My son went to Georgia to help a family member. A tree had fallen on the house. So he, and his friends, cut the tree off and tarped the roof. The phone call I got from him was bittersweet. “Mom! I met an older man (probably my age 🙄) who has never been through a hurricane before, along with so many others. The man said, they didn’t know what to do. Mom! The job I came to do is finished, but I can’t leave. These people are lost right now and need our help. He’s 27 years old with a heart of gold. We are from SE Texas and hurricanes are something we go through. It’s a thing we get prepared for every single year. I have a hurricane survivor kit I refresh every May. He went thinking he’d be gone a few days, now he says it may be a few weeks. As a human, my heart hurts for those involved, I know the devastation oh so well. As a mom, my heart is full knowing my son sees the pain and confusion and wants to help.
I don’t know your son but that deserves a huge pat on the back and my deepest respect! Clearly you gave him the skills and heart to do such good work! God bless and keep him safe while he is away and every day!❤
I am 62 and wheelchair bound with few steps that are painful. However, I garden, can my own foods and cook from scratch. I have not bought bread in years, do yeast and sourdough breads. I get so upset with lazy or unmotivated people who say “What about the elderly or disabled. We are not unable, we are probably More prepared than young adults. We have water backup and plenty foods, generator and extra gas. We are smart and take care of ourselves. Thank you for standing up for Christian people and those who are fighting to be prepared. You are so wise past your years.
I’m 63 in about the same shape Gladys. The kids roll their eyes about some of the things I get up to, but I have dehydrated and preserved food, and some naughty goodies (that I don’t tell them about), always have a bit of rainwater set aside in a sturdy barrel, under a dodgy gutter that refreshes itself every time it rains. I’ve finally learnt to let discomfort teach my kids, rather than waste my breath trying to motivate them to be resilient. Yes I have had the opportunity to chuckle to myself as they struggle with something I have been ignored about. Oh and cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Same sister. Been laughed at my whole life for being/living very old fashioned and disabled. But it does help take the edge off the stress when chaos happens.
It's similar to my situation. I'm partially wheelchair bound, every joint in my body hurts and I have several sublux or dislocations each day. But cook mostly from scratch, bake the bread for my family, have a small garden... You can do so much if you put your mind/energy to it.
I lived through an icestorm in Canada in the late 90s that left nearly our entire province without power for weeks. I was 8 and still remember it as one of the happiest time our family had. Not because it was easy but because we were together and made the most of it. ❤️
I was also in my final year of high school - I remember being bundled in every sweater I owned at the kitchen table where there were the most windows so I could study for final exams 😂😂
We are on day 8 with no 17:06 power in GA. We thought we were prepared but, like you, are finding a few holes in our systems that we will need to address. I appreciate your candid honesty, "living in a glass house" , helps so many of us. I hope you know how much you are appreciated. Sending love and well wishes from GA.
I stopped by, concerned that this lovely family was okay after the storm. Again, Jess showed the difference what gratefulness looks like. I’m not a Christian, yet so many of her words resonate so kindly. “I do trust God to lead me to be wise.” That was beautiful. I’m in a waiting room and making it my classroom. Glad you all are well,
I was blessed with a "practice event" as a teenager. My parents and I were in a flood. Our house was on an island surrounded by rushing water for several days, and it was several more days before the water subsided. We were trapped, and while the news crews had filmed our home and other homes, there was no help from anyone. We were on our own. Fortunately, my mother was a child of the depression and always kept 50 pounds of beans in a closet. My father always kept the propane tank topped off. Our well water tasted disgusting, so we kept dozens of gallons of drinking water on hand. That week and a half was spent eating beans and cornbread and playing scrabble. I treasure the memory. The experience changed how I thought about things, and I took those lessons into adulthood.
I use a wheelchair, and you better believe I push myself through my yard and do whatever gardening I can. I also do a lot of canning and stock up what I can. No excuses!! 🙌🏾
Hey friend, do U mind commenting on what strategies have made the most difference in the garden and preserving side of things, as a wheelchair user? I'm in healthcare and super interested
@@erin2535 Sure! I can stand and take steps but I'm very careful. Honestly anything I do makes me stronger. I container garden and try to plant varieties that grow well in pots. Grandstalks are perfect, and I keep them about 3 levels high. A-frame trellises keep plants in reach. Flowers and herbs make my soul happy so I plant a lot of those. 🤭 For canning, use smaller pots and pans to move water to the canner. I make sure to be really organized and keep things in reach. I use a steam canner instead of water bath for jams, etc. When I was weaker, I kept a hot plate at table level, and I could at least make jam at the table and fill the jars and have some help getting the canning process ready.
Repeat yourself as many times as you're guided to do so, Jess. There is profound wisdom in your narrative, even for those who proclaim it doesn't apply to them.
How did you get to be so wise at your age? I wish I had been that wise…..you amaze me and I’m so proud of you! Your momma must be absolutely over the top over the woman she raised! God bless you always!!!!! ❤❤❤
I KNOW!! I'm old enough to be her momma. I could only wish to have had her wisdom at her age. Plus, I love her because she is a native Arkansan girl like me.
1 second ago (edited) Seek and put God 1st in your life! Ask Him for wisdom and he will readly give it to you! Blessings! James1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
It would be incredible if everyone in your community or just your church Community could get together and everybody could say I have an abundance of this I can donate to the people whose houses have been wiped out and set up a pickup point I'd say another church somewhere near the wiped out areas. And be aware that when people start getting desperate because our government is not stepping up all these displaced people are going to look for High Ground they're going to look for and head towards communities that have not been destroyed. Keep your heads on swivel and stay safe.
Here in North Queensland Australia, we lived on the beachfront during cyclone Yasi, category 5 No power or safe drinking water for 4 weeks I had a 1 year old and two teenagers And it was challenging but fine, the heat was the worst part mid 40 degrees Celsius with a million percent humidity I took that experience as an opportunity for growth, and found the weaknesses in our preparedness, as well as what worked really well Then we got devastating floods 10 years later And we were even better prepared than during the cyclone And hey, when the world was losing its mind looking for toilet paper I was out in my garden, listening to the birds, not stressing about being able to take care of my family 🌸 🌳
One of my favorite family pictures was taken when we were without water for 10 days because the water treatment plant had been flooded. We had torrential rain OUTSIDE the house, so my husband grabbed a bottle of shampoo and bar of soap to 'shower' in the overflow the gutter could not handle. All four children followed him. We drained the hot water heater to do laundry, diverting the water from the machine into a clean garbage can and reusing it load after load. Our children will never forget the 'why' of that photo. You are doing spectacularly and illustrating how humor, gratitude, and good attitude can show you creative ways to survive disasters.
Your Ted talks are always the words I need to hear! Your devotionals lead me in a way of positivity and healing! Never think your words aren't valued and heard ❤
🥰 Sitting in the discomfort of life means you are growing. Tomatoes are sweeter when they are stressed. Seedlings are hardened off before they are planted in the garden to grow wild. Grow wild my friends!
No one is ever totally prepared. It is a gift what you are learning from this. Years ago we had an ice storm that took out the power. We were new on our farm. That shaped us. Every decision to buy something after that led us to going non electric as much as possible. Fireplace, blue flame heaters, rainwater catchment gravity fed water filter system instead of electric. Even our spinner for our honey frames is manual. I have tools to do laundry by hand and once did that for almost two years because we simply couldn't afford a washing machine. I cried the first time I did all our laundry by hand. But I did it and got me that ringer that makes it so much easier. Lol We learn from the challenges and all you are doing is sharing what you are observing that you could do better. Good for you! Because really, help will not always be there. I remember once Creator told me to buy two winters worth of hay. I could at the time so we did. For the last five years I always carried an extra winters worth of hay. Last year in my area NO ONE had hay.But because I listened we had hay this past winter and this year was a great hay year so again I have two winters worth of hay back in the barn. We don't always know when we will need it!!❤
You are so right about attitude! I have several friends who can never find the bright side, and oddly enough, nothing good ever happens to them, and everything bad always happens to them. And yes, bad things do happen, but it's not *just* bad things. But if you ask them, that's all you'll hear about. The bad things that come to us can also turn out to be blessings. We just don't know until it's all over. My late husband and I took in a homeless couple. Two months later, my husband came down with brain cancer. John and I thought we were performing an act of charity. It turned out God was sending us help for a very hard time. You never know what's happening until the story is finished.
Candy, one of my teachers told me that you get what you put out in the world. Like if you put grumpy nastiness out to the world, then, guess what? That is what you'll get back. And you won't have much fun that way in life. It is always a choice. Same about vice-versa.. when you put out love and harmony, that is what you get back. I love what you said - and what the lady in the video said about attitude. It's 100% correct in my book. If you look for good - even in the hard bad rotten no good times, you can find good even there. Thanks so much for your comment. Good food for thought. And I'm so sorry for the difficulty you've been through. You never know what is around the next corner. Blessings!
Core Memories: I very fondly remember blizzards in the 70’s in IL. Mom set the 15” around the fireplace up into a room using blankets hung from the drop-in ceiling. No power/no heat. Several days in the blanket room playing board games and heating up soup in the fireplace.
I know you'll probably never see this comment because your channel is so big now, but I just wanted to say how much ii I love you and your authenticity. You're so real. I wish you were my neighbor.
Thank you, Jessica Sowards. I’m in the Pacific Northwest where the most likely natural disaster would be an earthquake. Because of you, I just moved all my home canned vegetables to the floor and lowest shelves instead of the easier-to-reach top shelves. There will still be challenges if an earthquake hits but most of my jars should be safe. 🙏
Look up the inaugural day storm. I lived an hour south of Seattle when that happened. We didn’t have power for a week. I was a teen and it changed my view of being prepared.
You can also put every other jar in an old sock to prevent them clanking against each other during a shaker. I used this method when we moved and decided to keep it when I loaded my shelves.
I see this comment a lot regarding jars. I am also in the PNW and grew up in Alaska. My hometown got hit with a big quake a few years ago. Let me tell you from what my friends learned the hard way: those jars are just not going to survive. Have something stashed in Mylar. If/when we get hit with anything above a local 7.0, I am banking on those jars just becoming a hazard....
When I was 8 a tornado went through our backyard (while we were out of town on spring break) and 34 pine trees fell into our yard, by God’s grace not hitting the house. But I’ll never forget crying as I walked around the side of our house through the fence to the backyard to see all those trees down. And then, after weeks on playing on and climbing on the jungle gym of trees, having a blast, I cried when all the chain saws finish clearing out all my beloved fallen trees🤣 Core memories for sure!
you are right we have been raised to be fragile, without even knowing how vulnerable we are. I hear new residents rant the second our neighborhood is inconvenienced. claiming the county needs to do this, or fix that. I am rural, when our bridges wash out, we get there and fix it. our flooding is very small in scale compared to the SE of our America. my heart goes out to every single being affected by Helene. thanks Jess for holding the candle shining bright. BTW sometimes the best dinners are when the angels help you cook enough to feed the neighbors.
I love the rooster eating the leftover grain; and that you shared with your neighbor. We just made our last house payment and now after we get our deed, we have to save up money to fix up our house. It's kind of a dumpy house but it's ours. I will be happy when we get our gas heater installed. Our winters here are very, very cold so that is our priority. Our garden did really good this year and I was able to freeze my tomatoes and peppers, and zucchini shreds. My neighbor shares her eggs with us and we shared vegetables and fruit with her. I am 68 years October 4 and have seen so many different aspects of life that I like to stand back and see many different pieces of the puzzle. It's amazing really how many different aspects to life that there are.
My grandparents who lived in the country, in Canada, had an outdoor summer kitchen, where Gramma would wash and prepare her garden veggies for canning. The kitchen in the main house remained clean and never heated up, so my idea is that you consider building a small summer 'off grid' kitchen made of weather resistant concrete block, outside behind your home, where you could keep your generator and all your supplies out there for when such a time comes again. Even a hand pump connected from the main well to a sink in there, with lots of counter and cupboard space. And if you built a water proof room down below it with a trap door you could keep your canned goods in there, yes? Just a thought. And have you thought of building some sort of Fraidy Hole with beds as well? That would be ideal in case the next hurricane does more damage. In fact you might take care of those things INSTEAD of building that new house you were planning on! What fun it would be to watch you do all this! But know that you're fun to watch regardless!
I've been wanting one myself forever here in central Florida. I already cook outside when it's mid summer and just too hot to heat the house but have been planning and actual roofed area. I want to build a pizza cooker and a smoker and of course propane cooktop. It would be so much easier not to have to drag stuff out and put it back all the time. I think that is going to be this Winters project when it's actually nice outside lol
I’m so glad you’ve been making these videos because preparation has been a priority that my parents instilled in me as a child, but my husband just doesn’t see the value in. We’ve been married 8 years and it’s been a near constant struggle because it’s so easy and cheap to just go to the store, whereas I’m sitting here trying to juggle ten thousand projects because I highly value having the skill set to cook from scratch and can my own food, etc. so you’ve given me multiple opportunities now to actually talk about this real life crisis that so many people are going through and how we can be better prepared if something like it happened to us. We are in Wisconsin so thankfully hurricanes, earthquakes and uncontrollable forest fires aren’t a huge threat, but we do get multiple feet worth of snow every winter and could very easily lose power during the coldest part of the year, when our average temps are between - 10°F and 0°F. I think Covid opened his eyes a bit because he became a lot less disgruntled over my garden and canning food since then, but we seem to be in a culture that forgets quickly once the pain of the event fades, so it’s important to bring these things to the forefront whenever possible - not to cause panic of course, but to encourage others to make it a priority to build up their systems of resilience.
I wish we could give thumbs up each and every time you say something that resonates with or inspires us. They would be through the roof! Thanks for your thoughts and wisdom from the middle.
I absolutely love your outlook on life, family, and faith! We can always use life situations as a learning opportunity and be thankful for it! Life is one big adventure with the good and the bad. We are praying for all the people affected by the storm. Bless you and take care!
We live in sw VA. The first few days we were dealing with numerous Tornado Warnings. Because we are somewhat prepped, we're now able to help the devastated communities elsewhere, instead of struggling to self-survive. You are 100% correct. The more an entire community is prepared the safer it is in totality. The prepared areas on the outside are able to help those cut-off from the rest.
I was born into and grew up in a very, very poor family. As a child, I didn't know any better it was always just the way things were. However, my siblings and I were very loved by our parents and each other. Our basic needs were met, and we were very healthy, happy children who grew up to be strong, creative, caring, resourceful, and extremely resilient adults. I'm proud of my childhood because I know that God is first, and HE will never leave or forsake us. Love is the most important part of life, and things are just.......things. I don't depend on things, I know how to go without most things, and I always make the most of VERY little. Such a free feeling. 😊
❤❤❤ I felt that n today kids are sick 🤧 alot more Often n 🚫 know how to survive n boil water 💦 for baths n put up to cool for drinking water n it scares me for the next generation after 🤔❣️
We bought a farm with derelict house. No electric natural gas, or generator. We install hand pump wood stoves. Had an old outhouse. Built a new one. It wasn’t hard living like that. It was freeing. Heated water for bath. Wringer washer with mini bike motor. Such a close time with kids. No TV. PLAYED cards and games. Canned garden food over a wood fire outside. We all survived. And really thrived. We didn’t have lots of money. Just as you say Jess started with what we had and built upon it.
I don’t think you meant to be a minister, but girl you are ministering! Thank you for this. We live on the Gulf so hurricanes are the “normal” for us but it’s hard when you’re in the middle of it. Your words touched me ❤
I'm so glad to hear you talk about this. We were hit by a tornado in the April 27, 2011 outbreak and it was an event that changed the way I do things. We had food and water but no power for a week so the holes in our ability to function were glaringly obvious. I have been prepping since then. As a Christian I've also heard the comment about God taking care of us but God gave us a brain to use to do what we can do. Joseph prepped for 7 years. Noah prepped by building a boat. And in this day and time waiting on the govt can cost lives as we are seeing in the horrible aftermath of this storm. I heard stories after the tornadoes in 2011 of people being angry because the stores that were open couldn't take their credit or debit cards because there was no electricity. We are a very spoiled society and many people don't know how to function without all the modern conveniences. Personal responsibility is going to be more important than ever especially with what's happening in our country now.
Yes - God calls us to pray for WISDOM and DISCERNMENT, to TRUST and OBEY, to be good stewards....in the Old Testament Solomon put up in the storehouse during the 7 years of plenty so that they had sustenance in 7 years of lack that followed.
After the May 31, 2013 tornado, we were without power for 4 days. Ice storm in late October 2020, we lost power for 9 days. Had a gas stove. We could cook.
Thanks for sharing what you're learning through this disaster. To add to your last point, the people who keep yelling "what about disabled/elderly/etc?!". I think those of us who do have the ability and resources to prepare for time like this, have EXTRA responsibility to do so. So that we can care for those who couldn't prepare. You can use others as an excuse to not prepare yourself, or as a motivation to prepare enough so that you can help others in time of need. Keep extra water, food, etc. Not just for your family, but wider community if you can. Or if you don't have the ability to put away extra, at least you will be ok and can share your time with others.
Hardships make us grateful for the easy times. Yes, struggling stinks! But we learn SO MUCH if we remain open to the lessons within the hardship and we're less likely to take the easy stuff for granted. Not having electricity or internet or cell phone connectivity is a First World problem and we, as Americans, don't necessarily understand how people in other places who DON'T have access to these things live annd thrive. Hardships such as these also help us experience some of what our ancestors, maybe just a few generations ago experienced on a regular basis. I am eternally grateful for what we have and feel extremely blessed to know how to survive and thrive without the luxury many take for granted.
A few years aftervwe first married Southern KY was hit by a massive ice storm followed by heavy snow. Now, folks here are largely prepared to deal with snow (or they were back then--30 years ago) but the power outage so long was something unusual. We heated our little rental house with a wood stove and i was a collector of oil lamps. We were without power for almost two weeks in below zero temps. We were absolutely fine. I cooked on the wood stove. Refrigerator contents went in coolers on the back porch. We were warm. we ate well. City water flowed unless it froze. We were so fortunate that it did not freeze at our house. The pipes were well insulated. Laundry piled up but thats a nothing problem. Resilience takes planning and we learn from watching what fails. I live in a different house now....more vulnerable to what happens beyond our control. It has been easy to put off preparations and you are reawakening the resilience in me. Your videos through this are *so* good.
Jess, you and Miah are awesome, very proud of you two, and the family❤😊 listening to bri and Arthur's little one's doing their ABC's in the back seat of the van, i thought how wonderful children are and your boys were just so awesome rising to the challenge...
I definitely understand what you are saying, my dear... I'm over 60, grew up in rural northern Ontario.. my mother spent all summer, when my dad could easily find work, buying up as much canned foods, grew a large garden & canned those veggies every summer, to get us thru the hard times when there was no money coming in.. So.. I just always have kept a supply of the things we normally use, always. Because you just Never Know when hours might get cut at work, on a breadwinner gets injured, there's a storm that knocks out power for days.. I've lived all them.. & so have sooooo many others. My heart breaks for all those people in the devastated areas who Were prepped & it all washed away.. But.. there's definitely toooo many, in more than just the US, who seem to think the prosperity we've been living will just continue.. Not realizing that out governments are trying to trick us in to believing all is good. That it will never end. & they are spending our countries into bankruptcy.. So... sorry about the foolish people who don't heed warnings. God bless.. Glad things are getting easier, but I have a good idea it's a lot of extra work really.. ❤❤😊 A Canadian fan
It’s not necessary to be fearful or think the worst of others’ motives (which Jesus cautions us NOT to do) to decide to take care of ourselves as best we can. In fact it’s far more healthy and effective and Christ-like to just think of taking personal responsibility for its own sake.
Exactly the truth!! I spoke with a friend today that does not like to cook, can, basically prep. I told her she can go to the store, if you buy 2 cans of sloppy joe, buy 4, etc, there is something people can do to prepare. yeah my kids did the same thing. Point on take responsibility
Thank you for continuing to share from a place of education and being a calm voice in those storm. Your Ted talk was inspiring and much needed, and I hope that the people who are looking down the barrel of storms possibly impacting them in the coming days and weeks are listening and taking notes. I know I’m far removed from this and I have added items to my own lists after watching these videos and reading the comments below them.
Bear: “Mom, I thought you were going to talk on the way home. 🐶No, okay I’ll lay right here until it’s time to go again.” I love seeing him close behind you in your videos.
I'm 70 yrs young .. preppin knowing stuffs gona happen Eventually..I am responsible for myself, live alone!..goal: to.have enough to share❤ Bless you both for pointing all this out loud!!!😅
We get to CHOOSE how we respond to life experiences. We each have the ability to be thoughtful about HOW we react. We're human so we aren't gonna hit a homerun every time, but exercising that muscle makes it stronger and easier to make a good choice. Prayers for all the folks who are dealing with such loss. (for perspective we lost our farmhouse to fire in 2022-also a hard thing to deal with and we are still dealing with the aftermath after 2-1/2 years) Grateful to be alive. Edit: I commented before I watched the rest of your video- everytime you repeat this someone who didn't hear it the other times will and YOU will never know how far and wide the ripples will go, but they will......
Thank you for sharing your updates and insights. I remember when our shop burned on the farm I grew up on. We were without power for several days during a MN winter. Thankfully that old farm house still had a wood furnace in the basement and we had a gas stove. Having options is never a bad choice. That fire became a core memory but life went on during a time we didn’t live on electronic devices. It doesn’t even take a historic storm to disrupt life. All you can do is be ready the best you can.
My parents had a summer recently where their power was out for several days and they just pulled out all their camping gear and built an outdoor kitchen and lived on their patio for the week. 😂 What a mercy, indeed, the opportunity to get stretched a little and see what you can weather and how maybe you could weather more wisely in the future. ♥️
Well said Jess. I love the way you and Miah are working it out and doing what needs to be done. We have done the same thing a few times. We live in the middle of nowhere and we have been through 4 ice storms/blizzards over our 56 years of marriage and have been with out power for over a week once and over two weeks the other times. We girded up our loins and yes, readjusted our needs and planned better. That's what our ancestors did and I am so glad we lived on farms and it taught us personal responsibility. Yes, it is a challenge and yes, it is a teaching moment. I don't take my "comforts" for granted at all. It can be taken away in a blink. Praying for all of those that have have lost family, and their complete homes, businesses, towns and we are praying for you all too. You all are such a blessing.
When you know in your knower! That is one of my favorite Jessisms. I have stole that phrase a time or two. I've been following you since fo-eva ! Love hearing you preach! Are we close to a new devotional? Love you Jess - so happy you are with us to tell what needs told.
We went through Beryl back in July and we are still recovering from it. My goats are still sleeping on my back porch because their shelter and barn were a total loss. We were without power and water for our 11 days. It taught us were the cracks are in our homesteading foundation was. Our family became a true team. We prayed and thanked the Lord and we grew. We are still rebuilding. Is that hard, yes. It has helped us create better systems.
This was the greatest motivational moment I’ve ever had the honor of hearing when it comes to self-sufficiency and preparedness. I mean that sincerely… You say everything I stumble to say every time somebody rolls their eyes, after I tell them that I’m quietly preparing for the what-if’s of our fragile future… Thank you so much. Your little pep-talk should be in every school book in the world…❤
Oh my gosh Jess, I LOVE that you're using your platform to preach this! This is EXACTLY how we feel in our family. God bless you for guiding and encouraging your viewers to this mindset.
Love your sharing ❤️ My generator is on its way. Northern Vancouver Island. Your words of it's your responsibility to take care of yourself first has stayed with me. I don't want to be like the person at Walmart desperate if I can do something about it now. We were without power for only 2 days last week and I was cold and it's not even winter .
Bless you Miss Jess! You spew some of the best wisdom. I love listening to you and don’t give a damn what your politics are. You speak common sense and very often the “food for thought” I most needed to be reminded of. I’m very happy you are “uncomfortable” and fortunate that the situation is not catastrophic. Don’t need to say “hang in there”, cause I know you will.
Having lived in Florida since 1968 and having lived through SO many weather events, we help younger folks who are so dependent and just clueless about how to go without or very little. Sometimes, like 10+ foot floods occur, being prepared goes out the window. Otherwise, simple preps go a long ways! What I love about your family is that you know about hard times and KNOW the power of LAUGHTER when times are challenging and we just have to "go with the flow"! Well done Roots and Refuge!
Yes! We all need to take some responsibility for solving our own issues and not rely on someone else to carry us through. The government is not going to save you, build a community, take care of your community, look out for each other locally.
I am glad you are keeping on the sunny side of life. Having a great attitude teaches your children to be over-comers when things don't go the way they expect them to. Working on the things you have control of widens your circle of influence so that it grows and allows you to influence others. Sitting around and being scared to move is the worst thing anyone can do. Thank you for sharing. This was the exact video someone needed to see because they are afraid and their life is turned upside down. We used to have such fun when the power went out. It was like a camping trip at home. We would get out the kerosene stove to cook on and heat with. We would light the lantern and tell stories, just talking about everything. My children still remember it with fondness. I am sure yours will too.
Hey Jess, I agree my baby is 34 years old and when we shared dinner last night I asked how much water do you have in your apartment! He thought I was talking about water bottles! I said no, you need to make sure you have at least a week’s worth of water and food! I plan to buy my family members buckets and hand shower with pumps for Christmas! Life is always better with a hot shower! We don’t know what will happen this winter as they can easily get 6 feet of snow! It happened last year! They used to think I was a bit eccentric but life has legitimized my concerns for them and their littles! Glad to hear the boys are thankful for running water! I still praise the Lord when I stand under nice hot water flowing over me on a chilly morning! Peace and blessings! 🤗
This brings back memories when Francis and Jeanne hit S. Florida in 2004, we took two direct hits and were without power for 30 straight days. The Walmart down the street got power back and I would take my sons, ages 4, 8, and 12, for a ride to the store just to walk around in some air conditioning. At night we would play board games by candlelight. Things I do for storm prep storm is having the natural gas tank topped off- my gas stove, grill, and hot water heater were a blessing, having one pot meal recipes and food prepped ready to go saved dishes and prep, having an adapter for the well pump to power it off the generator, having plenty of bottled water on hand, doing all the laundry the day before- sheets, towels ,etc- because you really don’t know when you can do laundry again, bleaching the tub and filling it with water the day/night before then taking a sheet of plastic and duct taping it over the tub to keep stuff out for toilets, washing up in the sink, or general cleaning, also mopping the floor and cleaning the bathrooms well with bleach before helps keep things a little cleaner for a while. It was definitely an experience and my sons who are now 24, 28, 32 still talk about that time.
After a hurricane or any disaster is when the community spirit shows the most. You may not have power, but your all safe. For that we must count our blessings. God never promised he would keep us from the elements. I guess those disasters are testing times of faith. Damage can be fixed, it will take some time but as we do it we also need to be thankful. I know there are some lives lost, may they rest in peace.
Your kids absolutely will remember this as a core memory! I am from NW Georgia and vividly remember the “blizzard of 93” when I was in 10th grade. Our little road was cut off from the outside for many days. Storing food outside in snow drifts, community cooking, transporting an elderly neighbor by sled to a house with a wood stove…
So grateful for you. Keep repeating what you are saying. You do not sound prideful. Its great to hear from directly from someone going through your situation first hand and seeing where you did well and where you can improve. We are listening and learning from you.
People have no idea how much people like you and local people that live in the states affected by the storm, let we, the people, know the devastation that went on. I live in Arkansas and the local news cannot possibly show us as much as utubers have! Thank you so much for picking up the camera and sharing. Gosh bless!
I'm so happy to see that you and your family are alright. My brother and sister-in-law live in Hendersonville, NC. They had some damage but are okay. Thoughts and prayers for everyone affected due to Hurricane Helene. 🙏🙌🙏
I keep hearing people in the Asheville and those areas near there say do NOT depend on the government to meet your basic needs. Your emphasis on being prepped as best you can and community is so crucial! Keep saying it Jess and let those that need to hear it follow your wisdom and warnings. Bless you sister!
For the last couple weeks, ive been in early closed off my garden season due to total hip replacement today, oct 1. Im in central lowa and normally i just tackle 1 thing a day in October until we freeze out. I made it, got everything done that needed done. My fridge is packed with all my last harvest from ystdy. surgery came and went….Now i get to spend next several days watching lots of homesteading ppl i follow. My adult children will be coming by to check on me next couple days and in turn take whatever bounty theywant. Im happy with the harvest this year including all the canned items and beyond. I am so looking fwd to catch up on Jess & Miahs videos. Thank you!!!❤
When I was a teenager we had an ice storm that knocked out power for 15 days, it’s definitely a core memory for me, we were fine and it’s why I prepare. We had a wood stove and plenty of food. I’m very thankful for the experience and for my parents wisdom all those years ago.
You are so wise and balanced J.S,your mind is switched on, also I love how comfortable Miah has become with your filming ,his so funny,quick, whitty and clever personality is a treat to see , you two are so sweet together ❤
I tell people all the time perspective is everything and if you look for the joy you get more accomplished. I'm so grateful to God you guys are doing as well as you are ❤
Taking the front seat to this TED talk❤we are all able to do something, regardless of our situations. We can band people together, share hope, glorify the Lord right where we are.
Good evening from Oregon! Happy y’all are safe after the storm! You never realize how big those trees are until you find them fallen and have to process them! Sending love and prayers to you and your family!
Jess, you are frigging awesome! An awesome role model, and awesome teacher, an awesome partner to Miah, an awesome parent to your precious children. Thank you for your honesty and openness.
You are truly blessed with having food and generators. I watched a video where a lady was saying her family is without water, food and cannot get gas. Stores are closed and gas stations and if you get to a store that is open the lines are long. One video showed where someone was getting insulin delivered by a drone………wasn’t Amazon delivering by drones there for awhile……..there you go drone savvy people……. On the internet I down loaded a DIY on how to make a water purifier out of two stainless steel pots and a ceramic filter. Survival product companies need to send water purification kits to those remote areas Storing water is great but learning how to purify what you can collect is even better. Sharing a meal with your neighbors family was generous ….God was using you to help another by you putting in too much rice. I’m planning on dehydrating more veggies into powders and vac sealing them in packets then storing them in mouse proof containers……I’ve dehydrated cooked beans and rice….instant food if needed…..placing them in a building that stays comfortable without heat or air….away from the house incase our house is destroyed…… One lady was going down a road and farm animals were roaming about alone on their own……how sad…. cold weather is soon to come pray for all to be safe……
👏 As a New Englander in a semi rural area, preparedness is a must. Power can go out for days on end in the middle of winter. Caring for yourself and your family is personal responsibility, to the best of your ability. Love your message, glad your family weathered the storm. ❤ Been watching since 2018
Keep speaking, sister, even if it does feel repetitive, and even if some protest! I personally need to hear your message. I personally need to put some systems into place. You are indeed blessing at least one subscriber - me! Thank you.
Well said , navigate the discomfort, I remember when Maria hit Puerto Rico , we (families) mobilized in the US and poured all our energy to help my island and prioritize the most needed of the devastated areas and worked down from there. Sending prayers for all those impacted
I liked when you talked about camping. My family camped since I was 6 months old. Cold nights in a camper with extra blankets. Cold nights in a tent on the ground. You want hot water - you pump it, and then you heat it on the stove. Cooking over a fire, grilling on the coals, baking in a Dutch oven, or even wrapping it in aluminum foil and burying it in the coals. Starting campfires to stay warm, to be together, to sing songs. Hiking. Cycling. Backpacking. Fishing. There is a world of adventure that can really change your perspective on the reality of things like hurricanes, taking the challenges in stride, overcoming, because You taught them how. Thank You, Lord, for all those taking care of all the rest, for those making it easier, for those taking on the heavier load for a while so someone else can take a step back for a moment. You have really opened up amazing possibilities in such dire circumstances.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
My son went to Georgia to help a family member. A tree had fallen on the house. So he, and his friends, cut the tree off and tarped the roof. The phone call I got from him was bittersweet. “Mom! I met an older man (probably my age 🙄) who has never been through a hurricane before, along with so many others. The man said, they didn’t know what to do. Mom! The job I came to do is finished, but I can’t leave. These people are lost right now and need our help. He’s 27 years old with a heart of gold. We are from SE Texas and hurricanes are something we go through. It’s a thing we get prepared for every single year. I have a hurricane survivor kit I refresh every May. He went thinking he’d be gone a few days, now he says it may be a few weeks. As a human, my heart hurts for those involved, I know the devastation oh so well. As a mom, my heart is full knowing my son sees the pain and confusion and wants to help.
Well done Mama. You've raised a good man!
@@jennifercook9904 thank you.
Brought my momma heart to tears! Praying for peace for you and blessings on your son! Praise Jesus for you all! 🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏
@@ginnysulya9805 thank you
I don’t know your son but that deserves a huge pat on the back and my deepest respect! Clearly you gave him the skills and heart to do such good work! God bless and keep him safe while he is away and every day!❤
I am 62 and wheelchair bound with few steps that are painful. However, I garden, can my own foods and cook from scratch. I have not bought bread in years, do yeast and sourdough breads. I get so upset with lazy or unmotivated people who say “What about the elderly or disabled. We are not unable, we are probably More prepared than young adults. We have water backup and plenty foods, generator and extra gas. We are smart and take care of ourselves. Thank you for standing up for Christian people and those who are fighting to be prepared. You are so wise past your years.
I’m 63 in about the same shape Gladys. The kids roll their eyes about some of the things I get up to, but I have dehydrated and preserved food, and some naughty goodies (that I don’t tell them about), always have a bit of rainwater set aside in a sturdy barrel, under a dodgy gutter that refreshes itself every time it rains. I’ve finally learnt to let discomfort teach my kids, rather than waste my breath trying to motivate them to be resilient. Yes I have had the opportunity to chuckle to myself as they struggle with something I have been ignored about. Oh and cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Same sister. Been laughed at my whole life for being/living very old fashioned and disabled. But it does help take the edge off the stress when chaos happens.
@@julieliner1498 Im 83 and broke my ankle was wheel chair for 3 months and did not need any thing bought , Old school we look after our self
It's similar to my situation. I'm partially wheelchair bound, every joint in my body hurts and I have several sublux or dislocations each day. But cook mostly from scratch, bake the bread for my family, have a small garden... You can do so much if you put your mind/energy to it.
Thank u for being real we r in aiken sc without power so I feel u love ur videos
I love the quote "Grandma survived the depression because she knew stuff"!!!
Yep
Yep. And her supply chain was LOCAL.
Grandma never had to survive climate change, we're in uncharted territory...
@@heavymetalpermaculture Climate change is not real.
@@heavymetalpermaculturelol just the dust bowl, but no biggie
I lived through an icestorm in Canada in the late 90s that left nearly our entire province without power for weeks. I was 8 and still remember it as one of the happiest time our family had. Not because it was easy but because we were together and made the most of it. ❤️
I remember that storm!!!
We Canadians are a hardy bunch, aren't we?!
No power for 2 weeks where I was. Was my final year of highschool
I was also in my final year of high school - I remember being bundled in every sweater I owned at the kitchen table where there were the most windows so I could study for final exams 😂😂
I lived through that same storm!
We are on day 8 with no 17:06 power in GA. We thought we were prepared but, like you, are finding a few holes in our systems that we will need to address. I appreciate your candid honesty, "living in a glass house" , helps so many of us. I hope you know how much you are appreciated. Sending love and well wishes from GA.
I stopped by, concerned that this lovely family was okay after the storm. Again, Jess showed the difference what gratefulness looks like.
I’m not a Christian, yet so many of her words resonate so kindly. “I do trust God to lead me to be wise.” That was beautiful. I’m in a waiting room and making it my classroom.
Glad you all are well,
I was blessed with a "practice event" as a teenager. My parents and I were in a flood. Our house was on an island surrounded by rushing water for several days, and it was several more days before the water subsided. We were trapped, and while the news crews had filmed our home and other homes, there was no help from anyone. We were on our own. Fortunately, my mother was a child of the depression and always kept 50 pounds of beans in a closet. My father always kept the propane tank topped off. Our well water tasted disgusting, so we kept dozens of gallons of drinking water on hand. That week and a half was spent eating beans and cornbread and playing scrabble. I treasure the memory. The experience changed how I thought about things, and I took those lessons into adulthood.
Great story!
❤❤❤
I use a wheelchair, and you better believe I push myself through my yard and do whatever gardening I can. I also do a lot of canning and stock up what I can. No excuses!! 🙌🏾
Hey friend, do U mind commenting on what strategies have made the most difference in the garden and preserving side of things, as a wheelchair user? I'm in healthcare and super interested
@@erin2535 Sure! I can stand and take steps but I'm very careful. Honestly anything I do makes me stronger. I container garden and try to plant varieties that grow well in pots. Grandstalks are perfect, and I keep them about 3 levels high. A-frame trellises keep plants in reach. Flowers and herbs make my soul happy so I plant a lot of those. 🤭
For canning, use smaller pots and pans to move water to the canner. I make sure to be really organized and keep things in reach. I use a steam canner instead of water bath for jams, etc. When I was weaker, I kept a hot plate at table level, and I could at least make jam at the table and fill the jars and have some help getting the canning process ready.
Repeat yourself as many times as you're guided to do so, Jess. There is profound wisdom in your narrative, even for those who proclaim it doesn't apply to them.
How did you get to be so wise at your age? I wish I had been that wise…..you amaze me and I’m so proud of you! Your momma must be absolutely over the top over the woman she raised! God bless you always!!!!! ❤❤❤
I KNOW!! I'm old enough to be her momma. I could only wish to have had her wisdom at her age. Plus, I love her because she is a native Arkansan girl like me.
1 second ago (edited)
Seek and put God 1st in your life! Ask Him for wisdom and he will readly give it to you! Blessings! James1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Perfectly said, you said it all for me,thankyou ❤
Totally, she is one AMAZING lady that we all of all ages can learn from her wisdom
It would be incredible if everyone in your community or just your church Community could get together and everybody could say I have an abundance of this I can donate to the people whose houses have been wiped out and set up a pickup point I'd say another church somewhere near the wiped out areas. And be aware that when people start getting desperate because our government is not stepping up all these displaced people are going to look for High Ground they're going to look for and head towards communities that have not been destroyed. Keep your heads on swivel and stay safe.
Here in North Queensland Australia, we lived on the beachfront during cyclone Yasi, category 5
No power or safe drinking water for 4 weeks
I had a 1 year old and two teenagers
And it was challenging but fine, the heat was the worst part mid 40 degrees Celsius with a million percent humidity
I took that experience as an opportunity for growth, and found the weaknesses in our preparedness, as well as what worked really well
Then we got devastating floods 10 years later
And we were even better prepared than during the cyclone
And hey, when the world was losing its mind looking for toilet paper
I was out in my garden, listening to the birds, not stressing about being able to take care of my family 🌸 🌳
One of my favorite family pictures was taken when we were without water for 10 days because the water treatment plant had been flooded. We had torrential rain OUTSIDE the house, so my husband grabbed a bottle of shampoo and bar of soap to 'shower' in the overflow the gutter could not handle. All four children followed him. We drained the hot water heater to do laundry, diverting the water from the machine into a clean garbage can and reusing it load after load. Our children will never forget the 'why' of that photo. You are doing spectacularly and illustrating how humor, gratitude, and good attitude can show you creative ways to survive disasters.
This is why we love you, Jess! “Okay, awesome - then I’m not talking to you.”
Your Ted talks are always the words I need to hear! Your devotionals lead me in a way of positivity and healing! Never think your words aren't valued and heard ❤
🥰 Sitting in the discomfort of life means you are growing. Tomatoes are sweeter when they are stressed. Seedlings are hardened off before they are planted in the garden to grow wild. Grow wild my friends!
20:58 she said poppin a squat 😂😂😂. And now I know why she’s one of my fav people.
Yes but what is hitting a PT??
Me too 🤣
@@sandrainontario6710 I think she said PR ( referring to weight lifting/gym) and means Personal Record
Same !!! I say this all the time 😂
@@sandrainontario6710PR personal record
No one is ever totally prepared. It is a gift what you are learning from this. Years ago we had an ice storm that took out the power. We were new on our farm. That shaped us. Every decision to buy something after that led us to going non electric as much as possible. Fireplace, blue flame heaters, rainwater catchment gravity fed water filter system instead of electric. Even our spinner for our honey frames is manual. I have tools to do laundry by hand and once did that for almost two years because we simply couldn't afford a washing machine. I cried the first time I did all our laundry by hand. But I did it and got me that ringer that makes it so much easier. Lol We learn from the challenges and all you are doing is sharing what you are observing that you could do better. Good for you! Because really, help will not always be there. I remember once Creator told me to buy two winters worth of hay. I could at the time so we did. For the last five years I always carried an extra winters worth of hay. Last year in my area NO ONE had hay.But because I listened we had hay this past winter and this year was a great hay year so again I have two winters worth of hay back in the barn. We don't always know when we will need it!!❤
You are so right about attitude! I have several friends who can never find the bright side, and oddly enough, nothing good ever happens to them, and everything bad always happens to them.
And yes, bad things do happen, but it's not *just* bad things. But if you ask them, that's all you'll hear about. The bad things that come to us can also turn out to be blessings. We just don't know until it's all over.
My late husband and I took in a homeless couple. Two months later, my husband came down with brain cancer. John and I thought we were performing an act of charity. It turned out God was sending us help for a very hard time. You never know what's happening until the story is finished.
@candymadigan ... I admire you so much!
thank you so much for sharing that!! God is truly great!
❤❤❤
Amen, Candy. I'm so sorry about your husband's cancer. Sending hugs.
Candy, one of my teachers told me that you get what you put out in the world. Like if you put grumpy nastiness out to the world, then, guess what? That is what you'll get back. And you won't have much fun that way in life. It is always a choice. Same about vice-versa.. when you put out love and harmony, that is what you get back. I love what you said - and what the lady in the video said about attitude. It's 100% correct in my book. If you look for good - even in the hard bad rotten no good times, you can find good even there. Thanks so much for your comment. Good food for thought. And I'm so sorry for the difficulty you've been through. You never know what is around the next corner. Blessings!
Core Memories: I very fondly remember blizzards in the 70’s in IL. Mom set the 15” around the fireplace up into a room using blankets hung from the drop-in ceiling. No power/no heat. Several days in the blanket room playing board games and heating up soup in the fireplace.
As my adult brain is thinking about it, it was maybe 10”sq. But we had a couch, chair, and coffee table, lol!
I know you'll probably never see this comment because your channel is so big now, but I just wanted to say how much ii
I love you and your authenticity. You're so real. I wish you were my neighbor.
Thank you, Jessica Sowards. I’m in the Pacific Northwest where the most likely natural disaster would be an earthquake. Because of you, I just moved all my home canned vegetables to the floor and lowest shelves instead of the easier-to-reach top shelves. There will still be challenges if an earthquake hits but most of my jars should be safe. 🙏
Look up the inaugural day storm. I lived an hour south of Seattle when that happened. We didn’t have power for a week. I was a teen and it changed my view of being prepared.
I was also still in the area during the nisqually earthquake. So I’ve seen multiple types of natural disasters in the area.
You can also put every other jar in an old sock to prevent them clanking against each other during a shaker. I used this method when we moved and decided to keep it when I loaded my shelves.
I agree, I live on the most southern Oregon coast and I'm starting to look at how fragile I truly am. Blessings from Brookings Oregon.
I see this comment a lot regarding jars. I am also in the PNW and grew up in Alaska. My hometown got hit with a big quake a few years ago. Let me tell you from what my friends learned the hard way: those jars are just not going to survive. Have something stashed in Mylar. If/when we get hit with anything above a local 7.0, I am banking on those jars just becoming a hazard....
Resonating. Thank you for being so passionate about this. We need to unplug from our dependency. Self- sufficiency is freedom.
When I was 8 a tornado went through our backyard (while we were out of town on spring break) and 34 pine trees fell into our yard, by God’s grace not hitting the house. But I’ll never forget crying as I walked around the side of our house through the fence to the backyard to see all those trees down. And then, after weeks on playing on and climbing on the jungle gym of trees, having a blast, I cried when all the chain saws finish clearing out all my beloved fallen trees🤣 Core memories for sure!
you are right we have been raised to be fragile, without even knowing how vulnerable we are. I hear new residents rant the second our neighborhood is inconvenienced. claiming the county needs to do this, or fix that. I am rural, when our bridges wash out, we get there and fix it. our flooding is very small in scale compared to the SE of our America. my heart goes out to every single being affected by Helene. thanks Jess for holding the candle shining bright. BTW sometimes the best dinners are when the angels help you cook enough to feed the neighbors.
I love the rooster eating the leftover grain; and that you shared with your neighbor. We just made our last house payment and now after we get our deed, we have to save up money to fix up our house. It's kind of a dumpy house but it's ours. I will be happy when we get our gas heater installed. Our winters here are very, very cold so that is our priority. Our garden did really good this year and I was able to freeze my tomatoes and peppers, and zucchini shreds. My neighbor shares her eggs with us and we shared vegetables and fruit with her. I am 68 years October 4 and have seen so many different aspects of life that I like to stand back and see many different pieces of the puzzle. It's amazing really how many different aspects to life that there are.
People have become used to relying on stores, government, being able to get out of your road. Preach sister!!!
Does anyone else love the squeak that Jess makes when she's sharing her life with us while smiling and in between laughing❤ It's quite endearing
I love it when" sweet Mia" makes her laugh, which is often. Fills me with joy, everytime!!!
My grandparents who lived in the country, in Canada, had an outdoor summer kitchen, where Gramma would wash and prepare her garden veggies for canning. The kitchen in the main house remained clean and never heated up, so my idea is that you consider building a small summer 'off grid' kitchen made of weather resistant concrete block, outside behind your home, where you could keep your generator and all your supplies out there for when such a time comes again. Even a hand pump connected from the main well to a sink in there, with lots of counter and cupboard space. And if you built a water proof room down below it with a trap door you could keep your canned goods in there, yes? Just a thought. And have you thought of building some sort of Fraidy Hole with beds as well? That would be ideal in case the next hurricane does more damage. In fact you might take care of those things INSTEAD of building that new house you were planning on! What fun it would be to watch you do all this! But know that you're fun to watch regardless!
I dream of a summer kitchen!
I've been wanting one myself forever here in central Florida. I already cook outside when it's mid summer and just too hot to heat the house but have been planning and actual roofed area. I want to build a pizza cooker and a smoker and of course propane cooktop. It would be so much easier not to have to drag stuff out and put it back all the time. I think that is going to be this Winters project when it's actually nice outside lol
Jess I’m twice your age and you teach me something every time you share your thoughts. Your wisdom is a gift. To me and to so many. 💕💕💕💕💕💕
I do trust God. I trust Him to lead me to be smarter. Great quote Jess!
I’m so glad you’ve been making these videos because preparation has been a priority that my parents instilled in me as a child, but my husband just doesn’t see the value in. We’ve been married 8 years and it’s been a near constant struggle because it’s so easy and cheap to just go to the store, whereas I’m sitting here trying to juggle ten thousand projects because I highly value having the skill set to cook from scratch and can my own food, etc. so you’ve given me multiple opportunities now to actually talk about this real life crisis that so many people are going through and how we can be better prepared if something like it happened to us. We are in Wisconsin so thankfully hurricanes, earthquakes and uncontrollable forest fires aren’t a huge threat, but we do get multiple feet worth of snow every winter and could very easily lose power during the coldest part of the year, when our average temps are between - 10°F and 0°F. I think Covid opened his eyes a bit because he became a lot less disgruntled over my garden and canning food since then, but we seem to be in a culture that forgets quickly once the pain of the event fades, so it’s important to bring these things to the forefront whenever possible - not to cause panic of course, but to encourage others to make it a priority to build up their systems of resilience.
Where is Wisconsin? I am in Hastings, Mn
YOUR LAUGHTER HEALS ALL OF US!!!! Thank you for being you 🥰
I wish we could give thumbs up each and every time you say something that resonates with or inspires us. They would be through the roof! Thanks for your thoughts and wisdom from the middle.
"I do trust God to lead me to wise."
Preach it sista!!!
I absolutely love your outlook on life, family, and faith! We can always use life situations as a learning opportunity and be thankful for it! Life is one big adventure with the good and the bad. We are praying for all the people affected by the storm. Bless you and take care!
We live in sw VA. The first few days we were dealing with numerous Tornado Warnings. Because we are somewhat prepped, we're now able to help the devastated communities elsewhere, instead of struggling to self-survive. You are 100% correct. The more an entire community is prepared the safer it is in totality. The prepared areas on the outside are able to help those cut-off from the rest.
I was born into and grew up in a very, very poor family. As a child, I didn't know any better it was always just the way things were. However, my siblings and I were very loved by our parents and each other. Our basic needs were met, and we were very healthy, happy children who grew up to be strong, creative, caring, resourceful, and extremely resilient adults. I'm proud of my childhood because I know that God is first, and HE will never leave or forsake us. Love is the most important part of life, and things are just.......things. I don't depend on things, I know how to go without most things, and I always make the most of VERY little. Such a free feeling. 😊
❤❤❤ I felt that n today kids are sick 🤧 alot more Often n 🚫 know how to survive n boil water 💦 for baths n put up to cool for drinking water n it scares me for the next generation after 🤔❣️
We bought a farm with derelict house. No electric natural gas, or generator. We install hand pump wood stoves. Had an old outhouse. Built a new one. It wasn’t hard living like that. It was freeing. Heated water for bath. Wringer washer with mini bike motor. Such a close time with kids. No TV. PLAYED cards and games. Canned garden food over a wood fire outside. We all survived. And really thrived. We didn’t have lots of money. Just as you say Jess started with what we had and built upon it.
❤❤❤
I don’t think you meant to be a minister, but girl you are ministering! Thank you for this. We live on the Gulf so hurricanes are the “normal” for us but it’s hard when you’re in the middle of it. Your words touched me ❤
I'm so glad to hear you talk about this. We were hit by a tornado in the April 27, 2011 outbreak and it was an event that changed the way I do things. We had food and water but no power for a week so the holes in our ability to function were glaringly obvious. I have been prepping since then. As a Christian I've also heard the comment about God taking care of us but God gave us a brain to use to do what we can do. Joseph prepped for 7 years. Noah prepped by building a boat. And in this day and time waiting on the govt can cost lives as we are seeing in the horrible aftermath of this storm. I heard stories after the tornadoes in 2011 of people being angry because the stores that were open couldn't take their credit or debit cards because there was no electricity. We are a very spoiled society and many people don't know how to function without all the modern conveniences. Personal responsibility is going to be more important than ever especially with what's happening in our country now.
Yes - God calls us to pray for WISDOM and DISCERNMENT, to TRUST and OBEY, to be good stewards....in the Old Testament Solomon put up in the storehouse during the 7 years of plenty so that they had sustenance in 7 years of lack that followed.
After the May 31, 2013 tornado, we were without power for 4 days. Ice storm in late October 2020, we lost power for 9 days. Had a gas stove. We could cook.
❤❤❤@@AB-ol5uz
❤❤❤
Thanks for sharing what you're learning through this disaster. To add to your last point, the people who keep yelling "what about disabled/elderly/etc?!". I think those of us who do have the ability and resources to prepare for time like this, have EXTRA responsibility to do so. So that we can care for those who couldn't prepare. You can use others as an excuse to not prepare yourself, or as a motivation to prepare enough so that you can help others in time of need. Keep extra water, food, etc. Not just for your family, but wider community if you can. Or if you don't have the ability to put away extra, at least you will be ok and can share your time with others.
Hardships make us grateful for the easy times. Yes, struggling stinks! But we learn SO MUCH if we remain open to the lessons within the hardship and we're less likely to take the easy stuff for granted. Not having electricity or internet or cell phone connectivity is a First World problem and we, as Americans, don't necessarily understand how people in other places who DON'T have access to these things live annd thrive. Hardships such as these also help us experience some of what our ancestors, maybe just a few generations ago experienced on a regular basis. I am eternally grateful for what we have and feel extremely blessed to know how to survive and thrive without the luxury many take for granted.
❤❤❤❤
A few years aftervwe first married Southern KY was hit by a massive ice storm followed by heavy snow. Now, folks here are largely prepared to deal with snow (or they were back then--30 years ago) but the power outage so long was something unusual. We heated our little rental house with a wood stove and i was a collector of oil lamps. We were without power for almost two weeks in below zero temps. We were absolutely fine. I cooked on the wood stove. Refrigerator contents went in coolers on the back porch. We were warm. we ate well. City water flowed unless it froze. We were so fortunate that it did not freeze at our house. The pipes were well insulated. Laundry piled up but thats a nothing problem. Resilience takes planning and we learn from watching what fails. I live in a different house now....more vulnerable to what happens beyond our control. It has been easy to put off preparations and you are reawakening the resilience in me. Your videos through this are *so* good.
Jess, you and Miah are awesome, very proud of you two, and the family❤😊 listening to bri and Arthur's little one's doing their ABC's in the back seat of the van, i thought how wonderful children are and your boys were just so awesome rising to the challenge...
I definitely understand what you are saying, my dear...
I'm over 60, grew up in rural northern Ontario.. my mother spent all summer, when my dad could easily find work, buying up as much canned foods, grew a large garden & canned those veggies every summer, to get us thru the hard times when there was no money coming in..
So.. I just always have kept a supply of the things we normally use, always.
Because you just Never Know when hours might get cut at work, on a breadwinner gets injured, there's a storm that knocks out power for days.. I've lived all them.. & so have sooooo many others.
My heart breaks for all those people in the devastated areas who Were prepped & it all washed away..
But.. there's definitely toooo many, in more than just the US, who seem to think the prosperity we've been living will just continue..
Not realizing that out governments are trying to trick us in to believing all is good. That it will never end.
& they are spending our countries into bankruptcy..
So... sorry about the foolish people who don't heed warnings.
God bless..
Glad things are getting easier, but I have a good idea it's a lot of extra work really..
❤❤😊
A Canadian fan
It’s not necessary to be fearful or think the worst of others’ motives (which Jesus cautions us NOT to do) to decide to take care of ourselves as best we can. In fact it’s far more healthy and effective and Christ-like to just think of taking personal responsibility for its own sake.
Exactly the truth!! I spoke with a friend today that does not like to cook, can, basically prep. I told her she can go to the store, if you buy 2 cans of sloppy joe, buy 4, etc, there is something people can do to prepare. yeah my kids did the same thing. Point on take responsibility
❤❤❤
Thank you for continuing to share from a place of education and being a calm voice in those storm. Your Ted talk was inspiring and much needed, and I hope that the people who are looking down the barrel of storms possibly impacting them in the coming days and weeks are listening and taking notes.
I know I’m far removed from this and I have added items to my own lists after watching these videos and reading the comments below them.
Bear: “Mom, I thought you were going to talk on the way home. 🐶No, okay I’ll lay right here until it’s time to go again.” I love seeing him close behind you in your videos.
I'm 70 yrs young ..
preppin knowing stuffs gona happen
Eventually..I am responsible for myself, live alone!..goal: to.have enough to share❤
Bless you both for pointing all this out loud!!!😅
We get to CHOOSE how we respond to life experiences. We each have the ability to be thoughtful about HOW we react. We're human so we aren't gonna hit a homerun every time, but exercising that muscle makes it stronger and easier to make a good choice. Prayers for all the folks who are dealing with such loss. (for perspective we lost our farmhouse to fire in 2022-also a hard thing to deal with and we are still dealing with the aftermath after 2-1/2 years) Grateful to be alive. Edit: I commented before I watched the rest of your video- everytime you repeat this someone who didn't hear it the other times will and YOU will never know how far and wide the ripples will go, but they will......
Thank you for sharing your updates and insights. I remember when our shop burned on the farm I grew up on. We were without power for several days during a MN winter. Thankfully that old farm house still had a wood furnace in the basement and we had a gas stove. Having options is never a bad choice. That fire became a core memory but life went on during a time we didn’t live on electronic devices. It doesn’t even take a historic storm to disrupt life. All you can do is be ready the best you can.
My parents had a summer recently where their power was out for several days and they just pulled out all their camping gear and built an outdoor kitchen and lived on their patio for the week. 😂 What a mercy, indeed, the opportunity to get stretched a little and see what you can weather and how maybe you could weather more wisely in the future. ♥️
Well said Jess.
I love the way you and Miah are working it out and doing what needs to be done. We have done the same thing a few times. We live in the middle of nowhere and we have been through 4 ice storms/blizzards over our 56 years of marriage and have been with out power for over a week once and over two weeks the other times. We girded up our loins and yes, readjusted our needs and planned better. That's what our ancestors did and I am so glad we lived on farms and it taught us personal responsibility. Yes, it is a challenge and yes, it is a teaching moment.
I don't take my "comforts" for granted at all. It can be taken away in a blink.
Praying for all of those that have have lost family, and their complete homes, businesses, towns and we are praying for you all too. You all are such a blessing.
Love the cooking story. Glad y’all are okay. Good message in this video. Thank you.
Keep repeating! We’re here for it. ❤
When you know in your knower! That is one of my favorite Jessisms. I have stole that phrase a time or two. I've been following you since fo-eva ! Love hearing you preach! Are we close to a new devotional? Love you Jess - so happy you are with us to tell what needs told.
I love your “talks”, perspective & thought provoking conversations. Thank YOU for sharing them!
We went through Beryl back in July and we are still recovering from it. My goats are still sleeping on my back porch because their shelter and barn were a total loss. We were without power and water for our 11 days. It taught us were the cracks are in our homesteading foundation was. Our family became a true team. We prayed and thanked the Lord and we grew. We are still rebuilding. Is that hard, yes. It has helped us create better systems.
This was the greatest motivational moment I’ve ever had the honor of hearing when it comes to self-sufficiency and preparedness. I mean that sincerely…
You say everything I stumble to say every time somebody rolls their eyes, after I tell them that I’m quietly preparing for the what-if’s of our fragile future…
Thank you so much. Your little pep-talk should be in every school book in the world…❤
Oh my gosh Jess, I LOVE that you're using your platform to preach this! This is EXACTLY how we feel in our family. God bless you for guiding and encouraging your viewers to this mindset.
You certainly do Bless Us ! You speak wisely and there are many out here that need to be taught or just inspired. Thank you
Good morning from Australia. I'm so glad you are okay after the hurricane. Thank you for all the updates.
Love your sharing ❤️
My generator is on its way.
Northern Vancouver Island.
Your words of it's your responsibility to take care of yourself first has stayed with me. I don't want to be like the person at Walmart desperate if I can do something about it now. We were without power for only 2 days last week and I was cold and it's not even winter .
Bless you Miss Jess! You spew some of the best wisdom. I love listening to you and don’t give a damn what your politics are. You speak common sense and very often the “food for thought” I most needed to be reminded of. I’m very happy you are “uncomfortable” and fortunate that the situation is not catastrophic. Don’t need to say “hang in there”, cause I know you will.
Personal responsibility + local community ♥️. YES!
Keep sharing your message, Jess! Ypu are reaching more people than you may realize!
Having lived in Florida since 1968 and having lived through SO many weather events, we help younger folks who are so dependent and just clueless about how to go without or very little. Sometimes, like 10+ foot floods occur, being prepared goes out the window. Otherwise, simple preps go a long ways!
What I love about your family is that you know about hard times and KNOW the power of LAUGHTER when times are challenging and we just have to "go with the flow"!
Well done Roots and Refuge!
Yes! We all need to take some responsibility for solving our own issues and not rely on someone else to carry us through. The government is not going to save you, build a community, take care of your community, look out for each other locally.
I am glad you are keeping on the sunny side of life. Having a great attitude teaches your children to be over-comers when things don't go the way they expect them to. Working on the things you have control of widens your circle of influence so that it grows and allows you to influence others. Sitting around and being scared to move is the worst thing anyone can do. Thank you for sharing. This was the exact video someone needed to see because they are afraid and their life is turned upside down. We used to have such fun when the power went out. It was like a camping trip at home. We would get out the kerosene stove to cook on and heat with. We would light the lantern and tell stories, just talking about everything. My children still remember it with fondness. I am sure yours will too.
It’s like buying a huge expensive new appliance and the kids get so excited - to play with the box!!!
“T E D talks from the Middle w Jess” …. Love it! 💚
Hey Jess, I agree my baby is 34 years old and when we shared dinner last night I asked how much water do you have in your apartment! He thought I was talking about water bottles! I said no, you need to make sure you have at least a week’s worth of water and food! I plan to buy my family members buckets and hand shower with pumps for Christmas! Life is always better with a hot shower! We don’t know what will happen this winter as they can easily get 6 feet of snow! It happened last year! They used to think I was a bit eccentric but life has legitimized my concerns for them and their littles! Glad to hear the boys are thankful for running water! I still praise the Lord when I stand under nice hot water flowing over me on a chilly morning! Peace and blessings! 🤗
This brings back memories when Francis and Jeanne hit S. Florida in 2004, we took two direct hits and were without power for 30 straight days. The Walmart down the street got power back and I would take my sons, ages 4, 8, and 12, for a ride to the store just to walk around in some air conditioning. At night we would play board games by candlelight. Things I do for storm prep storm is having the natural gas tank topped off- my gas stove, grill, and hot water heater were a blessing, having one pot meal recipes and food prepped ready to go saved dishes and prep, having an adapter for the well pump to power it off the generator, having plenty of bottled water on hand, doing all the laundry the day before- sheets, towels ,etc- because you really don’t know when you can do laundry again, bleaching the tub and filling it with water the day/night before then taking a sheet of plastic and duct taping it over the tub to keep stuff out for toilets, washing up in the sink, or general cleaning, also mopping the floor and cleaning the bathrooms well with bleach before helps keep things a little cleaner for a while. It was definitely an experience and my sons who are now 24, 28, 32 still talk about that time.
❤❤❤❤
After a hurricane or any disaster is when the community spirit shows the most.
You may not have power, but your all safe. For that we must count our blessings. God never promised he would keep us from the elements.
I guess those disasters are testing times of faith.
Damage can be fixed, it will take some time but as we do it we also need to be thankful.
I know there are some lives lost, may they rest in peace.
i love it when you post daily vlogs, keep em coming !
Your kids absolutely will remember this as a core memory! I am from NW Georgia and vividly remember the “blizzard of 93” when I was in 10th grade. Our little road was cut off from the outside for many days. Storing food outside in snow drifts, community cooking, transporting an elderly neighbor by sled to a house with a wood stove…
So grateful for you. Keep repeating what you are saying. You do not sound prideful. Its great to hear from directly from someone going through your situation first hand and seeing where you did well and where you can improve. We are listening and learning from you.
People have no idea how much people like you and local people that live in the states affected by the storm, let we, the people, know the devastation that went on. I live in Arkansas and the local news cannot possibly show us as much as utubers have! Thank you so much for picking up the camera and sharing. Gosh bless!
I'm so happy to see that you and your family are alright.
My brother and sister-in-law live in Hendersonville, NC. They had some damage but are okay.
Thoughts and prayers for everyone affected due to Hurricane Helene. 🙏🙌🙏
I keep hearing people in the Asheville and those areas near there say do NOT depend on the government to meet your basic needs. Your emphasis on being prepped as best you can and community is so crucial! Keep saying it Jess and let those that need to hear it follow your wisdom and warnings. Bless you sister!
For the last couple weeks, ive been in early closed off my garden season due to total hip replacement today, oct 1. Im in central lowa and normally i just tackle 1 thing a day in October until we freeze out. I made it, got everything done that needed done. My fridge is packed with all my last harvest from ystdy. surgery came and went….Now i get to spend next several days watching lots of homesteading ppl i follow. My adult children will be coming by to check on me next couple days and in turn take whatever bounty theywant. Im happy with the harvest this year including all the canned items and beyond. I am so looking fwd to catch up on Jess & Miahs videos. Thank you!!!❤
That was perhaps the best illustration I’ve ever heard about speaking to a diverse crowd and those who can take away wisdom doing so. Bravo.
When I was a teenager we had an ice storm that knocked out power for 15 days, it’s definitely a core memory for me, we were fine and it’s why I prepare. We had a wood stove and plenty of food. I’m very thankful for the experience and for my parents wisdom all those years ago.
You are so wise and balanced J.S,your mind is switched on,
also I love how comfortable Miah has become with your filming ,his so funny,quick, whitty and clever personality is a treat to see ,
you two are so sweet together ❤
I tell people all the time perspective is everything and if you look for the joy you get more accomplished. I'm so grateful to God you guys are doing as well as you are ❤
Taking the front seat to this TED talk❤we are all able to do something, regardless of our situations. We can band people together, share hope, glorify the Lord right where we are.
how wonderful it would be to have neighbors such as ur family. Such caring individuals...
Good evening from Oregon! Happy y’all are safe after the storm! You never realize how big those trees are until you find them fallen and have to process them! Sending love and prayers to you and your family!
Jess, you are frigging awesome! An awesome role model, and awesome teacher, an awesome partner to Miah, an awesome parent to your precious children. Thank you for your honesty and openness.
You are truly blessed with having food and generators. I watched a video where a lady was saying her family is without water, food and cannot get gas. Stores are closed and gas stations and if you get to a store that is open the lines are long.
One video showed where someone was getting insulin delivered by a drone………wasn’t Amazon delivering by drones there for awhile……..there you go drone savvy people…….
On the internet I down loaded a DIY on how to make a water purifier out of two stainless steel pots and a ceramic filter. Survival product companies need to send water purification kits to those remote areas
Storing water is great but learning how to purify what you can collect is even better.
Sharing a meal with your neighbors family was generous ….God was using you to help another by you putting in too much rice.
I’m planning on dehydrating more veggies into powders and vac sealing them in packets then storing them in mouse proof containers……I’ve dehydrated cooked beans and rice….instant food if needed…..placing them in a building that stays comfortable without heat or air….away from the house incase our house is destroyed……
One lady was going down a road and farm animals were roaming about alone on their own……how sad…. cold weather is soon to come pray for all to be safe……
Today we bless you and Miah Jess... God intervened with your farm before this crisis. Step back and reflect on your blessings.
I join you in blessing Jess and her family 🙏💛
👏 As a New Englander in a semi rural area, preparedness is a must. Power can go out for days on end in the middle of winter. Caring for yourself and your family is personal responsibility, to the best of your ability. Love your message, glad your family weathered the storm. ❤ Been watching since 2018
I LOVE YOU JESS!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU ❤❤
GOD BLESS YOU TOO 🙏 ❤️
You have a kind and empathetic soul.
Someone has always got and had it worse
Be thankful that we are here and alive 😊
Keep speaking, sister, even if it does feel repetitive, and even if some protest! I personally need to hear your message. I personally need to put some systems into place. You are indeed blessing at least one subscriber - me! Thank you.
Well said , navigate the discomfort, I remember when Maria hit Puerto Rico , we (families) mobilized in the US and poured all our energy to help my island and prioritize the most needed of the devastated areas and worked down from there. Sending prayers for all those impacted
Preach Sister, preach.
I liked when you talked about camping. My family camped since I was 6 months old. Cold nights in a camper with extra blankets. Cold nights in a tent on the ground. You want hot water - you pump it, and then you heat it on the stove. Cooking over a fire, grilling on the coals, baking in a Dutch oven, or even wrapping it in aluminum foil and burying it in the coals. Starting campfires to stay warm, to be together, to sing songs. Hiking. Cycling. Backpacking. Fishing. There is a world of adventure that can really change your perspective on the reality of things like hurricanes, taking the challenges in stride, overcoming, because You taught them how. Thank You, Lord, for all those taking care of all the rest, for those making it easier, for those taking on the heavier load for a while so someone else can take a step back for a moment. You have really opened up amazing possibilities in such dire circumstances.
I’m really grateful for you and your families safety in the storm.
Resilience is not built in comfort. Thank you for expressing this!