Posts Categorized: Blog

Bigger and Braver

Bailey and Ellie holding a skating board at the beach

Hi There! I am writing you today from Mission Beach in sunny San Diego. I’m here to speak to and encourage an amazing group of Keller Williams real estate agents! Ellie and my Aunt Betty came with me from Texas and we met my parents, brother, and sister-in-law here as my parents were already here… Read more »

Challenged, Committed, Connected

Bailey at the interview at her house

Happy New Year! I’ve always loved the concept of a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. It fills my heart with so much hope and anticipation for what can be. Every New Year’s Eve I reflect on the past year, on the lessons I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, the things I’m grateful… Read more »

Gratitude Changes Everything

Bailey and Ellie at the thanksgiving party

“I wish Daddy was here. Making cookies in the easy bake oven would be way more fun with me, you, and Daddy,” Ellie said. “I couldn’t agree more, El-bug,” I replied. Then I wrapped my arms around her and said, “It’s OK to miss Daddy.” We had this conversation on Christmas day and it still… Read more »

Forward Momentum

Bailey and her friend posing for a picture at the Dallas relay event

Hi Friend! A couple of weeks ago I found myself in a predicament. A friend of mine, whom I really respect and admire, messaged me to ask if I was still doing a lot of running. She’s always been an incredible athlete. She was four grades ahead of me in school and I always looked… Read more »

Remembering My Worth

Bailey in green color t-shirt posing for a picture

Hello! Has someone you loved ever said something to you that caused you to feel like you were not good enough for them or just “less than”? Like they passed a judgment on you and then you felt really discouraged, to the point you forgot where your intrinsic value as a person comes from? I… Read more »

30 Was Fun, Now on to 31!

Bailey in denim jean shirt and white jeans

Hi Friend! Today I turn the Big 31! I know I normally post on Wednesdays, but I wanted to share my birthday with you, so I’m posting today! I want to start by thanking you for following my family’s journey, praying for us, supporting Andrew’s books, A Gray Faith and The Ellie Project, giving me… Read more »

Happy Birthday Andrew

Bailey and Andrew posing for a picture at the wedding

Ellie and I went to church last night. There was this moment in the service when I was holding her, our faces pressed together, side by side, and we each had a hand raised to the sky as we worshiped God while belting out the words to the song, “You Are the Light.” In that… Read more »

The Healing Power of Writing

Hello! Happy almost-Thanksgiving! Today, I was inspired to share how writing has been a tool to create more healing in my life. Throughout my 30 years so far, I have had over 20 journals. The earliest one dates back to the 3rd grade and is filled with  my no-spaces-between-words writing I can now hardly read…. Read more »

John Maxwell + The Ellie Project

Ellie posing for a picture in Stoll and Santa's shoes

Hi!! I wanted to share an exciting story that happened in my life and it includes you! A few weeks ago, my parents went to their third Exchange conference put on by the amazing John Maxwell. If you aren’t familiar with John, he is the expert on leadership (check out his site here http://www.johnmaxwell.com/). Exchange… Read more »

Ellie’s Legacy

Ellie checking her father health with the stethoscope

“Because Dad died, God might want me to really love Mama so you’re not alone.” These were the words straight out of my little girl, Ellie’s, mouth a few nights ago. I’m consistently in awe of her massively compassionate heart. It blows me away that at 4 years old, she thinks these deep thoughts. Then… Read more »