Commenting here so you see this - for gluten free it’s hard to go wrong with recipes from Aran Goyoaga (I haven’t made them all yet and I had to tweak her sourdough for humid MD summers, but everything I have tried was delicious). Her gingery oat cookies from her new baking focused book “Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple: A New Way to Bake Gluten-Free”and her Orange and Brown Butter Madeleines from the cookbook that shares the same name as her blog “Cannelle et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood” are both top tier favorites. She has so many interesting flavors, an entire prior cookbook focused on eating seasonal food and a love of nourishing whole foods that I think you may really enjoy. Best of all for gluten free people she has delicious recipes that turn out and don’t make you miss the gluten. Unrelated to cookies, I learned to preserve lemons from her and it’s now one of the most delicious staples in my pantry! You may really enjoy them :)
Jessica, please do this again next year, maybe a little earlier in the season. I've already spent all my Christmas money, but I looked around at the party and there are some things I'd love to get for Christmas next year, I'll just have to save up! Thanks for all you do, you are a blessing in my life!
Also, America’s Test Kitchen ‘How Can it be Gluten Free Cookbook.’ I had some products from that book that you would never guess weren’t typically made.
Your family isn't blended because it's broken, it's blended because it is deliberate. You looked around at your life and said, "We can make this beautiful thing, and all we have to do is DECIDE to do it." Art is art because somebody said, "Like this." The entire world exists because God said, "Let there be light." Intention and choice.
Jessica, please always know that there are so many of us out here that absolutely love you! You are one of the most inspirational teachers to us all. Thank you for being you and sharing the love in your heart with us all.
As a grandmother and great grandmother, this cannot be said enough. Please give yourself a break. Loving your children sometimes mean you make store bought cookies and your kids love them. It gives them a break because you give them the opportunity to be unperfect. We all need that.
“Bad moms don’t care” THAT IS SO TRUE!!!!! The fact that we care and get so upset when we lose our cool is proof that we care so much! We’re just human ❤ I a blended family too, 4 kiddos ranging from 8 months to 9 years. Chaos is bound to happen! And now I’m going to go bake cookies 🤭
And often, bad parents tell themselves and the world that they're great. They're expecting a "World's Greatest" shirt for Father's or Mother's day and better get it or they'll make them (the kids) regret it.
I found you a few years ago & loved learning all things gardening. However, I just wanted to say thank you for these little chats because I have left this space with so much more than just gardening knowledge. I needed this message today. We are in the midst of a hard season. My husband& I moved our 3 babies 1,800 miles away from everything & everyone we know & while we are confident it was the right move, adjusting to life here with no one around has been very difficult, especially for our children. Tomorrow I’m baking cookies 🤍
Thank you so much for these wise words of encouragement. We are in a season of very young littles (1 month and 4 y/o) and I am learning to live in the middle of God's grace. You gave voice to what I believe the Holy Spirit has been trying to teach me (I'm rather stubborn and dense sometimes!). I plan to make cookies later today in whatever way I can. ❤️ God bless you.
I am in a VERY similar season and this message touched my heart too. Praying for you to find community and rest in the peace of knowing when you are doing the best for your family and good things take time.
I cannot tell you just how badly I needed this today! 🥺 I have two small girls and I have been so burnt out lately for so many reasons. I had the day off today and have really been needing some peace, so I binged several of your videos. I thought all day long, "man, I really could use a devotional or just some wise words from Jess today." And here they are. This is exactly what I needed to hear. ❤ I will watch this a few times now. Thank you so much, Jess. You always make me feel so much better. I really love and appreciate when I get to receive advice from you.
Hey Jess, Thank you. I am coming down from a full melt down....... (Tough few months) And your video notification gave me that much needed comfort. 🦉 🍂BLESSED BE 🍁 P.s. I am that somebody that needed this. 😳
I no you are so strong life brings us down but thats when we pull are selfs together an fight back.bye you expressing this means you are already fighting back.you got this girl rise like a Phoenix be strong we are with you.🦋🐔🐦
When God whispers exactly what your soul needs it is a magnificent thing that brings life and healing. Thank you Jess for being Gods whispered words of incite, kindness, love and inspiration. Oh….and the timing….it is always perfect
Jess thanks for sharing your cookie story. I am 73 never married no children. With that said I can think of so many ways that I can be a thermostats if only for me when feeling blue. Especially for my nieces nephews friends and family. Thank you. Chas SC❣️🙏🏻❣️🙏🏻❣️🙏🏻
Your comments abouts people going through things they shouldn't have to, that really resonates. Due to religion, I lost my entire family. Yet, here I am building our homestead, largely due to watching your videos. I am so grateful for the things I have learned from you and the motivation to do more. Thank you....
I had an art teacher once tell me that when you make a mistake turn it into a surprise. I think that applies to life as well. When you find yourself in a less than ideal place, bring as much joy into it as you can and you will be happily surprised with the results. 💙
This vlog touched on so many things I've been thinking about lately! Winding down from gardening, trying to find things to fill my time, learning to be more at peace and less stressed about life. It was a great reminder that we're all human and its possible to take a step back - breathe in the love, exhale the jive. Thank you!
I still set the temperature every night before my Mister gets home, by lighting candles in every room that we’ll be in throughout the night, and we’ve been together for 24 year’s! The smell of a nice meal always works too, but I love your cookie idea.:) I could’ve used that while my kids were younger. Lol I’m sure this video is going to touch so many people who need it, Jess. God Bless! 🙏🏼👍🎄
Jess, you beautiful soul! Thank you for this, and all of the content you share. Your authenticity and vulnerability with us is a light in the world. Thank you for being that conduit!
♡ Thank you for normalizing supporting your friends in Buisness no matter what and addressing the hard times of motherhood! I really really needed this today!♡
Please keep sharing... This made me cry. I've had 11 living children and I loved each one. It's been really busy with lots of good times and plenty of hard times. the thing that always was in the back of my mind was I want to be a good mom. But saw my shortcomings as a good mom in glaring red in my face. So I learned to pray pray pray. Ask forgiveness when I lost my cool. I think if I would have taken a regular time to meet my own needs, I would have been a better mom.
Your words of wisdom are always so timely. Stay at home mom of six here. I like to think of our family as a quilt stitched together by love. Our three “big kids” are 18 and older. Our three “littles” are 5 and younger. Life gets chaotic often. Lately, I’ve really felt myself losing it more often than not. Tuesday evening I told my husband, “This cannot be their childhood. I’m tired of being the mom that fusses constantly.” Yesterday, I woke up and greeted the day with a completely different attitude. Today, I carried that attitude with me once again. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know I will continue to do my best to set the tone, be the calm, and show my children they are loved. Thank you for hanging out with us. You really do bless us!!!
Such a beautiful reminder! Thank you, Jess! I love to remember that there is always something I CAN do to help the atmosphere of my home. And what a blessing it is to have that power/gift!
“Be the thermostat, not the thermometer!” I wish I would’ve had that consciousness 30 years ago. That’s one of the most important things I’ve ever heard and you are so right. Too many years spent chasing the ideal. Thank you, thank you for the wisdom of your prospective.
Dear Jess I'm so glad that you talked about changing the atmosphere. Hit home with me as I have recently come to the same conclusion. I thank you. Now a tip for your crocheting. When you start your next ball of yarn. Instead of starting with the out side. Poke your finger in the middle of the ball. Pull it out find the end now your pulling from the middle of the ball. It won't roll around on you. Good luck and have fun.
Thank you Jess!!! If nobody else on Earth needed to hear this blog today....I did. Thank you for the encouragement. I thank God for You, your family, and your willingness to share your life with others.
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing this, there were a lot of tears in our house this morning and a big long text to a friend saying I was feeling like a bad mom. Thank you for the reminder that I am the thermostat! What a blessing it is to be tone setters in our home! Praying for all the momma's this evening!
This was the most perfect thing I needed tonight. My newly 17 yr old and I had a tough conversation tonight and I just felt so inadequate. It wasn't perfectly said but he knew I was there for him. I think I'll buy some cookie dough this weekend. :)
I just recently started crocheting again, after not picking up my hooks for more than four years, because you had reminded me how much I missed that meditative, restful practice during these cold, wet winter months in the PNW. So it gave me so much joy to get to crochet along with you today, Jess! 💞 "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer" was actually a common saying during my days as a teacher. One I hadn't thought back on in quite some time, and one I absolutely needed to hear today. Thanks so much for the timely chat, friend!
Yesterday I had carpal tunnel surgery. I haven't crocheted for years because my fingers go numb. I am really looking forward to picking up a hook again!
I love all of your videos but, these talks and your devotionals are the most treasured and the videos I share the most. I believe there are always people in all of our lives who needs to hear your messages.
such an important message for all of us. Thank you Jess. I had not heard this expression before, about being the Thermostat & not the Thermometer, but i have been very slowly doing just that! After dealing with a loved one, who has cognitive issues & behavioral issues from that ( for the past 3 years). I have gone from majorly reacting to that behavior (Thermometer), to choosing to take more control of my reactions ( and my life). I even try harder now, and succeed, to set the tone (Thermostat) in a more loving, positive and patient way. Often doing something small but symbolically loving, just to let her know she is cared for. Like your not-from scratch cookie making. All of this has only been possible from God's helping me, teaching me, speaking to my heart to have more compassion with her & with myself. We can be the Thermostat for our lives! I so appreciate your sharing this with us. It is really helpful to have the words/ concept behind this principal. Thank you! Your true heart is so often a Blessing to us all! ❤
Oh Jessica! My heart melted when you talked about your blended family and not feeling 'good enough '. We need the broken pieces to make the beautiful stained glass!! You are more than enough ! What a lovely motherhood video. Thank you.
Thank you for this, Jess. “Bad moms don’t care if they’re bad”… I needed that. We’ve got 2 littles under 2 years old, and some days it’s just tough. Thank you for the encouragement. I’ll need to go back and watch this a couple more times to really soak it all up. 🥰
I feel this! I had 3- 2 and under… the kids reminded me today how close they were in age. They are now 5 and 2 and 3/4 and newly turned 8. You will survive and thrive 🙃
Watching this a couple months later. This was exactly what I needed to hear in this moment. Thank you, Jess, for being a channel for the Holy Spirit. Your words were straight from Him.
I was feeling something making something to put a smile on my hubbies face when he got home tonight. You mention cookies and I know that’s the one. I don’t have store bought but this batch will be large so I can freeze 3/4 of it for later snacking. Thank you. Baking is peaceful to me. And you just reminded me of that.
I don’t have a great gf recipe per se, but if you can find Pam’s gluten free pancake mix, there were a couple recipes on the back that turned out awesome! Chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake (my personal favorite!) that turned out so well, my hubby couldn’t tell that they or the pancakes were gluten free!
We were told about that mix several years ago at a bed and breakfast offering a gluten free menu. There are hundreds of recipes on the Pamela's Products website.
Jess, I truly understand what it's like having a blended family of my own with 8 children. To be mom to some and step-mom to other's but loving them all the same. It's like making a stain glass window it takes a lot of pieces to make a beautiful picture. You are lucky enough that you have a beautiful stain glass window to share with the world! Bless you!
💚 Thank you, Jess, for the conversation on being a Thermostat, not a reactive Thermometer! Watching you crochet that beautiful blanket was so relaxing...reminds me of my days of therapeutic crocheting. So grateful for you and your thoughtful words and insights. We are the creators of our environments and making that quick pivot to being a Thermostat, rather than a Thermometer, in that brief second prior to reacting, makes all the difference in the world! Hope your evening was peaceful and the memories of decorating for Christmas 2022 are warm and wonderful! 💚
😭 What a perfectly timed beautiful message. Thank you for speaking on this. Funny how God finds ways to communicate with you about the things you’ve prayed over and for. Even something as simple as a RUclips video can be a vessel for His words. Appreciate your wisdom and words so much♥️
I did need to hear this, I passed it on to my 30 yr old granddaughter who also needed to hear this as she has 3 boys that are very active and she always question herself. We feel that you were speaking to us.
I’m expecting my first child in a few months and I have helped raise so many kids but I have already started worry about being a good mom… everyone keeps commenting on how good of a mom I’m gonna be (with all great intentions to encourage me.) and i just realized I have put so much pressure of living up to this expectation of the perfect mom. And trying to get things ready so I’m ready when she gets here. Thank you for that advice I needed to hear to give me the peace that it’s gonna be okay and an imperfect mom is still a good mom!
My niece was so obsessed with being perfect for her first child. That created anxiety and not enjoying the moments as more relaxing it could have been. Her second she was totally relaxed and enjoyed being a mom. Relax and do you. My mom was a great blessing for knowledge when I needed her.
You're already doing great, mama! Congratulations on your little one. Take time to breathe and sit in the moment as often as you can, and don't be afraid to say ALL of your feelings, as incoherent as they may be, out loud to your baby. They will listen, and it helps you process all the internal chaos.
Thank you Jess. You always are able to bring me back from the edge. I swear I feel like your a best friend that just lives in another state. Hope you have a wonderful time decorating your tree with the family.
Thank you! I could go into tons of details that would take up so much space on this comment section but really they all boil down to Thank you so much for these words. They have touched my heart in a million ways.
I’m gluten free and a lazy baker 🙃 - I use Meli’s monster cookie box mix a lot. Wonderful message today Jess. One hundred percent what I needed to be reminded of today.
I for one Ms. Jessica love when you chat to us like this. I agree whole heartedly that we have the choice to be the thermostat instead of the thermometer. I also agree that kids, if they don't know, couldn't care less if the cookies were made from scratch or not. My friend with the dairy asked me if I was using a vaporizer when I go to sleep since I've been coughing my fool head off. "No I haven't, what a great idea." I suggest to you Ms. Jessica, try using a vaporizer when you go to sleep to see if it helps your stuffiness. God bless your home.
I found your channel about 4 years ago, when my son was 4, and I can’t tell you how many times that watching how you interact with your children has helped me to grow as a mother. You can always feel the love and respect you all have for each other, especially in the everyday, small interactions. Thank you for sharing your life with us all, you are such a wonderful mentor for so many people in so many ways.
Jess, you are a lovely soul! I so appreciate your transparency and your honesty about living a thermostatically lived life. I receive a peace and joy from your words, from your blog, your videos, love Daniels background music. Your ability to create that temperature is admirable and completely appreciated by this viewer. So keep setting the thermostat in your personal and public life because, like me, I'm relatively certain there are others whose lives your enrich every time one of your videos is viewed or blog is read. Your willingness to allow us into your thoughts and enjoy your viewpoints on life is a gift of infinite value. Thank you!
I sure needed to hear this encouragement, Jess. I am going to put some dried orange rind, a couple of cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot of water to boil. I really appreciate the moments you share that give me that nudge to take a deep breath and put things back into perspective. You blessed me.
Oh Jess, when I watch one of your videos after a while of being online, I'm always so encouraged and uplifted by your lovely soul. 💕 Thank you for sharing and caring!
My first time ever posting anything on RUclips... Thank you Jess for your ministry... For good words in due season... I stumbled upon your channel a couple years ago when researching homesteading. Little did I know that God would use you so often to bring me back to Him. Thank you for being you... Being genuine... Being open with your journey, past and present to speak into the lives of those you may never know this side of heaven. I'm now adding cookie dough to my shopping list... 'cuz Mama needs to set the atmosphere. 😊 Maybe your next book could be a devotional? 💓
Here are 4 gluten free cookie recipes we enjoy. The first 3 are grain free. Against All Grain Breakfast Cookies - by Danielle Walker 1/4 C. Coconut Flour 1/2 C. Almond Butter 6 Dates, soaked in warm water 15 min 3/4 C. Shredded Coconut 1/2 C. Unsweetened Applesauce 2 med. Eggs (or 2 T. Flaxmeal + 5 T. Warm Water) 1/2 T. Cinnamon 1 t. Vanilla 1/4 t. Salt 1/2 t. Baking Soda 2 T. Dried Unsweetened Dark Cherries 2 T. Chopped Walnuts 3 T. Currants Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment. For the vegan version, whisk flax & warm water in a bowl. Let sit until thickened, 5-10 min. Process flour, almond butter, & dates in a food processor until well combined & dates are chopped, 1 min. Add coconut, applesauce, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, salt & baking soda & process into wet dough, 30 sec. Add in remaining ingredients, & pulse once or twice until fruit is mixed into the dough but chopped up. Drop heaping spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Press down with wet metal spatula. They don’t spread or rise. Bake until golden on top & slightly brown along edges, 12-15 min. Chickpea Cookies 1 1/4 C. can Chickpeas, rinsed & patted dry 2 t. Vanilla Extract 1/2 C + 2 T. Natural Peanut Butter, Sunbutter, or Almond Butter 1/4 C. Honey (or Maple Syrup) 1 t. Baking Powder Pinch Salt (if peanut butter doesn’t have it) 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Process all ingred, except chocolate chips, in food processor. Fold in choc chips. It will be thick & sticky. With wet hands, form 1 1/2” balls, place onto baking sheet, & press down slightly. They don’t rise much. Bake 10 min. They will be very soft, not like normal cookies. Store on counter or in fridge for 1 week. Grain Free Shortbread Cookies - from realfoodwithjessica.com 2 C. Almond Flour 2 T. Coconut Flour 1/4 t. Salt 1/3 C. Maple Syrup 5 T. melted Butter 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips Preheat the oven to 300° & line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add in maple syrup & butter. Roll dough on parchment to 8×8” (1/4” thick). Cut 8x3”, making 24 rectangles. Transfer to baking sheet & bake until edges are brown, 27-32 min. Cool. Melt cho chips in microwave in 30 second increments until smooth, 1 1/2 min. Dip half of each cookie in the cho, scraping off extra, & place back on parchment. Top with chopped pecans while wet if desired. Store covered at room temperature up to a week or freeze. Snickerdoodles 1 C. Butter, softened 1 1/2 C. + 2 T. Sugar 2 Eggs 2 3/4 C. GF Flour Mixture 1/2 t. Xanthan Gum 1 t. Baking Soda 1/2 t. Baking Powder 2 t. Cream of Tarter 1/4 t. Salt 2 t. Cinnamon Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Whip butter with sugar & eggs. Sift dry ingredients & blend into butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir 2 T. sugar & cinnamon. Roll dough into 1” balls. Roll in sugar mixture. Bake 8 min.
This was such a powerful video, felt like I was having coffee with a friend that was speaking truth over me. Thank you for keeping an open heart to share what the Lord lays on your heart.
“Life is not always ideal.” I needed this chat. Being a widow and single mom at 23 was never in the cards I imagined for myself. A year and a half later at 25, I’m still adjusting to that title. There have been so many times I needed to have this permission to be the thermostat vs the thermometer. “The goal is not always perfection.” Gosh I just really needed this Jess wisdom today.
Jess, keep an eye out for a package. It's an item that might be useful when you are crocheting. You have given so much to me through your videos this year that I wanted to bless you back. I hope you like it. It's a simple thing, but sometimes those things are the most fun to get. :)
💗🍪💗 Very sweet and common sense. Reminds me of my mom and the memories she created for us that carries me through some tough times. Sights, sounds, smells. You're doing so much right. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Here is the correct Pampered Chef Link:
www.pamperedchef.com/party/rootsandrefuge
Commenting here so you see this - for gluten free it’s hard to go wrong with recipes from Aran Goyoaga (I haven’t made them all yet and I had to tweak her sourdough for humid MD summers, but everything I have tried was delicious). Her gingery oat cookies from her new baking focused book “Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple: A New Way to Bake Gluten-Free”and her Orange and Brown Butter Madeleines from the cookbook that shares the same name as her blog “Cannelle et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood” are both top tier favorites. She has so many interesting flavors, an entire prior cookbook focused on eating seasonal food and a love of nourishing whole foods that I think you may really enjoy. Best of all for gluten free people she has delicious recipes that turn out and don’t make you miss the gluten. Unrelated to cookies, I learned to preserve lemons from her and it’s now one of the most delicious staples in my pantry! You may really enjoy them :)
Where did you get your jumper?!? Please say it’s not thrifted 😅
Jessica, please do this again next year, maybe a little earlier in the season. I've already spent all my Christmas money, but I looked around at the party and there are some things I'd love to get for Christmas next year, I'll just have to save up!
Thanks for all you do, you are a blessing in my life!
Also, America’s Test Kitchen ‘How Can it be Gluten Free Cookbook.’ I had some products from that book that you would never guess weren’t typically made.
@Roots and Refuge Farm I got a spam response to my comment. I have screenshots if you would like them. I will also report the comment.
Does any one else feel like Jess is that big hug you just need .... 💜
All the time. She brings peace to my day.
Yes!
100% all the time ❤
E V E R Y single time. she is such a treasure for us all.
Absolutely! She is 💯!
Your family isn't blended because it's broken, it's blended because it is deliberate. You looked around at your life and said, "We can make this beautiful thing, and all we have to do is DECIDE to do it." Art is art because somebody said, "Like this." The entire world exists because God said, "Let there be light." Intention and choice.
Beautiful.
❤❤❤
Well said
So true
Wow, such beautifully put!
I'm a new mum and you have just changed the way I will parent for the rest of my life, thank you :-)
Yes!!!!! Jess, I so needed that talk of just mom inspiration, and mother's leaning on mother's Thank You so much
Jessica, please always know that there are so many of us out here that absolutely love you! You are one of the most inspirational teachers to us all. Thank you for being you and sharing the love in your heart with us all.
That was beautiful. You are a perfect stranger, yet that special friend that says the right thing at the right time. ❤
As a grandmother and great grandmother, this cannot be said enough. Please give yourself a break. Loving your children sometimes mean you make store bought cookies and your kids love them. It gives them a break because you give them the opportunity to be unperfect. We all need that.
I for one needed to hear this message today. Thank you ❤
Me too! In the thick of small children and feeling like I'm not doing it "right" but desperately want to raise Godly amazing humans.
“Bad moms don’t care” THAT IS SO TRUE!!!!! The fact that we care and get so upset when we lose our cool is proof that we care so much! We’re just human ❤ I a blended family too, 4 kiddos ranging from 8 months to 9 years. Chaos is bound to happen! And now I’m going to go bake cookies 🤭
And often, bad parents tell themselves and the world that they're great. They're expecting a "World's Greatest" shirt for Father's or Mother's day and better get it or they'll make them (the kids) regret it.
I found you a few years ago & loved learning all things gardening. However, I just wanted to say thank you for these little chats because I have left this space with so much more than just gardening knowledge. I needed this message today. We are in the midst of a hard season. My husband& I moved our 3 babies 1,800 miles away from everything & everyone we know & while we are confident it was the right move, adjusting to life here with no one around has been very difficult, especially for our children. Tomorrow I’m baking cookies 🤍
Thank you so much for these wise words of encouragement. We are in a season of very young littles (1 month and 4 y/o) and I am learning to live in the middle of God's grace. You gave voice to what I believe the Holy Spirit has been trying to teach me (I'm rather stubborn and dense sometimes!). I plan to make cookies later today in whatever way I can. ❤️ God bless you.
I am in a VERY similar season and this message touched my heart too. Praying for you to find community and rest in the peace of knowing when you are doing the best for your family and good things take time.
Oh my I needed this video today
I cannot tell you just how badly I needed this today! 🥺 I have two small girls and I have been so burnt out lately for so many reasons. I had the day off today and have really been needing some peace, so I binged several of your videos. I thought all day long, "man, I really could use a devotional or just some wise words from Jess today." And here they are. This is exactly what I needed to hear. ❤ I will watch this a few times now. Thank you so much, Jess. You always make me feel so much better. I really love and appreciate when I get to receive advice from you.
Oh Jessica, what a beautiful Mom/person you are, and what amazing words and message to share. Thank you!
Blessings 💜
Hey Jess, Thank you. I am coming down from a full melt down....... (Tough few months)
And your video notification gave me that much needed comfort. 🦉
🍂BLESSED BE 🍁
P.s. I am that somebody that needed this. 😳
😭 I needed this
I no you are so strong life brings us down but thats when we pull are selfs together an fight back.bye you expressing this means you are already fighting back.you got this girl rise like a Phoenix be strong we are with you.🦋🐔🐦
@@thevancave7218 awwww thank you so much. It feels good to have you and this community behind me. 🌠
Thank you, Miss Jessica. How real and how beautiful. I bless you and yours too! 💚🙏💙
When God whispers exactly what your soul needs it is a magnificent thing that brings life and healing. Thank you Jess for being Gods whispered words of incite, kindness, love and inspiration. Oh….and the timing….it is always perfect
Jess thanks for sharing your cookie story. I am 73 never married no children. With that said I can think of so many ways that I can be a thermostats if only for me when feeling blue. Especially for my nieces nephews friends and family. Thank you. Chas SC❣️🙏🏻❣️🙏🏻❣️🙏🏻
Your comments abouts people going through things they shouldn't have to, that really resonates. Due to religion, I lost my entire family. Yet, here I am building our homestead, largely due to watching your videos. I am so grateful for the things I have learned from you and the motivation to do more. Thank you....
I just lost my job and I needed to hear this. Thank you for being who you are.
I had an art teacher once tell me that when you make a mistake turn it into a surprise. I think that applies to life as well. When you find yourself in a less than ideal place, bring as much joy into it as you can and you will be happily surprised with the results. 💙
Black bottom cookies and that smile made the entire video! Thanks for your beautiful energy! The whole team at Roots & Refuge is fantastic!
This vlog touched on so many things I've been thinking about lately! Winding down from gardening, trying to find things to fill my time, learning to be more at peace and less stressed about life. It was a great reminder that we're all human and its possible to take a step back - breathe in the love, exhale the jive. Thank you!
Well said 😉
Dear Jessica,
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
💜 All of us
I still set the temperature every night before my Mister gets home, by lighting candles in every room that we’ll be in throughout the night, and we’ve been together for 24 year’s! The smell of a nice meal always works too, but I love your cookie idea.:) I could’ve used that while my kids were younger. Lol I’m sure this video is going to touch so many people who need it, Jess. God Bless! 🙏🏼👍🎄
YES! This! thx for sharing.
@doulacoach6801 You're so welcome! :) I hope you enjoy the ambiance as much as we have all these year's.🙏
Great idea to light candles for Mr. Thanks for that. 🌻
Jess, you beautiful soul! Thank you for this, and all of the content you share. Your authenticity and vulnerability with us is a light in the world. Thank you for being that conduit!
♡ Thank you for normalizing supporting your friends in Buisness no matter what and addressing the hard times of motherhood! I really really needed this today!♡
Please keep sharing... This made me cry. I've had 11 living children and I loved each one. It's been really busy with lots of good times and plenty of hard times. the thing that always was in the back of my mind was I want to be a good mom. But saw my shortcomings as a good mom in glaring red in my face. So I learned to pray pray pray. Ask forgiveness when I lost my cool. I think if I would have taken a regular time to meet my own needs, I would have been a better mom.
Your words of wisdom are always so timely. Stay at home mom of six here. I like to think of our family as a quilt stitched together by love. Our three “big kids” are 18 and older. Our three “littles” are 5 and younger. Life gets chaotic often. Lately, I’ve really felt myself losing it more often than not. Tuesday evening I told my husband, “This cannot be their childhood. I’m tired of being the mom that fusses constantly.” Yesterday, I woke up and greeted the day with a completely different attitude. Today, I carried that attitude with me once again. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know I will continue to do my best to set the tone, be the calm, and show my children they are loved. Thank you for hanging out with us. You really do bless us!!!
Such a beautiful reminder! Thank you, Jess! I love to remember that there is always something I CAN do to help the atmosphere of my home. And what a blessing it is to have that power/gift!
“Be the thermostat, not the thermometer!” I wish I would’ve had that consciousness 30 years ago. That’s one of the most important things I’ve ever heard and you are so right. Too many years spent chasing the ideal. Thank you, thank you for the wisdom of your prospective.
Wow. You DID shared something worth sharing. The simplicity of "thermostat instead of thermometer" is a great lesson.
The Lord is using you Jessica, and what you just talked about is very good, sound and loving advice.. Thank you! Blessings always..
Love this! Thanks for sharing! It's always nice to see people I look up to sharing their life in all it's chaos and imperfection! 💜
We’re much alike…and I love that you’re sharing so many things of value for others. ❤
Beautiful yarn btw!!
Dear Jess I'm so glad that you talked about changing the atmosphere. Hit home with me as I have recently come to the same conclusion. I thank you. Now a tip for your crocheting. When you start your next ball of yarn. Instead of starting with the out side. Poke your finger in the middle of the ball. Pull it out find the end now your pulling from the middle of the ball. It won't roll around on you. Good luck and have fun.
Jessica your message touched my heart more than you will ever know!
Excellent chat! You have the gift of saying things that are meaningful to many. 🌻🌻💕💕
Becca is a wise momma! Thanks Becca!
Amen.
Thank you Jess!!! If nobody else on Earth needed to hear this blog today....I did. Thank you for the encouragement. I thank God for You, your family, and your willingness to share your life with others.
I was also crocheting a blanket while watching this video! Also I needed to hear this chat. Thank you.
Very wise words Jess. Sending you and your beautiful family a huge hug. You all make my days brighter. ❤
Thank you so much Jessica for sharing this, there were a lot of tears in our house this morning and a big long text to a friend saying I was feeling like a bad mom. Thank you for the reminder that I am the thermostat! What a blessing it is to be tone setters in our home! Praying for all the momma's this evening!
This message is so powerful and so needed. And so anointed. Thank you.
Amen
Those organic corn dogs you make are the best! 😊
From 12:12 through 12:29. Yes indeed. Yes, many need to hear. Well said. Thanks for the acknowledgment.
This was the most perfect thing I needed tonight. My newly 17 yr old and I had a tough conversation tonight and I just felt so inadequate. It wasn't perfectly said but he knew I was there for him. I think I'll buy some cookie dough this weekend. :)
Those memories is what matters.
I just recently started crocheting again, after not picking up my hooks for more than four years, because you had reminded me how much I missed that meditative, restful practice during these cold, wet winter months in the PNW. So it gave me so much joy to get to crochet along with you today, Jess! 💞 "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer" was actually a common saying during my days as a teacher. One I hadn't thought back on in quite some time, and one I absolutely needed to hear today. Thanks so much for the timely chat, friend!
Yesterday I had carpal tunnel surgery. I haven't crocheted for years because my fingers go numb. I am really looking forward to picking up a hook again!
@@thelazynortherngardener7607 Sending lots of healing energies your way and wishing you a speedy recovery!
I love all of your videos but, these talks and your devotionals are the most treasured and the videos I share the most.
I believe there are always people in all of our lives who needs to hear your messages.
such an important message for all of us. Thank you Jess. I had not heard this expression before, about being the Thermostat & not the Thermometer, but i have been very slowly doing just that! After dealing with a loved one, who has cognitive issues & behavioral issues from that ( for the past 3 years). I have gone from majorly reacting to that behavior (Thermometer), to choosing to take more control of my reactions ( and my life). I even try harder now, and succeed, to set the tone (Thermostat) in a more loving, positive and patient way. Often doing something small but symbolically loving, just to let her know she is cared for. Like your not-from scratch cookie making.
All of this has only been possible from God's helping me, teaching me, speaking to my heart to have more compassion with her & with myself. We can be the Thermostat for our lives! I so appreciate your sharing this with us. It is really helpful to have the words/ concept behind this principal. Thank you! Your true heart is so often a Blessing to us all!
❤
Oh Jessica! My heart melted when you talked about your blended family and not feeling 'good enough '. We need the broken pieces to make the beautiful stained glass!! You are more than enough ! What a lovely motherhood video. Thank you.
Thank you for this, Jess. “Bad moms don’t care if they’re bad”… I needed that. We’ve got 2 littles under 2 years old, and some days it’s just tough. Thank you for the encouragement. I’ll need to go back and watch this a couple more times to really soak it all up. 🥰
I feel this! I had 3- 2 and under… the kids reminded me today how close they were in age. They are now 5 and 2 and 3/4 and newly turned 8. You will survive and thrive 🙃
THANK YOU JESS. WITH ALL OF MY HEART. THANK YOU.
Love your new farm, enjoy it. Love your channel 🇵🇷 ❤️❤️❤️🎉❤️
Watching this a couple months later. This was exactly what I needed to hear in this moment. Thank you, Jess, for being a channel for the Holy Spirit. Your words were straight from Him.
I was feeling something making something to put a smile on my hubbies face when he got home tonight. You mention cookies and I know that’s the one. I don’t have store bought but this batch will be large so I can freeze 3/4 of it for later snacking. Thank you. Baking is peaceful to me. And you just reminded me of that.
Thank you Jess for sharing this. I appreciate your “realness”. May God bless you too.
I don’t have a great gf recipe per se, but if you can find Pam’s gluten free pancake mix, there were a couple recipes on the back that turned out awesome! Chocolate chip cookies and coffee cake (my personal favorite!) that turned out so well, my hubby couldn’t tell that they or the pancakes were gluten free!
We were told about that mix several years ago at a bed and breakfast offering a gluten free menu. There are hundreds of recipes on the Pamela's Products website.
Thank you for #lighttheworld with your inspiration and for not always sharing just the perfect on camera!
"This one came with Miah" 💙
Not sure there's a better testament for any bakeware!!! 😊😆💖
Love this message. thank you
💡
Wow…wow….wow… so powerful. Thank you for your words of wisdom, and a powerful lesson. ♥️
Jess, I truly understand what it's like having a blended family of my own with 8 children. To be mom to some and step-mom to other's but loving them all the same. It's like making a stain glass window it takes a lot of pieces to make a beautiful picture. You are lucky enough that you have a beautiful stain glass window to share with the world! Bless you!
💚 Thank you, Jess, for the conversation on being a Thermostat, not a reactive Thermometer! Watching you crochet that beautiful blanket was so relaxing...reminds me of my days of therapeutic crocheting. So grateful for you and your thoughtful words and insights. We are the creators of our environments and making that quick pivot to being a Thermostat, rather than a Thermometer, in that brief second prior to reacting, makes all the difference in the world! Hope your evening was peaceful and the memories of decorating for Christmas 2022 are warm and wonderful! 💚
We must be on the same wavelength, because we made cookies today too! Our family needed the pick-me-up also. I needed this video today. ❤️
This is a beautiful life lesson! Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share it!
Yeeeahhh my favourite chanel😍
I’ll never stop being thankful for your loving Christ like attitude. Like sunshine warms you on a cool day your voice warms my heart.
😭 What a perfectly timed beautiful message. Thank you for speaking on this. Funny how God finds ways to communicate with you about the things you’ve prayed over and for. Even something as simple as a RUclips video can be a vessel for His words. Appreciate your wisdom and words so much♥️
You are so blessed to have your children, I would give anything to have my daughter she passed when she was 8 years old .
I did need to hear this, I passed it on to my 30 yr old granddaughter who also needed to hear this as she has 3 boys that are very active and she always question herself. We feel that you were speaking to us.
Jess you are so wise beyond your years and you help everyone with your words! Love You Bunches Girl!!!
I’m expecting my first child in a few months and I have helped raise so many kids but I have already started worry about being a good mom… everyone keeps commenting on how good of a mom I’m gonna be (with all great intentions to encourage me.) and i just realized I have put so much pressure of living up to this expectation of the perfect mom. And trying to get things ready so I’m ready when she gets here. Thank you for that advice I needed to hear to give me the peace that it’s gonna be okay and an imperfect mom is still a good mom!
My niece was so obsessed with being perfect for her first child. That created anxiety and not enjoying the moments as more relaxing it could have been. Her second she was totally relaxed and enjoyed being a mom. Relax and do you. My mom was a great blessing for knowledge when I needed her.
Thank you Carla! My mom is great and very supportive but I tend to get in my own head. Things like this are such great reminders!
You're already doing great, mama! Congratulations on your little one. Take time to breathe and sit in the moment as often as you can, and don't be afraid to say ALL of your feelings, as incoherent as they may be, out loud to your baby. They will listen, and it helps you process all the internal chaos.
Thank you! ❤️
Thank you Jess. You always are able to bring me back from the edge. I swear I feel like your a best friend that just lives in another state. Hope you have a wonderful time decorating your tree with the family.
It's so great that you are aware that choices in life create memories and our choices can create the happiness in our lives.
Thank you! I could go into tons of details that would take up so much space on this comment section but really they all boil down to Thank you so much for these words. They have touched my heart in a million ways.
These little chats always touch my heart ❤️ Thank You Jess, for sharing such beautiful insight ☀️
Beautiful I shared this thank you Jess just what I needed
I’m gluten free and a lazy baker 🙃 - I use Meli’s monster cookie box mix a lot.
Wonderful message today Jess. One hundred percent what I needed to be reminded of today.
Beautiful words from a beautiful woman, thank you Jess.
I for one Ms. Jessica love when you chat to us like this. I agree whole heartedly that we have the choice to be the thermostat instead of the thermometer. I also agree that kids, if they don't know, couldn't care less if the cookies were made from scratch or not. My friend with the dairy asked me if I was using a vaporizer when I go to sleep since I've been coughing my fool head off. "No I haven't, what a great idea." I suggest to you Ms. Jessica, try using a vaporizer when you go to sleep to see if it helps your stuffiness. God bless your home.
You did it again, Jess! You blessed my weary soul. Thank you ❤️.
I found your channel about 4 years ago, when my son was 4, and I can’t tell you how many times that watching how you interact with your children has helped me to grow as a mother. You can always feel the love and respect you all have for each other, especially in the everyday, small interactions. Thank you for sharing your life with us all, you are such a wonderful mentor for so many people in so many ways.
Jess, you are a lovely soul! I so appreciate your transparency and your honesty about living a thermostatically lived life. I receive a peace and joy from your words, from your blog, your videos, love Daniels background music. Your ability to create that temperature is admirable and completely appreciated by this viewer. So keep setting the thermostat in your personal and public life because, like me, I'm relatively certain there are others whose lives your enrich every time one of your videos is viewed or blog is read. Your willingness to allow us into your thoughts and enjoy your viewpoints on life is a gift of infinite value. Thank you!
I sure needed to hear this encouragement, Jess. I am going to put some dried orange rind, a couple of cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot of water to boil. I really appreciate the moments you share that give me that nudge to take a deep breath and put things back into perspective. You blessed me.
Oh Jess, when I watch one of your videos after a while of being online, I'm always so encouraged and uplifted by your lovely soul. 💕 Thank you for sharing and caring!
I have Celiac and the website gluten free on a shoestring has been HUGE for me to learn baking skills ☺️
Thank you for this reference! I too am GF & i want to learn to bake from scratch. YAY! I'll check the website out ASAP!
My first time ever posting anything on RUclips... Thank you Jess for your ministry... For good words in due season... I stumbled upon your channel a couple years ago when researching homesteading. Little did I know that God would use you so often to bring me back to Him. Thank you for being you... Being genuine... Being open with your journey, past and present to speak into the lives of those you may never know this side of heaven. I'm now adding cookie dough to my shopping list... 'cuz Mama needs to set the atmosphere. 😊 Maybe your next book could be a devotional? 💓
Here are 4 gluten free cookie recipes we enjoy. The first 3 are grain free.
Against All Grain Breakfast Cookies - by Danielle Walker
1/4 C. Coconut Flour
1/2 C. Almond Butter
6 Dates, soaked in warm water 15 min
3/4 C. Shredded Coconut
1/2 C. Unsweetened Applesauce
2 med. Eggs (or 2 T. Flaxmeal + 5 T. Warm Water)
1/2 T. Cinnamon
1 t. Vanilla
1/4 t. Salt
1/2 t. Baking Soda
2 T. Dried Unsweetened Dark Cherries
2 T. Chopped Walnuts
3 T. Currants
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment.
For the vegan version, whisk flax & warm water in a bowl. Let sit until thickened, 5-10 min.
Process flour, almond butter, & dates in a food processor until well combined & dates are chopped, 1 min.
Add coconut, applesauce, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, salt & baking soda & process into wet dough, 30 sec.
Add in remaining ingredients, & pulse once or twice until fruit is mixed into the dough but chopped up.
Drop heaping spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Press down with wet metal spatula. They don’t spread or rise.
Bake until golden on top & slightly brown along edges, 12-15 min.
Chickpea Cookies
1 1/4 C. can Chickpeas, rinsed & patted dry
2 t. Vanilla Extract
1/2 C + 2 T. Natural Peanut Butter, Sunbutter, or Almond Butter
1/4 C. Honey (or Maple Syrup)
1 t. Baking Powder
Pinch Salt (if peanut butter doesn’t have it)
1/2 C. Chocolate Chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Process all ingred, except chocolate chips, in food processor. Fold in choc chips. It will be thick & sticky.
With wet hands, form 1 1/2” balls, place onto baking sheet, & press down slightly. They don’t rise much.
Bake 10 min. They will be very soft, not like normal cookies. Store on counter or in fridge for 1 week.
Grain Free Shortbread Cookies - from realfoodwithjessica.com
2 C. Almond Flour
2 T. Coconut Flour
1/4 t. Salt
1/3 C. Maple Syrup
5 T. melted Butter
1/2 C. Chocolate Chips
Preheat the oven to 300° & line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add in maple syrup & butter.
Roll dough on parchment to 8×8” (1/4” thick). Cut 8x3”, making 24 rectangles.
Transfer to baking sheet & bake until edges are brown, 27-32 min. Cool.
Melt cho chips in microwave in 30 second increments until smooth, 1 1/2 min. Dip half of each cookie in the cho, scraping off extra, & place back on parchment. Top with chopped pecans while wet if desired.
Store covered at room temperature up to a week or freeze.
Snickerdoodles
1 C. Butter, softened
1 1/2 C. + 2 T. Sugar
2 Eggs
2 3/4 C. GF Flour Mixture
1/2 t. Xanthan Gum
1 t. Baking Soda
1/2 t. Baking Powder
2 t. Cream of Tarter
1/4 t. Salt
2 t. Cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whip butter with sugar & eggs. Sift dry ingredients & blend into butter mixture.
In a small bowl, stir 2 T. sugar & cinnamon. Roll dough into 1” balls. Roll in sugar mixture. Bake 8 min.
Jess your message today was just so beautiful ~ I Thank you!
I love the gluten free chocolate chip cookie recipe on the package of Bob's Red Mills 1 to 1 GF Flour.
Those are such clever words and thoughts. I feel comforted as if you have just given me a good hug. Thank you for sharing xx
This was such a powerful video, felt like I was having coffee with a friend that was speaking truth over me. Thank you for keeping an open heart to share what the Lord lays on your heart.
I love listening to you more and more. God has given you such a gift. Blessings to you and your family.
Love your vlogs! Really enjoying them
Oh Jessica Sowards...You are too beautiful for words. Bless you
“Life is not always ideal.” I needed this chat. Being a widow and single mom at 23 was never in the cards I imagined for myself. A year and a half later at 25, I’m still adjusting to that title. There have been so many times I needed to have this permission to be the thermostat vs the thermometer. “The goal is not always perfection.” Gosh I just really needed this Jess wisdom today.
Jess, keep an eye out for a package. It's an item that might be useful when you are crocheting. You have given so much to me through your videos this year that I wanted to bless you back.
I hope you like it. It's a simple thing, but sometimes those things are the most fun to get. :)
💗🍪💗 Very sweet and common sense. Reminds me of my mom and the memories she created for us that carries me through some tough times. Sights, sounds, smells. You're doing so much right. Thanks for sharing your heart.
This is an excellent share, thank you.
Yes you have blessed us. Wonderful and thoughtful message that is so needed, especially this time of year. Thank you.