Testimonials
“Return to Rest was such a gift to me. It was the first retreat I had ever been to before, and although I was very nervous, I was hopeful that God was going to move in my life over those few days away. He really did! I attended as a freshman college student, and being able to learn from and be encouraged by other women in different phases of life was so refreshing to my soul! Everything at the retreat was so thoughtfully prepared, I really felt at home and like I could unwind immediately as I walked through the door. We were given plenty of open space in our days to reflect, worship, and spend uninterrupted time with Jesus. I learned what true rest looked like for my life at the time, and that retreat has been a marker for me over the last few years as God has continued to show me how delighted he is when I choose to rest in Him. I think any woman in any phase of her life should consider attending RTR. I am so thankful for it and for the many ways God has continued to use what I learned from the retreat in my everyday life!” - Madison
“I came to Return to Rest really needing a reminder of my true identity in Christ. I needed to remember that I am LOVED and WORTH IT. I needed the mental space and the physical stillness to hear God whisper, “my girl, you are MINE.” That’s exactly what I got at Return to Rest. If you are feeling that pull in your soul to get quiet in this world of voices telling you that you are not enough, too much, lacking in some way, come.” - Meghan
“Return to Rest is for everyone. No matter where you are in your walk with the Lord you will be refreshed, challenged, more aware of God’s presence and what He wants to tell you. You will laugh with new friends, eat way too many cookies and dwell in His word. I am so glad I took the time to step away from the busyness of life to recenter my heart so I can be a better me as I serve God and my family.” - Holly
"Return to Rest was a divine intervention during such a hard season of life. After walking through tremendous grief, two babies in two years, and opening a functional medicine practice from the ground up with my husband...I was beyond exhausted. I did not really know what it was that I needed, I just knew I needed some time away.
I learned so much about the importance of soulful rest and the beauty of Sabbath. I soaked in the stillness, the teachings, the connections, and the time of healing and was forever changed by it.
I now specialize in Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapy and one of the first topics we cover is the idea of Rest. I always dig in and teach that to heal, to live, to really enjoy this life, we need the gift of rest so desperatly.
Return to Rest became such a pillar of light for me in such a needed time. I am full of more gratitiude than I could ever express." - Lillie
“I learned so much while away at the Return to Rest retreat and got to meet some of the most beautiful souls God has ever created. It was amazing to see His work in each of our lives and how we all shared two common things…. Our love for Him and our need to return to rest in this chaotic and busy industry. My eyes were opened at how important it is to put Him first in my life and in my business. For He is the reason I am able to do what I love. Often times we get wrapped up in our to-do lists and own accomplishments that we forget who is actually behind it all. Who we should be thanking and singing praise to.
Now that several weeks have passed since returning from our cozy little cabin on the snowy lake, I have made my time with Him more important and seek his grace in all that I do. Before the day starts and the busyness begins, I make sure to talk to the Lord, read His word, and ask for guidance to get through the day. This one simple step has brought me closer to Him and I am forever grateful for the Return to Rest retreat to provide the opportunity for Him to help me get back to where I needed to be.” - Jessica
“Return to Rest was exactly what my soul needed. The wedding industry is always "on" and it's easy to feel pressure to constantly do more, do better, be better. I was working all the time, I was stressed out, and even after giving my all, at the end of the day I felt unfulfilled. I saw the Return to Rest retreat on Instagram and knew in my heart that I had to go. I didn't know anyone else going, and it was the first time I drove eight hours to spend the weekend with a bunch of women I hadn't met. It was so worth it! I met women who could relate to this pressure to focus on what is seen when we are being called to focus on what is unseen. Through worship, bible study and fellowship, I took a much-needed time-out to REST and meditate on the true foundation of my business: Jesus. I left with a fresh outlook and plan for putting Christ first in my business and in my life. And I made lasting friends in the process. My heart was blessed by the women of this retreat, and I can't wait to return!” - Kristin
“We work so hard to define our businesses, our brand, and our “place” in an industry that is always changing. But if there is one thing that God really showed me at this retreat it’s this: “Jesus, You tell me that I am good enough exactly how I am, because You love me. Unconditionally, You love me. And that is enough. I WANT that to be enough.” - Stephanie
“Return to Rest came at a pivotal time in my life. I could gush on and on about how great the food was, how sweet the decorations were and how beautiful the view was. Everything from quiet time, worship and free time was organized and planned out. For the first time in what feels like forever, I didn't have to worry about a thing! I think what stuck with me most was the beautiful friendships I made. Opening up and sharing your heart with others is always scary but all of these ladies were so genuine, caring and supportive. It was a blessing to pray alongside these women. Now that the retreat is over I still reflect on everything I learned that weekend. I may never be able to embrace rest to the full extent that we are called to, but now I have the tools and knowledge to be able to do so more effectively. Return to Rest changed how I view my busy schedule and how it is absolutely necessary to schedule rest in as well. I'm so grateful for Return to Rest!” - Sheri
“At Return To Rest, we took the time to stop, to pray, to read, to listen. We were able to see the roots of sin in our lives. We were able to share with one another and confess. We were able to relate, to come alongside, to lift up, and to remind each other that our God is not a weak God. He's a strong one, and where there is perfect love, there is no fear. Where there is Christ, there is acceptance by God, not because of what we've done, but because of what He has done on our behalf.” - Kristin
“The Return to Rest Retreat was an answer to my prayers. I was about to embark on my first year of marriage, my busiest year of wedding photography, and I was dealing with highs and lows in my own personal life that left me simply exhausted.... emotionally, spiritually, and even physically before January had even begun. I had never met a single one of the girls and from the minute they picked me up from the airport I was overwhelmed by how welcoming and relaxed I felt. The scenery, the food... Curling up with a blanket, warm coffee, and my Bible I never felt so at peace. God was first and foremost our focus and the leader led discussions were so inspiring and exactly what I needed to hear. Each woman came from different phases of life, but we all got to bond over the fact that we needed to seek REST in our lives. Hearing each of their stories and responses was the greatest gift I was given that weekend. I cried, laughed, and felt so close to those girls that attended! God was able to shine through and use all of us during that retreat! So blessed by RTR!” - Lisa