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 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 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 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!💜💜
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 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 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!
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!
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! 💕🙏🏼
This brought tears to my eyes. I have lived my life to help others and yet I have been taken advantage of, I have been mocked and I have been ridicule. But I just hold my head high and continue on. God has guided me since I was 11 years old and I am now in my 60th year. I don't think there is a person on earth who has the passion I have for tomatoes and then I seen you. You make me smile because i know when my time on earth is over there is someone to take my place and share the love I have for others and the love I have for gardening and the love for God.
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 🌻
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.
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 😭❤️
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!
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.
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.
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💯
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!
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.
A timely word, Jess. The Lord keeps reminding me of this. He's so sweet and patient. As you shared, I kept being reminded of this verse- Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." Zechariah 4:10 NLT Earlier today, He led me to this. "... That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:22-28 There's definitely a theme. We've never met, but I love you, Jess. We are sisters in Him. I'm thankful for you. 💜
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!
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.
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!!!
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 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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your insights on the process of conversion. No matter how long we are in this walk, there are times when we need pruning or staking, fertilizing or watering, or dead-heading (LOL). The Master Gardener knows what He wants from us, He knows what we are capable of, and how to get us to that place where He can stand back and see His Son in us. Because that is the goal. And no matter how long it takes. He promises to complete the work He has begun in us. He won't give up on us if we won't give up on Him.
Spring has awaken once more... Heaven on earth 🕊️🌻. The holiness of one person undeniably inspires and attracts the greatness of others. Thanks Jess. In the process.
Thank you Jess! I am always blessed by your teachings! Such wisdom on your young age! The holy Spirit truly is our teacher, you are one proof of that ☺️ I bless you! 😘
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.
Woooow I needed that message today. I love that god loves the process and it’s a good reminder in everyday life. Thank you Jess for helping ground me today.
Love this, even though I cried over my tomato soup...reading The Pigness of Pigs and the pure delight in stewarding the Lords creation is a gift even when I don’t always understand the process. Faith in Him is a gift that will get me through anything
Jess, this was right on time! We are in a heartbreaking process that we know will take months to see the end result which we may never understand with our foster babies. It is so hard to delight in the little moments like the tiny seeding breaking up from the soil. Without Jesus we would crumble under these processes. He is our strength and this process is just one of many that we will lean into his strength instead of running from the pain. Thank you for this!
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.
The seed analogy is a great way to explain this unconditional love you have to your kids too when they may not get it, that's important to me to let them know this often.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
I can, also. see the gardener and the tree as someone we love.. everyone may give on up them but we, as Christians, still continue to love them through whatever they are going through. :) Thank you for your boldness :)
I have enjoyed all of your devotionals but I have to say that this one resonated within me. It made me aware of my childrens' "process", my husband's and my own as well. I do struggle with being patient and it is a "process" for me. So this was sort of a wake up call if you will and a relief as far as worthiness. Or maybe an Ah-ha! moment. Thank you for sharing this lesson with me.
What a beautiful devotional today! And what a perfect day for it, and a perfect message. As I look out over my yard that's covered in snow (with more on the way), ANXIOUS and jumping out of my skin waiting for spring to come, your message was perfect in that it reminded me to slow down and be patient, because this is part of God's process. And guess what else, a little tiny Purple Basil seedling popped through the dirt's surface today, (so tiny that I almost missed it!), and I felt that JOY and excitement. Thank you for the message, and God Bless you and your family. ❤
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.
One of the beautiful things about God planting the garden is he went way beyond planting and even planning. He created each individual plant in all it's detail and beauty. He created it to benefit the others around it even in its death as it nourishes other plants. Though I am sure in the garden of Eden there was no death. But, God knew that time would come. So He wrapped all this life and beauty in one plant into a tiny seed and then he created that plant to procreate through that tiny seed. That seed is a dream life packaged for travel! And where ever God plants it hundreds of years later that beauty and dream will show all its glory to reflect His glory! We are living seeds that have been planted some where in the soil of humanity with a purpose to bloom and provide food for others around us! Thank you Jess, you have inspired a devotional book! Bits and pieces have been floating around in my head for a while now they are coming together.
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 . ❤️
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.❤
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
Thank you for explaining the process the way God intended it to be. The example of the seed epitomizes God's plan for us. Love it. Awesome message. Awesome God gardening correlation. Blessings
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
Let me tell you, the Lord works in mysterious and wonder ways! I am an avid gardener amd was looking for a review of Lg. Barred Boar Tomatoes, I stumbled upon your top (10ish) tomato video. Which of course led me down the rabbit trail of binge watching several of your videos. My point, I am old enough to be your mother but what a gift God has given you in sharing His heart and Word. This devotional touched my heart in such a deep way. Thank you for sharing and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and your lovely farm! 🙏☝❤
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.
Thank you for this wonderful message. I often reflect on the fact that God gave me a gift.... the gift of loving to garden and give and He has blessed me so. Keep on with all you do sweet lady and never doubt your "process". Love to you and your spirit.
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 ❤️
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.
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 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!💜💜
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
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..
Thank you for sharing your love for God and Garden. Those are the 2 things that make my heart sing ♥
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.
Very good devotion this morning!! God Bless you all!!
Thank you for these devotionals! ❤
💗 Thank you for sharing what Jesus has set apon your heart. You are such a blessing in so many ways!
A response to my hearts cry last night.
Thanks Jess.
Never underestimate the power of God using your words.
Jess I am so blessed by these devotions. I hope you write a garden devotional.
Your messages always bring me to tears because I know God is speaking to us through you. xoxo
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!
Thanks for your devotion Jess!
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!
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!
This brought tears to my eyes. I have lived my life to help others and yet I have been taken advantage of, I have been mocked and I have been ridicule. But I just hold my head high and continue on. God has guided me since I was 11 years old and I am now in my 60th year. I don't think there is a person on earth who has the passion I have for tomatoes and then I seen you. You make me smile because i know when my time on earth is over there is someone to take my place and share the love I have for others and the love I have for gardening and the love for God.
"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. : )
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!
I hope you write a devotional book. This was profound ❤️
Jess, you are a gift from God. Thank you I needed to hear your words.
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.
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!
Jess, you never fail to speak directly to my heart! Thank you! ❤️
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 😭❤️
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!
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.
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.
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💯
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!
I feel like I’ve been to church ! Awesome sermon!
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.
A timely word, Jess. The Lord keeps reminding me of this. He's so sweet and patient.
As you shared, I kept being reminded of this verse-
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
Earlier today, He led me to this.
"... That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Romans 8:22-28
There's definitely a theme. We've never met, but I love you, Jess. We are sisters in Him. I'm thankful for you. 💜
I just love your devotionals. God has given you an amazing gift of communication of his word.
Faith in God INCLUDES faith in His timing. Thank you Jess for a beautiful devotional!
Jess, this devotional spoke to my heart. And my thoughts align 100% with what you've spoken about. Thank you!
Yes! God wants to know me, and He wants to be known by me. Thank you for this. You are a blessing.
I love these devotionals. You are so articulate with the truth!!!
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
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.
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!!!
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. 💜
Bless 🌱 Bless 🌱 Bless you 🌱 💛
Oh Jessica...Thank you. I needed to hear this message.
Jess; I Thank my garden and my seeds for bringing me to your devotional.
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
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.
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!
Amen. Very Nice Devotional. Thank You. God Bless and Peace Be With You All ☮️🙏❣️
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.
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.
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.
"Jeremiah is a crock pot..." LOL!
I cant express how much I needed this. Thank you Jess for your obedience in sharing this with those of us willing, and needing, to hear it.
Thank 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."
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.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your insights on the process of conversion. No matter how long we are in this walk, there are times when we need pruning or staking, fertilizing or watering, or dead-heading (LOL). The Master Gardener knows what He wants from us, He knows what we are capable of, and how to get us to that place where He can stand back and see His Son in us. Because that is the goal. And no matter how long it takes. He promises to complete the work He has begun in us. He won't give up on us if we won't give up on Him.
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!!!🌸💕🌺💕🥀💕🌹🙏
We need a Part Two of this! Absolutely beautiful! (I’m not crying... your crying *happy tears*) 💕💕💕
Spring has awaken once more... Heaven on earth 🕊️🌻. The holiness of one person undeniably inspires and attracts the greatness of others. Thanks Jess. In the process.
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 Jess! I am always blessed by your teachings! Such wisdom on your young age! The holy Spirit truly is our teacher, you are one proof of that ☺️ I bless you! 😘
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 was incredibly encouraging! Thank you so much for sharing these videos with us 🌺💜
Woooow I needed that message today.
I love that god loves the process and it’s a good reminder in everyday life. Thank you Jess for helping ground me today.
Love this, even though I cried over my tomato soup...reading The Pigness of Pigs and the pure delight in stewarding the Lords creation is a gift even when I don’t always understand the process. Faith in Him is a gift that will get me through anything
Jess, this was right on time! We are in a heartbreaking process that we know will take months to see the end result which we may never understand with our foster babies. It is so hard to delight in the little moments like the tiny seeding breaking up from the soil. Without Jesus we would crumble under these processes. He is our strength and this process is just one of many that we will lean into his strength instead of running from the pain. Thank you for this!
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.
The seed analogy is a great way to explain this unconditional love you have to your kids too when they may not get it, that's important to me to let them know this often.
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
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 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.
This hit straight home with me! What a blessing this is!
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 💜
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.
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.
I can, also. see the gardener and the tree as someone we love.. everyone may give on up them but we, as Christians, still continue to love them through whatever they are going through. :) Thank you for your boldness :)
I have enjoyed all of your devotionals but I have to say that this one resonated within me. It made me aware of my childrens' "process", my husband's and my own as well. I do struggle with being patient and it is a "process" for me. So this was sort of a wake up call if you will and a relief as far as worthiness. Or maybe an Ah-ha! moment. Thank you for sharing this lesson with me.
What a beautiful devotional today! And what a perfect day for it, and a perfect message. As I look out over my yard that's covered in snow (with more on the way), ANXIOUS and jumping out of my skin waiting for spring to come, your message was perfect in that it reminded me to slow down and be patient, because this is part of God's process. And guess what else, a little tiny Purple Basil seedling popped through the dirt's surface today, (so tiny that I almost missed it!), and I felt that JOY and excitement. Thank you for the message, and God Bless you and your family. ❤
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.
One of the beautiful things about God planting the garden is he went way beyond planting and even planning. He created each individual plant in all it's detail and beauty. He created it to benefit the others around it even in its death as it nourishes other plants. Though I am sure in the garden of Eden there was no death. But, God knew that time would come. So He wrapped all this life and beauty in one plant into a tiny seed and then he created that plant to procreate through that tiny seed. That seed is a dream life packaged for travel! And where ever God plants it hundreds of years later that beauty and dream will show all its glory to reflect His glory! We are living seeds that have been planted some where in the soil of humanity with a purpose to bloom and provide food for others around us!
Thank you Jess, you have inspired a devotional book! Bits and pieces have been floating around in my head for a while now they are coming together.
Thank you for sharing this devotional. As a gardener, it really does hit the heart in understanding.
I love this message, please make more devotional videos ❤. This spoke to me so much.
We can't ever rush the process. Sometimes the hardest part is the waiting for the reward.💖
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 . ❤️
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.❤
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
And we need pruning to produce good fruit and continue to multiply!! Love this! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for explaining the process the way God intended it to be. The example of the seed epitomizes God's plan for us. Love it. Awesome message. Awesome God gardening correlation. Blessings
Tears of joy, veneration, awakening. Every time. Jess, for another beautiful devotional. They always restore some peace to my soul.
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
Let me tell you, the Lord works in mysterious and wonder ways! I am an avid gardener amd was looking for a review of Lg. Barred Boar Tomatoes, I stumbled upon your top (10ish) tomato video. Which of course led me down the rabbit trail of binge watching several of your videos. My point, I am old enough to be your mother but what a gift God has given you in sharing His heart and Word. This devotional touched my heart in such a deep way. Thank you for sharing and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and your lovely farm! 🙏☝❤
Thank you, Jessica. This was beautiful, and so inspiring.
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.
I had to write in marker on my whole wall "FIND LOVE IN THE PROCESS". I feel this on so many levels
Thank you for this wonderful message. I often reflect on the fact that God gave me a gift.... the gift of loving to garden and give and He has blessed me so. Keep on with all you do sweet lady and never doubt your "process". Love to you and your spirit.