Some people equate being steady to being boring. If you’re constant, where is the excitement? Where is the inspiration? Where is the thrill? I would say, however, being steady does not have to mean being boring.
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Steady does mean there are some fixed aspects in life that should be constant and unchanging. These fixed points cause things to be stable, balanced, and firm. Without these elements life becomes chaotic. Life becomes a whirlwind with no fixed point, or anchor, to bring peace and calm.

Being steady does not mean taking no chances. Being steady does not mean to not be inspired. Being steady does not mean you are doomed to a life of boredom with no excitement. Being steady does mean there are set anchors in your life that will not change or move. Being steady means there is a tenacity you possess to stay constant in all situations. And this produces stability, balance, and firmness in you. This is confidence and a courage that heroes are made of.

So, what things become those unchangeable, anchoring points? This is where we look at our values. This is where we understand our vision, or as some say, our “end game”. These are the type of things that shape those “non-negotiables” in our lives. “But”, some may ask, “shouldn’t we be open and willing to change with other’s rights and beliefs?” Respecting others is not the same as compromising our own beliefs. If we want to be stable, balanced, fixed, and firm in our lives, then we will have to possess elements in our lives that are constant and unchanging (not moved by public opinions or desires).

We are in a time where many things have been shaken in the lives of many people. It is in the shaking times of trials and difficulties when we get a clearer view of what is unshakable in our lives…what is steady. If nothing is steady or if what we thought was unshakable is shaken, then we lose focus, balance, and a sense of hope for tomorrow.

Some questions to consider:

1. What are my “unchangeable points”?
2. Where do these come from? (What are they based on?)
3. Am I willing to face “shakings” and remain constant with my “non-negotiables”?

​When we can say YES to being STEADY then we are ready to make a difference in our world…in this generation.


Some of my non-negotiables:

• Love never fails
• Always choose what is right and good
• The Bible is the Standard of right and good (What does the Bible say?)
• Live ready and prepared--Jesus IS coming again!

This is one of my favorite family pictures. It is a picture of my mother with our youngest son before he graduated high school. We made a visit to her home in Texas like we usually did about twice a year. This was one of the last visits our son could make with us to see her.
So what is this Blog about?
I wanted to honor my mother and to share an ideal that my mother instilled in me as well as lived her life by. "When there is a will there is a way."
Those who knew my mother knew she was a strong woman. She was a determined woman. She was a resourceful woman. She was a loyal, faithful, and compassionate woman. And in some ways, you would say she was a fighter. When a problem came her way, she was not easily discouraged to find a solution. She was not afraid of hard work, and she was diligent to find ways either around, over, or through the situation. Her strong will caused her to not give up. And her strength was anchored in a power that was stronger than her power. She knew that and relied on the Greater Power that was on her side!

In our travels and in the present pandemic situation, we have been impressed with the differences we have seen in Americans and in other nationalities we are familiar with. In the American culture our sense of independence and that sense of being a "fighter" is still strong and evident. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for a people, a nation, that stands strong and stalwart in the face of howling winds of adversity and blazes a trail of right, truth, and justice.Some people feel powerless and without a voice. These can find themselves following the path of least resistance feeling there is no other way (versus blazing a trail of right or truth). Now, in no way is this advocating lawlessness or chaos. This is about finding your strength to stand and continue forward even in the midst of adversity, problems and oppositions.

Maybe the first path is blocked. So what is another path forward? Another saying my mother (and many other mother's have said) is "don't cry over spilt milk". To be able to find another "way", we have to be willing to not stand at the "old" way and keep mourning over what won't or can't be. We must recognize, there is another way...let's find it. Instead of seeing the WALL...start looking for the DOOR that is in the wall.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Be strong. Be Compassionate. Be Faithful to the vision or dream you carry.

Do you like to be surprised?
A definition of surprise is "an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing."

I must say that I haven't liked every surprise that has come my way. And at the same time, there are some unexpected or sudden things that have happened that have caused great delight! One of those surprises came in May to John and I. For about 6 years we had slept on extremely firm mattresses in Asia (coconut husk filled). And in May, we came across a couple moving back to the States who had a mattress topper we had been desiring! Here is John with the pad. It is now in our home and we started enjoying sweeter sleep!! What a great surprise this find was for us!!

As I think about life in this current season, I think about surprises. I think the world has been caught by surprise by events that have unfolded in unexpected ways. I then think of how we can tend to react to surprises. In the moment we will react more than respond. As we settle into the "surprise", we are able to stop and think and make more of a calculated choice versus the automatic reactions. Responding puts the sense of control back in our hands. Stop -- Think -- Choose -- Respond

So some thoughts...Embrace the moments of life. Let life surprise you at times. What does that mean? Look for things that are new or awe inspiring for you. Like what? Enjoy a starry sky at night. Enjoy watching a thunderstorm roll in.  Take time to step beyond this technology driven world to see and be awe struck with the creation.Capture the joy of a moment. Put the worry on hold. Worry and dread will rob us of the joys that can be hidden in the most unlikely places and moments. Enjoy the surprises. And the moments that have sourness mixed in...remember to mix in some sweetness. How? Cultivate a thankful heart. Look for the good that still surrounds you.

Believe. Life is good. Look for the good. Expect the good.
Enjoy the moments when good surprises you, and take a deep breath when the surprises want to take your breath away through fear, etc. Weeping lasts for the night AND JOY comes in the morning! Be ready to be surprised by times of GREAT JOY!