Kelly Jo

I always had a plan for retirement. I was going to travel and give back to my community. I wanted a camper van, and I wanted to travel with my partner and see all those amazing places we had dreamed about. I wasn’t exactly sure what “giving back” was going to look like. While I […]

While planning my bucket list and thinking about dog road trip essentials, I realized I was so excited about traveling that I had completely forgotten about Buck. I had been traveling for years with Brandon, but now my new traveling partner has no clue what he’s getting into—except the front seat of my car. And

Over a year ago, my life changed. My retirement plans changed, too, and for a while I was stuck in a place I wasn’t sure I was going to get through. I was on the verge of turning 60. Retirement was just around the corner, and here I was with no real plan. I grieved.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Do you ever wonder if life is leading you to a place you are meant to be? That there is a plan only the universe knows, and it is constantly changing as you live your life? I thought I had my life and my retirement figured

I’ve always been someone who wants to fix things. Give me a problem, and my mind immediately starts looking for a solution. That trait served me well during my working years. As a team leader, I learned to listen to both sides, solve problems, balance different needs, and find a way forward. For a long

Every year, as Memorial Day approaches, I find myself thinking about what this day truly means. It’s easy to get caught up in the long weekend, barbecues, parades, and the unofficial beginning of summer. But for many families—mine included—Memorial Day carries a much deeper meaning. I often hear people say, “Thank you for your service,”

There are some places where the scenery is beautiful enough to make you stop and stare—until you learn the history and realize those mountains have some stories to tell. Donner Pass is one of those places.High in California’s Sierra Nevada near Truckee, Donner Pass is surrounded by granite mountains, pine forests, and spectacular views. Today,

Last fall, I set out on my very first solo trip to Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan—a journey that turned out to be both peaceful and empowering. The crisp air and autumn colors made it the perfect time to visit. Leaves shimmered in shades of gold and crimson, and everywhere I turned seemed to offer

What Does Pain Really Mean? Everyone has felt pain at some point—a headache, a paper cut, a stubbed toe, or even a broken bone. Those are the kinds of pain most people understand. But what if the pain never went away? What if it followed you through every step, every morning, and every ordinary thing

In recent years, I’ve felt as though the church has become less present in everyday life. Sometimes I wonder whether the change began with the pandemic or whether COVID simply accelerated something that was already happening. When churches began streaming services online, worship became more accessible for many people. There is certainly value in that,