My Story

From a young age, I was drawn to Jesus. His love, mercy, grace, and peace captivated me. When I was nine, I went to church camp and made a decision for Christ. I felt His Spirit invite me into a relationship with Him, and I said yes. I couldn’t get enough of Him. I was eager to learn more about who He was and how I could follow Him. Immediately following this life changing decision and my baptism, I spent a lot of time at church, in God’s Word, and simply sitting with Jesus. 

I was raised in a loving home where rules mattered and doing your part was expected. We were also part of a church culture that emphasized right choices and outward behavior. Over time, I found myself striving to be “good enough,” yet constantly feeling like I was falling short.

As a young adult, I stumbled into sin and was overwhelmed by guilt and shame. I believed the lie that God was disappointed in me, and I began to drift away from my faith community during college. Even then, I knew God was still with me. He never stopped pursuing me but I couldn’t bring myself to return.

Shortly after moving to Kansas City, I was with some friends when one of them asked, “How do you know if you’re saved?” That one question stopped me in my tracks. In that moment, I felt the Lord call my name and say, “Are you done running? It’s time to come home.” His unending love and grace washed over me, and I immediately turned back to Him.

In the weeks and months that followed, I came to understand that receiving God’s free gift of grace and mercy is about so much more than salvation—it’s about an authentic, ongoing relationship with my Savior and Lord. He reminds me often of His goodness and faithfulness. I’m so grateful to be His beloved daughter.

I married my best friend, Shad, and together we started a family. Life, however, did not come without its challenges. We decided that I would stay home and work part-time so I could raise our children—a decision that proved to be the right one, as a couple of our kiddos needed additional support. Between therapy appointments, office visits, and caring for our home, my days were full.

There were moments I found myself asking, “Why us?”and in His kindness, God gently shifted my perspective. He helped me see that it wasn’t about us, but about the people we would meet and the lives we could touch through our circumstances. That realization changed everything. I began looking for ways to encourage others and understood more clearly that our testimonies—our life stories—are not meant to be kept, but shared.

I’ve always had a natural bent toward creativity, finding peace and renewal in the act of creating. Throughout my life, I’ve expressed this gift in many ways; from crafting and designing spaces to teaching art and hosting creative gatherings. Along the way, God planted a dream in my heart: to share this gift in a way that points people to Jesus and reminds them of His goodness and faithfulness.

For a long time, I questioned that calling and sat on the dream, allowing fear and delayed obedience to hold me back. Now, I know it’s time to stop waiting. I’ve put my yes on the table and am stepping out in faith.

After years of prayer, I am excited to share the birth of a dream that is named Unlocked Grace. Jesus is the key that unlocks redeeming, saving, eternal grace for you and for me.   

UNLOCKED GRACE MISSION IS TO REFLECT THE LOVE OF THE FATHER, REMEMBER THE GOODNESS OF GOD AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO PUT THEIR FAITH AND HOPE IN JESUS WHILE CONTINUING TO FALL MORE IN LOVE WITH HIM DAY BY DAY.

I’m so glad you’re here. This is only the beginning—there is so much more to come. With open hands and my yes on the table, I’m choosing to trust Him fully. Wherever He leads, I will go. Thank you for joining me on this beautiful journey of faith.