My Story

Jess

“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”
-F. Scott Fitzergerald.

Hey there!
I’m Jess.

I was born and raised in the Midwest; the lovely state of Michigan to be exact. I’m an author, teacher, wife, non-profit CEO, and mom, among other titles but those are the big five.  A few years ago we traded in our snow shovels for hot sticky air and ice cold, sweet tea, as we transplanted our lives in Tennessee. In this foreign land overflowing with rich culture and slower speeds, pretty porches and fried okra, hills and valleys, I’ve begun to unravel who I am or perhaps more accurately, I’m finding my place with y’all  (or you guys). It’s been an interesting journey leading through the garden, into the chicken coop, around an old red barn transformed into a writing studio, and ultimately back to my family as I strive to cultivate joy in the mundane messiness of life.

I am a warrior who has fought many battles; however, the Lord has been faithful to redeem the lost, and I now carry a quiver full of arrows – or a house full of kids for those totally confused by the metaphor. I’m a special needs mama to Luke, author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight, and wife to my best friend Ryan. You’ll often find me rambling here or there (mostly here) about faith, grief, food, simplicity, blended families, gardening, special needs, and everything else in between.  I’m so glad you’ve stopped by! And as I always say –

Just keep livin!

Jess