Feeling busy, burned out, and weary?
Attend the Giving Your Best Life "Rest & Renewal" Retreat for a two-day getaway to slow down, rest, and spend time with God. You will have the opportunity to disconnect from distractions, soak in nature, and learn from powerful speakers. Don't miss this transformative event to
rest and renew your mind, body, and spirit!
No Rush Retreat
Inspiring Messages
Optional Workshops
Delicious Healthy Food
Slow Paced for Rest & Renewal
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Event Fri (evening) to Sun (noon)
2-night Cabin Accommodations
All Meals (5), Snacks, & Drinks
Incredible Speakers
Praise, Worship & Prayer Time
160 acres of Nature to Explore
Tools/Resource Downloads
30-minute Follow-up Coaching
SPEAKERS
Whitney Lane Ward
In 2013, Whitney was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that nearly took her life. But, by the grace of God, she survived against all odds. She received the honor of naming her disease, "MAGIS Syndrome," meaning "more," to remind patients they are more than their illness. Whitney’s journey from childhood surgeries to becoming an award-winning author, speaker, and elementary teacher is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and God's healing touch. Her story is one of turning trials into triumphs and trusting God with the calling He has on your life.
Stephanie L. Jones
Stephanie L. Jones has been speaking for over 20 years, from small churches to the TedX Stage. In 2021, she launched the Giving Your Best Life Retreat at her home with four women. In 2024, she hosted a conference, with a friend, and 100 women attended! Now, Stephanie is launching this multi-day retreat. Stephanie is a best-selling and award-winning author of nine books, hosts the Giving Your Best Life Podcast, and loves coaching women to breakup with burnout, step out in faith, and pursue the calling God laid on their heart. Stephanie celebrated 21-years of marriage to Mike and they live in Valparaiso, IN.
Sarah Vessely
Sarah Vessely is a 19-year-old who is passionate about family, faith, and meaningful connections. Her favorite book in the Bible is 1 Corinthians, which deeply influences her writing and her everyday life. With a strong foundation in family and faith, she is dedicated to making a transformative and safe space for others. As an author, Sarah enjoys sharing her experiences and the lessons she has learned to inspire others on her journey. She is focused on helping others navigate their path with Jesus and self growth.
Jon Nitta
Jon Nitta has spent the last thirty eight years in vocational ministry serving with Campus Crusade for Christ, the First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, CA and now Calvary Church in Valparaiso, IN. He’s passionate about seeing people grow in their faith and seeing them influence others using his degrees and training in theology, philosophy, discipleship and spiritual formation. He and Kay and have been married for thirty four years and they have two sons.
Jon jokes that if he weren’t a "man of the cloth" he would be sitting at a table covered with a cloth - food plays an important part of our Christian life!
Praise & Worship Leaders
Jenna & Zoe: Worship Duo from Nashville, TN.
Check out them out on Instagram @itsjennaandzoe or jennaandzoe.com.
Retreat Agenda
Friday, April 4th
3:00-5:45: Registration
5:30-6:30: Dinner (not a sit-down, come & go as you please)
6:30: Welcome
6:45: Praise & Worship
7:00: Talk: The Power of Rest & Renewal (Stephanie L.
Jones)
7:45: Saturday Review, Wrap-Up, & Prayer
8:00-10:00: Free Time, Relax, or Go to Bed Early!
Saturday, April 5th
7:00-10:00: Breakfast available and Free Time
10:00-10:15: Praise & Worship
10:15-11:00: Talk: The Harsh Reality of Loving Truth (Sarah
Vessely)
“We all face seasons of feeling stuck-trapped by
circumstances, fear, or shame. In those moments, calling out for help can feel impossible. But Jesus is always there, ready to lift us up. However, His rescue often comes with a harsh reality: we must face the truth about ourselves, our
choices, and His calling on our life.
11:00-11:15: Break
11:15-12:00: Talk: What’s in Your Alabaster Box? (Whitney Lane Ward)
“After being freed from the control of seven demons, Mary of
Magdalene knew where to find her rest. What’s keeping you from allowing Jesus to renew your rest?”
12:00-12:15: Praise & Worship & Prayer
12:15-1:00: Lunch/Free Time
1:00-5:00: Free Time
1:00-3:00: Health/Fitness Workshop (Optional)
3:00-4:00: Priorities/Goal Setting (Optional)
5:15-6:15: Dinner
6:15: Talk: Now What? (Stephanie L. Jones)
7:00: Praise & Worship
7:30: Sunday Review, Wrap-Up, & Prayer
7:30: Free Time
Sunday, April 6th
7:00-10:00: Breakfast available and Free Time
10:00-10:15: Praise & Worship
10:15: Chapel Service: Because of Her Faith (Jon Nitta)
11:00: Praise & Worship
11:15: Prayer, Wrap-up
11:30: Pack up
12:00: Giving Your Best Life “Rest & Renewal” Retreat
Ends!
What Others Are Saying
“Stephanie was such a blessing to our ladies at our first retreat! She was great at communicating prior to retreat and was extremely flexible when we had to make last minute changes due to weather. She has professional notes and slides that add to the atmosphere and let listeners know that she is truly invested and truly cares. She brought encouragement but also challenged attendees which was very important for me as the retreat coordinator. Many of our ladies were challenged to follow big dreams and start doing the things they had put on the back burner for many years. I am so thankful she chose to invest in our community!”
-Sally Mortenson | Women’s Retreat Coordinator