18 Random Things About Me | Getting Personal with Roots and Refuge Farm Part 1

Have you seen our new show Wilder Still yet? If you haven't, head over and sign up for Abundance Plus to see all our episodes - you get a FREE seven-day trial! rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
Check out our new blog here: rootsandrefuge.com
And subscribe to our weekly email list so you're the first to hear about new blog posts, sticker launches, merch, and special giveaways! (We do monthly giveaways ONLY for our email subscribers!): rootsandrefuge.com/signup
We have been so blown away by all our new subscribers. I so appreciate all of you following along with us. I believe in living life out loud, so I'm here today to share 18 random things about my life to give you a little insight into who I am!
Www. drewlr
Want More Roots & Refuge? Check Out:
Our Instagram: roots_and_refuge
Our Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarmfarm
My Infrequently updated blog: www.thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com
My Articles in Do South Magazine:dosouthmagazine.com/?s=jessica...
Our Music is by our friend Daniel Smith
/ @danielsmithpsalmist
Email Us: [e-mail]
To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
You can check out our Amazon Wishlist:
a.co/3LqNuiu
______________________________________________________
Want to Support Our Channel?
Shop for our favorite things in our Amazon Storefront- support our channel at no additional cost to you!- www.amazon.com/shop/rootsandr...
Greenstalk Planter:
This is an affiliate link, use the code ROOTS10 to receive $10 off:
lddy.no/6xhd
If you would like to financially support our channel and farm, you can shop through our Amazon affiliate link, which will earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you here: amzn.to/2NcCBZ4
Also, sometimes I link Amazon Affiliate links in the description. Shopping from these links supports our channel with a small commission without any additional cost to you! So Thank you for using these links!
If you would prefer to give directly to our channel, you can send PayPal here: www.paypal.me/jessicasowards
Thank you so much for believing in us!

[@pamarabenton9039]

You are a blessing. Don't stop sharing. Your smile brightens my day. I'm not surprised that you had a healing miracle in your life. Gratitude radiates from you.

[@stylechild23]

This young woman is a national treasure.

[@ytav817]

Amen!

[@heartscapesreiki1496]

Agreed

[@yolandaanderson8556]

YES!

[@denisecaldwell5741]

@@ytav817 +qqqq+q+q+q+

[@CurlyProverbz]

Facts!

[@saramcleroy552]

I knew there was something about you that gave me a sense of peace and calm. I always look forward to your videos. Now I can call you sister.

[@satsat969]

🙏♥️🙏

[@gardeningwithgranny9714]

Praise the Lord for your strength, determination, love of the Father and the joy you share! I just found you today and after this video, this 70 year old granny wishes you lived next door or at least we attended services together... Little Miss, you are a blessing to soooo many... take all the time you need to focus, stay grounded, and walking the narrow path... what you share in knowledge and grace are so vitally needed in this dark world. May your blessings continue to be pressed down, shaken together and running over!!!!!!!!!!!! May Psalm 34:7 bring you comfort and strength!

[@LadyWisdomSpeaksAcademy]

Sing child! Let your sound fill the garden, your house, and the atmosphere with the love of God. Amen!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you!!!

[@Sh4peofmyheart]

You have a lovely singing voice! More, please!!

[@sharonkeef0522]

Roots and Refuge Farm yes woman I love ur videos and ur voice u are amazing

[@lileric144]

​@@RootsandRefugeFarm 😊😊😊

[@alexishodgson7624]

Talking about Costella was emotional and beautiful. Thank you for sharing something so dear to your heart.

[@thecatwhosawstars]

Beautiful ❤️. I cried a little when you said God wants to hear everybody’s song. I’ve been struggling lately with depression and I just really needed this whole video right now. Thank you 🙏

[@1999elle]

Brave souls are a strength to others. Thank you for enduring and shining as you overcome.

[@twardpgh07]

Amen!!! I’m trying to heal from mental illness, and your story of physical healing gives me hope.

[@adriennemorris536]

You have such a warmth about you -- by far a better way to share the Lord than arguing. Bravo!

[@DeeCee1878]

Thank you for giving us 18 more things to love about you!

[@theBigLookmagnifier]

Thank You Jess, I appreciate You for sharing your life with us ⭐️⭐️⭐️♥️♥️♥️

[@hishers4535]

The more I watch you, the more I enjoy you!! You're truly an incredible woman!! So thankful for the work you do to make these videos!

[@tjwilson1591]

You remind me of my best friend of 40 years, who passed away a few years ago. I miss her so much! Finding your videos has made me feel like she's with me, I'll be watching! You have a huge heart, and I'm very glad I've found your videos!

[@mroutdoorsman41]

Thank you, Jessica, for letting us get to know you better personally. I just found your channel and find it refreshing and very enjoyable. You seem to be a very warm and caring person who is making the world a better place in your own way. I enjoyed your singing and guitar playing and would very much like to hear more from you. It is my pleasure to get to know you.

[@kelliehackel8543]

I recently found you and decided I needed to go back 3yrs to the beginning and follow your story. Your story about Costella was beautiful! Although I do not have any "the help" story, I loved the movie and cry every time I watch it. Your relationship with God and your verse knowledge is inspiring and I tear up every time you talk about him. Thank you for sharing your life!

[@t3mptr3s]

I'm not religious by any means, I usually avoid songs about God. You singing moved me to tears. Your voice is so beautiful.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Wow thank you so much

[@takishasage-freebeautyzone]

When you started singing I started singing and smiling and tearing up. Thank you for sharing your voice and soul with us! I am honored!! I love that song, and now when I hear it, I will think of you. I am so glad that I found your channel a few months ago. You just brighten my day and lift my spirits. Thank God for you 🧡💛🧡!!

[@katiedenue9200]

Wow feel so very blessed and honored to have you in my Life! You are beyond amazing and so real! Thank You! God Bless.

[@bethz.5358]

Thank you gor your willingness to be vulnerable and share! What a beautiful video! Your song brought me to tears. Your testimonies of healing and the power of God and the humbling experience that only a mission trip can bring about are POWERFUL! Thank you for being willing to share those and speak to who God is and what He has done. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bigduke6764]

What a great surprise to see after a long day working in the garden installing cattle panel arches, an idea I got from you!. I get a lot out of your channel and you are truly blessed. Your spirituality is very inspiring too.

[@boblove6865]

I never understood the need for non believers to throw shade and hate. You are a positive person who radiates happiness. Religion is not my thing but gardening sure is!! That is why I am here. Your good vibes are just a bonus and if you get that from your god then sing!!!!!

[@storedaway]

Couldn’t agree more, I let those believe what they believe. I enjoy gardening, and I am getting ready to put in raised beds myself. I also want to keep bees

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Omg number 17 made me cry.. all children should be loved and hugged and kissed... bless you xx

[@6grandsons]

You are precious. God blessed. Touching hearts. Teaching minds. Please don’t stop. You’re a doll! 😊❤️

[@NS-pf2zc]

I really enjoyed getting to know you! It's funny, the first video I saw of you was the explanation of tomatoes, and as I listened I was just blown away by this sense of peace that flowed out of you. You can really feel God's presence through your words. You're a lovely person, inside and out!

[@hawk6978]

Same

[@tammyhanson7843]

This was so much fun to revisit. Thanks to “stay at home” I’m enjoying so many videos of the past. Jess, when was the last time you watched this vlog? It’s beautiful 🇺🇸🙋‍♀️🦋💜

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Aw thank you for this!

[@gailharris8527]

Sooooo grateful to have been drawn to this video. You Jessica are a rare and beautiful soul!

[@janenichols3880]

You're such a beautiful soul! A wonderful communicator as well. Your joy is contagious! Blessings!

[@woodsbound7932]

You have a beautiful voice! Sing out!

[@ginabraun8843]

Regarding #6: Can you explain to me why Southern Christians are rarely Catholic? I don't want to get into a religious debate, I just don't understand why such godly people turn their back on the 1st Church. Fast forward to today, and you have over 20,000 different types of Protestants. And the believers today see the problems with the forefathers of Protestantism when it comes to contextual biblical history and the scriptures. "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him" (John 6:53-56)."

[@hillbillyhomestead7235]

I am growing to just adore your channel. I struggle with anxiety and depression after a serious health crisis with colon cancer. I'm cancer free by the grace of God. KZbin is my escape and how i cope a lot of days. KZbin , goats, and of course God. I would have never thought you were a introvert. I have learned that Gods plans are not always our plans or our comfort zone . God bless

[@janetnelson1940]

Hillbilly Homestead what beautiful eyes on that baby!!

[@jacquiesuper2200]

Beautiful Jesse. You are truly a gift from God and I just adore you. Thank you for your testimony on the Love of our Father. He shines thru you. God Bless.

[@sharoncardenas5447]

You are such an extraordinary young woman Jess. You make my heart sing. Been watching you & your family going on 2 years now. Read every Do South article you've wrote. Just in awe of all the Sowards. God bless you all! Been such a blessing to me!!! 😇🌈😍🐾🌹🐓🐝🐏❤

[@Nataliegardening]

I loved watching this so much! I cried like 4 times, including during your singing! You are my favourite person to watch, and you are so inspiring!!!

[@MissChievousRN]

I cried too!!!! Love you guys!!

[@windetrails]

I cried also and I'm a grown man. She is so inspiring

[@thejunkjourney2650]

I cried too. You sing beautifully. And you are beautiful inside and out - God shining through! Thanks for sharing!

[@cstump2005]

You can absolutely see the love in your eyes when you’re talking about Costella 💕 (i apologize if i spelled her name wrong!) Thank you for sharing more about you!

[@sealfan1000]

A true "Mama" testimony. Beautiful.

[@theIAMofME]

Ours was Ruby.. We went and visited her after she retired. I missed her so much. My family was poor. But, both parents worked. They had to let her go when the government changed the wages. It was better for her but mostly for those younger than her. It hurt her. I will never forget her. She was my second mom as a young child. We were so poor. I was born in 67. I know she was living alone by the time I was 6. When we'd go visit her...there was never any family around or mentioned. It was sad. I will never forget her.

[@sealfan1000]

@@theIAMofME She knows you love her-that is in her heart still even if she has passed. I have to believe that. We are blessed to have these Mothers of our hearts. Both of my grandmothers worked in other homes and mothered heart children. We missed them when they were working and as I have gotten older, I understand a little more. Blessings

[@theIAMofME]

@@sealfan1000 Thank you for saying that. She was a great women and mother figure. I also watched that movie The Help. I'm sure it may have been true for those with more money. But, she was part of our family. She WAS family. My mom and dad went to her funeral. Mom wouldn't let us go. I think it was because of me. Long story. Ruby was very loved.

[@sealfan1000]

@@theIAMofME That book, The Help, in my opinion, is a Love Letter. Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory of a wonderful Lady. :)

[@rhondarichter6668]

I love your sleeve!!! Kitos to your brother!! You are an awesome mom!! Praise God!!! I believe in miracles!!! My 38 year old daughter with cancer so I pray non-stop and I BELIEVE!! I share your videos with her!!

[@kathleengraves4647]

Beautiful inside and out! Thank you for making it possible for us to share your life in part. I lost my garden in the divorce, and it has been the hardest thing out of all the hard things to deal with. I love strolling through your garden with you, with kids and animals all around. It’s balm to my heart. I miss those years of my life so much, and I’m grateful to have had them. You bring them to life again. Thank you again and again.

[@laurawestenra]

The story of your healing really touched my heart and lifted my spirits. Recently discovered your channel and I absolutely love it.

[@angelrod4424]

God has the last word in your life . Your testimony is awesome. Great to hear your close with nature and God .

[@RevRichardLee]

OK Jess....You clearly sing for the Glory of God, and it is beautiful. We are moving soon to the Ozarks or somewhere near there. When we get settled, I am certain that your family would be a blessing of a guest to have in our home. All I can say is SING

[@girlmeetshomestead]

Thank you for sharing and reminding us all about God’s goodness. Your testimony is powerful.

[@cindyleefairfield5171]

Dang, Girl, I feel like you’re a sister from another mother! You made me cry when you were talking about the woman who made you love cast iron. I’m a farm girl in the city, currently working on ways to maximize my growing space on a 75x100’ lot in Southern California. It is actually proving to be a fun challenge. Your vertical gardening tips are very inspiring! I’m growing grape vines on wire arches to create some shade for the hot spot in my garden, and so far am super happy with it. Thanks for all the inspiration. You are awesome! Fellow Believer and Gardener, CindyLee Fairfield

[@deebrinson4880]

I didn’t even have to hear you say you’re a believer, it just shines in everything about you, if that makes sense. What a perfect world it would be if we had more people that thought like you do. People take so much for granted and are so ungrateful. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sugar sing, you have a beautiful voice!

[@ytav817]

My thoughts exactly!

[@kyrayeager6693]

Your story brings tears to my eyes. GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!!!!

[@jdcpac]

Wow! What an story and Thank You for letting us get to know you a little better. Keep singing, you have a beautiful voice. You have an amazing testimony and if God wants you to use your voice in praise songs you know he must have a reason.

[@sharongriffin342]

You are the most inspiring woman I have ever "met." Your joy is so contagious. Your honesty, sincerity, passion and love bless and encourage me every time I watch your videos. God is using you so much more greatly than you know!

[@MICHELLE7044]

You are just a beautiful person. I enjoy your garden and your love of life. It's a beautiful thing. You encourage me and I thank you for that. Keep singing your song 🌻

[@jimbill5957]

You are an incredibly beautiful person, Jess. Thanks for providing an example that we all can learn from.

[@edgarmiranda4917]

I so grateful for your charm smile and easy personality, people like you are adding value to the miracle of life. We love you, your family, your animals, your plantas and every thing around you is a life concerto.

[@SamGreenslyfox]

We are the same age I think. Became mamas at the same time. I just am a few years behind u on gardening. You’re a huge inspiration to me. Glad you’re here with us on KZbin ❤️🌿✨

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m 32 ❤️

[@leannac2743]

I feel as if I already know you & have for a very long time. I think I could have guessed much of what you revealed, except some of the more deeply personal things. Thank you for sharing with all of us. ❤

[@arlenedaugherty9442]

It was a pleasure getting to know you. Don't stop singing beautiful girl.

[@throttle4593]

Its lovely to hear how humble and genuine you are. The story about the mother from India was very touching. Most people in our country don't appreciate what we have. Very timely for me.

[@mlang3066]

Beautiful, just beautiful, inside and out! Everything about you.. child of God.

[@justme-uw6bz]

Oh I think you should open your vlogs with a hymn you sing. Beautiful.

[@SisterChristianZ]

You're just precious, little mighty one!!! You bless me and so many others!!! What a joy and pleasure!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you!

[@nickilyddane3473]

I can't make it through the day without a vlog, So I just let your channel play while I am at work and listen (sometimes I am compelled to watch) but I just found this vlog and your just the best. I just love every bit of you. I relate on so many levels and I just Thank You for being so open and honest in sharing your life with us!

[@abeautifulnest]

I enjoyed getting to know you better! I cracked up when you said you had a perm!🤣 That was funny! I love your curly hair! I’m so glad to have found your channel, chickens, goats, friends, family well you get the drift. Sweet and special family! 🌻

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Jess, you have such a beautiful soul! Never be afraid to let that shine in what ever facet that may be in the moment, for each one is a gift God gave you to share with the world! You ooze the love of Christ and it is truly a blessing! We have so many similarities in interests and personality you could be my much younger sister... I have seven brothers but no sisters so there is an opening if your interested.

[@SimplyHavenHomestead]

Jess, you're such a blessing to me. I have loved watching your older videos while you're taking a YT break. Your voice is beautiful!! I would love to hear you sing some more!!

[@theresahendricks6373]

I never leave comments, but I just stumbled across your channel because I am in the process of purchasing a small hobby farm that I know nothing about. I wanted you to know that you have inspired and encouraged me and you are a beautiful person, inside and out. Your family should be really proud of who you are and what you've become.

[@ellisanderson842]

Good for you! :) i'm 34 and just finding myself after some ups and downs. it makes me happy to see people happy

[@alexandrashier5216]

Not even two minutes in.. Wait, you're older then 30??? No way 😱😍

[@yvonneclarke5830]

Thank you for exposing your self to us. Continue to shine in your work and ministry. Continue to make a difference

[@Waterlily480]

I love your authenticity, Jess! Just be you, that is somewhat rare these days, but it honors God and who He made you to be! I love your giggles and laughs and your teaching times. I've enjoyed your videos a couple months now as I return to gardening, in containers and felt pots, and hopefully climbing up on my twine trellis.

[@Pepper5655]

GOD is good all the time!! I love your story thnx for sharing hun u r a blessing! OMG and attitude of GRADITUDE, I was blessed enough to get to go on a medical mission trip to Mexico one yr and wow. I loved it, I was an RN for almost 20 yrs am now retired on disability. I enjoyed getting to know u better thnx for sharing hun

[@sjniles]

I read some of your articles at Do South and think God is using your talents in a special way, keep your eyes on him and be blessed.

[@anitaarnold6534]

Thank you for being transparent and vulnerable.

[@Hxyz7]

Conscientiousness is a great personality trait to have and it explains a lot about why I enjoy watching your channel so much!

[@lore5475]

Thank you, Earth Angel...everything you touch is filled with love. Just loved your singing...you are an amazing example to this world! xo

[@workit252]

I'm new ,so I find myself binge watching your videos...lol. Thank you for sharing all this. Your testimony was very moving! God is Awesome 💛

[@lindamarquis6117]

Jess, I am also a christian, and enjoy your interpretation of life . Your children , kids (goats), and garden are a delight to watch grow. Thank You for sharing about yourself and your faith. Actually the fact that you mentioned your faith in the past made me want to subscribe .

[@melanimonnin5576]

I absolutely loved this video! Well, I love all of them, but this one in particular. I was always drawn to the joy that I see in all of your videos, and now I know that that joy does indeed come from God. May He bless you and your family for many years to come!

[@dawnwoodcock5256]

When u talked about research and learning....so me!!! My friends find it so funny on all the random stuff I know about differnt things. I cant help it.....lol. I am the same way in learning gardening.

[@christyhendrix3381]

Same here! I recognized myself too.

[@soulianosbathbodyindulgenc5806]

You are an awesome person! We have so much in common, glad to know I'm not alone. It wasn't by accident I was led to your channel. Thank you and God bless!

[@littleblackdogsb706]

I'm so glad I came upon your channel. It has been a blessing during this pandemic. ❤

[@normabaldridge6563]

You are a beautiful person inside and out. I have been binge watching you channel for awhile, you are a stunning angel of God. I have gathered strength from watching you love your family, animals and garden. We farmed in Texas for the first part of our marriage (44 years). We were forced to move to the big city after my son was burned at age 18 months. We needed to be closer to the the burn center. He is now 39 and a gifted leader and inspiration in many areas of his church. I truly believe God burned the spirit of compassion in him. After he was married he decided to get his nursing degree. He has excelled in all of the paths he has taken. God Bless you all.💜🙏🏼

[@aprilgarrahan3245]

Totally feel you on the singing thing I think I have a great voice but in front of other people I can't do it I sing to my kids and they love it on another note thank you so much for sharing these random things I find you a stronger woman just for knowing them I wish you most beautiful growing season

[@SamGreenslyfox]

Also I can’t wait to see your thanksgiving feast!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🌿❤️

[@pandorar1388]

You are truly the loveliest of human beings.

[@gointothedogs2]

Enjoyed finding out more about you. Im amazed at the wisdom and the shear magnitude of thing you do. God has truely blessed you and brought you to this place. And im so thankful for getting to learn from your sharing...in life and in the garden.

[@blueapples6215]

Omgosh! You are such a doll! Thank you for sharing. So happy to watch Gods light shine through you and hear how he has amazed you and blessed you. You are a blessing to all us who watch your channel. Thank you again. ❤️

[@jenniferedwards3508]

I thank God for you ❤️ You are a precious precious angel.

[@Nollala]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I found you because I was looking for gardening help, but your wound up encouraging me in the Lord!!! What a beautiful sister you are!! Blessings!!

[@lizzy1729]

Of all the videos I’ve binged watched, (on ur channel) this was by far the most super to watch! Everyone we see on here has their story, and yours was very touching 😊 and took a touch of courage to share this deep about yourself. I hope to share mine soon once we’ve made more progress. Love to hear about our common things 😋 Thanks so much for sharing this heart-warming and detailed video ☺️😘

[@jjdaes]

A beautiful voice to match a beautiful spirit, so pleased I found you via the Rhodes channel. Looking forward to getting to know you all 😁

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Jess, you are an amazing person. Thank you for sharing so much of you and your family.

[@liclu6243]

Thank you for being a bright light, Jess. Bless You. 💜🌟🌹

[@wonderlucha]

Aww! Loved to hear you sing girl! You have what it takes! I so wish I could sing but I sound like Alfalfa from the little Rascals. Lol.

[@lustraveller717]

You have a wonderful story to tell. I really enjoyed learning more about you. I agree with you about not pushing God on people but just tell your story. I'm glad you were in the right place at the right time, your life has been forever changed because of it. What type of book are you thinking of writing? A gardening book? A fiction? A story of your life? Anyway, I really enjoyed your video and always look forward to the next one. I need to go back and watch your earlier videos now.

[@michelekay1115]

You are a beautiful soul, inside & out...so glad I find your channel. Your testimony is inspiring.

[@Yaagirlbecaa]

I have been binge watching your videos and greatly enjoy watching and learning from you. I almost cried when you sang because you have a beautiful voice and also because I love that song. I love that you shared such amazing testimonys and how God has worked in your life. God Bless You and Your family❤

[@kmlambart]

That song.... I heard it for the first time on Easter Sunday this year, and it struck a nerve..... again, something I needed... thanks jess!

[@Raffields777]

I love this video...you keep singing , your blessed !

[@amyharris7337]

The world is a better place because Jess is in it. ❤️

[@raterus]

Keep up the great work Jess, your faith and how you live it out in your daily life is contagious!

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

My daughters love tattoos. As I commented after watching my first video on your channel, you have an amazing presence in front of the camera, and you have a tremendous knowledge of gardening that you so easily communicate to ordinary people like me. I also enjoy Jeremiah. He did a great job with the raised bed video. I expect your channel will grow rapidly.

[@TRuth.T]

Tatoo ink is not regulated in US.(think China)...www.healthnutnews.com/toxic-chemicals-found-in-tattoos-links-to-autoimmune-and-inflammatory-diseases/

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much Joe!

[@nicholeadams5377]

You are so inspiring! I often felt like I was watching a video of myself, thru someone else"s eyes. I am not religious but we have so much in common that it's crazy. I am an introvert, know how to sing but rarely do it aloud in front of anyone (i am going to start, thanks to you and your belief), I research everything and educate myself on everything I possibly can. People call me their own personal Google. Thank you for being you. You're an amazing woman and I look up to you.

[@sherrypowell3110]

I felt the same way. 😊

[@irisgarcia4156]

My goodness! You are such a beautiful soul!! I just saw one of your videos yesterday and I could tell there was something amazing about you and today when I watched this video I realized that it was the fact that you're a believer. Keep being you because it's making a huge difference. 🙂

[@lorimfrancis1]

You are so much fun to listen to. The smile on your face always makes me smile too. I have extra time on my hands as I am home from work and I grew about 12 beefsteak tomato plants from last years seed. In Michigan we have to wait until after May 30 or until there is hope of NO frost! It's a blessing and fun to learn how your life, family and farm is going! May your family stay well and happy!

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

Really enjoyed learning more about you. Totally relate to the introvert stuff. I love talking and sharing with folks but in medium to large social situations... I’m a mess. Thanks for sharing!

[@brittanynichole4576]

Same here. You would never know my husband and I were DJ's on a radio station now, but talking in large crowds is definitely not my thing. :)