Jodi’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and purpose. Having dedicated 25 years of her career to Mayo Clinic, she played a critical role in supporting the mission of world-class patient care and innovation. Her time there not only shaped her professionally but also deeply influenced her approach to life, relationships, and faith. Today, Jodi stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of love, and the unshakable foundation of faith.
For Jodi, love isn’t just an emotion, it’s an action, a conscious choice, and a practice built over time. Married for 25 years to her husband, Lee, their relationship began in the most unexpected of places: the library at college in Le Mars, Iowa.
“We saw each other in the library, and something just clicked,” Jodi recalls with a smile. “That night, we talked for hours on the phone, about art, being left-handed, and everything in between. It was like we had known each other forever.”
Over the years, Jodi and Lee have built a strong partnership established in faith and mutual respect. But, like all relationships, theirs has required intentionality and effort.
During their years of raising children, they faced the common struggle of finding time for themselves amidst the busyness of family life. “When the kids were young, we had to make a conscious effort to sit down for even ten minutes and reconnect,” Jodi says. “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”
Now empty nesters, Jodi and Lee are rediscovering their relationship in what Jodi lovingly calls a “second honeymoon” phase. “We’ve never had just the two of us,” she explains. “It’s exciting and a little bit scary to figure out who we are as a couple without the constant demands of parenting.”
Their secret to keeping love alive over the years? “Faith is at the center of everything,” Jodi shares. “We’ve also learned to keep dating, compliment each other, and keep learning. Marriage retreats are like oil changes for a relationship, they help keep everything running smoothly.”
Beyond their personal connection, Jodi and Lee have worked hard to promote a community of love and support within their extended family and friendships. They have intentionally surrounded themselves with couples who share their values, cultivating an environment where accountability, encouragement, and mentorship are abundant. Jodi believes that building strong relationships outside of a marriage can help strengthen the bond between partners.
She also credits small, consistent acts of kindness as a key ingredient in their lasting relationship. “Simple things matter,” she says. “Leaving little notes, making coffee for each other in the morning, checking in throughout the day, all of it contributes to a strong foundation.”
The Role of Faith in Everyday Life
For Jodi, faith is more than just a personal belief. It’s the foundation of her life. Her relationship with God has shaped her as a wife, mother, and friend.
“Faith makes me humble and open to learning from others,” she says. “The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron, and I believe that relationships make us stronger by helping us see things from different perspectives.”
Jodi’s faith also influences how she raises her children. “I want my kids to focus on the positives and not let the darkness of the world bring them down,” she says. “Pray about everything and thank God in advance for His goodness.”
As a family, faith plays a central role in their daily lives. From attending church together to participating in Bible studies, Jodi and her family prioritize spiritual growth. Even now, with her oldest daughter living in a different city, they connect through online Bible studies. “It’s a way to stay close, even when we’re far apart,” Jodi shares.
Jodi and Lee have also made it a priority to serve their community through volunteer work. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, mentoring young couples, or simply being a listening ear to those in need, they see faith as an active force in their daily lives. “Our purpose is to love and to serve,” Jodi explains. “That’s what keeps us grounded.”
Navigating Life’s Challenges
Jodi is honest about the challenges she has faced, from raising children to transitioning into new phases of life. One of the most surprising transitions has been navigating menopause.
“Hot flashes are no joke!” she laughs, sipping her sage tea. “I can be fast asleep, and suddenly, it feels like a furnace has turned on inside me. It’s definitely a journey, but I’m learning to embrace it.”
Another significant challenge has been rediscovering herself after years of putting her family first. “When the kids were little, I felt like I lost myself,” she admits. “Now, I’m learning to listen to my body, my thoughts, and my emotions. It’s a process of rediscovery, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
Jodi’s journey also includes blending families and navigating relationships as a single mom. Reflecting on the early days of her relationship with Lee, she recalls how his love for her daughter, Alexa, solidified their bond as if she was his since birth.
Passion and Purpose
One of Jodi’s greatest passions is helping others find freedom, financial freedom, emotional freedom, and spiritual freedom. Together with Lee, they launched Greenhouse Ministries, a financial coaching and speaking platform designed to help people break free from debt and toxic cycles.
“Debt leads to so much stress,” Jodi explains. “We want to help people find peace, not just in their finances but in their lives as a whole. It’s about creating a sense of freedom and hope.”
Their work is deeply personal and rooted in their own experiences. “We’ve been through our own financial struggles,” Jodi shares. “Now, we want to use what we’ve learned to help others avoid the same pitfalls.”
Through workshops, mentoring, and educational events, Greenhouse Ministries continues to grow, touching the lives of individuals and families who are striving to build a better financial future. Jodi and Lee believe that empowering others to take control of their finances leads to greater self-confidence, stronger relationships, and an overall healthier life.
They have expanded their outreach by hosting webinars, writing educational resources, and developing an online community where people can share their financial journeys. “We want to create a support system where no one feels alone in their struggles,” Jodi says. “Together, we can build a stronger, more financially secure future.”
Looking Ahead
As Jodi and Lee move to a new chapter of their lives, they do so with a sense of purpose and excitement. Whether it’s building their ministry, rediscovering each other as a couple, or creating new traditions with their grandchildren, Jodi approaches everything with an open heart and a willingness to grow.
Her story is a powerful reminder that life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about embracing every phase with gratitude, finding joy in the little moments, and staying true to the things that matter most.
For Jodi, the journey is far from over. With her faith as her anchor and her family by her side, she’s ready to take on whatever comes next, with love, laughter, and a whole lot of sage tea. ::
