Sometimes life is tricky.

If you have ever wrestled with defining your identity and purpose, you probably know what I mean. I have looked at my life and thought, “This isn’t at all what I thought I wanted,” only to realize it’s exactly what I needed. Have you ever wondered if you should pursue what you want from life, or be what others need from you? Have you longed to be something more, someone better than who you are now? I have, too. I want to inspire people to improve their lives and become better. I want send well-crafted words out into the world, and help other writers do the same. And I want to bring a spark of joy, a little fun, add some flavor and beauty along the way. 

If you’re a mom who’s lost the sense of who you are, if you’re a creative who needs a little validation and maybe a push to do the work of creating, if you’re tired of feeling like crap and you need some fitness information and information, or even if you’re a foodie looking for a few really good recipes, check out my blog, read my book, or ask about my coaching. I’ve got a lot of things going on around here, and there’s a good chance there’s something here for you.

Stories hold the secrets of life.

Do you know what story addiction feels like? Thinking about a book or a movie long after it’s over. Staying up way too late because “just one… more… chapter…” Bingeing shows because you have to know what happens next. Story addiction is real, but it might not necessarily be a problem.

Stories speak to me. I’ve been reading for so long that I don’t remember learning how, and I’ve been writing stories since Kindergarten. My own story has been a little bland, but I’m constantly looking for ways to spice things up with a little fun, or sweeten them up with some delicious goodies. I’m a pastor’s wife and mom who loves hanging out with friends, leading worship, working out, and baking to relieve stress. I’ve spent half my life in ministry, and that’s been quite a ride. I’ve gained friends and lost them, and I’ve seen the church come around my family and support us through some difficult times.

I’ve seen a lot of life. The good, the bad, and a whole lot of somewhere in between. I’ve lived and loved and laughed through all of it. Since I was a teenager, I’ve been writing about it. I write stories and journals. I’ve read a lot of great books and a lot of just okay ones, too. I’ve seen a lot of movies. I know what makes a good story. When I find one, either in my own life or in the pages of a book or on a screen, I have to share. I know the tug at my heart when a good story whispers, “You can be better.” There is transforming power in a good story.

I believe, as C. S. Lewis did, that every great story is a reflection of the greatest story. Everything I write comes from my Christian worldview, the beliefs about God and the world that are the core of my being. I don’t think we have to share the same beliefs in order to love the same stories. I’m just inviting you to come to my table, share some of the good things of life, enjoy what you can, and take away what you will.

Here’s my little secret… Sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing.

I’m pretty good at hacking my way through life. I do a lot of things adequately and a few things well, and I’m constantly adding to my repertoire. Lots of times, I write about those things. I write about not knowing what the heck I’m doing. I write about the struggle of getting through life. I write about what is important to me, but I’ve found that what is important to me often resonates with someones else, too. So if the struggle bus runs you over some days before it picks me up, you’ve found a friend here. Sometimes my life is as messy as the ink on this page. And sometimes, the mess has beauty in it, too.

What to expect from me:

• Allie On Life Blog, focusing on seven areas of life goals
• A (mostly) weekly email with updates on posts and what’s going on around here
• Good stories, both real and fictional
• Tools, products, courses, and methods I’ve found, used, follow, and love or that have helped me

I’m not an expert or a salesperson, I’m an adventurer who wants to enjoy life for all its beauty and transformational power. I love inviting other adventurers to join me in my journey. Will you?