Parents of 5, this couple went from ranch hands to a tiny house filled to the brim with life. Starting a new business (Creative QT), birthing their 5th child and moving to farmland all at the same time led to a discovery that what they needed was the same thing every parent needs — a little structure and organization for their family to allow for a little Creative Quality Time.

Just a Southern mom trying to add a little glitter where she can!

Allie is a proud Marine wife and mama bear of a roaring little boy and twirling little girl. She is whole heartedly a coffee and wine enthusiast. Although she is an educator by trade, in her rare moments of free time you can find her at the beach aspiring to be a mermaid.

Amy likes to sing '80s songs but always messes up the lyrics! She likes long, hot baths and a clean house!

Lawyer/Reader/Cheese Lover/Bird Watcher/Logophile/Hiker/Anti-Racist/ Mom+Wife/Friend+ Cheerleader/Imperfect Human

A lover of coffee, Pilates, and anything that involves being with her family and friends, Amy Geiger has been a classroom teacher for the past 10 years. Married to her best friend with two little ones at home, she's learning how to embrace the tensions of working full-time while raising her small kids.

Andrea loves a great cup of coffee, and all things chocolate.

Angela grew up on a farm in the Midwest. She has been married to her husband Mark for 28 years. They've lived in six different states and have two beautiful children. Angela works in policy and payer relations for the laboratory industry and is living life to the fullest as a breast cancer survivor.

Angelica is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to Senior Planning and ALTCS in Phoenix, Arizona helping seniors and their families navigate new territories. For more information on senior living and care please go to: https://www.seniorplanning.org/

Anne considers herself a late bloomer. She loves to travel the world and is a hard worker, though she sometimes dreams of being a slacker who marries into money and fritters it away.

Ashleigh Marie is the founder of From Ashes Lifestyle Blogs (fromashes.org), Jesus follower, wife, and mother. Living in the Mitten State, homeschooling, and living life. Lover of decaf teas, cozy things, and llamas.

Annie is often found hiding from the monster that is her laundry pile while frantically searching for her car keys. Her goal in life is to be part of a flash mob and/or a back up singer and dancer for T-Swift.

Ashley Chesnut serves as the Associate Young Adult Minister at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, and she’s the author of "It's Not Just You: Freeing Women to Talk about Sexual Sin and Fight It Well." She has a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School and a Certificate of Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. When she's not at the church or meeting with girls, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or trying some new local restaurant.

Ashley is mother to a daughter in heaven and wife to Kyle. She is a lover and a helper. She is known to brake for squirrels, stop on the side of the road to save a turtle from becoming roadkill, and can cuddle with puppies all day long. Coffee would make her mornings so much easier, but she just can't bring herself to like it. She's a friend of grief and an ambassador of joy. She feels honored to have this opportunity to share her story with you.

Ashley is a firm believer in finding the joy in the everyday and embracing the journey before you. Life is a roller coaster ride, and she is constantly chasing the ride!

Audrey’s favorite things are an old pair of broken-in boots, fresh cut flowers, glitter, and leopard print. She can be found chasing after her two daughters, running a few miles here and there, doing a little traveling, hosting some parties, reading a few books, and whipping up some fun things in the kitchen.

Barbara Hill is an East coast girl at heart, and after two amazing years living in Southern California working with Propel Women and the A21 Campaign, she has relocated to the big city of Chicago, Illinois to complete her licensure as a mental health counselor. She is a coffee-loving freedom fighter, worship leader, and blogger. Connect with her on Instagram (@barbshill), Facebook and her blog, The Edges of His Ways.

Belinda is the author of the book An Autism Journey of Hope, whose education prepared her for working with Autistic children, but the birth of her autistic daughter taught her even more. Her hobbies include reading, spending time on the lake, volunteer work, traveling, and being with family and friends.

As a 20-something wife and mama, Bethany considers herself traditional, yet unconventional by today's standards. While learning how to navigate all aspects of life she has quickly learned about having grit and showing herself grace.

Bethany is an average cook, coffee lover, and ninja house cleaner. She's been found dragging her boys out of Lowe's garden center from time to time for peeing on outdoor trees ... it's what boys do.

Beverly is a Carolina girl who loves shaggin (that’s a dance) on the beach, picnics in Central Park, Broadway shows and eating fried chicken. She is passionate about family and friendships. She is a dreamer and believes whole heartedly good can come out of most situations.

My love for my kids is like my laundry basket: never empty and never ending.

An Australian who along with her family loves living a healthy lifestyle, a sometimes long-term housesitter or explorer of her own backyard in their campervan.

Cara Martinisi is embarking on her third career running a nonprofit in memory of her son, Christian, while writing, grief coaching, and making her boys talk about all the feelings.

Carla Howatt is the mother of three adult children, two cats, and a husband. As a former politician, a 20-year communications professional, and a serial entrepreneur. She now runs a blog called Once a Parent, which focuses on being the parent of an adult child.

Carolyn still wants to be a dolphin trainer when she grows up, lip-synced her way through most of high school choir, hates following recipes, and thinks her spirit animal is Lucille Ball or Amelia Bedelia. 

Catherine Ojala was a refugee, born in Liberia and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa. By the age of eight, Catherine and her family had been through two civil wars. Catherine now resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband Steven and son Roman.

Catie has many sweet teeth, loves gardening (yes—inside, apartment plants do count), and gathering for “family” dinners with friends.

Chelsea is passionate about learning to lead a healthy, mindful lifestyle. As a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and the Content Specialist for Burn Boot Camp, Chelsea is living out her passion each and every day.

Chelsea is an aspiring writer and watercolor artist living in colorful Colorado with her dashing husband, Michael, and their two cuddly cats. Chelsea enjoys exploring historic mountain towns with Michael. Above all else, Chelsea loves Jesus and is passionate about loving His people and furthering His kingdom by utilizing her skills and abilities.

Cherie spends her time overseeing her business, volunteering as a chaplain at the state hospital, writing for her blog, and speaking at women’s events. Cherie lives with her husband in Bow, NH and together they have four daughters, one grandson, and a grandchild, affectionately referred to as Baby Bird, arriving in July. She enjoys hiking, cooking, cello lessons, and creating beautiful spaces.

Christi still dreams of running away to join the circus. She wants to be the girl on the flying trapeze ... doesn’t every single mother of three?

Cherrie is an author, speaker, and life coach. She is passionate about sharing her story with other women and offering hope and purpose through the stormy seasons of life. Cherrie and her husband, Mack, are recent empty nesters living it up on their new adventure and loving their imperfectly beautifully blended family of five kids and five grandkids.

Christy Ivie founded Christy’s Cause in Estero in 2015 to eradicate child sex trafficking and exploitation through education, public awareness, restoration projects and justice initiatives. Details at christyscause.com.

Author, Business Woman, Host, and Certified Business Coach are just some of the hats Cristy wears while pursuing her passion for equipping women with the knowledge to run and grow a business.

Clare: obsessive watcher of shore birds who loves spending hours shopping online for things she’ll never buy

Nashville entrepreneur, Clarissa, loves writing about business, home decor, and gardening. When not sharpening her skills, she loves spending time with her family and friends.

When Claudia isn’t sharing on her blog she is either running a video production company alongside her husband, in a weight lifting or spin class or cuddling with her kids on the couch watching Disney classics.

Courtney Dow, MEd, CRC, is the Director of Out of Darkness—a non-profit organization of the Atlanta Dream Center. She's a native of Atlanta, GA and a graduate of Auburn University with a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. Dow previously worked at the International Labour Organization, a department of the United Nations, before joining the NightLight International team in 2005, where she worked until November of 2016. Courtney has assisted victims of sex trafficking from the United States, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma, India, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Turkey, and Uganda. In 2012, she received Auburn University's Young Alumni of the Year Award and was featured in the “Young Influencers List: Fifty change makers on the rise” in The Catalyst Leader: 8 essentials for becoming a change maker by Brad Lomenick. Courtney desires to see people who are in bondage to the abuse of their past set free.

DaiJona is a dance coach, mentor, daughter and college graduate. She is the girl who believes life is about taking chances, growing, and being the best version of yourself. It’s always the small things that truly make her heart smile.

Dawn enjoys movies, books, podcasts, and pretty much any story with an underdog. She loves finding beauty from ashes and helping people discover hope in desperate situations.

When Delaney’s not spending hours watching Youtube videos or playing with her two nephews, she’s fantasizing about splitting a cheeseburger and a side of fries with former One Direction member Harry Styles.

Deborah L. Meyer, CPA/PFS, and CFP is a best selling author, who has been featured on multiple financial programs and publications. But she describes herself as a woman who loves Jesus, her husband, three boys, budgets, and tea!

Dona Middleton was born and raised in a Northern Virginia suburb just outside Washington, D.C. After a chronic illness derailed a thriving Marketing career, Dona now considers her family, faith, writing, and health as her top priorities. Dona is an avid fitness enthusiast, dog lover, and library nerd. She enjoys writing about relationships, raising children as a single mother, navigating the business world with chronic illness, and finding love and purpose in all aspects of life. When not in the gym or library, you can find her spending time with her faithful Golden Retriever, Buddy.

Dorena Williamson is a preacher's kid, pastor's wife, mom to four, and veteran of cross-cultural ministry. She has written a series of children's books, co-leads Nashville's Be the Bridge group, and is a stylist at Evereve.

Elisa Johnston empowers ordinary people to make the difference they were born to make at Average Advocate, procrastinates on Instagram, and brings freedom to the exploited through Blackout Trafficking.

Elise is a wife, mother, teacher, and writer from Melbourne, Australia. She is passionate about empowering and inspiring women to be brave and courageous in their everyday life! Her personal motto is: "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's caffeine."

Emily is a Midwestern girl sweating in the South with her hubs of one year and cat, Felicia. She’s a musician (she plays 10 instruments!) and singer and loves making people laugh. When she’s not writing she's planning meet-ups, volunteering, or playing board games with her hubs. She's also a huge fan of air conditioning.

Good things come to those who wait, therefore procrastination is a virtue.

Eve lives on a farm in the northwest Georgia mountains with her husband and various other family members as they wander in and out, transitioning between homes, jobs, schools, or naps. Eve loves writing what she learns of God in her daily life, and says, "My life is a wonder-full mix of family and friends, football games and diapers, gardening, chores, church, and faith."

Faythe Andrews is a momma to 14 amazing kiddos (13 here and 1 in heaven), loves and believes strongly in the importance of family, and loves encouraging Moms. You’ll often find her spending the evening at the beach enjoying pizza with her kiddos.

Frances is an attorney, university administrator, adjunct professor, and occasional yoga instructor, doing life with her husband, blended family, and two chocolate labs on a lake near Macon, GA.

Geinene loves thrift finds and dumpster diving, has always wanted to go on a great North American road trip in a souped up RV, and can use power tools like a boss.

Gina knows that she doesn't look 38, so she will take it for as long as she can! She lives in Ohio and is a new writer.

Hannah is a wife to Andrew, a mom to 3 busy boys (Maddox, Paxton, and Zaiden), loves all things health & wellness, and group fitness coordinator & instructor at the local Y. Above all, she is saved by grace and strives to love like Jesus.

Hannah lives in a small town turned big in North Texas. Most of the time you can find her wrapped in a quilt with coffee in one hand, a pen in the other, and two cats at her feet.

Indiana Lee lives in the Northwest and has a passion for the environment and wellness. She draws her inspiration from God and makes sure to explore the outdoors regularly with her two dogs. Indiana has experience in owning and operating her own business.

Professionally, Jamie is an engineer, but away from work she enjoys writing, pouring into her health, and traveling.

Jana’s roots are firmly planted in western Kentucky, where she and her husband currently live. Mother to two sons and grandmother to seven her joy is centered on a life showered with grace. But her weakness is coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Jasmine Zanetti is a wife, mom and professional from Miami, Florida. As the middle child of three, she comes from a multiethnic melting pot of a family. Her personal life mantra is “The love we keep forever is the love we give away…”

Jessica is a 31-year-old baseball wife and flight attendant. Currently residing in Palm Beach, FL, she with her husband, has moved 18 times in the last 8 years, including overseas. It’s taken a lot of Grit and Grace, as newlyweds, to learn how to navigate her and her husbands’ careers while keeping God at the center of their marriage and lives.

Jessica is a Content Marketing Specialist, when not in the office, you can find her enjoying nature or reading novels.

Jenni, leadership author, speaker and coach, loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis, and hiking the West Coast with her husband.

Jennifer is a wife and mother of three who's pounding out her first fantasy novel and recording a new album. She lives for the messy, exhausting thing called motherhood.

Jennifer Taylor Wagner is a certified fitness instructor and successful blogger. She is passionate about challenging the way we think about health and wellness, and regularly writes on the topics of healthy living and body positivity. Whether it’s hosting online webinars, speaking in auditoriums, or chatting at MOPS meetings, she is committed to helping others find hope in their journey. Jennifer lives in Virginia with her husband, Phil and their two kids. Visit her online at jenniferwagner.co

As a pastor’s wife and a homeschooling mama of 5 kids, Jessica Girado expresses herself through art and instills creativity in her kids every day. She runs her own Etsy shop, does photography, writes occasionally, enjoys creating things, and shares wellness. She recognizes that beauty in doing hard things ultimately builds character and faith, creating beauty in the simplicity of living.

Known for her grace, candor, and a little bit of sass (ok, maybe more than a little), Jessica isn't afraid to tackle topics that would make her own mother blush.

Mother of Emily, Johnathan, and Kendall, lover of God and all things nature. An accountant by day and women's ministry leader/event planner throughout the week. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their life!

Jo Trujillo is a wife, grandmother, encourager, blogger, and writer. She encourages Christian women to pursue their calling even when it seems unreachable. She loves Jesus, her large family, her two Maltese dogs, coffee, and cookies.

Jodi is the wife of a pastor, mother of 5 and "mom,” "mama dukes" or "mum" to teens who are not near their own mothers. She loves interior design, DIY projects, cooking, baking and playing volleyball, pickle ball and tennis.

Jodi is a Kansas girl, hairstylist, and woman who loves marrying her passion for helping women look and feel their best with a good dose of hope in her writing.

Johanna, with a desire to see marriages flourish, is the soon-to-be author of "Something Beautiful: 30 Days of Prayer Before Your Wedding Day." She lives, writes, and drinks lots of coffee in Nashville, TN with her husband Daniel.

Jordan doesn't know a stranger-- and never will; constantly finding a way to connect with everyone she meets and uses these experiences to influence her writing. She loves all things southern--from cooking to football to the outdoors.

Joy wants to live life to the fullest and aspires to help others do the same. Telling her she can’t do something only makes her want to show you that she can. Though she's determined, she's also a sucker for anything sentimental. Did she mention she loves popcorn?

Lover of the written word, a good cup of coffee, and encouraging others to realize their worth. You can find her on the beach, navigating the chaos of youth ministry, or writing for her local paper

Karen DeVault is a story teller and published author. She has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts. As a columnist for Women to Women Michigan Magazine, she tells inspiring and humorous stories of her outdoor adventures, from mule riding in the Grand Canyon to swimming with manatees.

Kate likes to keep things real and writes about family, decor, and organizing on her blog housemixblog.com. She and her husband, Marcello, and have three kids. Kate is from the Midwest and Marcello is from Italy, but they call southwest Florida home. At their house there is lots of pasta, It-lish (speaking in half Italian and half English), dancing, yelling (usually the good kind), and general chaos.

I am a survivor. I am a single mom to 2 large boys (ages 18 and 15). I have walked through an abusive marriage and seen God's victory in my life. I started writing at the request of my biblical counselor to help process some of the trauma that I've been through and found it comforting to tell my story not only for me, but for anyone who has walked a similar path. I believe that God was there every step of the way even when I didn't "see" him. I'm from Virginia and continue to heal through writing.

Katelynn Boot has been working in the Emergency Department as a nurse for the past five years. I love Jesus, people, mission work, sunshine, painting, and being out on the water.

Katey is a traveler, entrepreneur, fashionista, Zumba instructor, and lover of life!

Katie Roberts has been writing stories since her Sophomore year of high school. It was a given that she graduated with a degree in Journalism since her father named her after Katie Couric. Her life philosophy includes this, "When life gives you lemons, you throw the lemons away and go get coffee."

As a professional counselor, educator, and mom, Katie Cress has a desire that all women, and especially women of faith grow and learn together. That we encourage each other on this great and sometimes overwhelming journey of raising this next generation! .

Katie is married to the man of her dreams and has two incredible little boys. She loves photography, Etsy, cupcakes and encouraging other women on this crazy ride of motherhood. She drives her kids around in a minivan, which has been her dream since third grade.

Katie Sue is a suit-and-heels attorney all week and an overalls-and-sandals aficionado as soon as the weekend rolls around. She lives in Northern California with her husband Josh and her two cats Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid.

Kelsey was a basketball player turned pageant queen but is now a professional packer and mover living out of her pink suitcase. She loves making friends anywhere and breaking shy people out of their shells. If you can’t find her, chances are she's lost in one of her multitude of books.

Kendrick is a Southern girl who loves to laugh, travel, and spend time with friends and family. She is a career woman, currently working in Corporate Retail. She’s a planner to the nth degree, which is precisely what makes her adoption story so interesting…

Kim is a nature-loving, latte-sipping single mom of three. She lives in a charming town just outside of New Orleans. She’s been a nurse for 13 years and loves what she does. She’s also passionate about reaching single moms with encouragement and inspiration. Kim is joyfully living a life of blessed chaos!

Kitti thrives when making new friends with refugees, teaching them the art of coffee, and continuing to raise her tribe of kids and grandkids.

Kristi Neace is an author, speaker and Founder of Badge of Hope Ministries. She and her officer husband have three grown children, a wonderful son-in-law and daughter-in-law, a fantastic grandson and another one on the way. She resides in Missouri.

Laura is stay at home mama of two beautiful boys, one having special needs. She's learned that there is no merit gained in mothering; only love, mercy, and forgiveness freely given. She believes she has gained so much by throwing away prenotioned stereotypes and clinging to the the truth of the bible. In the world of autism you quickly realize that the little things are the big things!

Linda is a beauty school drop out (sing along if you’re a Grease junkie) raised as an army brat, loves home cooked meals, and telling stories of how she survived a crazy tornado.

May your lipstick be bold, your coffee strong and your gratitude list long.

Lisa’s mission is to equip and encourage every woman with the resources and motivation she needs to get her home organized.

Loren fell in love with film production while growing up on music video sets in Nashville, TN. She thinks with some serious balance, and lots of coffee, you can do it all. This has led her to a nomadic life from California to North Carolina working for a few months at each stop in film production for major studios (she even made a cross country road trip with a toddler in tow and enjoyed mostly every minute). When she is not on a production, she enjoys sidewalk chalk, adventures in the park, and just playing as much if not more than her son!

Lucy is a Mom of two who has a passion for creative play and spending as much quality time with her family as possible. Working part-time for Creative QT and juggling family life makes her well qualified to share insights on maximizing time together over surviving the unavoidable kid clutter. She also enjoys using her training as a teacher to help parents engage in meaningful play and STEM-based learning activities with their kids.

Lydia is a former teacher who traded in textbooks and grading papers for the glamorous life of wife and mom. She blogs to show the raw, unedited and vulnerable experiences of marriage and motherhood to fellow wives and mothers.  She writes about tips, tricks, and honest truths to help you cope with the daily chaos that accompanies us every step of the way.

Lynn is a former prom queen and tractor pull champion who knows every word to Taylor Swift’s songs and dreams of going on a European river cruise.

Macea has worn a lot of hats, but throughout all of them she has lived out her passion for writing and speaking to be uplifting and encouraging. Now she shares her stories of inspiration, perseverance, and faith on her blog, Destroyedbutnotdamaged.

Maddalena is a former wife, Federal manager, PTA President, current mother, music impresario and fledgling writer. She started her Internet writing site, “Midnight Missives and Musings” to talk about all of these things and more. Maddalena has had her work published in online magazine sites: Insidewink and Harness Magazine as well as a recent reading of her work on The Monologue Podcasts. She was born in Italy, raised in New York and calls Los Angeles home along with her two sons.

Madeline is a recovering people-pleaser and reformed perfectionist, who helps women learn to host their own parties and events with sanity and budget intact.

Maggie Bowling is a mom of 4 living in the wilds of suburban Atlanta, looking for excellent guacamole and trying to face down middle age with class. 

Maggie loves food and cooking! Her desire is to show others that you don’t have to be trapped by the fear of body weight, how fancy your plate looks, or how expensive “healthy food” can be.

Mary loves a good timeline and themed party! She’s a wife, mother, and grandmother who embraces each season of life with a mantra of “What’s Next!”

Although a bookworm, Meg Apperson is aware that "worm" isn't exactly an attractive bio description.

Maureen Beville has worked in the field of health promotion and wellness for more than 20 years. After having a corporate career, she now owns and operates Dwell Yoga Studio in North Texas where she has the opportunity to teach Christ-centered yoga. Maureen is a wife and mother to two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, watching her daughters play volleyball and sitting by the ocean any chance she can get.

Megan is a work-from-home mom of four, ranging in ages 3-11. She has been married for nearly 15 years, but those years have not come without struggle. As a military wife, she managed to coach, obtain her Master's in Special Education, teach in the classroom then leave the classroom to stay at home with her kids. She is currently writing a book about the post-partum depression that had left her and her husband broken. Having dealt with the struggles and the growth during this season, she is now finding her place and value in this life.

Megan is an extroverted introvert who doesn’t believe in small talk. Breakfast is her favorite meal and she’s a sucker for good ambiance. Coffee shops, a morning at the beach, and a sweaty workout can fix anything.

Molly is a 5th grade elementary school teacher, recently engaged, and a dog mom to a very stubborn, but adorable, beagle. She loves board games, strawberry ice cream, and fresh flowers.

Monique Jackson King is a believer in all things that make the heart smile! She has always felt a tug at her heart to write and spread love and hope through her words. However, it wasn't until she experienced a sexual assault that resulted in the conception of her daughter, followed by a series of subsequent "tough" circumstances that she rose to the challenge to find healing through her pen.

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Or naps. Or chocolate.

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Connecticut where she lives with her husband and one year-old son. When she is not counseling or chasing her lively toddler, she enjoys writing about topics that combine faith and life and connecting with readers on her blog: nicolezasowski.com and her Instagram account: @nicolezasowski.

Born and raised in Miami Florida, Phylicia is all about being sassy but at the same time being classy. She’s a full-time student at Florida Gulf Coast University where she studies Communication. Aside from being full time student she’s also an Undergraduate Admissions Representative and Tour Guide for the university.

From writing for magazines to hands-on help, Rachael has a passion for healthy relationships and leading couples to them.

Rachel Greening is a University of Toronto graduate, mom of three, and author of the children’s book If My Oak Tree Could Speak. She has published with Just Between Us magazine and has been featured on websites such as Her View From Home and In The Quiver. She is an active member of Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario and is never too far from a cup of coffee. Rachel's writing and other works can be found on her website: rachelgreeningwrites.com.

Rachel would love to have 75% of her home as a kitchen. She's won a "bad dance" contest—not once, but twice—the first time by falling into a cake.

Rachel Pieh Jones is influenced by living in the Horn of Africa, raising Third Culture Kids, and adventurous exploration of the natural world. She is the author of Stronger than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa. Visit her at www.djiboutijones.com and stay in touch through her Stories from the Horn newsletter.

Saffron won’t be kept down, she’s a survivor that lives to embrace the unknown of tomorrow!

Sara loves communicating with women about God's Word and His truth for their lives. Through her wit, humor and fun God-stories, Sara invites the audience to experience their own life-changing adventure with the Lord. When she’s not working you can find Sara curled up with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

SarahBeth is a coffee-obsessed country music junkie with a love for others and her sweet little boy. She lives life to show others that offering up the pieces of a broken life can once again come together in the most beautiful of ways. Her passion for writing and speaking, as well as her jewelry line, the What Was Broken Collection, reminds women that they are bigger than their struggles and their past. Their story is beautiful, and they can wear it well.

Savana is a cat mom to Kappy, daughter of Christ, and an eighth-generation Floridian.

Shannon is a wife, mother, writer, and speaker who longs to bring hope and healing to hurting and grieving people through her ministry, From the Ruins.

Shannon made her way from Michigan to San Diego to Southwest Florida back to Michigan again, where she lives with her husband, twin boys and adorable daughter who rocks an extra 21st chromosome. When she is not with her family, tending the house, or behind the chair doing hair (she's a hair stylist), yoga, reading and drinking lots and lots of coffee are what fill in the rest of her time.

Shannon DeGarmo knows what it means to be a bounce back woman. At age 26, she woke to the sick realization that her husband was living a double life. Within months, he was in prison and she was suddenly a single woman with two young children, a mortgage, no job, and no college education to fall back on. Shannon’s poignant story is one of denial and betrayal, followed by personal discovery and renewal. On a road filled with despair, she experienced the power of faith in God and herself that allowed her to believe that her very best days were ahead. In a remarkable comeback, she sold her house, moved in with her parents, returned to college, and earned her bachelor's degree in teaching and master’s degree in education, while navigating raising her two wonderful children. She is happily re-married, and finds purpose and joy in encouraging women to discover their true identity and divine destiny through the same faith in God that rescued her.

Sharita is an introvert highly addicted to earl grey tea and essential oils. Though struck with the wanderlust gene, she's also prone to travel adventures off the beaten path.

Sharyn is a Registered Dietitian and business owner! While health is one passion, the other is being a wife and mom to her husband and two young daughters in their home base of Seattle, WA.

When she isn’t working her own business, chasing her toddler or waddling around very pregnant she is helping her husband with his custom woodworking and leather making business. Shay lives in a historic 100 year old home, enjoys antiquing, loves DIY projects, being in the ocean and spending time with her family.

Sheena is a classically-trained ballerina, millennial, idea creator, and community-focused collaborator who believes in taking cookies out of the oven 2 minutes early. She’s a sailboat-living yogi with attitude who enjoys poetry, popcorn, and randomly planting vegetables for strangers to discover later. 

Former writing professor, Shelly is a published author who loves to exercise her gift of wanderlust and write about her adventures. She is married to her college sweetheart and has three adult daughters.

Sherry, a Licensed Independent Mental Health Professional, has a passion to help strengthen individuals and families to enjoy life to its fullest. She is married to her husband, Jeff, and has three grown children and two grandchildren.

Start writing about courage, it's a twisted way of holding yourself accountable to your crazy life. Or, you could move to the beach to stay sane. I did both.

Stephanie loves eating sushi, searching for pugs during her runs in the park, and learning to grow into the woman she's made to be.

Susan cherishes the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, the bloom of a Dogwood tree, and the taste of her mother’s pound cake. She betrays her roots by taking her tea “unsweetened.”

Sylvia: A believer in marriage and the power of living consciously.

Tanja Maduzia has always been a creator. She jokes that “you'd be hard-pressed to find another 8-year-old who took sidewalk chalk art and crafting projects during rainy-day recess more serious than me." Taking that passion into adulthood she is the go-to celebrity invitation designer for high profile, luxurious events, and influential clients through her company By Tanja.

Taylor was born and raised in South Carolina, and after a few years in Raleigh, NC now calls the beautiful city of Greenville, South Carolina home. She met her husband, Neal at the University of South Carolina and they have been married for almost four years. They laugh a lot, stay up way too late every night (it's basically college all over again but with a husband and no homework) and have a miniature poodle, Jet, who thinks he is a human child. If she had it her way, the food pyramid would primarily consist of tacos, chocolate ice cream, and breakfast food (She know's what you're thinking and the answer is yes, she WILL be your personal trainer). She loves mornings, reading a good book she can get lost in, and spending quality time with her husband, friends, and family. She can quote way too much of the TV show The Office, and her favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally. She's passionate about men, women, and children across the globe experiencing freedom, and is the founder + owner of Milk & Honey Market, an online fair trade boutique.

Teresa is admittedly not a cook, gardener, or skilled at crafts or anything Pinterest. She only has a kitchen because it came with her house and boasts that she has never mowed "a lawn".

Valli is a military bride who writes about raising kids with cochlear implants, military life, and other things from the heart.

Tina is a single, tie-dye sporting, tenacious lover of adventure and the outdoors, torn between the mountains and the ocean.

Active Military Service member, Single Mother, Photographer, Fitness Enthusiast fueled by caffeine, altruism, grit, and grace. 

Sarah Beth's goal in life is to show others that our mistakes do not have to define us.

Whitney is a wife, mama of three, worship leader, extrovert, and writer. She also loves reading, running, music, community, mountains, and Jesus. Oh, and list-making.

The Grit and Grace Project will periodically have guest contributors who are willing to share their challenging stories. When they do, we are thankful, but we are also aware that sometimes this can open them up to comments that will potentially cut at the tender skin of healed wounds. When we have one of those writers, it is our choice to keep them anonymous. Personal stories shared are excellent teaching tools, and their corresponding lessons can still be learned while never knowing a name.

Some of our favorite articles for strong women and those who want to be.

Occasionally The Grit and Grace Project has a guest writer who has written a new and fresh article on a subject we want to tackle. So we just have to share with you, even if they are reticent to put their name on it. Enjoy today's guest writer!

Janine loves to see the fading image of her career as a sole practitioner CPA in the rearview mirror as she continues to put months, years, and miles between licensed tax work and shinier prizes like coffee dates and writing groups. She lives with her husband in Bend, Oregon with their above-average yellow Labrador Retriever, Pearl. The two sons of this memorable and life-tested marriage live within hours and a few mountain ranges. Both sons are unbelievably handsome and married to exceptional women. Janine has been an active and maturing member of a local faith fellowship in Bend. Discipleship and walking side by side with younger women has been a priority of hers for years and she now is releasing words onto paper continuing that voice and fulfilling her love for writing.

My career hasn't been straightforward, but it certainly has had an orientation: understanding people for their good. I see my experience in behavioral economics, writing, research, survey design and analysis, travel, journalism, public policy, and teaching as opportunities for listening to, connecting, and benefiting people. I love making sense of complex research, writing about it so that that non-researchers can understand its implications. And I really love getting the story right.​

Krista Larson lives in Illinois with her husband, Brad, of thirty-something years. Their life has been blessed with two wonderful children, Clayton and Chloe, and a wonderful son-in-law, Trent. They were also rescued by a very cool dog named Jake.

Meet Paige, a passionate and joy-loving individual who wants to share her positive energy with everyone. Paige is a published writer and seasoned communications professional, who has honed her craft in the corporate world. She has a wealth of experience in the field, and her unique combination of creativity and practicality has allowed her to create powerful and effective communication campaigns. In her 9 to 5, Paige is known for her ability to connect with audiences and convey messages in a clear and compelling way. But Paige's talents don't stop there. When she isn't working, Paige can often be found in the kitchen whipping up new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. Her love for cooking is a reflection of her desire to create and to bring joy to others. Paige is also an avid lover of the outdoors and enjoys spending time in nature, particularly in the beautiful Arizona sunshine.

Nica knows firsthand the devastating blow that infidelity and betrayal cause. It’s not just the ruptured relationship—it’s also the succession of losses that can throw a woman’s world off its axis. But the losses don’t have to dictate the course of her life, and heartache doesn’t need to be her home. Nica is a compassionate traveling companion who walks alongside those navigating recovery and healing. Check out forherhealing.com (forthcoming!) for resources, support, process groups, and more.

Heather is a seasoned Bible Teacher, Author, and Podcast Host, with a passion for helping women unearth the treasures of God within His Word. Beyond these roles, her heart belongs to the most cherished job in the world: being an ordinary mother. You can often find Heather cheering on the sidelines of her kid’s sports, supervising Saturday morning chores, or unpacking boxes as her family has relocated 14 times throughout her husband's Air Force career. Her fervent desire is to empower women to read and study God's Word independently, enabling them to discover its profound wisdom and enduring truths.

Angela Townsend bears witness to mercy for all beings as Development Director at Tabby’s Place: a Cat Sanctuary. This was not the vocation she expected with an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, but love is a wry author of lives. Angie also has a B.A. from Vassar College. Angie has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 32 years, giggles with her mother every morning, and delights in the moon. She lives in a warmhearted nook of Pennsylvania with two shaggy comets disguised as cats.