Real Talk with Jessica Grizzaffi

Life is a lot like traffic. You didn’t plan on the delay, you definitely didn’t ask for construction, and unlike your GPS, you don’t know what trials are 3 miles ahead! We would all love to avoid traffic (and suffering), but even when it comes, God’s asking us to trust we’re on the right route. 

Happiness doesn’t run on a single timeline—and neither does marriage. In this episode, I share why your 40s can feel like the bottom of the view, why that doesn’t mean you’re behind, and how connection, community, and commitment (especially as we approach our 15th wedding anniversary) shape a life that keeps getting better. If you’ve been feeling late to the party, this one’s for you.

Some of God’s greatest protection is unseen. While you’re living your life, He’s working in the background—allowing, redirecting, shielding. If things feel heavy right now, don’t forget: God is always working for your good. Which is why you can confidently say, “Everything is always working out for me.” 🫶

Success isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it looks like perseverance. Sometimes gratitude. Sometimes simply showing up! 😅 Advent reminds us that even in the highs, lows, and in-between, we can anticipate with joy, and God gives us daily wins worth celebrating. 🫶🙏🏻

Advent is all about waiting and expecting, and guess what? No one likes to wait. 😆 And the only thing worse than waiting?? Worrying while we do it! As much as we want to be, God is the one Who’s in charge. So instead of worrying about outcomes, let’s work on waiting well, and choosing to trust in His goodness and in His timing. Remember - He’s got the whole world in His hands, not just a part of...

God never asks us to fix everything in one day - He just asks for today’s yes. And in this episode I’m talking about starting small. Whether you’ve never stuck to sunscreen, exercise, or prayer, it’s not too late to start! Take the first step today, and then take another one tomorrow. It’s never too late to begin again.

The Aggies won… and so did I. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of the game I didn’t really want to go to — not because I don’t love my fam, but because I needed a minute to breathe. You ever feel that? This is an honest convo about giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and take the pause you need so you can show up with joy for the people you love most.

Some days healing feels like a full-time job — whether it’s recovering from surgery, nursing a sore heart, or just trying to keep it together when life keeps handing you “growth opportunities.” But here’s the good news: every single day, through the grace and strength of God, we are getting better and better. His mercies are new every morning, and even when it’s tough (or involves a colonoscopy pr...

Change is uncomfortable. 🥴 Job hunting is intimidating. 🫣  And trusting God with your future? That can feel like a free fall. 🫠 But here’s the truth: your Good Shepherd never leads you astray! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to step into the unknown—searching for a new job, embracing change, and remembering that God provides every step of the way. 🙏🏻

Ever had a perfectly planned day (or life) go completely sideways? 🙋‍♀️ Same. We map out our agendas, and God’s up there laughing, “Cute plan, bless her heart.” The truth is, life is full of detours that can feel like destruction in the moment—but often they’re actually divine protection. Even when everything feels out of control, He’s still in control… and always working for our good.

First day back to school usually means I’m doing cartwheels (modified, of course, so I don’t pull my groin). But today, I feel… sad? Maybe it’s because it’s also the four year anniversary of my double mastectomy, bringing me back to all God has done. From lunchbox tears to deep gratitude, let’s talk about holding both joy and grief, and remembering His faithfulness in every season.  “Hear now, all...

My kids have been obsessed with all things movie/musical this summer—and honestly, I’m here for it. 🎶 Well, I’m here for most of it. (Zombies? I can't get behind that one.) 🧟 🤦🏻‍♀️ And here’s the thing: God can speak through anything…even Disney song-and-dance. And His message? It’s the same one Prince Ben of the Descendants sings - My love for you is ridiculous. ❤️ I hope that truth gets...

Ever look around and think, “Wait…do I have no friends or did we just all get tired?” Let’s talk about how friendships change, why one solid, godly gal is better than a dozen surface ones, and how to pray for the right people in your corner. Spoiler: God always knows what (and who) you need.

You know what to do… so why don’t you do it? Like that towel on the porch that looks like an animal and scares you every time — but you still haven’t moved it. Why are we like this? 🤔 In this episode, we’re talking about the weird gap between knowing and doing, with a nod to Moses in Deuteronomy: “It’s already in your heart.” ❤️ So what’s the hold up? Let’s unpack the tiny (and big) things we avo...

After the heartbreaking floods in Kerr County, words feel small – but prayer is never wasted. God multiplies what little we have to offer. A simple prayer, a quiet act of love, a moment of compassion – anything above zero compounds. If you’re feeling helpless, you’re not alone. Keep showing up. Keep praying. God is still near. ❤️‍🩹

Newlyweds… bless their heart. 🤣 Marriage is awesome—but life is hard. Loving early on is easy. Choosing love later? That takes work. But that’s what the vows are for. They’re not just cute—they’re real . And your spouse? Still a gift… even when he keeps standing in front of the drawer you need to open. 💍🫠❤️

Just found a Starbucks gift card and suddenly I'm wide awake in the drive-thru line and ready to talk about St. Paul (who knows a thing or two about suffering). Today’s reading? Pure gold: Hard-pressed but not crushed. Struck down but not destroyed. 🙏🏻 The Christian life was never meant to be a walk in the park—but it’s never a walk alone. If you’re feeling beat up, left out, or just plain...

Feeling invisible? Like if you fell off the face of the earth, your only text would be from your dentist? 🤔 Let’s fix that. On today’s episode—fittingly on the feast of St. Barnabas, the OG Encourager—I’m here to remind you that you are fully known and deeply loved . ❤️‍🔥 Not just by me (though I do think you're a baddie), but by God the Father, who sees you, knows your heart, and never for...

Summer’s here, routines are out the window, your job might still be meh—but hey, at least the new hand soap in the office bathroom smells like a freaking dream! And sometimes? That’s enough to keep you going. In this episode, we’re talking about the importance of having something— anything —to look forward to. From big dreams to small joys (yes, even new soap), we need little sparks of happiness t...

What do rollerblades, bruised knees, and fearless kids have to teach us about life? A lot. On Memorial Day, we hit the roller rink and I watched kids fall over and over—and get right back up, grinning. No shame, no hesitation. Just joy. This episode is a reminder that life knocks us down , but we don't have to stay there. Let’s talk about falling, getting back up, and finding the fun along th...

There’s a lot we can’t control—just ask the ancient Roman emperors who literally ruled the world and still had to chill. If they could wait to worry, so can we. Jesus wasn’t throwing out a casual suggestion when He said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” He meant it. Let’s stop spiraling and start surrendering. God’s got you.

Fresh off my first-ever PTA luncheon— moms mingling, wine flowing, and florals in full effect. In this episode, we're talking about how volunteering at school isn't every mom’s vibe (and that’s okay!). Whether you're chairing the fundraiser or just trying to get through drop-off without losing your mind, what matters most is being present for your kids in the ways that count. On the...

Ever had one of those days where you're sending out an SOS—emotionally, spiritually, maybe even physically? This episode is about the power of someone showing up when you need them most—and the comfort of knowing that even if no one picks up your earthly call, God always answers. He doesn’t screen, He’s never too busy, and He wants you to call—every hour, every meltdown, every praise. No burd...

Ever feel like your heart’s doing cartwheels and crying at the same time? Same. Life is full of both/and moments—happy and sad, thankful and tired, full of faith and totally unsure. This week, we’re talking about living in the tension—those messy, beautiful in-betweens—through the lens of Easter morning, when Mary left the empty tomb overjoyed and fearful. There’s holiness in the “and,” and maybe...

Holy Week is here—and between school, sports, and sibling squabbles, it’s easy to miss the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways God is pouring out His grace. But friend, this week is sacred. It’s not just about what happened then —it’s what Jesus is doing now . Tune in as we talk about being spiritually awake, emotionally present, and open to all the love and mercy God is lavishing on us. “ But God prove...