Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to follow Jesus Christ.
We often talk about faith as if it’s a destination, something we arrive at once we’ve learned enough or become good enough. But the more I reflect on my own walk with God, the more I realize it’s a lifelong journey. God isn’t looking for perfection overnight. He’s patiently shaping us, teaching us, and changing us one step at a time.
One phrase that has stayed with me is the idea that God is preparing a people who know His voice, feel His Spirit, and are willing to follow Him wherever He leads.
That kind of discipleship is both beautiful and challenging.
A few years ago, I found myself facing a decision that felt overwhelming. I had prayed for direction, but no clear answer seemed to come. I wanted certainty. I wanted a detailed roadmap. Instead, what I felt was a quiet assurance to simply take the next faithful step.
Looking back, I realize God wasn’t asking me to see the entire path. He was asking me to trust Him with the next step.
That experience taught me something important: faith isn’t always knowing where God is leading. Sometimes faith is choosing to follow even when you can’t see very far ahead.
I believe Jesus Christ lives. I believe He knows us personally, loves us completely, and is actively involved in our lives. Even when I don’t understand everything that’s happening around me, I find peace in knowing that He does.
More than anything, I want my life to reflect a simple but profound choice:
I choose Christ.
Not just on Sundays.
Not just when life is going well.
Not just when it’s convenient.
I want to choose Him when prayers seem unanswered. I want to choose Him when life feels uncertain. I want to choose Him in the ordinary moments that rarely make it into anyone’s testimony but often shape who we’re becoming.
One of the most moving thoughts from this message was the desire to be able to say to the Lord:
“I am Yours, totally and completely, without reservation or condition.”
If I’m honest, that’s easier to say than it is to live.
There are still dreams I cling to, plans I want to control, and questions I wish God would answer more quickly. Yet every time I try to hold too tightly to my own expectations, I’m reminded that God’s perspective is so much greater than mine.
The invitation Christ extends isn’t merely to believe in Him. It’s to trust Him. To know Him. To follow Him. To place our lives in His hands and believe that wherever He leads is better than anywhere we could go on our own.
Today, my prayer is simple:
“Lord, help me hear Your voice. Help me recognize Your Spirit. And wherever You lead, help me have the courage to follow.”
Because at the end of the day, above every other choice life offers, I want my life to say:
I choose Christ.
Reflection: Can you think of a time when God asked you to trust Him without showing you the entire plan? Looking back, how did that experience strengthen your faith?
Sometimes the greatest testimonies are built not in dramatic miracles, but in the quiet moments when we choose, again and again, to follow Him. ❤️
Some posts come easily. Others sit quietly in your heart for a long time, waiting for the right moment and the right words.
This is one of those posts.
Today, I simply want to say something that feels both simple and profoundly important:
Thank you.
When I started this page and blog back in August, I had no grand expectations. I wasn’t chasing numbers or recognition. I simply had a notebook full of thoughts, stories, reflections, and a desire to place them somewhere beyond my own mind.
What I didn’t expect was this.
I never imagined my words would travel as far as they have, or that so many people would take the time to stop, read, reflect, and stay. I certainly never expected my thoughts to resonate with others in the way they have.
Yet somehow, here we are.
Every time you read a post, leave a comment, react, share a thought, or send a private message, something remarkable happens. You remind me that words still matter. That reflection still has a place in our fast-moving world. That kindness, honesty, and thoughtful conversation are things people still value.
Your comments don’t simply remain beneath a post.
They stay with me.
They accompany me throughout the day. They make me pause and smile. Sometimes they arrive at exactly the right moment, offering encouragement when it’s most needed. On difficult days, your words have lifted my spirits. On ordinary days, they have added unexpected warmth and joy.
You may not realize it, but every reaction, every message, and every “this meant something to me” has made a difference. Truly.
By reading and engaging with this blog, you are doing something incredibly generous. You are helping a dream continue to grow. You are giving space to a voice that once spoke quietly, uncertain whether anyone would listen.
Because of you, that voice feels heard.
Because of you, it feels encouraged to keep going.
Over time, this blog has become more than a personal collection of thoughts. It has become a shared space. A place where ideas, memories, questions, and reflections meet. A place where, for a few moments, we can slow down together and connect through words.
For that, I am deeply grateful.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your trust.
Screenshot
Thank you for your openness, encouragement, and support.
Thank you for being part of this journey since August and for transforming simple posts into meaningful conversations.
Most of all, thank you for reminding me why writing matters.
As I continue this journey, I promise to keep writing with the same honesty, care, and heart that inspired me to begin. Your support has shown me that authentic words can still connect people, and that is something I will never take for granted.
These days, I find myself leading in quieter ways, through my writing, my blog, and the conversations I share with readers. Every story I write is an opportunity to encourage courage, kindness, and hope. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always standing in front of a crowd. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, sharing your experiences, and inspiring even one person to keep moving forward. If my books or blog help someone smile, dream, or feel less alone, then I know I’m still making a difference.
What unexpected ways has leadership shown up in your life? I’d love to hear your story.
— Shirley
A Year Ago, I Wrote:
Do you see yourself as a leader?
As the author ofDiscovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald CoastandGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger celebrating 500 visitors, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about stepping up to make a difference. When asked, “Do you see yourself as a leader?” my answer is clear: as a parent, I’m automatically a leader. But the scope of that leadership, shaped by my history, stretches far beyond my home, touching lives through advocacy, service, and storytelling. Here’s how my journey as a leader has unfolded and how it fuels my writing today.
Parenthood thrust me into leadership from the start, guiding my children with love and purpose. Raising two daughters and five sons, three of whom became Eagle Scouts and two who worked toward it, I took on roles like Cub Scout leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Those years taught me to lead by example, fostering resilience and teamwork—qualities I weave into my children’s books, like George’s courage or Misty’s determination. My leadership extended to managing our family’s 25-acre LDS church park, where we hosted 600-800 Boy Scouts each year for six years. Picture a week-long campout on your front lawn—tents, laughter, and chaos! Organizing those events honed my ability to lead with patience and vision, skills I now use to manage my blog and book projects.
Beyond family, I found my voice as a political leader with Overpassers for USA, serving as California’s representative. Coordinating rallies across the state to promote patriotism and free speech was exhilarating. Every weekend, my family and I stood on freeway overpasses, waving flags and signs we kept ready in our van. I helped build the organization’s website, listing rallies nationwide, and watching our movement grow filled me with pride. Those moments of unity and love for American values inspired the hope-filled themes in my stories and blog posts, where I aim to uplift readers young and old.
My leadership also shone in foster care. For over 14 years, my husband and I were medical foster parents in Sacramento County, caring for more than 200 infants and children, many medically fragile. We held the first baby in the county to pass from AIDS, loving him for all eight months of his life. That experience taught me leadership through compassion—a thread that runs throughDiscovering Mistyand my advocacy for hope and suicide prevention. As Vice President of the Sacramento branch of the California State Foster Parent Association for seven years and Editor of its monthly publication for six, I led by amplifying voices and sharing stories, much like I do now through my blog and books.
Leadership, for me, is about impact, not position. Whether rallying for free speech, guiding Scouts, nurturing fragile lives, or writing stories that spark joy, I lead by showing up with heart. My blog, my GoFundMe campaign forGeorge and the Brave Eagle, and my books are extensions of that leadership, inviting readers to find courage and connection.
If you’ve ever stepped up to guide, inspire, or serve, you’re a leader too—shaping the world one moment, one story, at a time.
Have you ever stopped and wondered what’s really going on inside your mind?
The more I learn about personal growth, mindset, and human behavior, the more fascinated I become with the incredible power we all carry around every day. People often compare the brain to a supercomputer, but honestly, I think it’s far more remarkable than that.
I’ve come to see the mind as having two powerful parts working together: the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. One is active, analytical, and present in the moment. The other works quietly behind the scenes, influencing our habits, beliefs, and behaviors in ways we don’t always realize.
Understanding how these two parts work has completely changed how I think about personal growth, confidence, and success.
The Conscious Mind: Your Everyday Companion
Your conscious mind is the part of you that’s awake and engaged with the world right now.
It’s the part that notices a beautiful sunset, enjoys your favorite song, tastes a great meal, or feels the comfort of a hug from someone you love.
Throughout the day, your conscious mind processes thousands of thoughts. Some are encouraging and uplifting. Others can be critical, doubtful, or fearful.
We’ve all experienced both.
One moment, we feel capable and motivated. The next, we’re questioning ourselves or overthinking a decision. What I’ve learned is that these thoughts don’t exist in isolation. They’re often influenced by something deeper: the subconscious mind.
The Subconscious Mind: The Hidden Driver
If the conscious mind is the captain of the ship, the subconscious mind is the engine room.
It’s where your beliefs, habits, memories, and emotional patterns are stored. Many of these programs serve us well. They keep us safe, help us learn skills, and allow us to navigate daily life without consciously thinking about every single action.
For example, you don’t have to remember to breathe. You don’t have to think through every movement when walking or driving. Much of that runs automatically because your subconscious has taken over.
But here’s where things get interesting.
The subconscious doesn’t just store helpful habits. It also holds limiting beliefs we’ve picked up over the years.
Beliefs like:
I’m not good enough.
I’ll probably fail.
Success isn’t meant for people like me.
It’s too late to change.
Many of these beliefs were formed years ago, yet they continue to influence our decisions today without us even noticing.
The Good News: Your Subconscious Can Change
One of the most empowering things I’ve discovered is that the subconscious mind isn’t fixed.
For years, I assumed that many of my thought patterns were simply part of who I was. But the truth is that our minds are incredibly adaptable.
The subconscious is constantly learning, absorbing information, and responding to repetition. That means we have the ability to reshape it over time.
Not overnight.
But absolutely over time.
The Power of Repetition and Affirmations
What we repeatedly tell ourselves matters.
Every thought we entertain, every story we repeat, and every belief we reinforce gradually strengthens the pathways in our minds.
That’s why affirmations can be so powerful when they’re practiced consistently.
I’m not talking about standing in front of a mirror and magically transforming your life overnight. I’m talking about intentionally replacing harmful narratives with more supportive ones.
Instead of:
“I can’t do this.”
Try:
“I’m learning and improving every day.”
Instead of:
“I always fail.”
Try:
“I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.”
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating healthier beliefs that support growth instead of sabotage it.
Why Visualization Works
Another practice I’ve found incredibly valuable is visualization.
There’s a reason so many athletes, performers, and successful individuals use it.
When you vividly imagine achieving a goal, overcoming a challenge, or becoming the person you want to be, you give your subconscious a clear direction.
Your brain responds strongly to imagery. The more often you visualize positive outcomes, the more familiar and attainable they begin to feel.
Be Intentional About What You Consume
We live in a world filled with information.
Every day we’re exposed to social media, news, conversations, podcasts, videos, and advertisements. Whether we realize it or not, all of it influences us.
I’ve learned that protecting what I allow into my mind is just as important as protecting my physical health.
The content we consume becomes part of the environment shaping our beliefs.
That’s why I try to spend more time around ideas, people, and messages that encourage growth, possibility, and personal responsibility.
Habits Are Messages to Your Subconscious
Every habit sends a signal.
When you consistently exercise, read, meditate, write, or work toward a goal, you’re teaching your subconscious what matters to you.
Over time, those actions become part of your identity.
The small daily choices that seem insignificant today often become the foundation of who we are tomorrow.
Become the Gardener of Your Mind
One of my favorite ways to think about this is through the image of a garden.
Every thought is a seed.
Some seeds grow into confidence, gratitude, resilience, and joy.
Others grow into doubt, fear, resentment, and self-sabotage.
The challenge isn’t stopping every negative thought from appearing. That’s impossible.
The real challenge is deciding which thoughts deserve your attention and energy.
When a negative thought shows up, don’t automatically accept it as truth.
Question it.
Challenge it.
Ask yourself whether it’s actually true or simply an old story you’ve been telling yourself for years.
Then replace it with a thought that serves you better.
The more often you practice this, the easier it becomes.
Final Thoughts
One of the greatest realizations I’ve had is that we are not powerless observers of our thoughts. We have far more influence over our minds than we often believe.
Our conscious mind shapes our daily experiences, while our subconscious mind shapes the patterns behind those experiences. When we begin working with both intentionally, real transformation becomes possible.
The process isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming aware.
Because once you’re aware of the thoughts, beliefs, and habits shaping your life, you can begin changing them.
A year ago, I wrote about what motivates me. Looking back, I’m grateful to see that the answer hasn’t changed. If anything, those motivations have grown stronger.
When I shared that post, I was deep in the process of rediscovering old manuscripts, research notes, and book ideas that had been tucked away for years. I remember the excitement of opening files and finding page after page of material I had forgotten I’d written. I also remember the frustration of running into corrupted files and forgotten passwords. Some days felt like a treasure hunt, and others felt like a dead end.
A year later, I can honestly say the treasure hunt continues.
I’ve spent many hours revisiting stories, organizing notes, and trying to bring some order to decades of work. What has surprised me most is not how much I wrote, but how much those stories still matter to me. Each manuscript represents an idea, a lesson, or a piece of history that I felt was important enough to preserve. Time has not diminished that feeling.
My family remains my greatest motivation. Every grandchild, every child, every ancestor whose story deserves to be remembered continues to inspire me. There are now even more branches on our family tree than there were when I first made that list of books for our grandchildren. Seeing our family grow reminds me why I started this project in the first place.
I’ve often thought about those ancestor stories I hoped to write. Some tell of courage. Some tell of sacrifice. Others tell of ordinary people who quietly endured hardships so future generations could have better lives. The older I get, the more I appreciate those ordinary heroes. Their stories deserve to be told.
I still feel a sense of urgency. Not the kind that creates panic, but the kind that encourages purpose. There are only so many hours in a day, and there are still many stories waiting to be written. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by what remains unfinished, I’ve learned to be grateful for every page completed and every memory preserved.
Financial challenges haven’t magically disappeared. They remain a reality, just as they were a year ago. But I’ve learned that progress isn’t measured only by money. It’s measured by persistence, determination, and the willingness to keep moving forward one step at a time.
Most importantly, my faith continues to sustain me. I still draw strength from the love of my Heavenly Father and from the love of family, both past and present. Those gifts continue to motivate me on difficult days and encourage me on the good ones.
So, a year later, I’m still here. Still writing. Still researching. Still believing these stories have a purpose and an audience, even if I don’t yet know who that audience may be.
And for that, I am grateful.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading. And thank you for encouraging me along the way.
August 20, 2025
PROMPT:What motivates you?PROMPT: What motivates you?
Prompt: What motivates you?
The prompt’s question for today is: what motivates you? I can easily answer this question. What motivates me is the love of my family. It’s the love I feel from my Heavenly Father. It’s also the love I feel when I think of our Founding Fathers.
Each expression of love comes from deep inside me—deeper than my heart. I’ve felt the lack of that love from each, and it’s even more precious because I feel like I’m missing out. Not necessarily because of anything they are doing, or not doing, but because of my own misgivings.
I am very motivated to work on these manuscripts I’ve had, some, for a very long time. I want as many of them I can find to be prepared for my family to publish, if I can’t do it myself. I have a strong impression that these books each have an important message to give. To whom, I don’t know. Maybe its my family, maybe its someone I don’t know. But this has been a motivating force in my life for a while now.
It is such a joy to open a file and discover that there’s a lot of material I left for myself to use. So much research!
On the other hand, it is excruciatingly painful to see that the file is corrupted or I have forgotten the password. Yes, that hurts. But enough of them have opened successfully, that I’m on a cloud.
I am not talking about one or two books. Nope, I had plans to write one book for each of our grandchildren, and dedicate it to that child. At the time, we had 16 grandchildren. I found the list. It included each child’s name and the topic of the book I intended to write. Each of the protagonists in the stories was an actual ancestor of that child.
For many years, genealogy was my hobby. I loved collecting the names and stories of our ancestors, many of them tragic, some uplifting, and I wanted a way to share this with our grandchildren.
So, all this is my motivating factor. I hope to complete as many as possible. And I’m in a hurry to do it. The only thing keeping me from fulfilling this is finances – a big hurdle these days, but one I’m determined to overcome.
Thanks for being here. And thanks for reading! Feel free to share please.
You must be logged in to post a comment.