June 16, 2026

Writing From The Heart: Faith, Family, And Finding Your Voice

Show Notes

What happens when a ranch-raised cowgirl, rodeo competitor, songwriter, photographer, wife, mother, and follower of Jesus decides to write books for her son?

In this heartfelt conversation, Holly sits down with Hadley Ann Kibbe, a former student-turned-author whose life is deeply rooted in faith, family, and the Western way of life. Together, they explore the stories behind The Cow Kid Series, the lessons motherhood has taught her, and why perfection should never stand in the way of sharing your story.

Hadley shares how her experiences growing up on a ranch, competing in rodeo, becoming a mother, and trusting God's plan shaped both her life and her writing. She also offers powerful encouragement to writers who feel called to share a story but are afraid it isn't ready, polished, or perfect.

This episode is a reminder that the stories that matter most often come from the ordinary moments we live every day—and that your voice matters more than perfection ever will.

In This Episode

Growing up in the Western lifestyle and how it shaped Hadley's values
The role faith plays in creativity, storytelling, and purpose
How songwriting and photography became forms of ministry
Competing in collegiate rodeo while pregnant and returning to competition as a new mother
Why motherhood taught her to slow down and appreciate life's fleeting moments
The inspiration behind The Cow Kid Series
Writing books to help children learn both academics and faith
The challenge of keeping your authentic voice while writing
Letting go of perfection and trusting the purpose behind your words
Building a legacy through stories that future generations can hold in their hands
Advice for writers who feel called to share their story

Memorable Quotes

"There's never a perfect time. When God puts something on your heart, He's not looking for perfection. He's looking for you to follow your purpose."

"The Lord's not looking for perfection. He's looking for purpose."

"Writing those stories is never perfect because you weren't perfect in the moment."

"If you're chasing perfection too much, you're getting in the way of the Lord's calling."

"Just write the words."

"When God puts something on your heart, He needs the story to be told."

"It doesn't matter if it's told perfectly."

What This Episode Teaches

Many writers believe they need to be experts, have extraordinary experiences, or write perfectly before they share their stories.

Hadley's journey shows the opposite.

The stories that connect most deeply often come from everyday life—raising children, learning difficult lessons, honoring family traditions, and living faithfully through ordinary moments. When we stop chasing perfection and focus on purpose, our voice naturally comes through on the page.

Whether you're writing a book, journaling your experiences, sharing your testimony, or simply trying to preserve family stories for future generations, this episode offers encouragement to trust the process and tell the story only you can tell.

About Our Guest

Hadley Ann Kibbe is a wife, mother, collegiate rodeo coach, songwriter, photographer, and author. Raised on a ranch and immersed in the Western lifestyle from childhood, she uses storytelling to share faith, family values, and the lessons learned from ranch life with the next generation.

She is the author of:

The Cow Kid Devotional
The Cow Kid Alphabet
The Cow Kid Counter

Together, known as The Cow Kid Series.

Connect with Hadley

Hadley can be found through Facebook and TikTok, where she shares updates about her books, music, photography, and life. Holly has included links in the episode description for listeners who would like to connect with her or purchase her books.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hadley.butler.14

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hadleyannekibbe?lang=en