Welcome!

Life is hard. It’s messy. And it’s beautiful. These pieces, the good, the bad, and the sometimes downright complicated, come together to form what I call a redeemed life.

A life full of purpose, service, and growth, even through brokenness.

Redemption isn’t just a distant, abstract idea to me. It happens every day. Without grace, I’m quick to anger, selfish, and anxious. But with redemptive grace, I find the strength to love others well through service. The darkest parts of my past, the trauma and the pain, are the very pieces God is healing and using for holy purposes.

When we bring all those broken bits, even the ones we try to hide under the rug, to God, they are woven into a story of hope and renewal. That is exactly what this community is about: sharing those honest, real moments so no one has to walk through life feeling unseen or alone.

This is not a space for highlights reels or polished perfection. We will talk about everything running through the average 40-somethings woman’s mind: the important stuff, the silly stuff, and yes, even those things that wake us up at 2 a.m. We will keep the conversations real but supportive. This is not a place for throwing shade or harsh judgments. We all need a safe place to be our real selves.

A little about me: I am the daughter of an alcoholic father and grew up with my share of trauma, both inside my home and out in the world. I am a classic first-born eldest daughter who struggles with perfectionism and critical internal self-talk.

Keeping my mind bathed in the Word and worship is what keeps me

grounded and hopeful every day.

I married my high school sweetheart when I was 18. After 20 years of marriage, that chapter ended suddenly on Christmas Day. My world flipped upside down. I had spent those years homeschooling my child with autism and focused on supporting my family. Suddenly, I needed to learn how to support myself and manage life independently. I wasn’t sure what God had in store next.

Then, in a season I least expected, God brought a wonderful man into my life who saw the real me. He loved me, flaws, struggles, and all, and embraced my son fully. We have been married nearly two years now. With him came my precious daughter, my stepdaughter, who holds just as much space in my heart as my son.

This space brings together personal moments and honest life reflections, faith and encouragement, and practical lifestyle tips. I hope people will connect here on the blog, on YouTube, and across socials. I want to hear your stories too.

What is going on in your life? How I can pray for you, your wins, your struggles?

How is God stretching you in this season?

I want to encourage real community and connection here. We are not in this real life alone. Please be active in the comments. Share posts and videos with friends who might be blessed by them. This space is for everyone, and to keep it that way, we need to hold it safe, respectful, and grace-filled.

I plan to share the reality of real life. We will laugh together, cry together, dream together, and pray together. I will be honest about big personal wins and also the things I am really struggling with. I am so excited to be getting real with you.

As we get started, my plan is to post two blogs and two videos a week. I am sure that schedule will evolve naturally, but for now, I mostly just want to get to know you and build a space where we can journey together.

Thank you for being here. For trusting me with your time and your heart. I hope you find encouragement, grace, and a little bit of hope as we walk this redeemed life side by side.

— Kristen