Hello there, dearie!
I’m Kristen, and I’m so happy to meet you. I’m wife to a U.S. Air Force Veteran, mama to three delightful teens, and your change mentor, belonging helper, and all around listening friend. I write to offer you fresh air encouragement for every season of your life by helping you see your specific season through the filter of God’s care and provision. I love to write stories that help you make sense of your own and help you see your season with more hope and less worry. Here’s some ways I’d love to connect with you:
Monthly Newsy-Notes
Once a month, I love to meet with a group I affectionately call my porch friends. (I’m standing on my porch here!) Within that newsletter, I share stories of a more personal nature as well as favorite books I’m reading and other goings-on. My porch friends are the very first to hear important information and news.
If you’re interested in signing up, you may do so here. You may also subscribe to receive any new posts from this blog as well as from my other online writing home, (in)courage.
Order my new book!
Second, I have a new book that JUST released! Cupcakes for everyone!
In a world of increasing technology, we are more connected today than any other generation. Then why do we feel lonely, as if we’re on the outside looking in? Or like we’re missing out on something? In Back Roads to Belonging, find your road map to your own place of belonging–no matter where you live.
Walk the slower pace with me and learn how to create an environment of connection within our culture of disconnection. Along the way, learn simple, doable actions that not only will help you feel and know that you belong but will welcome others in as well.
You can read more about the book here, read endorsements, as well as order it from your favorite retailer (Amazon here and B&N here). Some links are affiliate links.
My first book:
In 2015, my first book Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You Through Life’s Transitions was published by Revell (Baker Publishing Group). It is written for any woman who has or has had an adversarial relationship with change and would like to gather a more hopeful vision of her personal life change. It includes not only my history with change but also the change stories of other woman. It is for any person who needs regular reminders as to the reasons for the change in her life. I hope this book is the safe place where your anxiety over the change in your life meets God’s sense of purpose found within it. You can read more about the book at www.girlmeetschange.com, and you can order it from your favorite bookseller including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or DaySpring. (All Amazon links are affiliate links.)
Free Small Group Companion Guide
Want to lead a small group discussion about Girl Meets Change or dive a little deeper into how God is using change for you? Access your copy of the small group companion guide here for FREE.
Want to be insta-buddies?
I’d love to hang out with you on instagram, my favorite form of social media! Connect with me there!
Free Change Challenge from Me to You
Could you use a more hopeful vision of the change in your life? If so, you might be interested in receiving my Free 7 Day Change Challenge. To get your pdf copy, simply enter your name and email right here and whether you’d like to receive notification for blogposts or my monthly-ish newsletter or both. Upon doing so, you’ll immediately receive a confirmation email. Once you confirm your subscription, the 7 Day Change Challenge will land in your inbox.
Also, visit here to access more freebies to encourage you through your season of change.
In addition to helping folks see change in a more hopeful light, I’ve been told my writing serves others by:
- encouraging the encourager
- championing military spouses and families
- serving as a change mentor
- providing perspective on developing friendships
- helping you find a renewed sense of belonging
- inspiring you to see yourself like Jesus does
- moving your identity and heart to rest in their true home
Speaking
Because of family commitments, I do a limited number of speaking engagements each year. If you’re interested in requesting me for your group or event, visit right here.
A little about Kristen
Born and raised under the wide-blue-skies of the Oklahoma prairies, I later attended Oklahoma State University before marrying my good military man, David, and finishing my degree in music education at Miami University of Ohio. David and I have been married for 23 years. We lived the US Air Force life until a few short years ago when he retired from active duty after 26 years of service. But I still write about military life from time to time, including this article on how to love on your military neighbors and friends.
I loved teaching music in public schools to Kindergarteners through 5th graders till the frequent moves, my husband’s traveling, and having twin sons made that too tricky. So I became a stay-at-home mama who rediscovered my childhood friend of writing as a way to process my grown-up thoughts and experiences.
In 2009, I talked 3 friends into starting a blog with me because I was too scared to do it by myself. With much talent of their own, Cheryl, Jen and Rebecca graciously wrote alongside me till 2011 when I began blogging at my own space right here.
David and I have 3 children, two of which are eighteen year old twin boys. They are different as night and day, really just brothers born at the same time. We also have a doe-eyed daughter who is a beautiful fifteen years old. I can’t imagine my life without these precious kiddos.
Our family has lived in Oklahoma, Ohio {twice}, New Mexico, Hawaii, and we now have our horses hitched in Rocky Mountain country of Colorado. The skies here are some of the clearest, most sparkling blue in the world , and I hope we can continue to drink them in for a good long while.
Ebook and other writings
I wrote an ebook called Serving You: 31 Days of Encouragement for the Military Wife. Serving You blends solid biblical truths with relevant, personal military life stories giving the military wife confidence in her calling while strengthening her heart for the demands this lifestyle requires. Topics explored include cultivating friendships, asking for help, marital roles when you’re flying solo, fighting fears, and adapting to change. It will strengthen your identity in Jesus, help you see yourself the way He does, and assure you that God – not Uncle Sam – has placed you where you are for a divine purpose.
You can buy it here on Kindle (or gift it to someone you know), get it on any computer, or purchase a pdf download.
Some of my more popular posts include the following:
If You’re a Lonely Mom of Big Kids or Teens
What to Do When You’re Waiting on Friendships
When You Need Friends But Have a Hard Time Finding Them
For the Days You Need to Practice What You Preach {and a friendship Prayer}
50 Reasons Why You the Military Wife Deserve a Standing Ovation
A Prayer for Sons {For All the Things I Forget to Remember}
One Thing That Happens Every Time You’re Brave
Why I want to See Broccoli in Your Teeth
For the Days You Wonder Why You Do What You Do
20 Ways to Love the Military Spouse in Your Neighborhood
What Every Bit of Bad News Holds
Prayer for the Strong-Willed Child
Other places you can find me:
Instagram (my fave!)
I am a monthly contributor for (in)courage, the blog of DaySpring.
I write to remind how Jesus fills every gap and need. I’m gonna be myself here, and I hope you feel this is a genuine place that encourages your soul, your relationships, and your faith. As you peruse this space, I pray you find authentic words and inspiring pictures that tell you of the fresh-air hope that is Jesus. You’re always welcome here!
May it be an inviting, relaxing place for you to experience a breath of fresh air by way of hopeful images and words. I’m so glad you’re here! Stay as long as you’d like.
Note: Many Amazon links in my posts are affiliate links. This means for every purchase you make through my affiliate link, I make a small percentage rate of earnings (at no additional cost to you). This just helps things keep on running here at this site!
