My name is Jess—wife to Luke, and mom to three beautiful kids. We’re a military family in the middle of a big transition: relocating from our 1-acre home near Scott AFB, Illinois, to the Pacific Northwest to put down roots in what we hope will be our forever home.
For the last 14 years, I’ve worked (really hard) as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Air Force. This next chapter is something we believe God has called us to and we’ve been praying for together for almost 3 years. I’m leaving the big corporate world behind for a more intentional life and while I’m excited to embark on this new journey, I think it’s important to start by sharing a bit about where we’re coming from.
Like many, I didn’t have a lot of options growing up (that’s a story for another time). I joined the Air Force straight out of college—with debt and dreams, just trying to find my way. Over the years, I’ve had some unforgettable moments—jumping out of airplanes, escorting media to Bagram Air Base in 2014, and traveling to places like Germany, Hawaii, and Italy. God used the Air Force to shape me and gave me remarkable experiences that I’ll treasure forever. I know I’ll miss the camaraderie most, but I’m grateful for the connections that social media still makes possible.
That said… something started to feel off.
A Wake-Up Call
In 2021, three months after having our third child, I went to bed with a migraine and woke up dizzy—and I haven’t been the same since.
Since then, I’ve seen what feels like every type of specialist: ENTs, neurologists, neurotologists (yes, that’s a thing!), eye doctors, vestibular therapists, and functional medicine practitioners. Eventually, I was diagnosed with vestibular migraine—a type of migraine that affects the brain’s balance system, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and a mix of frustrating symptoms. (I’ll be diving into that more in a future post.)
While I’ve worked hard to identify triggers and find balance, it led me to question almost everything about the way we live. I felt God stirring something in me—pulling me out of the grind and redirecting me toward family, stewardship, and simplicity.
So while I’m still serving in the Air Force Reserve, I’ve decided to hang up the boots—for now—and embrace a slower, more intentional season.
A Shift Toward Graceful Living
During this health journey, I became consumed with questions:
What are we putting in our bodies? What’s in our water? What’s in the cleaners under our sink? Are these things affecting my vestibular system? It was overwhelming… and isolating.
But I know I’m not the only mom who’s faced a health crisis that changed everything.
For nearly two years, I felt like I was walking that road alone. Countless hours spent over research journals, listening to experts in the field – just to better understand what was going on with my body. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
While my understanding in the physical grew – I’d also say my spiritual understanding began to grow as well. And while I’m no expert, I have learned this: Every part of life—what we eat, how we live, even how we rest—can and should be done for God’s glory.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
While I may have set out with the intent of “fixing” myself, I’ve come to understand now that healing is a process – not a quick fix. Just like a plant requires time to grow, my body requires time to heal. It’s going to take a series of small steps to get me to healed.
If you’d have asked me four years ago if I’d be moving to a 36-acre property to be a stay-at-home mom, leave my 6-figure job and embrace a slower pace of living I would have laughed at you. VERY LOUDLY. That job was a lifegoal! As I’ve immersed myself in this world of intentionally feeding my body, eliminating certain things from my environment – it’s like my eyes are opened and this dream that’s been tucked away neatly in the corners of my mind has been given space to bloom.
This Is Just the Beginning
Recently, with the Department of Defense downsizing, the Lord made a way for me to gracefully step away from the corporate life and into this new season.
As we shift from a fast-paced life to a more grounded, grace-filled one, I welcome you to come along. If you’re a mom questioning the health risks of today’s conveniences—or if you’re just craving a simpler way of living—you’re in the right place.
Gather around the hearth with me.
Let’s share wisdom, encouragement, and the courage to live differently… one intentional step at a time.
Coming soon
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing more about:
- Our families cross-country move and building a life rooted in intention
- What I’ve learned about living with vestibular migraine and navigating mystery illnesses
- How we’re simplifying our pantry, our products and our priorities
- Faith in motherhood and quiet strength of leaning into God’s timing and goodness
- Skills we’re reclaiming – like gardening, food preservation and baking from scratch.
This isn’t about “going back” to the “good ol’ days,” it’s about going deeper; into health, into home, into faith and giving ourselves the grace needed to grow.