Hi, I’m Shelly!
I am an author, podcast host, speaker, and Contentment Coach living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. I met my husband here at Ridgecrest Ministries “way back in the 1900’s,” as my kids love pointing out, and now we get to call it home as he leads this remarkable organization which impacts tens of thousands of lives each year. I love a good full-circle story. When I’m not searching for my keys or leaving my phone behind in bathrooms across the country, I love studying the Bible and teaching its truths to other women.
My Favorites
First and foremost: I love Jesus.
And right behind that? Family, friends, queso, chocolate, coffee with sweet cream, Dr. Pepper, puppies, game nights, the beach, Amazon Prime, Wal-Mart Delivery, laughter, hope, and Starbucks hot lattes.
My love language is humor—make me laugh and I’m yours forever. Just ask my husband. We’ve been miraculously married for 31 years, and he still makes me laugh (both with him and, let’s be honest, at him). It’s a good thing, too, since a slew of tears have warmed my cheeks in-between the pants-wetting episodes of laughter. (I should have done my kegels).
I clean my house and cook…when we’re having company over (just me?).
But more consistently, I meet with Jesus and practice living in His peace-filled and purpose-packed presence. And His Spirit empowers me to fully live the life I’ve been dealt.
My People
I have four adult kids (2 from the womb and 2 from the heart of Rwanda) who have wrestled with developmental and medical trauma, anxiety, and the inevitable effects of being raised by deeply flawed parents. (Just us?) Through it all, they continue to teach me about grace. I love them fiercely and they are honestly (mostly) fun to be around.
I have a wonderful daughter-in-law who jumped right into our chaos and loved us right back. My cup is filled to overflowing anytime I can get them all gathered around the table for an intense game of Catan, Clue, or Codenames.
My Current Chaos
My mid-life crisis finds me pursuing a master’s degree in biblical and theological studies at Western Seminary. I’m also getting ready for what will most likely be my favorite role yet: becoming a grandma (“Nonna”) this November 2026!
How About You?
Do you wrestle with disappointment, discouragement or discontent? Are you feeling stuck in your own story? I’d love to help you cultivate contentment in your current season.
