A Christian Women's Retreat Near Livingston, Texas
Wholeness in the Wilderness
Come away with Jesus.
An invitation to step away from the rush, rest in His presence, and remember that God is faithfully walking with you — even in the middle of your wilderness.
Maybe you weren't looking for a retreat today.
Maybe you were simply answering emails, taking a quick break between appointments, or scrolling for a few quiet minutes before life called you back again. But somehow you found your way here, and I can't help but wonder if you've been praying a prayer that sounds something like this:
“Lord, I just need to get away with You.”
Not because you've stopped loving Him. Quite the opposite.
You've remained faithful. You still spend time in God's Word. You still pray. You still worship. You still serve. You genuinely desire to follow Jesus and be led by the Holy Spirit.
But somewhere along the way, you've realized your soul is weary. Not weary of Him. Weary from the pace of life. Weary from carrying responsibilities. Weary from the constant noise that makes it difficult to simply sit at His feet.
Wholeness in the Wilderness was created for women like you.
Women who aren't looking for another conference or another notebook full of information, but who long for unhurried time with Jesus. Women who desire genuine Christian friendships, meaningful conversations, and the space to slow down long enough to notice what God has been faithfully doing all along.
If you've quietly been praying for that kind of space, I hope you'll keep reading. I think you may have just found it!
Retreat at a Glance
Because these retreats are intentionally small, every retreat begins with a conversation. Together we'll prayerfully discern whether this is the right retreat for this season of your life.
Why Wholeness in the Wilderness Exists
Why Wholeness in the Wilderness Exists
Four days. Three nights. Eight women gathered in a beautiful lakeside home to slow down, spend intentional time with Jesus, and cultivate genuine friendships rooted in Christ.
This isn't a conference packed with speakers or a schedule that rushes from one activity to the next. It's an invitation to come away — to rest, to listen, and to remember that God is faithfully walking with you, even in the middle of your wilderness.
From Around the Table
“I'd just prayed for God to direct me toward purposeful adventures, not simply for my own enrichment, but for His glory and the encouragement of others. Less than ten minutes later, [a friend] called me about the retreat. It immediately tugged at my soul. I knew I needed to be there!”
During These Four Days
Every Retreat Is Unique
No two Wholeness in the Wilderness retreats will ever look exactly the same.
Every location has its own beauty. Every landscape reveals something different about the character of God. Every group of women brings unique stories, questions, gifts, and experiences to the table.
What never changes is the heart behind the retreat.
Scenic Route & Arrival
From the moment we pick you up at the airport, the retreat has already begun.
We'll take the scenic route when we can. If we see something beautiful, don't be surprised if we pull over. We might stop at a flower stand, a local bakery, a quiet overlook, or simply stand together and watch the sun dance across the water. Around here, wonder is never an interruption. It's part of why we're here.
When we arrive at the house, you'll settle into your room, unpack your bag, and begin to settle your heart. We'll gather around the table for our first meal together, not as strangers attending an event, but as women beginning to build a community. By the end of the weekend, you'll probably forget who knew whom before arriving because it will feel as though you've known one another much longer.
Gentle Mornings
Each morning begins gently.
There are no blaring alarms or rushed breakfasts. You'll wake slowly, pour a cup of coffee or tea, wrap yourself in a blanket if the weather invites it, and spend unhurried time with the Lord. Some women journal. Others read Scripture. Some simply sit quietly and watch the sunrise while they pray. There is no pressure to perform and no expectation that your quiet time has to look like anyone else's.
Teaching & Conversation
Throughout the weekend, we'll gather for teaching sessions rooted deeply in Scripture and shaped by the lessons God has faithfully taught me through my own wilderness seasons. Rather than simply filling notebooks with information, we'll spend time talking together, asking questions, and creating space to practice what we're learning. You'll never be rushed from one session to the next because some of the richest conversations happen after the teaching is over.
Meals Around the Table
Meals become one of the sweetest parts of the weekend. We cook together, linger around the table long after dinner is over, laugh until our cheeks hurt, pass bowls back and forth, and sometimes sit in comfortable silence. Somewhere between the shared meals and unhurried conversations, strangers quietly begin becoming sisters. The table becomes one of the places where God quietly knits hearts together.
Time in Creation
We'll spend time outdoors every day because creation has always been one of God's most faithful teachers. Whether we're walking through a forest, sitting beside a quiet lake, wandering through a garden, watching the sunset from a dock, or simply noticing the wildflowers growing beside the trail, we'll intentionally slow down long enough to remember that creation has always pointed us back to its Creator.
Intentional Silence
One of the most unique rhythms of the weekend is our intentional time of silence.
For many women, this is the part they're most unsure about before they arrive.
Ironically, it often becomes the part they treasure most.
Silence isn't about following rules or proving how spiritual we are. It's simply an invitation to quiet the constant noise that surrounds us so we can become more attentive to the presence of God. You'll never be left wondering what to do. Gentle guidance is given before we begin, and then you are free to spend that time with the Lord in whatever way He leads.
Something Beautiful Changes
By the final morning, something beautiful has usually happened.
The women who arrived carrying different stories have become sisters.
The house feels different.
The conversations feel different.
Even the laughter sounds different.
No one wants to leave, yet everyone is ready to return home.
Not because all of life's questions have been answered.
Not because every burden has disappeared.
But because they've been reminded that God is faithfully walking with them, even in the middle of their wilderness.
And that changes the way they return home.
From Around the Table
“One of my favorite moments was sitting on the deck at dinner, watching the sunset, laughing together. By then it felt like we'd been friends for years.”
A Different Kind of Retreat
A Different Kind of Retreat
If you've attended Christian retreats before, you may notice something different about this one. We intentionally leave room for conversations to unfold naturally. We don't rush from one activity to the next or feel the need to fill every quiet moment.
If someone stops to admire a wildflower, watch the sunset, or simply sit beside the water, we don't see that as a distraction from the retreat. We believe those moments are part of the retreat.
The pace is slower because transformation cannot be scheduled. We can prepare a welcoming environment, open God's Word together, and create space for meaningful conversations, but only the Lord creates the encounter. My role isn't to manufacture emotional moments or fill every hour with activity. My role is simply to prepare the table. His is to meet us there.
I believe many women already know they should spend time in Scripture, pray, worship, and rest. What they're often missing isn't more information, but the margin to live out what they already know. That's why this retreat doesn't simply teach spiritual rhythms. It gives those rhythms room to breathe.
Is This Retreat for Me?
Is This Retreat for Me?
This may be the most important question you'll ask before registering. Wholeness in the Wilderness was never intended to be a retreat for everyone, and I believe that's one of its greatest strengths.
Your desire isn't simply to know more about God. It's to know Him more deeply. If that's where you are, I think you'll feel right at home. At the same time, I want to lovingly say that this retreat isn't for everyone.
And perhaps that's exactly what you've been praying for.
This retreat is for you if
- You already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and are actively walking with Him.
- You aren't looking for your first Bible study — you're already seeking Him, spending time in His Word, and learning to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- You may find yourself in a wilderness season, carrying questions you've been praying through for months.
- You may be faithfully serving everyone around you while quietly realizing your own soul is longing for rest.
- You don't need someone to hold your hand through the basics — you need room to breathe in the life you've already been cultivating with Christ.
- You already have spiritual rhythms and simply need room for those rhythms to breathe.
This may not be the right fit if
- You're looking for a conference packed with speakers, constant activities, and a full schedule from morning until night.
- You're brand new to your faith and hoping for foundational discipleship — we'd encourage you to first become deeply rooted in a local church.
- You need someone to teach you how to open your Bible or encourage you to spend time with Jesus.
From Around the Table
“I've never experienced anything like this before. You gain deep clarity, peace, renewed strength, hope, and forever friendships.”
Meet Jessica
Meet Jessica
Hi, friend!
I'm Jessica, and if we were sitting together on the porch with a cup of coffee or tea, I'd probably ask you about your story long before I ever told you mine.
I love Jesus deeply, and over the years He's gently reshaped nearly everything I thought ministry was supposed to look like.
When He first called me into ministry, I thought I needed to have all the answers. I thought I needed to sound polished, stand on stages, and look like the women I admired. Somewhere along the way, the Lord lovingly stripped away so much of that striving. He taught me that He wasn't asking me to perform for Him. He was inviting me to partner with Him.
That changed everything!
These days you'll usually find me in a flowy dress with dirt on my grounding sandals because I stopped to admire a wildflower, identify a mushroom, or watch a sunset just a little longer. I love wandering through forests, sitting beside lakes, picking flowers from local gardens, discovering hidden places that remind me of God's creativity, and inviting others to slow down long enough to notice them too.
One of the gifts God has given me is helping people notice.
Notice His faithfulness.
Notice His character.
Notice the beauty they've been walking past.
Notice the ways He's been quietly answering prayers they hadn't even realized He was answering. I don't believe creation distracts us from God. I believe it often introduces us to Him in fresh ways.
That's why you'll see us stopping to watch the light dance across the water, marveling at towering trees, laughing over a tiny mushroom growing beside the trail, or sitting quietly on a dock with our Bibles open. Those aren't interruptions to the retreat. They're part of it.
If there's one thing I hope you'll discover about me, it's this: I don't have all the answers. I'm simply a woman who has walked through wilderness seasons, fallen deeply in love with Jesus, and wants to prepare a place where other women can slow down enough to hear His voice too.
I've experienced heartbreak. I've wrestled with unanswered questions. I've watched God remain faithful when life didn't make sense. Everything I teach comes from those places where Scripture and real life have met. I don't teach because I've arrived. I teach because the Lord has been so faithful to meet me in my own wilderness, and I simply want to invite other women to discover His faithfulness there too.
You won't find me pretending to have everything figured out. You won't hear me promise easy answers, and you certainly won't feel pressure to become someone you're not. My heart is simply to prepare a place where women can slow down enough to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd for themselves.
If we spend four days together, my greatest hope is not that you leave remembering me or thinking I was a wonderful host. My hope is that you leave remembering how faithfully the Lord met you, and knowing Him more intimately than when you arrived.
If that happens, then the retreat has accomplished exactly what I prayed it would!
From Around the Table
“Knowing Jessica had been praying for me, and hearing the bell... it all felt so personal. I felt seen, loved, and cared for from the very beginning.”
Your Investment
One of the first questions most women ask is, “How much is the retreat?” I completely understand. Before requesting time away from work, arranging childcare, booking a flight, or adding another commitment to your calendar, you deserve to know exactly what you're saying yes to.
At a Glance
- Early December 2026
- Near Livingston, Texas
- 8 women
- Shared queen/king bed with one other woman
- Houston Airport transportation included
- Meals included
- Workbook + journal included
Shared Bed Accommodations
$779
Most women will share a bedroom and a queen or king bed with one other retreat participant. I know that may feel outside your comfort zone if you've never done it before, but it often becomes one of the sweetest and most unexpected gifts of the weekend. Some of the best conversations happen after the lights are turned off, and many women leave saying they wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Private Room (Limited Availability)
$879
If sharing a bed isn't something you're comfortable with, or you have a medical need for additional privacy, a limited number of private rooms may be available depending on the retreat home. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis after we get to know one another.
$250 Deposit
A $250 non-refundable deposit reserves your place. The remaining balance may be paid in installments or in one payment before the retreat begins. Limited scholarship assistance may be available. Because I believe there is value in every woman investing in her own retreat experience, scholarship recipients will still contribute toward the cost of the retreat.
What's Included
- Three nights of lodging
- All home-cooked meals, coffee, tea, and refreshments
- Wholeness in the Wilderness workbook and journal
- Welcome gifts
- Transportation to and from Houston Airport (IAH) during designated windows
- Transportation throughout the retreat
- Every teaching session, activity, and shared experience
- Margin to step away from the noise and be intentionally cared for
What's Not Included
- Airfare or transportation to Houston
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Additional snacks and beverages while traveling
It also includes something that can't be listed in a checklist: the opportunity to step away from the noise, be intentionally cared for, gather around the table with other women who love Jesus, and create margin for God to meet you in fresh ways.
If you have dietary restrictions, simply let me know. We gladly accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and many other dietary needs whenever possible because gathering around the table should be something every woman can fully enjoy.
Let's Get to Know One Another
Let's Get to Know One Another
One of the most beautiful parts of our very first retreat was realizing that every woman around the table belonged there.
Not because everyone had the same story.
Not because everyone came from the same church background.
But because the Lord gathered exactly the women He wanted together.
That experience shaped the future of Wholeness in the Wilderness.
Rather than simply opening registration to anyone who clicks a button, I prefer to begin with a conversation. My goal has never been to fill every bed — my prayer is to faithfully gather the women God is already preparing to meet around the table.
- 1
Begin the Conversation
Complete a short questionnaire that helps me get to know you, hear a little of your story, and understand what you're hoping the Lord will do during your time away.
- 2
Meet on Zoom
After that, we'll schedule a relaxed Zoom conversation together. This isn't an interview, and it certainly isn't a test. It's simply a chance for us to meet face to face.
- 3
Pray & Discern Together
We'll answer your questions, share the heart behind the retreat, hear more of your story, and spend a few moments praying together. By the end of our conversation, we'll both have a much better sense of whether this retreat feels like the right fit for this season of your life.
- 4
Reserve Your Place
If we both sense the Lord is leading you to join us, I'll send everything you need to reserve your place and begin preparing for the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering if this retreat is right for you? That's okay. Most women who attend have questions. I hope this section helps answer some of the practical ones, and if it doesn't, I'd love to talk with you personally.
Wholeness in the Wilderness is designed for women who already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and are actively walking with Him. You're already pursuing Him through Scripture, prayer, and a desire to be led by the Holy Spirit. This retreat isn't meant to replace your local church or teach the foundations of the Christian faith. It's designed to give you space to deepen the relationship you're already cultivating with the Lord.
We are deeply rooted in Scripture and centered on Jesus Christ. We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Women from many Christian traditions are welcome. At our first retreat, women came from Catholic, Lutheran, non-denominational, and other Christian backgrounds. Our unity is found in Christ.
Not at all. In fact, most women come without knowing anyone else. One of the sweetest parts of the weekend is watching strangers become sisters in Christ. By the end of the retreat, you'll likely forget who arrived knowing whom because genuine friendships form so naturally.
Yes. Most retreat homes are intentionally chosen because they feel warm, welcoming and encourage community rather than feeling like a hotel. That means most women will share both a bedroom and a queen or king bed with one other participant. I know that it may feel outside your comfort zone at first, but many women tell me it became one of the unexpected blessings of the weekend. Some of the sweetest conversations happen after the lights are turned off. If sharing a bed isn't possible for medical or personal reasons, please let me know during our conversation. Depending on the retreat location, a limited number of private rooms may be available.
Each retreat page includes the recommended airport and the arrival and departure windows. For our Texas retreat, transportation will be provided to and from Houston Airport (IAH) during the designated arrival and departure times. If you're arriving outside those times, you'll be responsible for arranging transportation to the retreat home. But we ask that everyone fly into the same airport because the retreat starts when we pick you up!
That's completely normal. Many women travel alone. I'll communicate with everyone before the retreat so you'll know exactly where to meet, what to expect, and who to look for. From the moment you're picked up, the retreat has already begun.
You'll fit right in. There is plenty of time throughout the weekend for quiet reflection, personal Bible study, journaling, and simply sitting with the Lord. While we enjoy wonderful conversations together, there is never pressure to be the loudest person in the room or to constantly socialize.
You'll never be pressured to share more than you're ready to share. Some women open up quickly. Others take longer. Both are welcome. This retreat is built on trust, not pressure. My hope is simply to create an environment where women feel safe enough to be authentic as the Lord leads.
Yes, but this is not a conference. Throughout the weekend we'll open Scripture together, share stories, ask questions, and learn from God's Word. Just as importantly, we'll create space to practice what we're learning through stillness, reflection, prayer, worship, conversation, and time in creation.
Yes, and it's intentional. You'll have time to journal, rest, read your Bible, enjoy God's creation, or simply sit quietly with a cup of coffee. We don't believe every minute needs to be scheduled because some of the most meaningful moments happen in the spaces between activities.
Most activities are gentle and accessible. You should be comfortable walking approximately one to one and a half miles at an unhurried pace, getting in and out of vehicles, and navigating stairs if the retreat home has multiple levels. This is not a fitness retreat. We move slowly, stop often, and enjoy the journey together.
We'll enjoy nourishing, home-cooked meals prepared together throughout the weekend. Meals are simple, wholesome, and shared around one table. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let me know before the retreat. We gladly accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and many other dietary needs whenever possible.
After reserving your place, you'll receive a detailed packing guide. Comfortable clothing, layers, walking shoes, your Bible, and an expectant heart are the most important things to bring.
Please don't let that keep you from coming. Every group of women is different, and grace goes a long way. If snoring, medical equipment, or another sleep concern is something you're worried about, let me know during our conversation so we can make the best sleeping arrangements possible.
Absolutely. You're welcome to begin the conversation together or separately. Just let me know if you're hoping to attend with someone specific, and we'll do our best to accommodate you while also prayerfully considering the needs of the entire group.
Your $250 deposit reserves one of our intentionally limited spaces and is non-refundable. If you need to cancel before final preparations begin, any additional payments beyond the deposit will be refunded. Because lodging, food, and materials are purchased in advance, cancellations within ten days of the retreat are generally non-refundable unless your place can be filled from the waiting list.
Yes. After reserving your place, we'll work together to create a payment schedule that allows you to prepare for the retreat without unnecessary financial stress.
After you complete the questionnaire, we'll schedule a relaxed Zoom conversation together. It's simply a chance for us to meet, answer questions, hear a little of your story, share the heart behind the retreat, and pray together. If we both sense the Lord is leading you to join us, I'll send everything you need to reserve your place and begin preparing for the retreat.
Most retreat homes have Wi-Fi, although service may vary depending on the location. I encourage women to use technology only as needed so they can fully embrace the slower pace of the weekend.
I'd love to answer them. Beginning the conversation doesn't obligate you to attend. If you're wondering whether this retreat is right for you, reach out. I'd be happy to connect and help you discern your next step.
From Around the Table
“[This retreat] reminded me of the retreats I used to host years ago because it was intimate, unhurried, and gathered in a home. There was something special about that.”
Will You Join Us?
If you've read this far, perhaps you've recognized pieces of your own story throughout these pages.
Maybe you've been faithfully following Jesus for years but have quietly realized your soul is weary from the pace of life.
Maybe you've been asking the Lord for space to hear His voice more clearly.
Maybe you've been longing for genuine Christian friendships that continue beyond a single weekend.
Or maybe you've simply found yourself whispering, “Lord, I just need to get away with You.”
If that's where you are, I'd encourage you to spend a little time praying before taking the next step.
Ask the Lord if this is your season.
Ask Him if He's inviting you to come away with Him for a few days.
If He is, I'd be honored to get to know you.
Not because I'm looking for perfect women.
Not because you've earned a place at the table.
But because I believe God is still gathering His daughters together, just as faithfully today as He always has.
If your heart is stirring as you've read these words, I'd love to invite you to begin the conversation.
I can't wait to hear your story.
“Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”
Mark 6:31