The News

If you’ve been around the REAL Women community for any length of time, you know that “REAL” isn’t just a catchy acronym—it’s a way of living, breathing, and walking with God. It’s a posture of the heart and a daily invitation to step into who He created us to be.

REAL stands for Rooted. Empowered. Authentic. Loved. And each word carries a depth that speaks directly to the journey of every woman who longs to grow in faith, identity, and purpose.

Rooted

To be rooted is to stand firm in truth—God’s truth. It means your identity isn’t swayed by opinions, seasons, or circumstances. You’re anchored in Scripture, grounded in His presence, and steady even when life feels anything but steady.

Empowered

Empowerment isn’t about striving; it’s about receiving. REAL Women walk in the strength God provides, not the strength they manufacture. Empowerment is the Holy Spirit breathing courage, wisdom, and boldness into everyday moments.

Authentic

Authenticity is the freedom to show up as your whole self—your story, your scars, your victories, your voice. REAL Women don’t hide behind perfection. They lead with honesty, vulnerability, and grace.

Loved

At the core of everything is this truth: you are deeply, unconditionally loved by God. Not for what you do, but for who you are. REAL Women live from love, not for it.

If you want to learn more about the heart behind this movement, you can visit bethanyelle.com/realwomen and explore the community, resources, and encouragement created just for you.

What I’ve Been Up To: Writing, Creating, and Following God’s Lead

It’s been a beautifully busy season of writing and releasing new books—each one birthed from real stories, real struggles, and real hope.

Here are a few of the titles I’ve poured my heart into recently:

• When the Church Thinks You’re Crazy https://a.co/d/gNolxBV
• Reclaiming Your REAL Identity https://a.co/d/fSqw5TD
• The Prankster Pigeon and the Boy Who Loved Him https://a.co/d/2KXp0kN

Each book carries a piece of our journey and a piece of the message God continues to write through our life.

Life Lately: Family, Travel, and a Never‑Empty Nest

Hawaii has become my get away place and God continues to bless me with time there. —sun and ocean go perfectly with writing. The Prankster Pigeon and the Boy Who Loved Him, was created there last year.

Our daughter stepped into a new chapter with YWAM in California, and from there she spent two months in Japan, serving, learning, and growing in ways only God could orchestrate. Watching her follow His voice has been one of the greatest joys of this season.

We also took a trip to Salt Lake City with the grandkids—full of laughter, snacks, and the kind of memories that stay with you. That trip sparked a new tradition: RV adventures with the grandkids at least once a year. There’s something sacred about piling into the RV, exploring new places, and seeing the world through their eyes.

And while I’m at the age where an empty nest is supposed to be the norm, ours is anything but empty. It’s revolving, lively, and full of movement—kids coming home, grandkids visiting, stories being shared, and life happening in all its beautiful, chaotic glory.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Life is beautiful…

And speaking of beauty, I can’t help but think back to the charcuterie garden party we hosted last summer. It was one of those evenings that felt touched by God from the very beginning—the kind where the air is soft, the laughter is easy, and the presence of friendship feels almost sacred.

My team poured their hearts into every detail. From arranging overflowing boards of fruits, cheeses, and artisan breads… to setting up tables draped in florals and light … to making sure every woman who walked through the gate felt welcomed, seen, and celebrated.

It wasn’t just an event. It was a picture of what happens when women gather with purpose— when they slow down long enough to savor food, conversation, and the simple joy of being together.

It wasn’t loud or flashy—just quietly beautiful. A reminder that God delights in beauty, in creativity, in community, and in the spaces we create for others to breathe and belong.

That night felt like a glimpse of the Kingdom: women connecting, healing, laughing, sharing stories, and finding rest in an environment God inspired me to design. It was REAL Women in its purest form—rooted, empowered, authentic, and loved.

And as I look ahead, I’m reminded again that each day truly is a gift. There’s so much to look forward to—our upcoming trip to California to pick up our daughter, another sun‑soaked getaway to Hawaii, and a grandkid adventure to the coast that I know will be filled with sandy shoes, sticky fingers, and the kind of laughter that settles deep in your heart.

Somewhere in the middle of all this movement, I’ve taken up the most unexpectedly relaxing hobby: crochet. Each grandchild has already put in their request for a hat, and I’m slowly working my way down the list. There’s something peaceful about creating something with your hands—loop by loop, stitch by stitch—almost like prayer in motion.

My mornings still sacred , anchored in Bible study and journaling, and I’m eager for even more of that quiet time with the Lord. It’s where clarity comes, where peace settles, and where the noise of life fades long enough for me to hear His voice.

I’ve also been blessed with new speaking opportunities, and I’m trusting that God will continue to guide my words and use them to encourage, strengthen, and uplift the women He places in front of me. It’s humbling, and it’s holy, and I’m grateful for every open door.

So until next time… I’ll keep writing, creating, traveling, praying, and savoring the beauty of this ever‑moving, never‑empty nest God has given me.

2