And I think Rob has a big Christmas gift surprise for me up his sleeve (a trip to Paris?  Israel?).  Yep, that's what retirement is all about.  Enjoying life and serving God.

A few of my favorite things ...

Me and Teri (Jacquie's mom-in-law)
enjoying the snow at Riverbank Zoo
December 2013

All I want for Christmas is

little 'Popcorn'

Jacquie, Destiny and me at

The Riverbank Zoo

Christmas 2013

My ice skate tree

The love of my life

Istanbul 2008

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas 

and oceans of blessings for the New Year

www.sharonleaf.com

Order Lady and the Sea for the readers on your Christmas List!