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 it.

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 prep), joy does come in the morning. God is faithful — and you’re stronger than you think. 🫶

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 you who fear God, while I declare what He has done for me. When I appealed to Him in words, praise was on the tip of my tongue.” Psalm 66:16-17

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 stuck in your heads just like these songs are stuck in mine. 

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 avoid, and maybe, just maybe, finally move the towel. 🦁🙈

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 tired, this one's your reminder to keep going. God’s with you. And apparently... so is caffeine. 🙌☕Let’s do this.

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 forgets you—ever. So if you need a little soul hug today, this one’s for you. Let’s lift each other up and be a little more Barnabas-y while we’re at it. 🫶

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 to ground us, fuel us, and help us keep going.Let’s laugh about it, find the good, and remind ourselves that hope often hides in the ordinary.

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 the way.

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 heels of Mother’s Day, this one’s a shout-out to all the mamas showing up, loving big, and doing the sacred, messy, holy work of motherhood. You’re doing better than you think. 💐💪

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 burden scares Him. The only thing He’s overwhelmed with is love for you. So call Him, maybe.

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 that’s exactly where God does His best work.

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 proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

We’re in the thick of it—the middle of Lent. And let’s be real, the middle is always the hardest. The excitement of the beginning has faded, and Easter feels far away. Whether your sacrifices feel heavy, your resolutions have slipped, or you’re just plain tired, don’t quit now. The middle is where perseverance is built, where grace is poured out, and where transformation happens. Keep going. Light is coming. Joy is coming. Let’s talk about how to press on with hope!

No tropical vacay? No problem. You’re not the only one who didn’t jet off for spring break—but let’s be real, it’s not about where you go, it’s about how you spend your time. And time? It’s flying. Kids growing up, parents getting older, stuck in the same old job… So, how are you spending your days? And more importantly—what are you gonna do about it? Let’s talk about making the most of the moments we have, right where we are.

Lent isn’t just a season—it’s spiritual training for the biggest event of the year: Easter! 💪🏼 Just like an athlete preps for the big game, we’re called to strengthen our hearts, minds, and souls for the victory ahead. In this episode, we’re talking about why we don’t need to be afraid of sacrifice, struggle, or even failure during Lent. Because when we train with Jesus, we don’t just endure—we grow. Let’s get ready for Easter with courage and purpose!

You ever hit a week so tough that Friday feels like a whole lifetime away? Like, *how am I supposed to survive five more days of this?* The truth is—we’re not meant to. We’re meant to take it *one* day at a time because God gives us exactly what we need *for today*. Not next week, not next month—just enough grace, strength, peace, joy (and yes, even cash money) for *right now*. In this episode, we’re talking about learning to trust God’s timing, stop stressing over the future, and rest in the fact that He’s never late with our daily bread, even if we wish it were a Costco sized loaf. 

This week, ya girl is diving deep into confidence—why you need it, how to grow it, and what’s holding you back. Whether you’re struggling to step up, speak out, or just own your space, I’ve got you covered. Get ready for real talk, practical tips, and a little humor to help you walk in the confidence God wants for you. Let’s go! 💃🔥

Ever feel like your creative side is just a cute little hobby? Nope—it's a *calling*! Whether you're painting, writing, baking, decorating, or making hilarious Instagram reels, your creativity isn’t just for you. 🫢 It blesses others, fills your soul, and (most importantly) gives glory to God. In this episode, we’re talking about why you *need* to create, how it impacts the world around you, and why holding back your gifts is basically like hiding a plate of warm cookies (or chilled champagne) from your friends. Rude, right? Let’s get into it! ✍️ 🍪 🍾 

We celebrate our wedding anniversary this week so today I’m talking about marriage, miracles, and one unforgettable wedding reception story (trust me, you’ll laugh). But let’s get real—marriage isn’t always a party. It’s about choosing your spouse *again and again*, even in the hard stuff. Inspired by the Wedding at Cana, we’re diving into how Jesus shows up in the mess, the joy, and yes, even the wine. 

Ever feel stuck trying to make the "right" decision? In this episode, we’re chatting about how to invite God into the process and find peace, no matter which path you take. We’ll talk about the power of prayer, trusting God’s plan, and how He can create something beautiful out of our lives—even when we’re not sure we chose the perfect option. Join me for a down-to-earth conversation about making decisions with faith and confidence!

In this episode, we’re chatting about the 80/20 rule when it comes to marriage. Spoiler alert: your spouse can’t meet 100% of your needs, and that’s totally okay! We’ll talk about why it’s important to have friends, hobbies, and interests outside of your relationship, and how understanding that people are wired differently can actually make your marriage stronger. Plus, we’ll get real about why only God can truly fulfill us. Grab a coffee and join the conversation!

Ever feel like you’re not hearing from God? Maybe it’s time to check what you’re putting in. In this episode, we’re diving into how the things we consume—our thoughts, habits, and even our downtime—shape what flows out of us. We’ll talk about how God is always ready to speak if we make space for Him, practical ways to hear His voice, and why getting intentional about what we take in can change everything. Let’s get real, get practical, and get closer to God together. 

Ever feel like you don’t quite deserve God’s grace? Same here. But here’s the thing—God didn’t wait for us to “earn” Jesus before He gave us the best gift ever. It’s kind of like when our kids act up right before Christmas (you know, the meltdowns, the chaos), but we still put gifts under the tree anyway. In this episode, we’re chatting about how God’s love works the same way—totally unearned, always given. Let’s talk about this amazing truth and how it changes everything!

Let’s talk about the mental load - endless to-do lists, schedules, and invisible responsibilities that you carry every day.  Women may be equipped to think about a million things at once, and it’s easy to feel like you have to handle it all, but you don’t! Ask for help and lighten your mental and (physical) loads.

Listen to a special episode today as I remember my cousin Matthew, as well as remind you (especially in this Christmas season), that when you’re busy, tired or burdened, you go to Jesus. He will give you rest.

In this episode, I dive into the importance of starting before you feel ready and trusting God with the outcome. Whether it’s messy, cringe-worthy, or feels imperfect, obedience is what matters. Take the first step in faith and let God work through your efforts. Stop overthinking and start doing the work He’s calling you to do!

Listen up! You were created on purpose, for purpose, and God has given you the gift of today - whatever it entails - for a reason. 

Mindset always matters - what we think about expands! And when we are enduring trials, it can be hard to stay positive. But we must! St. Paul reminds us to rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, and persevere in prayer because Jesus walks with us always.

There’s nothing worse than walking out to a car problem when you’re trying to get to work. And there’s nothing better than when your husband comes out and fixes it.