Hi, I’m Jess.
I’m a wife to Preston, a mom to four amazing kids—Cohen, Callahan, Cavanaugh, and Copeland Brave—and our Goldendoodle, Nova, who keeps life fun and a little chaotic in the best way. Like many people who love and serve others, I’ve spent years pouring myself into ministry, family, and the everyday responsibilities of life.
For a long time, I believed rest was something I’d get to later—after the work was done, the season slowed down, or life felt more manageable. I thought if I could just reach a “day of rest,” everything would fall into place. What I’ve learned instead is that real rest isn’t just about stopping. It’s about inviting God into the process and allowing Him to meet us right where we are.
Through therapy, prayer, and my own experience with burnout and renewal, I discovered that rest is actually active. It’s a spiritual discipline. It’s choosing to engage with the Lord, who alone renews our strength. I often think of it like my workout class—45 minutes of hard work with moments of “active rest.” You don’t quit moving; you slow down just enough to recover so you can keep going stronger.
In March 2020, just before the world shut down, I went away with a group of women to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect. That time away changed everything for me. It gave me space to breathe again—and a vision for what rest could look like, not just for myself, but for others who give so much of themselves while carrying unseen burdens.
Reclaim Rest was born out of that vision. It’s a space created for weary pastors, educators, and caregivers carrying heavy loads to step away, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the Creator. My hope is that when people leave, they don’t just feel rested—they feel renewed, clear, and ready to return to their calling with strength and courage.
Thank you for stopping by and for taking a moment to consider rest as a vital part of your life.