Jessica K.

April 28, 2024 by Gabriela YarelizProfiles, Uncategorized

Today, Jessica speaks to us about her podcast and movement, suffering and some books you will want to add to your list. Thank you, Jessica!

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in a small town, with supportive and loving parents who taught me the importance of God in my life. We went to church every Sunday. My siblings were much older than me, so I would say I was an “only child” for most of my childhood. This led me to spending a lot of time with my grandma who lived close by. We would bond over board games, game shows, cheese and crackers, sweets and tea. I am blessed to say I have so many wonderful memories with my family! My heart swells at the gift that they are to me!

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be bold and courageous; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” I’m easily subject to the fear of rejection. But this verse reminds me to walk boldly with the Lord. As long as I am walking in His will, His will shall prevail!

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Fearing the Lord more than pleasing man. Learning not to sacrifice my identity and integrity at the altar of approval.

Profession/Mission: To help other women know how extremely precious and loved by the Lord they are, and to use my fascination and interest of health & fitness to uplift them in stewarding their health.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? God’s Faithfulness is Greater than Your Flaws. You aren’t as good at messing up your life as you think you are…God redeems. He has the power to make all wrongs right!

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I encountered Him in a very personal way during my first year of college when I first moved away from my family. I had a hard time coping with all of my new realities and challenges, and God drew me in with a sermon online that spoke to my heart. It was from that moment I realized He was the answer to everything in my life!

How would you describe Jesus? He is so beautiful…I was recently meditating on why we would ever turn away from Him, but I came to the realization that it is because He is so incredibly beautiful and wonderful and good, that sometimes we just can’t bear it or fathom it.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? For the better in every way. He has changed the way I approach suffering, pain, heartache, love, patience, joy…everything! I don’t like thinking about who I would’ve been if He hadn’t intervened in my life at the time He did.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? Two of the darkest times in my life were when I first moved away from home, and when I experienced postpartum depression after my first baby. Oh, how God has redeemed those seasons for me! He has used those moments of suffering to soften my heart and refine me! I am THANKFUL for those moments. I am thankful for how He changed the way in which I see the world around me! He also taught me that suffering is temporary (whether that be for a time on Earth, or when we finally leave this Earth), and to lean into Him during the storm.

“He has used those moments of suffering to soften my heart and refine me!”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Taking the time to get to know God for His character through His Word. Also, coming to the end of myself in my circumstances- especially when I grow impatient with my children. When I realize how weak I truly am, that’s when God shows up strongly in my life.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): The Well-Watered Woman by Gretchen Saffles- what a beautiful book revealing the way Jesus wraps us in His arms. This book demonstrates the way we thirst for Jesus, and He also thirsts for us! Also, The Theology of the Body by Saint Pope John Paul II- this book is so great for understanding sexuality, masculinity and femininity; things I believe we have become lost to in our current generation.

Top three essentials: Prayer, my family and friends, and good food.

How did God speak to you recently? I was able to get in some quiet time recently (something I haven’t done in a long time with little kiddos), and I was talking to Him about what He wants me to know about myself – I heard Him say “look up at the cross- you are worth dying for” (which I believe applies to all of us). My heart broke, because I know that I am not worthy in all my sin- I am worthy because He chose to make me worthy. What a gift! How can I live in self-pity when I know this truth?

Hobby: I’m going to say fitness, because anytime I have a free moment, I love to move my body!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1. Prayer – you need communication, and to spend time with God, just as you would with any human relationship, for it to flourish. 2. Repentance – God is close to the humble and contrite heart (Isaiah 57:15). Bear your heart before Him. Let Him lift you up in your weakness! 3. Get to know WHO God is – this will seal the deal.

Favorite person in scripture? My first choice is the apostle Paul. I love the way He isn’t afraid to say it as it is. He is brave, bold, and on fire for the Lord! I also love David – he is flawed and makes so many mistakes, but ultimately, He was a man after God’s own heart!

How do you engage with your community? I am present mostly on Instagram and my podcast Faithfully Fit Motherhood.

Favorite holiday? I love the season of Lent and Easter. It is a time of great reflection for me. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith- there is no other story in the world like His!!!

A goal you have? To embrace and even rejoice in the ordinary!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Getting together for supper at least once a week with our parents. I hold those moments close to my heart!

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Healthcare, and the lack of support from our governments to give people preventative care. That’s why I love teaching women about nutrition and fitness!

What does your morning routine consist of? Prayer, breakfast, coffee and taking it slow with my littles.

What is on your nightstand? Lamp, Bible, stack of books I want to read, lotion, Yeti water bottle, photo I found in my parents’ Bible, a thermometer, and magnesium spray.

Define Christianity in a sentence: A relationship with the one, True God who will unlock the fullest potential and needs of your beating heart!