I came to your channel looking for help with my tomatoes and found the response to my morning prayer. The Lord just spoke to me through you, clearly, beautifully and eloquently with all gentleness. Thank you.
I am seventy and find that I am just delighted when a wise young person can teach me something new. Today you brought to my attention that after God created everything, he "planted a garden". He did that within the time and place that he created and he did it with love, for us. Isn't that just a marvelous thought? He is the master gardener after all. Thank you, sweetie.
I am 66 and so thankful to be learning from a wise young person as Jess. I sometimes wonder why things have taken so long but then wonder how different things would have been to have the internet "back in the day" to have access to so much
He did indeed create things for our enjoyment. He is so good. When I look at fluffy creatures such as bunnies and cats I just think how amazing that God knows our need for comfort, relationship, appreciation, relaxation etc etc. 😊
I am 74 and I still am going thru the process! It never stops, that is what is so amazing! You realize more and more how BIG His love is for us!! Thank you for sharing Jess! Love you!💜💜
I don't doubt for a minute that God has sent me to your channel. He has been speaking to me through gardening and calling me into purpose for my life. I've been wanting to make more videos on YT and have been asking Him for direction, because I don't just want to make videos without purpose. And I think it's clear to me now. I thank God for you and that you share these beautiful devotionals and videos about homesteading. It has really been a blessing.
I only recently found this channel after feeling the tug on my heart to begin researching the art of growing a garden. I'm so blessed to have found such a great channel to learn from, it's giving me the confidence I need to go for it! I didn't even know there were devotionals on this channel so this is a special treat and exactly what I needed to hear. Confirmation that my Father in heaven is leading me through though the Holy Spirit. I can't thank you enough! Excited to catch up on all the great videos! Thank you again! And don't hesitate to post anything that's placed upon your heart! I know I'm not the only one who wants to hear it! Blessings and love to your family from a SAHM of three. 💙
I don't know if you will read this. I can't even remember if i have already posted to you, but I wanted you to know that THIS saved my life! Truly! I love you and i thank you! I am so thankful for you and your heart!
This was a delightful devotional. You are truly a gifted teacher of God’s truths, Jess! I too never really ”caught” the fact that God planted Eden after He created the world. The imagery of a seedling breaking the soil being out process of maturing in our relationship with Him, and God, being the Master gardener, delighting in our growth is something I will hold onto and treasure. Thank you! 💕🙏🏼
You are an awesome woman Jess, and an INCREDIBLE warrior for Christ. This is the first of your Devotional's that I have listened to, as I tend to shy away from such things, but when you started talking about the comparison of God's love and the seedlings (that I too love so much!) you had me. I will probably spend the rest of the day going back through your site and watching the other Devotional's you have posted. You truly moved me today, and that doesn't happen very often these days. Thank you for sharing your Faith and your heart!
When I had cancer almost a dozen years ago, periteneal/ovarian, as I went through the chemo treatments, so weak I could barely move, God gave me peace. I had asked God to let me live and continue to work for Him with kids. You see I had taught little kids, in public schools for thirty years before retiring to keep my grand kids. Then I had started a Mothers day out program at a local church, changed it to a day care and watched God grow it big. A year after my cancer, I had my first I knee replacement. When the orthopedic surgeon came into the room, he said, 'Congratulations on being a survivor. Very few people survive that cancer!' I told him that God took such good care of me, getting me to doctors who could help and watching over me through it all. Then when I reached five years out, the Oncologist said, ' You know, God left you here for a reason. Very few people survive the cancer you had. Are you doing what God wants you to do.?' Wow! Wow! I continued to work as a sub until I was 74. Now I serve my family. Officially retired...But my brain still works. My body does somewhat...But the fact that I can wittness, on line...Now that is amazing. And God smiles! So I truly believe that when God is pleased with us...He gives us more time to dig in the soil, plant seeds and watch them grow, so we can share and feed our families. God is my very best friend. I can talk to Him all day long and into the night..
I have been struggling for a while now and this video has been such a blessing. I'm so glad to have found your channel. Thank you for openly sharing what God has laid on your heart with us.
Wow girl!! Keep these coming! I’m still crying as you are ministering to my spirit. Your analogies seedlings and your loving and caring for them and helping them to get strong in the process is reminding me that my God is there. It’s hard but he is there. He loves me and helps me. Thank you for being used to help me remember that and I make myself get up and keep trying through the hard.
Before God wanted to use us🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾HE wants to KNOW us.......My GOD‼️‼️‼️⚠️Thank you, Jessica for sharing this beautiful video. This was sooooo timely. He wants intimacy with us......that will lay the foundation for us to THRIVE💯
You have no idea how much your words touched me today. I have a big fan blowing me around right now and it’s not a fun time for me, but it’ll make me stronger no matter the outcome 😭❤️
I love that you wait for God to place upon your heart what to speak on and that you take the time to do it right! I know that some of us want to ask for more devotionals more, more, more... But, the fact that they come from his heart through yours, is something we can certainly be blessed to wait for. Thank you. (And, if anyone wants to be too impatient, they can go back and rewatch prior videos.) Amen Jess
What a beautiful picture of who we are and who God is. Bless you for the work you do and the lives you touch. I just listened to this for the second time and there were so many great treasures in your words. God bless you and your family!
This was absolutely amazing. My husband and I watched your devotional together and you really spoke to both of us, certainly cultivating fruit. Bless you.
Listening to you describe the personality differences between you and Miah is so reassuring because I feel it so vividly in my own relationship. I'm the one with a new wild crazy plan every week, my partner is the one saying "slow down, let's see if this will work and do it properly". It's been so wonderful for both of us to move closer to a place of balance in patience and in action. Thank you.
All I can say is......wow. You were meant to be a speaker of God's word. I say this as someone who isn't "religious" to any extent, but I do believe in God. Thank you for helping me understand His process in our lives! Beautiful....so very beautiful! God Bless you and your family, Jess!
I'm just going to throw this out there. Normally when devotionals come on I hard skip like my life depends on it. I'm not a religious person mainly due to upbring. I was made to attend church and then in turn watched my church family run people offf more times than I can count. I swore that the day I turned 18 I would never go back and I would never look back and I did. I then began to question even more when my son was born with the major health issues he has. I have never had a positive view of some Christian people and of the religion itself. I'm saying this so that you know it is truly a lot for me to say I am genuinely thankful this came on while my hands were in dish water. I didn't feel like drying them off to change it and I listened and I would be lying if I said I wasn't sitting in my kitchen floor listening and crying by the end. Thank you for everything Jess. I think I might actually give it another chance. You have shown me that not everyone is bad and hypocritical.
Sunflower Valley Homestead Oh! wow! Reading your response to Jess’s devotional today made my heart skip. I, too, have always run from “church” , my churchy family members, as I’ve always been put off by their sometimes “hypocritical judgment”...the whole “I’m more worthy and more loved by God because I have a church family who welcomes me “ attitude. Twice members of different churches have sent me running from God. More times than I can count have my own relatives unknowingly made me feel judged and ostracized! But I’ve always felt God’s presence in my life while I’m in my garden. My garden and nature are my church. It’s where I attempt to pray and where I finally just accept I don’t have the right words and just say to God, You know my heart’s desires and what and when I need to have your love and assistance. please work your miracles in me, Lord. Why have I responded to you personally? Because I‘ve been obsessed with planting sunflowers this year! Because I read your comment and feel so strongly that we might be near the same developmental place in God’s “process”. And then because I found Roots and Refuge only a few weeks ago. I’m hungry for a new season of gardening and now maybe my hunger for a relationship with God and FINALLY feeling that someone else (you) are becoming part of His Process... Just wow. Thanks for your response to Jess and her wonderful message!
Praise the Lord! I understand where you came from, as our Church home cast our family aside because we left the school for public. It hurt me. But I learned years later that Religion is man made, and because of that, it is imperfect. But a Christian is someone who chooses to walk with Christ, have a personal relationship. So glad I kept that in mind. I know heaven is rejoicing to know another child has begun there walk back. My prayers are with you. God us so good.
Maury Hill our name came because of our son. We plant sunflowers every year. When he was born he had multiple open heart surgeries and one of the Nurses in the NICU used to tell us that he was our sunflower in the middle of the darkest storm we would ever face and that stuck with us. He will be 4 this May and possibly having open heart surgery #3 in June or July
Sunflower I hear you, the same happened to me & I haven't stopped gardening & listening to her since. I don't know that Jess realises how powerful & precious her ability is to connect or reconnect lost souls to God, just through her words. I have no doubt that she was chosen by God & is fulfuling her legacy, which will only continue to grow.
I’ve watched this twice now and have had something different stand out to me both times...so great. I have some changes coming to my life involving ministry and discipleship. This has been just what I needed. Trust God and His process. In ALL stages. Thank you for sharing. 💜
One of the things He taught me as I was doing some weeding is that weeds are like the sin in our lives when we don't cut them out @ the root, they always come back. it takes more time to get to the root of them thru prayer, study and/ or fasting, but once the root is destroyed, it never has the power that it did and we can easily then overcome it. John 8: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you FREE.
Wow Jess!! I so needed to hear this message. I have a thirty-six years old autistic daughter who has life threatening seizures and has been having a very hard time. I have struggled with guilt over so many things and have felt that God is so disappointed with me as a mother of this young woman. I have tried so hard to be the mother she needs and every time she struggles, I feel that I have failed her again, and I question why God would let it happen again. You have given me the answer I needed! Thank you for your beautiful message. I now understand the agitation and struggles. They are here to make me stronger so that I can continue to fight for her. I get it now. God bless you sweet lady and thank you.
Just beautiful, Jess. I had tears running down my face. I already know of Heavenly Father's love for me, but whenever I hear the TRUTH, the Holy Spirit witnesses it to me, in the form of tears. I sent this to my children,two of which are struggling in their testimonies; and also to my brothers and sisters, who are all Christians.
Thank you Jess. I have been so blessed by your message. And just when I thought you were complete - I experienced myself as a seedling. What an amazing feeling!
You might think you're not ready, but girl, you're ready! God had you do this video for a reason and you are teaching so many with your words and presence. God is using you for the good! God is sooooo good. How he orders our steps and when we listen..... It's nice to know. And through gardening he teaches us so much. I see all the fruits of the spirit being taught through gardening 🌻
Thank you for sharing. This was a God Moment for me this morning. He needed me to hear your message this morning. Thank you. I can relate to being a hot skillet and my husband as a crockpot. Looking forward to watching more. God Bless and continue on!
Reminds me of the song “When God unfolds a rose He always gets it right And when the petals are in place Oh, it’s a beautiful sight God knows when to hold on And the perfect time for letting go So let Him have his way And watch God unfold the rose
The wisdom you shared here is simply beautiful. Jess. Thank you."Blessings of Bounty and May Your Gardens and your Life always Bring You Joy , Inspiration and Abundance!" - Hope
Thank you. I LOVE your devotionals. They always speak to me at just the right moment. I thank God for you and ask him to continue to bless and use you.
This devotion touched my heart in its entirety , what a wonderful way to look at our process through Gods eyes . Thank you and may God Bless you until next time . ❤️
I’m so happy to see a new devotional from you. Thank you for reminding us all that man was created to glorify God. I have a book that I think you’d really appreciate that I will send to you soon. ❤️ ~Heather
I love this Jess! Thank you for a special VLOG. I feel close to the Lord when I'm in the garden. And I realize how beautiful and perfect God's earth is. How loving He is to us to provide us with everything when he created earth, the microbes to help the soil, the wind, rain & of the sun.
I have actually been looking through your old videos for the past few days trying to find a devotional because my cups been feeling empty. And your devotionals always speak to me. Tying our love of gardening with God's love for us and putting it in a way that I get, you always uplift. Thank you Jess for following God's direction.
Thank you so much for sharing this, God used it to teach me and convict me and encourage me to not despise the process. You've given me courage. Thank you.
Jess, I’ve loved your channel‘s name since I discovered you less than a month ago. Since then, I’ve been devouring your uploads. But today, I finally got it. Roots and Refuge. I had never understood that God has a process. I’ve been run off from different churches because His Chosen have always been so off-putting and judgemental to me. Even several of my relatives have sent me scurrying away from God. I’ve always felt more of His love in my garden and in nature. Your beautiful message today has clarified that I’m part of his process and he’s not judging my progress! Thank you so much for feeding my soul with the seeds of His love.
Wow, God blew me several kisses today...your devotional was one of them. I AM chosen and He is chasing me feverishly....amazing. I am humbled by His awesomeness. Love your channel, but seriously....absolutely adore the devotional posts. Thanks for giving us a peek into your heart.❤
God has brought me thru several hard years to teach me that I only need to start my day asking the question: ok, Lord what do you need me to do today? And to remember to look to Him as I go thru my day to make sure I haven’t gotten off course. The peace and contentment that brings me is immeasurable. Left to myself I will always choose to make lists, research, try to gain a sense of CONTROL over the things going on in my life. God needed me to learn that my primary responsibility is to rely on Him-there is a time for preplanning bu not at th expense of trusting Him to lead me. Thanks for your obedience.
Confirmation. He is speaking to my soul. Thank you Jess. "When God looks at this (my process)He delights, He embraces, He does not condemn. He pulls me up higher. When I can really grab a hold of that, Im not afraid anymore" I have joyful tears for seeing the love of my Heavenly Father towards me. His Great Peace cast out all fear and then I can Love like He does to those around me.
Dear Sweet Jess. Lately, I've been in a low place, and craving one of your devotionals. I just found this today, don't know how I missed it. Again, as always, you spoke directly to my need. It amazes me how you post your devotionals at the times when I feel the most discouraged or afraid. Your words always give me such comfort, encouragement and peace. Thank you so very much.
Oooo girl! Yes! What a good word! The Lord has been speaking to me about this exact scripture for the last month! Thank you for sharing with us what God is doing and speaking to you!
Great devotional. I can see in my mind's eye how it all came together... ;) Jess: "Just get a board and drill holes in it!" Miah: "Ok." (Makes a list of tools and materials, visualizes finished product, makes a mental step-by-step plan to bring the idea into existence, locates paper to draw up a plan, etc.) Jess: "What's the hold-up??" Miah: "........." God: "Let's make a devotional, kids."
Been waiting for a new devotional, & it came when I needed it the most! Thank you Jess. You simply amaze me! What a wonderful, old soul you have. I have believed in God all my life. Last year I wanted a garden & I came across Roots & Refuge. What a blessing you have been to me in sssooo many ways. You have helped me on my journey back to our Father! Thank you with all my heart! Keep those wonderful devotionals coming! God Bless the Sowards!!!
This is exactly where my heart has been. The Lord has blown me away with His creation. In fact, I wrote this as a Facebook post just ther other day: Where does God speak to you the loudest? I hear Him in the melting of the frost as the sun tops the trees. I see Him in the miracle of a tiny sprout pushing it's head through the soil for it's first glimpse of sunlight. He says to me, "There is hope." in the hatching of a chick as it struggles for hours to take its first breath. With a moss and mushroom covered log He teaches me that life springs forth from death. He speaks of His nourishment in the delicate flavor of a ripe strawberry plucked freshly from the garden. His rains bring refreshment to pastures and their green grasses express His promise of provision. The sky, His canvas, paints just a flicker of His glory. His abundance flows from the soil where even human life began. I am in awe and overwhelmed at the complexity and delicacy of His creation. To God be the glory! I had wondered about His actual "planting" of a garden and why He did so. Thank you Jess for this perspective into the process.
Bless you Jess! Bless you, bless you, bless you!!!!! In reading all these comments I feel like you draw great company and I thank God for bringing me here to be in great company and for you. I’m not alone in my hard because not only is he there all these fabulous people are there as well.
This devotional is a blessing. I never realized that God planted the Garden of Eden but the way you put it all together hit me in all the feels. Thank you for sharing your heart.
I've watched you on and off for a long time now, but I've never seen a devotional video. I click on your video today and here you are talking about your walk with God! I LOVE IT!! Thank you so much! It's such a blessing to everyone that watches your content because it shows your love of God! By trusting Him enough to be brave and faithful is all God asks of us. Your courage is inspiring! Again...THANK YOU! ❤ BLESSINGS!
Thank you Jess, this came to me today and I had no idea just how absolutely much I needed to hear this, I’m not a profoundly “religious” person but I am a believer who has been so disenfranchised with church so many times and this message made me feel like my journey with Christ like everyone’s is personal and may look different but is still my own journey dispute feeling undeserving and not enough that i am still loved and not to give up hope thank you so much and be blessed you beautiful soul
Oh how I needed to hear this, these words were so incredibly helpful, hopeful and full of grace. Thank you so much for taking the time to share what God is showing you so that we might all be blessed by who God is and how he thinks of us.
Wow, Jess thank you. I’m leading a woman’s bible study and what you said about you cant keep the seedlings in a controlled environment and a little stress is a good thing, getting them ready for what’s ahead. Fits perfectly into my study for next week, I’ll be using that analogy. Thank you for allowing the Lord to work through you to bless and teach others.
My husband and I have been married for 36 years. I told him once that I'm the type of person that yanks the bandaid off quickly but he takes the bandaid off slowly. His response was "but together we take the bandaid off just right". ❤ I was praying for him this morning, specifically about his job. The Lord did not immediately answer that prayer and I was a little disappointed. But you reminded me that there is a process in play right now and it's for his good. Thank you for your beautiful devotions. I treasure them.
Thank you for sharing your love for God and Garden. Those are the 2 things that make my heart sing ♥
I came to your channel looking for help with my tomatoes and found the response to my morning prayer. The Lord just spoke to me through you, clearly, beautifully and eloquently with all gentleness. Thank you.
I am seventy and find that I am just delighted when a wise young person can teach me something new. Today you brought to my attention that after God created everything, he "planted a garden". He did that within the time and place that he created and he did it with love, for us. Isn't that just a marvelous thought? He is the master gardener after all. Thank you, sweetie.
I am 66 and so thankful to be learning from a wise young person as Jess. I sometimes wonder why things have taken so long but then wonder how different things would have been to have the internet "back in the day" to have access to so much
Thank you sweetheart for such a beautiful message! You have blessed me !
He did indeed create things for our enjoyment. He is so good. When I look at fluffy creatures such as bunnies and cats I just think how amazing that God knows our need for comfort, relationship, appreciation, relaxation etc etc. 😊
I couldn't have said it better.
It's funny how Truth is the universal language of Love.
Helen Marshall love this ❤️
This is so darn beautiful, that Jesus is our gardener saying "give me some time, I'll tend to it, I'll take care of it" 💛💛💛😍 thank you
💗 Thank you for sharing what Jesus has set apon your heart. You are such a blessing in so many ways!
I am 74 and I still am going thru the process! It never stops, that is what is so amazing! You realize more and more how BIG His love is for us!! Thank you for sharing Jess! Love you!💜💜
Very good devotion this morning!! God Bless you all!!
Thank you for these devotionals! ❤
Your messages always bring me to tears because I know God is speaking to us through you. xoxo
I don't doubt for a minute that God has sent me to your channel. He has been speaking to me through gardening and calling me into purpose for my life. I've been wanting to make more videos on YT and have been asking Him for direction, because I don't just want to make videos without purpose. And I think it's clear to me now. I thank God for you and that you share these beautiful devotionals and videos about homesteading. It has really been a blessing.
If you ever doubt putting these devotionals out, don't. I'm always so blessed by these. It's always where I'm exactly at.
I only recently found this channel after feeling the tug on my heart to begin researching the art of growing a garden. I'm so blessed to have found such a great channel to learn from, it's giving me the confidence I need to go for it! I didn't even know there were devotionals on this channel so this is a special treat and exactly what I needed to hear. Confirmation that my Father in heaven is leading me through though the Holy Spirit. I can't thank you enough! Excited to catch up on all the great videos! Thank you again! And don't hesitate to post anything that's placed upon your heart! I know I'm not the only one who wants to hear it! Blessings and love to your family from a SAHM of three. 💙
I don't know if you will read this. I can't even remember if i have already posted to you, but I wanted you to know that THIS saved my life! Truly! I love you and i thank you! I am so thankful for you and your heart!
A response to my hearts cry last night.
Thanks Jess.
Never underestimate the power of God using your words.
This was a delightful devotional. You are truly a gifted teacher of God’s truths, Jess! I too never really ”caught” the fact that God planted Eden after He created the world. The imagery of a seedling breaking the soil being out process of maturing in our relationship with Him, and God, being the Master gardener, delighting in our growth is something I will hold onto and treasure. Thank you! 💕🙏🏼
Thank you for this devotional. It was just what I needed. Keep sharing your gifts. They are very much appreciated!
You are an awesome woman Jess, and an INCREDIBLE warrior for Christ. This is the first of your Devotional's that I have listened to, as I tend to shy away from such things, but when you started talking about the comparison of God's love and the seedlings (that I too love so much!) you had me. I will probably spend the rest of the day going back through your site and watching the other Devotional's you have posted. You truly moved me today, and that doesn't happen very often these days. Thank you for sharing your Faith and your heart!
When I had cancer almost a dozen years ago, periteneal/ovarian, as I went through the chemo treatments, so weak I could barely move, God gave me peace. I had asked God to let me live and continue to work for Him with kids. You see I had taught little kids, in public schools for thirty years before retiring to keep my grand kids. Then I had started a Mothers day out program at a local church, changed it to a day care and watched God grow it big. A year after my cancer, I had my first I knee replacement. When the orthopedic surgeon came into the room, he said, 'Congratulations on being a survivor. Very few people survive that cancer!'
I told him that God took such good care of me, getting me to doctors who could help and watching over me through it all.
Then when I reached five years out, the Oncologist said, ' You know, God left you here for a reason. Very few people survive the cancer you had. Are you doing what God wants you to do.?'
Wow! Wow!
I continued to work as a sub until I was 74. Now I serve my family. Officially retired...But my brain still works. My body does somewhat...But the fact that I can wittness, on line...Now that is amazing. And God smiles!
So I truly believe that when God is pleased with us...He gives us more time to dig in the soil, plant seeds and watch them grow, so we can share and feed our families.
God is my very best friend. I can talk to Him all day long and into the night..
Jess I am so blessed by these devotions. I hope you write a garden devotional.
I have been struggling for a while now and this video has been such a blessing. I'm so glad to have found your channel. Thank you for openly sharing what God has laid on your heart with us.
Wow girl!! Keep these coming! I’m still crying as you are ministering to my spirit. Your analogies seedlings and your loving and caring for them and helping them to get strong in the process is reminding me that my God is there. It’s hard but he is there. He loves me and helps me. Thank you for being used to help me remember that and I make myself get up and keep trying through the hard.
Thanks for your devotion Jess!
Jess, you are a gift from God. Thank you I needed to hear your words.
Jess, you never fail to speak directly to my heart! Thank you! ❤️
Before God wanted to use us🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾HE wants to KNOW us.......My GOD‼️‼️‼️⚠️Thank you, Jessica for sharing this beautiful video. This was sooooo timely. He wants intimacy with us......that will lay the foundation for us to THRIVE💯
You have no idea how much your words touched me today. I have a big fan blowing me around right now and it’s not a fun time for me, but it’ll make me stronger no matter the outcome 😭❤️
Oh my soul this is what the Holy Spirit has been pressing into my heart and the Lord just used you to say it again. Thank you for sharing!
I love that you wait for God to place upon your heart what to speak on and that you take the time to do it right!
I know that some of us want to ask for more devotionals more, more, more...
But, the fact that they come from his heart through yours, is something we can certainly be blessed to wait for.
Thank you.
(And, if anyone wants to be too impatient, they can go back and rewatch prior videos.)
Amen Jess
What a beautiful picture of who we are and who God is. Bless you for the work you do and the lives you touch. I just listened to this for the second time and there were so many great treasures in your words. God bless you and your family!
Jess, you make my day. To say that you are inspiring is such an understatement. Thank you and God bless you
Faith in God INCLUDES faith in His timing. Thank you Jess for a beautiful devotional!
This was absolutely amazing. My husband and I watched your devotional together and you really spoke to both of us, certainly cultivating fruit. Bless you.
Jess, this devotional spoke to my heart. And my thoughts align 100% with what you've spoken about. Thank you!
Thank you so much ❤
I love your devotionals. They warm my heart and bring me closer to God 💕🙏💕
Listening to you describe the personality differences between you and Miah is so reassuring because I feel it so vividly in my own relationship. I'm the one with a new wild crazy plan every week, my partner is the one saying "slow down, let's see if this will work and do it properly". It's been so wonderful for both of us to move closer to a place of balance in patience and in action. Thank you.
I had to write in marker on my whole wall "FIND LOVE IN THE PROCESS". I feel this on so many levels
Beautiful word and so glad to hear that you love the Lord Jesus as much as I do! God bless and keep you and yours!!!🌸💕🌺💕🥀💕🌹🙏
All I can say is......wow. You were meant to be a speaker of God's word. I say this as someone who isn't "religious" to any extent, but I do believe in God. Thank you for helping me understand His process in our lives! Beautiful....so very beautiful! God Bless you and your family, Jess!
I'm just going to throw this out there. Normally when devotionals come on I hard skip like my life depends on it. I'm not a religious person mainly due to upbring. I was made to attend church and then in turn watched my church family run people offf more times than I can count. I swore that the day I turned 18 I would never go back and I would never look back and I did. I then began to question even more when my son was born with the major health issues he has. I have never had a positive view of some Christian people and of the religion itself. I'm saying this so that you know it is truly a lot for me to say I am genuinely thankful this came on while my hands were in dish water. I didn't feel like drying them off to change it and I listened and I would be lying if I said I wasn't sitting in my kitchen floor listening and crying by the end. Thank you for everything Jess. I think I might actually give it another chance. You have shown me that not everyone is bad and hypocritical.
Sunflower Valley Homestead Oh! wow! Reading your response to Jess’s devotional today made my heart skip. I, too, have always run from “church” , my churchy family members, as I’ve always been put off by their sometimes “hypocritical judgment”...the whole “I’m more worthy and more loved by God because I have a church family who welcomes me “ attitude. Twice members of different churches have sent me running from God. More times than I can count have my own relatives unknowingly made me feel judged and ostracized! But I’ve always felt God’s presence in my life while I’m in my garden. My garden and nature are my church. It’s where I attempt to pray and where I finally just accept I don’t have the right words and just say to God, You know my heart’s desires and what and when I need to have your love and assistance. please work your miracles in me, Lord. Why have I responded to you personally? Because I‘ve been obsessed with planting sunflowers this year! Because I read your comment and feel so strongly that we might be near the same developmental place in God’s “process”. And then because I found Roots and Refuge only a few weeks ago. I’m hungry for a new season of gardening and now maybe my hunger for a relationship with God and FINALLY feeling that someone else (you) are becoming part of His Process... Just wow. Thanks for your response to Jess and her wonderful message!
Praise the Lord! I understand where you came from, as our Church home cast our family aside because we left the school for public. It hurt me. But I learned years later that Religion is man made, and because of that, it is imperfect. But a Christian is someone who chooses to walk with Christ, have a personal relationship. So glad I kept that in mind. I know heaven is rejoicing to know another child has begun there walk back. My prayers are with you. God us so good.
Maury Hill our name came because of our son. We plant sunflowers every year. When he was born he had multiple open heart surgeries and one of the Nurses in the NICU used to tell us that he was our sunflower in the middle of the darkest storm we would ever face and that stuck with us. He will be 4 this May and possibly having open heart surgery #3 in June or July
Sunflower I hear you, the same happened to me & I haven't stopped gardening & listening to her since. I don't know that Jess realises how powerful & precious her ability is to connect or reconnect lost souls to God, just through her words. I have no doubt that she was chosen by God & is fulfuling her legacy, which will only continue to grow.
I'm sorry you had that experience, I hope you that there are still Christians out there trying to be better and less hypocritical.
Bless 🌱 Bless 🌱 Bless you 🌱 💛
I’ve watched this twice now and have had something different stand out to me both times...so great. I have some changes coming to my life involving ministry and discipleship. This has been just what I needed. Trust God and His process. In ALL stages. Thank you for sharing. 💜
I hope you write a devotional book. This was profound ❤️
I love these devotionals. You are so articulate with the truth!!!
One of the things He taught me as I was doing some weeding is that weeds are like the sin in our lives when we don't cut them out @ the root, they always come back. it takes more time to get to the root of them thru prayer, study and/ or fasting, but once the root is destroyed, it never has the power that it did and we can easily then overcome it. John 8: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you FREE.
Wow Jess!! I so needed to hear this message. I have a thirty-six years old autistic daughter who has life threatening seizures and has been having a very hard time. I have struggled with guilt over so many things and have felt that God is so disappointed with me as a mother of this young woman. I have tried so hard to be the mother she needs and every time she struggles, I feel that I have failed her again, and I question why God would let it happen again. You have given me the answer I needed! Thank you for your beautiful message. I now understand the agitation and struggles. They are here to make me stronger so that I can continue to fight for her. I get it now. God bless you sweet lady and thank you.
"Before God wanted to USE anybody, he wanted to KNOW [people]"
That is really beautiful and profound. ♡
He Knows us, He knows the number of hairs on our head. More importantly He wants us to KNOW HIM. : )
Just beautiful, Jess. I had tears running down my face. I already know of Heavenly Father's love for me, but whenever I hear the TRUTH, the Holy Spirit witnesses it to me, in the form of tears. I sent this to my children,two of which are struggling in their testimonies; and also to my brothers and sisters, who are all Christians.
Thank you Jess. I have been so blessed by your message. And just when I thought you were complete - I experienced myself as a seedling. What an amazing feeling!
Yes! God wants to know me, and He wants to be known by me. Thank you for this. You are a blessing.
You might think you're not ready, but girl, you're ready! God had you do this video for a reason and you are teaching so many with your words and presence. God is using you for the good! God is sooooo good. How he orders our steps and when we listen..... It's nice to know.
And through gardening he teaches us so much. I see all the fruits of the spirit being taught through gardening 🌻
You are so very right, I absolutely feel the same!
Thank you for sharing. This was a God Moment for me this morning. He needed me to hear your message this morning. Thank you.
I can relate to being a hot skillet and my husband as a crockpot.
Looking forward to watching more. God Bless and continue on!
We love you Jess thank you so much!!! Always perfect timing....Always! God is so good!!!!
Reminds me of the song “When God unfolds a rose
He always gets it right
And when the petals are in place
Oh, it’s a beautiful sight
God knows when to hold on
And the perfect time for letting go
So let Him have his way
And watch God unfold the rose
The wisdom you shared here is simply beautiful. Jess. Thank you."Blessings of Bounty and May Your Gardens and your Life always Bring You Joy , Inspiration and Abundance!" - Hope
What a beautiful message. All praise and honor to our Lord. Thank you for sharing what He is sharing with you. God bless you and your family.
Thank you. I LOVE your devotionals. They always speak to me at just the right moment. I thank God for you and ask him to continue to bless and use you.
This devotion touched my heart in its entirety , what a wonderful way to look at our process through Gods eyes . Thank you and may God Bless you until next time . ❤️
I’m so happy to see a new devotional from you. Thank you for reminding us all that man was created to glorify God. I have a book that I think you’d really appreciate that I will send to you soon. ❤️ ~Heather
Our Father clothes you in his rightousness and it shows so beautifully. I love your patience for this beautiful life! Always rock on mama!
We need a Part Two of this! Absolutely beautiful! (I’m not crying... your crying *happy tears*) 💕💕💕
I love this Jess! Thank you for a special VLOG. I feel close to the Lord when I'm in the garden. And I realize how beautiful and perfect God's earth is. How loving He is to us to provide us with everything when he created earth, the microbes to help the soil, the wind, rain & of the sun.
I have actually been looking through your old videos for the past few days trying to find a devotional because my cups been feeling empty. And your devotionals always speak to me. Tying our love of gardening with God's love for us and putting it in a way that I get, you always uplift. Thank you Jess for following God's direction.
Tears of joy, veneration, awakening. Every time. Jess, for another beautiful devotional. They always restore some peace to my soul.
Thank you so much for sharing this, God used it to teach me and convict me and encourage me to not despise the process. You've given me courage. Thank you.
I feel like I’ve been to church ! Awesome sermon!
Jess, I’ve loved your channel‘s name since I discovered you less than a month ago. Since then, I’ve been devouring your uploads. But today, I finally got it. Roots and Refuge. I had never understood that God has a process. I’ve been run off from different churches because His Chosen have always been so off-putting and judgemental to me. Even several of my relatives have sent me scurrying away from God. I’ve always felt more of His love in my garden and in nature. Your beautiful message today has clarified that I’m part of his process and he’s not judging my progress! Thank you so much for feeding my soul with the seeds of His love.
Amen. Very Nice Devotional. Thank You. God Bless and Peace Be With You All ☮️🙏❣️
Wow, God blew me several kisses today...your devotional was one of them. I AM chosen and He is chasing me feverishly....amazing. I am humbled by His awesomeness. Love your channel, but seriously....absolutely adore the devotional posts. Thanks for giving us a peek into your heart.❤
God has brought me thru several hard years to teach me that I only need to start my day asking the question: ok, Lord what do you need me to do today? And to remember to look to Him as I go thru my day to make sure I haven’t gotten off course. The peace and contentment that brings me is immeasurable. Left to myself I will always choose to make lists, research, try to gain a sense of CONTROL over the things going on in my life. God needed me to learn that my primary responsibility is to rely on Him-there is a time for preplanning bu not at th expense of trusting Him to lead me. Thanks for your obedience.
Confirmation. He is speaking to my soul. Thank you Jess. "When God looks at this (my process)He delights, He embraces, He does not condemn. He pulls me up higher. When I can really grab a hold of that, Im not afraid anymore" I have joyful tears for seeing the love of my Heavenly Father towards me. His Great Peace cast out all fear and then I can Love like He does to those around me.
Dear Sweet Jess. Lately, I've been in a low place, and craving one of your devotionals. I just found this today, don't know how I missed it. Again, as always, you spoke directly to my need. It amazes me how you post your devotionals at the times when I feel the most discouraged or afraid. Your words always give me such comfort, encouragement and peace. Thank you so very much.
Thank you for sharing this devotional. As a gardener, it really does hit the heart in understanding.
Oooo girl! Yes! What a good word! The Lord has been speaking to me about this exact scripture for the last month! Thank you for sharing with us what God is doing and speaking to you!
Amen 💜
I just love your devotionals. God has given you an amazing gift of communication of his word.
I love this message, please make more devotional videos ❤. This spoke to me so much.
Great devotional. I can see in my mind's eye how it all came together... ;)
Jess: "Just get a board and drill holes in it!"
Miah: "Ok." (Makes a list of tools and materials, visualizes finished product, makes a mental step-by-step plan to bring the idea into existence, locates paper to draw up a plan, etc.)
Jess: "What's the hold-up??"
Miah: "........."
God: "Let's make a devotional, kids."
"Jeremiah is a crock pot..." LOL!
Been waiting for a new devotional, & it came when I needed it the most! Thank you Jess. You simply amaze me! What a wonderful, old soul you have. I have believed in God all my life. Last year I wanted a garden & I came across Roots & Refuge. What a blessing you have been to me in sssooo many ways. You have helped me on my journey back to our Father! Thank you with all my heart! Keep those wonderful devotionals coming! God Bless the Sowards!!!
Beautiful words. Thank you for sharing. God bless. God is good all the time! All the time God is good.
This is exactly where my heart has been. The Lord has blown me away with His creation. In fact, I wrote this as a Facebook post just ther other day: Where does God speak to you the loudest? I hear Him in the melting of the frost as the sun tops the trees. I see Him in the miracle of a tiny sprout pushing it's head through the soil for it's first glimpse of sunlight. He says to me, "There is hope." in the hatching of a chick as it struggles for hours to take its first breath. With a moss and mushroom covered log He teaches me that life springs forth from death. He speaks of His nourishment in the delicate flavor of a ripe strawberry plucked freshly from the garden. His rains bring refreshment to pastures and their green grasses express His promise of provision. The sky, His canvas, paints just a flicker of His glory. His abundance flows from the soil where even human life began. I am in awe and overwhelmed at the complexity and delicacy of His creation. To God be the glory!
I had wondered about His actual "planting" of a garden and why He did so. Thank you Jess for this perspective into the process.
Thank you so much Jess. This video really touched me. I know feel like I can run to embrace God and Jesus rather than hide.
This was soooooo excellent, Jess!!! Thank you....I could hear the Holy Spirit speaking through you!!! What a message...super powerful!!!
Thank you very much , I loved your Devotional , you are Truly a Beautiful person, God Bless you
Bless you Jess! Bless you, bless you, bless you!!!!! In reading all these comments I feel like you draw great company and I thank God for bringing me here to be in great company and for you. I’m not alone in my hard because not only is he there all these fabulous people are there as well.
This devotional is a blessing. I never realized that God planted the Garden of Eden but the way you put it all together hit me in all the feels. Thank you for sharing your heart.
And God smiles! He truly loves and blesses you.
I've watched you on and off for a long time now, but I've never seen a devotional video. I click on your video today and here you are talking about your walk with God! I LOVE IT!! Thank you so much! It's such a blessing to everyone that watches your content because it shows your love of God! By trusting Him enough to be brave and faithful is all God asks of us. Your courage is inspiring! Again...THANK YOU! ❤ BLESSINGS!
Thank you Jess, this came to me today and I had no idea just how absolutely much I needed to hear this, I’m not a profoundly “religious” person but I am a believer who has been so disenfranchised with church so many times and this message made me feel like my journey with Christ like everyone’s is personal and may look different but is still my own journey dispute feeling undeserving and not enough that i am still loved and not to give up hope thank you so much and be blessed you beautiful soul
And we need pruning to produce good fruit and continue to multiply!! Love this! Thanks for sharing!
Oh how I needed to hear this, these words were so incredibly helpful, hopeful and full of grace. Thank you so much for taking the time to share what God is showing you so that we might all be blessed by who God is and how he thinks of us.
This hit straight home with me! What a blessing this is!
Wow, Jess thank you. I’m leading a woman’s bible study and what you said about you cant keep the seedlings in a controlled environment and a little stress is a good thing, getting them ready for what’s ahead. Fits perfectly into my study for next week, I’ll be using that analogy. Thank you for allowing the Lord to work through you to bless and teach others.
Every devotional here breaks me. It sinks me into worship and thanksgiving!
Oh Jessica...Thank you. I needed to hear this message.
Jess, I am crying over how much I needed this word. Thank you for sharing your heart, God spoke to me through it.
Thank you for sharing the Lord so freely and succinctly. Blessings
Woman!!! I sooooooo needed this today! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! And God Bless you!
Jess,
You are such a blessing! I thank GOD that your transparency is intact as you share with us!
Jess; I Thank my garden and my seeds for bringing me to your devotional.
My husband and I have been married for 36 years. I told him once that I'm the type of person that yanks the bandaid off quickly but he takes the bandaid off slowly. His response was "but together we take the bandaid off just right". ❤ I was praying for him this morning, specifically about his job. The Lord did not immediately answer that prayer and I was a little disappointed. But you reminded me that there is a process in play right now and it's for his good. Thank you for your beautiful devotions. I treasure them.
Jessica dear, you are wise beyond your years! Blessings and Thanks for having the courage to share your heart on social media.