Category Archives: faith

Reflections on the Creative Path

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“Your current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers.” ~ Unknown

Today I will be reflecting on unknown frontiers. It is something I can speak to! I arrived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado some six years ago, sight unseen and took up residence not knowing what I was getting into.

Then, I made another life changing decision! I set off on a 41,000 word journey. A huge task for an inexperienced writer who had dreams of publishing a memoir.

What kept me going? A lifelong desire to tell a story of a beautiful soul who became the heartbeat of our family and who had many words of wisdom to share with others.

As it’s turned out, the unknown frontier became a safe haven in which I ended up exploring my faith like never before. I suspect I am not alone in my story. Artists through the ages have testified that through their creativity, they find their own voice and spirit.  As Maritza Burgos once said “One’s art should be the extension of oneself.”

I’m grateful I journeyed into the unknown. I found all kinds of fulfilling things in the process!

Stay tuned to All Things Fulfilling.com. What’s a new year without a little excitement?  Come back on Monday because I’m telling you now there will be something newsworthy!

heres to new beginnings

 

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. For information about Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected,

In Store for the New Year

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If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh

New Year, New Opportunities!

If you are in the Steamboat Springs, Colorado area join me on Saturday January 3rd, 2015 at Come & See Christian Books & Gifts, 675 S. Lincoln Avenue (near the Hampden Inn)  for a meet the author/book signing event from 11am to 2pm.

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Are you interested in writing and publishing a book? The author will share what helped her to write and publish her award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

There will be refreshments and treats and learn what’s in store for 2015.

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A New Year – Life’s Puzzle Pin

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“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” ~ Brad Paisley

The summer before last I had seen a few intriquing and thought-provoking pieces of jewelry that peaked my interest  at the Dorchester Art Center gift shop. This fall when I spoke to the Bayshore Bookies, a book group from Dorchester County, Maryland about my newly released memoir, Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected I stopped in once again.  I was hoping they still carried the objets d’art so I could get a second peak. Sure ‘nuf, they did.

The artisan, Joyce from  “Back in Tyme,” handcrafts the pins which I think are symbolic of what a New Year is all about. Take a look at the image of this pin. Creative, isn’t it?

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To my way of looking at things,  each element crafted into the bauble represents a part of life:

Puzzle pieces. What’s to come in our futures is a mystery. Sometimes befuddling,  isn’t it?

Old clock (watch) pieces. Time passes by quickly. Sometimes we aren’t quite geared up for all that happens. Sometimes we lose track if we aren’t fully dialed in. Makes life interesting.

Feathers! We hope there is some “fluffy stuff” in our lives. That’s what makes it worthwhile living! Agree? As they say “when feathers appear, angels are near!” What a divine thought.

Sea glass. Like people, each particle has it’s own journey and it’s own story from tossing and tumbling.

A crescent moon-shaped object. We go through many “phases” in our lifetime from birth to death. The crescent moon has appeared in art throughout the ages because as Debbie Keil-Leavitt says, “it inspires us to think that it might be a cradle for our newly-born dreams.”

If you wish to read more about what Debbie Keil-Leavitt says about the power of the crescent moon, here is an interesting article, full of mysticism. http://bit.ly/1AYu7s9.

On this day before the New Year, I’d like to remind you to tune in and be grateful for each minute, each new hour and each new phase of your life. Embrace life’s surprises. Find fulfilling, positive things even in the difficult. Often times the little mysteries of life are gifts to be explored and discovered just like this inspirational piece of jewelry.

What are your dreams for the New Year? I hope you’ll actively pursue them.

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“For Unto Us a Child is Born”

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Advent Day #24

People the world over can relate to the expectancy that comes with the arrival of a precious new life.love came down

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From our family to yours ~ Merry Christmas!

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. We hope you enjoyed the advent calendar from All Things Fulfilling. It was a grand peek between the book covers of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

Audio Book  http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback  http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book  http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

 

Advent Day #23 – Graceful Anticipation

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God’s plan for us is always that of grace. ~ Unknown

On this 23rd day of Advent, I have a question for our readers.

Have you seen the painting Kissing the Face of God by Morgan Weistling? He is an outstanding artist who paints historical stories from a different time and era. Many of his paintings are of settlers to the West.

Kissing the Face of God is an exquisite painting that is so appropriate to share on this 23rd Day of Advent as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. When you see the image and read the artist’s statement about the painting, you will better appreciate the sentiment behind it.

http://www.morganweistling.com/galleries/gallery03/kissingfacegod.html

miracle of christmasAs my husband and I await the coming of our son from far reaches, we gratefully remember the day of his advent that changed our world forever!

My own personal story of the miracles in my life are recounted in Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.  The award-winning book makes a great present to share with loved ones in your life for Christmas, at the start of a New Year, in celebration of a birthday or for “just because.”

Audio Book  http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback  http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book  http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

Please return tomorrow and celebrate the 24th Day of Advent with us on All Things Fulfilling.

Advent Day #22 Open Hearts in Community

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“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” ~ Dale Evans

I’m more proud than ever to attend a church whose motto is “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.” The Steamboat United Methodist Church reached out, extended their welcome and showed that they practice what they preach to the Jewish congregation here in Steamboat. The menorah issue was put to rest and it was lit on Tuesday December 16th on the front lawn of the United Methodist Church. The Menorah is symbolic of  “light, wisdom, and Divine inspiration” but it was also designed as creative art for our community.

This story was broadcast on CBS and in newspapers in other cities. To watch the video about what ended up being a story about love in action, please follow this link.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/12/11/menorah-blocked-from-courthouse-lawn-in-steamboat-springs/

One of the best things you can teach children when they are old enough to grasp the concepts is about multi-cultural understanding. Author Sue Batton Leonard recounts her personal experience with multi-cultural love in her memoir, an anthology of stories in her book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected. It has won several awards, one in the young adult category. The book is perfect for giving to “tweens’ and teens and an entire family.

Xmas image of book cover for Mailchimp newsletter

The memoir, an award-winning anthology of short stories is available in audio book (narrated by the author), paperback and e-book. Here is how to order:

Audio Book http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

Advent Day #21 Xmas Around the World

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Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. – Hamilton Wright Mabie

Last Sunday, the Steamboat United Methodist Church had an impressive holiday extravaganza – enough to put any “Scrooge” in the spirit.  Through the generosity of so many artistically talented people helping to bring it all together, an unforgettable production of Christmas around the World was brought to the second service of the day.

It was a huge accomplishment requiring too many people to name individually. The bell choir, the vocalists of the Chancel Choir and the Childrens Choir, Soprano Keri Rusthoi http://www.kerirusthoi.com and the children who were dressed as characters from the Bible, helped to tell the beautiful Christmas story from different perspectives recounting holiday traditions from around the world.

“Tweens” (ages 10 – 12) played the part of news anchors and reporters. It was as if the children from the United Methodist Church were standing in town squares broadcasting from England, the Caribbean, France, Italy, the Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Germany, thanks to the creativity of the video production teacher at Steamboat Springs High School.

But that’s not all! As the community gathered in Fellowship Hall after the service for wonderful refreshments, creches from places in the U.S. and around the World were on display for all to see and appreciate. In today’s photos I have captured images of a few of them.

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Please come back to All Things Fulfilling tomorrow. The topic will continue on better understanding our world through multi-cultural learning about holiday traditions.

This blog is brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard,  award-winning author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected. For more information about her memoir, an anthology of stories about multi-cultural love and understanding, please visit these websites.

Audio Book http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

 

 

 

 

Advent #19 Faithfully Confused

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Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you? ~ Fanny Brice

Fanny Moore, God Bless Her, the stellar character in the memoir Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected faithfully attended church weekly. She reiterated many of the things her “preacher man” said about faith throughout the week at our family’s house. Often misconstrued, her literal interpretations led to priceless conversations and joyful times.

I get great pleasure in reading church signs that I pass by in the car because often I think many of them could have been posted by my beloved Fanny. Each comical sign in front of a church brings a warm-hearted smile to my face. I can’t help but think the signs are heaven sent, just like Fanny.

Funny church signs

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I  hope these signs have gotten you in the JOLLY christmas spirit. You’ll be warmed by Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected if you enjoy  inspirational yet humorous stories. The eloquence of Fanny Moore is not to be missed!

Celebrate the season in good cheer! But remember, please do not drink and drive!

This blog is brought to you by award-winning author Sue Batton Leonard. For information on her memoir, please visit these links.

Audio Book  http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback  http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book  http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

Advent Day #15 – Gentle Inspiration

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Advent Day #15: Gentle Inspiration

Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards. ~ Robert Orben

Are you a parent who is concerned with raising children who will have their values in the right place? In today’s world of bringing up children, the challenges are different than in previous generations. Let’s be honest! There is an overwhelming focus on material things and kids feeling “entitled.” It’s what many parents are up against.

Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected is written by a baby boomer who remembers when life was much simpler. There are many life lessons incorporated into the award-winning anthology of stories but you must read between the lines to get some of them. This publication is not an offensive hard core religious story and it is not full of in-your-face parenting tips. It is a “story of trust, faith, friendship and deep love for one another. Readers will be inspired by……a life most fulfilling.” ~ Barbara Gueldner, Ph.D.,MSE Licensed Psychologist

listening to booksListen to the award-winning audio book as a family. The stories, very appropriate for ages 12+,  give a jumping off point to handling those important conversations you have been meaning to have with your children. There is nothing that helps get a conversation started better than humor – that’s inside it!

To order the award-winning book Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected, please follow these links:

Audio Book  http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback  http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book  http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh

 

Advent Day #14 Window Shopping

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The only gift is a portion of thyself.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yes, I know how you are feeling and what you are thinking. “I really need do more than just go window shopping.” The days are quickly passing and it will be Christmas before you know it. But you don’t know what to give your loved ones that will be different. Did I get it?

An inspiring story of love and humor that anyone can appreciate might be just the thing. A book that has a unique voice not hum-drum. Is that what you are looking for?

The award-winning anthology of stories, Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected is all that and more! It is a book of heart and soul that will leave a lasting impact. Yet it’s an easy, pleasurable read -it’s light-hearted. You don’t have to study over it and it will make you chuckle. Who ever said Christian people have no sense of humor? Gift of a Lifetime has won three awards, one in the young adults’ category.

Book on shelf at Come & See Christian Books

Above Photo: There it sits on the shelf, at Come & See Christian Books & Gifts hoping some little elf will come by and pick up a few copies just in time for Christmas giving.

If you want to buy locally and support writers, it’s available in Steamboat Springs, Colorado at Come and See Christian Books and Gifts at 675 S. Lincoln Avenue. It’s also available in Towson, Maryland at Ukazoo Books. If you can, save yourself some shipping fees and pick it up in the stores because you might find other gift items for someone else in your community, house or family.

Save the Date! January 3rd, 2015 from 11:00 am to 1pm meet the award-winning author! Stop in at Come and See Christian Books and Gifts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Have some refreshments and be one of the first to find out what’s in store for 2015. 

For those who live too far away from Steamboat, CO or Towson, MD the book is also available on-line through all the major on-line booksellers. It is available in paperback, award-winning audio and e-book.

Audio Book  http://amzn.to/1trrTl9
Paperback  http://amzn.to/1qmcEHI
e-Book  http://amzn.to/1lx7oRh