Infinitely More | DEVOTIONAL | Roots and Refuge

[@jenntyler5146]

I have so much to say about this... I had been avoiding this video for several days now. My husband has been worried about me, that he feels I am loosing myself and becoming a hollowed out version of myself. I just became a Mother and doing the very best I can maintaining the house, nurturing a baby, being a dutiful wife to a hard working husband who work 12-16 hour a day, doing what I can in my little porch garden... This video made me break down in tears bc I have been so exhausted I haven't even had the energy to even think about envisioning dreams. Then I realized I shut down my dreams a long time ago. I was trapped in my own reality. You hear what you need to hear when you need to hear it. I have a house (still renting... but we will get there), I have a wonderful loving Husband and the most beautiful baby boy who is so sweet and loving I couldn't have chosen better myself. I have a small garden that will do just fine for me right now as I practice and develop skills for my big garden one day. I am so Very thankful for what I have that I have not allowed myself to dream bigger... bc I have been stuck in survival mode for 15 years and I've been so scared to loose it all. Thank you Jess. I really needed to hear this.

[@angelawilliams8401]

Almost 4 years from this devotion and I'm in tears. It really shook me awake, praying for infinitely more for my family. Thank you for sharing your testimony and your raw emotions

[@emalinel]

Jessica, thank you. I used to stare out my window as a child and imagine what it would look like if I had a lush garden in a peaceful house with a dog and a cat and maybe an adopted child. I scrapped that dream years ago because I was too afraid to look beyond myself and dream larger than myself; and because of this I saw God as this fuzzy, condemning, disappointed figure that said "you asked for too much". But now, I dunno, I can't quite say I've put myself in the hands of God but I can at least question why I let these societal constraints define me. I can at least feel this discernable weight lift off my chest because it's not just me saying "you are enough" it is God saying "You are enough and MORE". Really, thank you much Jess. I'll try dreaming bigger now using the questions and precious thoughts you've delivered to me :)

[@RisherTNgarden]

Today in 2023 as I plant in my garden and fill my pots with dirt and take my hands up to that dirt, and so grateful for it! Thank you so much for your words of wisdom, and I continue to listen to you always! And thank you, that you spread the word of Gardening and God! They go hand in hand! Thank the lord every moment that we listened to God and we are out here in Tennessee and I have my yard and have a space to garden. We can garden so much more and yet every day I go out there and say I want to plant more and more and more!

[@tracyjonesonthestreetsagai9976]

🙌🏻😭 the Lord directed me to this today…. Thank you for obeying Him and sharing…. I am 57 and had a dream to homestead when I was 20….. recently He told me as I was on my way to work that He was giving me a cabin in the Ozark’ Mountains. He has since given us dates to resign our position s in the state where we are and we are to head to Missouri …. And this Word of encouragement had me weeping today and I have turned my imagination back on according to Ephesians 3:20. I love you young lady and just want you to know your testimony changed a life and confirmed a dream today! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻💕

[@rayegrace]

I really needed to hear this. It feel like God is unlocking dreams I have long pushed aside during "survival mode". Thank you for this reminder of God's infinite goodness and for inviting us to dream big.

[@KaitNichole]

I am in a MAJOR "re-routing" stage right now. I needed this video more than you'll ever know. I'm sitting here at the end of your video sobbing. Your devotionals always speak to me but this one was a gut punch of a reality check! I have been blessed beyond belief and I'm so upset with myself that I didn't realize that until watching your video. I about lost it when you started talking about your dog.. that was a huge "ah ha" moment for me. I'd dreamed of having both of the dogs I have now. A silly little blonde French Bulldog & a Black Pit. There are reasons why I wanted them, & both of them are everything I hoped and dreamed for!! Even down to the color & specific markings!! I don't feel like I ever stopped to take the time to be grateful for them the way I should have. That's just one of MANY things your video made me realize. NEVER STOP SHARING YOUR MESSAGE!! This is what you were made for!! ❤️

[@sammieweible1980]

Amen

[@duaneschultz9230]

Thank you for this video. Your devotionals really open my mind to what is possible with God. Which is anything as long as it’s good and within God’s will God bless you and your family. Praise God. Duane.

[@chelsearuck9379]

I know this devotional is almost three years old, but my goodness. I needed to hear this more than even I knew. God has given you such a gift Jess. Bless you.

[@justgardenalready4938]

I balled watching this when it first came out, and I’m balling again. I needed this to silence those negative thoughts right up. You are a “godsend”. An angel. A blessing. And the synchronicity I needed! This video is specifically why I’ve began imagining infinitely more since May. I remember daydreaming quite often when I was a kid. Survival mode beats it right out of us. I’ve finally gotten the courage up to start a vlog the other day in hopes of getting my dream garden. I’ve been thinking about this devotional for two months. Lol. Took me long enough. Lol. I’m glad the universe has spoken to me through you and so many others. Thanks Jess. Much love. 🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏 Namaste 🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿

[@reclaimingthefarm6441]

Thank you for your devotional, Jess! To say that it is timely for my life would be an understatement. I'm a single mother, who currently can't even put gas in her car to go to work. But, God put a dream in my heart several years ago to turn my family's old farm into a local food program for those in need and homesteading skills school for those who want the knowledge. I've had custody and management of the farm for eight years now, and it's been a huge struggle. Everytime I get one thing fixed another thing breaks. Everytime one more person signs onto the vision, another relationship goes awry. Lately I've been looking at only what's been going wrong, not thinking about all that's going right. My kids are healthy and fed because I have the skills I offer to teach others. They are capable teenagers and young adults because I continued to work towards the vision God gave me, even when things seemed hopeless. I thank you for your devotional and your reminder that, though things may seem desperate now, no matter how wild I think things have been... what God has in store for me is wilder still! God bless you, Jessica!

[@Green.Country.Agroforestry]

Isn't it amazing how every particle, how every nanojoule of energy in this infinite universe is constantly working towards providing us with everything that we need, and precisely when we need it?

[@katiec6828]

This is an anointed message! Thank you, it was absolutely on time! My new favorite KZbin channel

[@cathywatson7276]

What a truly inspirational young woman you are. I have recently stumbled across your channel and caught up on the 4 years worth of videos. I love your gardening approach and I love your recycling approach. And your husband and children and pets are truly adorable. I live in New Zealand on a smallish section with a wee house with my partner and we have definitely been going through survival mood lately. The other day after some more bad news I gave up...I gave up control...I said to myself ( and I think now I was saying it to God) “ ok that’s it, I have no more control over my life so let what’s meant to be, be”. Behind the scenes of this I have been trying to get the garden into some kind of order and I want to start growing vegetables...hence finding your channel. But with no spare money to buy things it’s been very hard and with the prospect of maybe having to sell our home because of our financial dilemma I didn’t want to put spare money into the ground. So I started potting up things thinking I could take them with us. Well yesterday we got the financial break we so desperately needed where we could consolidate debt so our weekly outgoings aren’t so much. And the first thing I thought when I heard the news was “God, did you do this for us because I placed myself in your hands?” And now today I have just watched this video of yours. Wow!! You reminded me that I should not give up hope and I should believe dreams are possible. You reminded me that how I “see” a situation or a person then that’s how it will be. If I keep looking at the “bad” then that’s all it will be....bad. I need to start focusing on the good bits so the good bits get bigger. What a long-winded message this has turned into but I just felt I needed to share this with you. Thank you Jess 🤗

[@monicaortez272]

I don't even know where to start. I've never left a comment before, I'm not sure how this all works. But I have to make the attempt to tell you thank you so much. I'm a single mom and I'm sitting in a shelter right now shaking and crying from your video. Thank you so much for stepping out and doing what the Lord wants you to do. He's making you shine and I can see him through you and I can feel it in my heart. I've been watching you and thought I should comment because you're the only KZbin person I've seen that has gotten a tear out of me. You're moving for the Lord and I thank you and him. I thank you Lord for bringing this channel to my attention.

[@rchic09]

I’m watching this video today. I hope you’re well and feeling God’s love, peace, and joy.

[@diannamc367]

Reading your comment more than 3 years later and I pray that that you have continued to see God's light in everything around you. Your comment brought me to tears of joy that Jess could help you see Him in such a rough time. He is always with us. I pray also that you have let him bring you out of that hard time into all he has in store for you. Amen!

[@daeqwoncurrie4635]

Praying that the Lord has shown and continues to show Himself to you. Showering you with His goodness.

[@heatherpfeil2939]

Reaching this years later and lifting you and yours up in prayer. I hope you have experienced a similar story as Jess that God has rerouted you to a place more than you or anyone else could have imagined.

[@sodacreekhomestead8726]

Jess I have been watching you from the beginning. I have seen this devotional in the past and I remember how it moved me then when I had a garden. But I just wanted to say that somehow your devotionals keep popping up on my algorithm in the past week and this one in particular has pained me to the core, and I'll tell you why. I have always dreamed of a huge garden with animals and all the wonderful things. And I have over the years have lost gardens due to circumstances that took me away from them. This past year I was closer than I have ever been. My garden was huge, I had 21 hens and a rooster❤ I was getting close! But again...I lost it all. This time my heart was so broke and I had decided I would never try again. This is why my name is sodacreek homestead...because soda creeks don't exist. But as I sit here with tears rolling down my face, I just wanted to say thank you because I know what God wants me to do and you have just reminded me to not give up. I will follow my heart and imagination. It will be fulfilled. Thank you so much Jess!!!

[@nancymicklatcher117]

Wow. I found your channel as I was searching for gardening how to videos. I subscribed because I love your videos. Then I watched this devotional. My best friend is in survival mode who has a vision for her life and has not let go of it throughout a two year nightmare of a life crumbling, devastating divorce. I've watched her faith and relationship with God grow and it has been beautiful. I am sending this to her. Thank you. Please do more devotionals!

[@sherahvia]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and your sweet family on a daily basis. As I sit hear tearing up...I realize that I needed to hear this message. It's interesting how God finds a way to deliver the message when necessary. Thank you! God bless you and your family.

[@mpdacor]

A man to that!!!!!💖💖💖

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m so glad to hear it!

[@JordanasBoutiqueTx]

You couldn’t say this any better thank you

[@littlewillowhomestead113]

Sher Si Amen!

[@willowhillhomestead2022]

I rewatched this video today, and boy did I need it! Thank you for reminding me we do not have to do this on our own. HE cares! HE can! HE will!❤❤❤

[@cheakychic1]

Jessica Sowards...Your devotionals stir my heart so much everytime i watch one ...I feel God around me helping me. I work in my garden i expand it every year and i am not a young woman But my heart feels so strong when i am out there...My body aches at the end of the day, but my spirit is strong and i know that is because i have the Lord helping me...My garden came about because of a huge loss to me but i didn't even know it until almost exactly a year later when my brother passed..I was driven to build these first 5 raised beds through the summer of 2016... I had no real idea why and i was just driven something in me said get them built and ready for the summer of 2017 So i did as commanded ...And in April of 2017 My younger brother passed and the age of 60.. Well the Lord new i would need and outlet for my grief and it wasn't until i got news of his passing i found out why he had me so obsessed about being ready for the summer of 2017...My original beds saved my sanity and my life i will praise God and follow his direction until my last breath and i can dwell in the garden of Heaven Bless you Sweet Jess Bless you

[@Erica-oq5ui]

This video is everything. I can’t tell you how much I needed to hear this. I started gardening a few years ago and immediately felt closer to Him, seeing tiny miracles everyday and really understanding some of what He’s capable of and what He provides for us. My job is a big source of stress for me, and I feel guilty about my dislike for it, like I shouldn’t be ungrateful to have it and have a source of income. I just know it’s not what I’m meant to be doing. After watching this, I feel so much better about asking for something more. Especially the “checks and balances” part... I never thought of it that way. He has it all, so Him giving me something more doesn’t mean he has to take it away from someone else. Thank you so, so much. I bless YOU! 💕

[@babygirlb3kah]

This is the first time in super long time, that I have listened to someone and it truly is ministering to my heart, I kid you not! I'm talking like almost a whole decade, that's because of the visions & dreams multiple times, in my life, but have been altered, for some reason, beyond my control. But kept seeking Him, in the storm, and I refuse to stop seeking Him fully! Amen

[@eleanorkerby]

we can all use her word- REROUTED

[@kaseysmith6811]

I am the exact same, its been a long time and you absolutely speak to where I have never understood it before, you make it so clear♡ thank you, tears are just rolling because I can actually understand.

[@agnestakacs2059]

That's a really good word Jess. Thanks for sharing :D I love you and Starry Hilder doing devotionals cause you both aren't afraid to be real and raw and talk about God/Jesus and give him glory :) Funny how we can look at others and where they're at and be jealous or disheartened or feel hopeless cause we think they have it good and achieved so much and that it was easy. But we don't know the amount of prayers and tears, journey and process that person had to walk to get there. It's only when they share their testimony of the journey of hardship and what it cost them to get where they are today do we stop judging and show compassion and understanding. And there are many people unfortunately who don't want to do the hard work, journey and process to achieve their dreams. They just want it handed to them or feel like they are entitled to be given it straight away and avoid the season of growth and change and the nurturing and guiding hand of God.

[@lilaccottage5885]

His blessing you is blessing us. Infinitely more inspiration than I could have ever hoped from a KZbin channel. ❤️

[@lynnb7511]

I really needed to hear you, I know God lead me to your channel. I think we do get stressed with every day living and thinking we will never achieve our dreams. I met a good man that bought me the home with the goat stall, with all the fencing up, the house out back that I have dreamed of for a studio and an acre to garden and get those chickens. I have a small garden, and thanks to you have been putting in the above ground beds which I love! No goats, and no chickens yet, no studio worked on to move into, but I will get there. I was just thinking I so wish I had this a long time ago, (did I mention I am 65!) thank you Jess, you have no idea how much your message means to me. Really makes me stop and thank God for what I have, and what is to come.

[@LanaiDebbie]

Wow, Jess, that was so powerful! Thank you for your testimony and for your encouragement to unleash my dreams. I love to see and hear your love and devotion to God, and I know He does too. Bless you!

[@mickeyross387]

Jessica i am so grateful for this devotional!! It is God's perfect timing, I'm 63, married and we are wanting so much to have our own homestead. I truly believe that His infinite love lives in my dreams and that they will be our reality!!! Thank you for your precious heart, and amazing endless love for the Savior ❤🙏

[@lyndeyrepic6543]

Girl, I need to stop watching your channel while I'm at work because I swear, you and your passionate disposition brings tears to my eyes on a daily basis and my co-workers are going to stop believing it's allergies eventually. I was raised Catholic, but I grew up with a family who was always angry with God. Needless to say, I didn't end up being a very religious person; however, I'd say I am very spiritual. Moving on... You as a human are such an inspiration. Forget the garden and the farm and everything your family has accomplished, it's your willingness to be who you are and your passion for what you love. You're so thankful for having everything you've been dreaming of. Truly, you have no idea how much impact you and your family has people.

[@tigerstrings]

Once again you have left me awestruck by your amazing testimony of God, Jesus and faith. Once again I want to thank you for the gift you share with all of us. You have without a doubt changed many lives by bringing hope to hopeless and light to those in the dark. You are so very much a blessing in my life, and I am so grateful for your devotionals. I can't express enough how wonderful it is to watch your devotionals. God bless you Dear Jess. {{ Oh and I had to come and edit to tell you that I just bought 2 sunflower dresses. Yours is so lovely. :-) }}

[@alisharhc]

I don't even know what to say, besides Thank You. Thank you SO MUCH!

[@TheSarahLindy]

I have to say that I just found your channel TODAY... I am slowly dipping my toes into homesteading, self-sufficiency, subsistence, reducing the waste I generate, changing what and how I consume, etc. It’s just me and my husband, and he is not very well, physically. I have been in the “survival mode” you described for a while. I work a 9-5 office job, I came home, cleaned house, made food, cleaned up again, went to bed, and started over the next day. I started out with a few house plants, and my interest kind of bloomed (no pun intended) into something that I truly was invested in and looked forward to, and to God the glory for that! Something about seeing amazing things that God has put on this earth, seeing them grow and thrive, is so healing for my heart. I feel like I always have something new to learn and work for and toward. Maybe I’ll have my own raised beds next year instead of containers on my porch. Maybe I’ll build a coop & get some chickens! The prospects are endless when we know God will go with us. May God richly bless you, lovely lady! 🌱💚

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Welcome Sarah! I’m glad you’re here and I’m praying for your dreams to come true in rich abundance!

[@cint4347]

Wow, I never understood your happiness before today. I never really understood you at all. I now see that I had stopped dreaming. I had stopped leaning on God. I had forgotten what He can and will do, just because He loves me. Thank you Jess. Thank you with all of my heart for listening to His voice and sharing His words. I am ready to dream again.

[@christinemason6481]

Believing for even more then what he has promised infinitely more and what I could help for.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jesusislord2457]

I very rarely watch a 33:38 video from beginning to end. I could not turn the page on this one. Thank you and I hope our Father blesses you back for being a blessing to me. Peace and Love

[@simplyraeann3711]

Oh man I'm honestly in tears. I have had a weight in my heart of what God wants for me. I have been placed into so many circumstances that I didn't understand and I have seen just a tid bit of His plan. I took care of my Papaw and lost EVERYTHING. Friends, family, opportunity, a year of college, and I could go on. I would cry asking God, "Why am i alone?" But if I would have gotten all those chances I missed, stayed friends with the same people, if I wouldn't have had my world ripped out from under me I wouldn't be chasing him how I am. Bad times? Instead of letting fear and anxiousness take over, I pray. I open up my ears to His word. When I feel like I'm not worthy, I will praise him. I see just the horizon... He see's the whole sea of promise. I have been in prayer that God would calm my heart from hurt and jealousy of not being on the same life page as peer's are. They are getting married, moving out, starting careers. I know He has my plan ready. And I never knew it until I stepped off of soild, safe ground and chased him. He made the slippery ground soild again. He has proven to me it's time to step away from the cusion life I live and reach for my future. I am going to school for ABA Therapy to work with those that God has placed on my heart and in my life. I will praise him in every storm. As I type this two songs have played in my head, "Praise You In This Storm" and "Even If". Even if my plans fall apart, His plans WILL prevail. The day I began living for Him and His promise is the day I felt my emotional chains fall off, the physical weight in my chest lift, and a clear picture of who he has written me to be. To anyone that has gotten this far, follow Jesus. Allow him to guide every step of the way. You will pull out of his hold and fall down. But, he will help you back up, dust you off, and help you walk again.

[@mickiebuckner5545]

Wow, just wow! You are truly a blessing and encouragement. I started a small raised bed garden just three years ago. We had a traditional garden years ago but life got in the way. I found your channel over a year ago when I had tomato issues. You have encouraged me to grow more. We built more beds this year and also used your cattle panel idea for our tomatoes. Thank you so much.

[@melindagutierrez3898]

I will listen to this video so many times!! You have touched my heart and touched my life!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼. I needed to hear these words. You are an Angel on Earth Jess!! I came to your channel for the gardening and peacefulness of farm life. Little did I know I would receive so much more!! I am in a very hard time in my life and was losing my hope and faith. Others have tried, but YOU are so real, YOU have lifted my Spirit. God Bless you always, Thank you, keep these devotionals coming🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@SouthernBlessedHomestead]

I am in awe right now. God is working in my life and opening doors that I know I am suppose to go through but I am scared honestly. I am grateful that God has given me you to encourage me. I am older and more experience in life than you which means nothing to God and His ways. God is so wonderful and gracious to have given me you. I am rerouting once again. love you and appreciate you so very much. Holding you up in prayer to keep being used by God. ❤

[@laurapina007]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Encouragement to be brave in my dreams! The Lord has blessed you beyond measure. I'm thankful that He's used you to reach so many people to testify on His faithfulness. Thank you for your devotional- I am believing for more!

[@teenayoung1914]

I don’t know if I can ever find the right words to convey the impression that has been left on me... I am not a wordly person, I’m an emotional person. I feel. Your deity is not my deity but, I FELT what you were saying! I was supposed to come here and listen to what you had to say. Faith is a powerful system that can do wondrous things. I had “misplaced” my faith for many years. I have, fairly recently, started looking for it again. I believe I was supposed to listen to you, to help this “broken people”, and to begin the mending process again. Life has been very difficult, with roads that were not just rocky but seemed mountainous. ... I have lost the words, to keep trying to explain... I believe something has begun to be rekindled within me. You are such a beautiful soul. Thank you.

[@gwencrawford9617]

I am a 66 yr. old woman who has started gardening again and I am so encouraged by you. I am encouraged to learn more about what God has provided for us on this earth.. My grandkids will inherit this love of gardening and the hope we have in Jesus! Thank you. I also want to say thank you to Miah for supporting your vision. He's a role model of a godly man..not perfect I'm sure but a great witness non the less. God bless.

[@bearrivermama6414]

I think in the end the most important thing you are doing is using your dreams and fulfillment of those dreams for his glory. You are 100% right that we are blessed beyond comprehension when we give him the glory and use those blessings to lift others up out of the darkness into his light. I am a very analytical individual and a dreamer and I find my self dreaming big and than reeling myself back because my analytical brain says " are you being greedy and not being grateful for the blessings that you have already received?" Than I squash those thoughts with "your will, not mine! If it is your will God for me to venture this path, I'm in! But if not, lift this desire from my heart and direct it to your plan." And he does! Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed hearing your story, mine is quite similar.

[@icangrowinthat]

Talk about being a dreamer. I hated the fact that I'm a dreamer for so long. After the military... After injuries illness and so many sickness. After constant let downs of the few loved ones I've had around me. Drs and friends telling me just be content and what my capabilities are and what to settle for... I've always been a dreamer even when I hated that aspect of me. Gardening brought me so much closer to God after disliking him so much for all I'd been through. Since I've started gardening there are so many stories I have, after storms that have come in my life and all I can say is got out of that nd where I am with GOD. I lost my rental in the middle a fruitful summer and found a better one with a creek perfect for the chickens and ducks and a fruitful garden I had been dreaming of. Lost that house to inflation and started my dream of homesteading in Costa Rica. I am happy to say I am now confident and comfortable asking for the infinitely more and going to college despite the MANY obstacles I have ahead of me. With God the VA and student disability services I WILL get my Bachelors in Horticulture with a minor in Veterinary Science and open my own farm helping many communities. I start school next week. You are such an inspiration. I was feeling worried and doubting myself and I just knew coming to your KZbin page to listen to a few devotionals would be just what I needed before I start this new journey in a couple days. I fee like a weight has been lifted and i feel so much more hopeful. Thank you for these Jess

[@aunakilby4572]

I’m just sitting in my kitchen bawling. My family is in the survival stage right now, and this word was so encouraging to me. I have no idea how things will come to be but I am convinced it will happen, and my family will be blessed. Thank you for all that you do. Truly. ❤️ God is moving through you, it’s so phenomenal to watch. Bless you!

[@tracycollins5272]

Auna Kilby praying for you!

[@MissL4lly]

@@tracycollins5272 I second that. Love Ally x

[@lynnb7511]

I am praying for you and family

[@papaandnanahomestead1467]

Not usually a praying person. But I said a prayer for you.

[@aunakilby4572]

Awe, thanks y’all ❤️❤️

[@kamyepgatekeepa9732]

I recently fell from grace and lost my vision and my heart is sick again. I am in therapy working on it but my energy is very low. I’m so thankful for you and even told my therapist about you. I have isolated myself because I don’t want to spread it but I can feel your light through the screen and I can tell you I know that your are the sunshine my heart seed needed to grow. I cannot express my love or gratitude for you enough. It’s so ironic I am that singer that can’t stop my panic attacks to perform solo despite two years of classical training. I am that Soldier that is excellent at fighting for other but literally terrified of fighting for myself. I am the singlest, single mother who tries to instill in my child he can have anything he wants meanwhile I struggle to pay the bills. Thank you for giving me the space to let this out and for allowing to me to accept that it doesn’t matter whether I feel worthy or not. I’m going to challenge myself to remember my vision and believe again. Bless you and yours with infinite abundance, peace, and love. 🙏♾💜

[@tennesseegirl1215]

Oh my sweet Jess, the anointing flows thru my soul today because of your sharing this today. You have a awesome calling on your life you are reaching people with encouragement and hope. Please do this more often, I needed this way more than I knew, thank you so much. I am crying in my spirit and the Holy goosebumps are all over. Praise God for you today, I will share this with others, love you sweet girl, keep on doing what your doing, your heaping abundant infinite blessings on you with every word you speak. May God continue to use you and plant seeds of faith and hope all over the world. Do you really realize the magnitude of which you are reaching people? I am forever thankful I found your channel, you are ministering to my heart. 🙏❤🙏❤

[@communicationstation2687]

😭❤️ thank you for being a harbinger of hope... this truly touched my heart. I used to sing “He Walks with Me” on the praise team of my little ole church. I was a single Mom of 3 daughters when I was finally blessed with a wonderful partner and a son. Now I am stuck in the city finishing grad school and feeling like something is missing. I’ve been dreaming of a small farm with a garden... but it gets so hard to see the possibilities when you’re weighed down by doubt. I really needed this reminder... I need to keep the faith and allow myself to envision the future I long for and trust that I am enough. Thanks so much- I find your honesty and passion so very inspirational! There are a million other comments saying the same, but this truly spoke to my heart, so I had to share 😊

[@morningsmaskaj4841]

We love your channel, your family, your garden, your relationship, and your message, Jess!! In addition to the positive and loving attitude you project, it's so refreshing to see popular homesteaders who give thanks to those who help them accomplish their multitude of tasks... from family to friends, to volunteers. It's in being able to receive gratefully that we learn to give lovingly. We are sending so much love your way!!!

[@jenniferhale8125]

Thanks for your devotional Jess. I have recently come to the conclusion that the more we do, the more we reach, the more we strive for, and the more we dream - the greater our capacity to do more and therefore our contributions to our communities increases. This is something that I came to after challenging times when I wanted to retract, slow down, and ignore the details because it all seemed too much to handle. I fought the desire to slow down, and decided to grow instead. I feel that you hit the nail on the head here when you encourage dreaming, it helps us to grow as people. I think it makes us whole, it makes us strong, and it allows us to contribute to our communities in a more meaningful way. And I also agree that we need to listen to the universe and follow the path that is intended, as always fighting it seems to be futile and fruitless. Thanks again.

[@Aubraino]

Thank you for giving this message! This was confirmation for me! Praise Yahweh! With His help I planted my garden today the one I prayed we would have 6 years ago! He is so good! Thank you! Yah bless you and your beautiful family!

[@ygbbg179]

Jessica I just found your channel earlier this week and I thought I just found it to help me with my garden. But no God sent me to you for this message. Thank you!

[@mandykeddington7723]

Jess you are amazing! Thanks for sharing your faith and hope with all of us-thanks for helping me be brave enough to dream!!!

[@tonyachapman8261]

It's amazing how God will direct you in ways without you even knowing .. I was not expecting to find the encouragement I found when I clicked on this video. Thank you for sharing . Thank you for reminding me...

[@sharmeebradbury3263]

You NEED to do these DEVOTIONALS on a regular basis!! GOD BLESS YOU!!

[@onceupononeira5297]

Crying while I watch. I needed this. Y’all bless me more than I can say. ♥️

[@LLopez-sx1jr]

When you shared what Matt told you - tears and goosebumps. I love those moments when he uses people to confirm what has only been spoken into your heart. He is so good. This is so encouraging. ❤️

[@deniseallee2802]

Thank You Jess,You touch all ages of people, I was sitting on my bed watching & listening to Your video and my 15 yr old grandson was playing games on his phone about seven times he starts saying amen amen preach it Sister

[@melissalowry5147]

Your amazing! I can gladly say i started back on gardening bc of you. Your love of God and family makes my heart overflow with happiness. Thank you for being you!!!

[@ChateauBirchwood]

Whoooaaaa! What a wonderful and powerful devotion! Thank you for posting this and for your story. It touched and empowered us all. Thank you so much. May God continue to bless you and your dreams infinetly. Love this channel and you have certainly planted seeds here in North Carolina!

[@ladyinthewater1045]

I really loved listening to your testimony today. It gave me hope to keep going for my dream of being a Mother❤️I love your garden and I learn so much from you!! You’re awesome!!🌱💚☮️

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I so wish you could make this into a podcast. It is the episode I recommend the most to help people reorient their thinking into abundance. Your newer podcast Dreaming Bravely is a lovely reworking but this is a good ones for people just starting.

[@parsonsfamilypantry8057]

Jess, it felt like God was talking straight to me through you so I listened to the video twice. Thank you for this devotional today. God knows what we need to hear at the moment we need it most. Thank you for being willing to be the vessel who pours the message of God into others.

[@alisharhc]

Lol commenting again... here I am again being brought back. This is the one!!! My soul is so touched!!!

[@SouthernBellaHome]

You bless me each time you record a devotional! Thank you so much for your transparency!

[@therusticranchgarden]

You are so amazing and the Lord has given you a gift to share HIS miracles. Thank You so much for this DEVOTIONAL I have tears just listening and taking it all in. you are so inspirational. Ephesians 3:20 !!! I will hold on to this scripture. Envision and Dream. God cares for us all and all we have to do is "ask and it shall be given unto you" Amen, Jess, AMEN!!!! God bless you, Bertha in TEXAS

[@hopefilledfarm6736]

I have the specific tree I have said I wanted every time I see it in passing growing UNDER MY BACK PORCH because Abba cares about the things we care about and does the impossible 💕 Now, I don't know what means for my back porch and what His plans are for it 😂 but everytime I catch a glimpse of it growing I'm reminded that He cares, and that He delights in giving us the pleasures of our heart. Fantastic video 💛

[@lillybee7168]

Yes and AMEN, Jess I agree with you and so through tears of thankfulness may it be so for all who watch this devotional video of yours to allow dreams to bloom and grow that the blessings of the Lord continue to flow on, in, and through each of us who Love Him and are called according to His purposes for Father's glory in Christ Yeshua Amen

[@chrissnyder5584]

Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤ for bringing my heart, mind, and soul back to the infinite love and fulfilment of God. You are a blessing from God.

[@mylifesjourney...sharonkar7802]

Yes! Amen, she did the same for me🙏❤

[@18chris0089]

I'm sitting here, as I'm sure many have and will with a tear in their eye. Not a tear of sadness, but of overwhelming love and hope. I don't ascribe to any one religion, but focus on developing my spirituality by gaining different perspectives on our loving source and creator. Thank you for spreading your truth and message with all of us. You have inspired me to grow a garden this year, some challenges but I'm in the process of setting it up. Instead of waiting for the ideal conditions, you've pushed me to find a way to start now. So I'm starting with straw bales for raised garden beds and with a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers that I find interest and that will motivate me to get outside more. I have this vision in my mind of what my garden will look like, but also what it will feel like, and that's all thanks to you and your wonderful family Jess! I am just embarking on my gardening/homesteading journey, and can't wait to find my place of worship. Until next time, I bless you and yours!

[@lindalmiller429]

Sweet woman of God, you are being used in powerful ways. I personally needed this message so much. Thank you! PS I love the magical disappearing dog.❤️

[@hollienguyen5222]

I needed this too...❤💕

[@smallspaceswithGloria]

Jess, I know this is a older devotional but when you brought up believe that God will bring home the prodigal son, my ears perked up. I lost my son to drugs and alcohol, my son is homeless in Portland Oregon area I think, I gave him to God about 4 years ago . I pray for him all the time, I don’t have the time or money to be searching for a 32 year old addict when I have younger children and family that need me, I do believe that God is going to bring him back someday but it will have to be his choice. I’m asking for prayers please from every believer in Jesus. I’m disabled and have other things wrong bit this prayer is about my son 😢. God bless you all, keep up the good devotionals and beautiful gardening and farming. Your reach is far Thank you, Gloria Williams

[@tonyamercer86]

Praying for your prodigal son, praying for abundant grace mercy and love.

[@scottishcottagerenovation]

Jess I'm lost for words this is the most amazing devotional you have ever done! I just feel like you spoke what I needed to hear x Thank you so much for all of what you do for all of us x

[@godweprayforamericaonenati9527]

Thank you for the transparency, love & real life experiences that you share. They are ‘seeds’ of truth that unashamedly honor the Father. Every time we look at our gardens, may we never forget...that it was in a garden...that all life began. Our life is the garden - created for fellowship with Him, so that we may produce much fruit for His Kingdom. As we endure the laborious task of toiling in our natural garden, I decree new focus & strength will draw us into the joy of tending our hearts with greater understanding, consciousness & trust in His voice; so that we become His faithful & fruitful garden where His supply becomes an abundance for what others need. I decree the faith, hope, & love that shines through you becomes an unstoppable force for generations to understand how to tend their ‘garden relationship’ with Father, so we too can manifest our true identity in Him! I pray for God’s passion & purpose to continue to increase in & through you as you grow with & for Him!

[@janetcannon3278]

Amen! Thank you so much for your heart and honesty. You inspire me, encourage me, bring me to tears, speak truth and conviction and I am so grateful for you. I will keep dreaming and praying and trusting. Thank you 🥰

[@jacknjim2711]

Thank you so much for this message, I feel so incredibly different after hearing all you've said. You've opened up doors in my mind that I have sat behind for a while now not knowing what to do with.

[@ourrustichomestead4214]

God is using you to reach so many people. Thank you so much. God has led me to this channel for so many reasons. ♡♡

[@NodoughAcres]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For reminding me that God is... Everything. He should not just be in your plan but an integral part. A planner, a designer and an architect of my visions. Thank you for reminding me that I can continue to dream. I've been quite discouraged lately but after seeing your testimony I am refreshed and reinvigorated to have a nice long chat with God. It helps to be reminded that he is all around us. I know in my heart that all the good things in my life are because of him, because I believed that he was listening. I still believe he's listening though it's been a bit since I talked with him. So much more I want to write but I don't want to take up your whole comment board. Thank you again Jessica and God Bless you and your family.

[@myberryownhomestead764]

I was in survival mode for 10 years after my divorce...NOW I’m in dreaming mode!!!! I’ve always wanted a Homestead, looking for one now, found two I wanted and they fell thru, was beginning to think this was an impossible dream!!! Thanks for the devotional...I’m gonna keeping on dreaming and envisioning!!! Thank you so much Jess!! Your a wonderful person and I love you and I love your videos!! Keep on inspiring people, this world needs more people like you!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!

[@greersonmission]

God is so good! Thank you for sharing! You've inspired so many of us to get back out there to garden! I found you when I googled companion planting. The first video I watched was one of you making a baby greens planting in a bag of potting soil and you put a container over it to act as a greenhouse. WOW! I was hooked! I've binge watched all of your videos now! I think God meets us in the garden in such a special way! Thanks for reminding me! Yesterday I actually bought two cattle panels! And this devotional is exactly what I needed to hear! Our son's birthday is today. He needs to find a job so he can provide for his family. I believe God and know that He cares and will provide!

[@christyjohnson6967]

Simply, BEAUTIFULLY put, dear Lamb. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ❤️

[@glorygracefarm6843]

Jess, thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have a dream that only God could place in my heart. It is about healing family, land and past, present and future generations, its about healing other people who have lost their faith, lost their way, people with broken hearts and broken spirits. All of this will be done through the land, through the farm and through Gods peace flowing over it all. I want to grow food, both animals and gardens to provide for the hungry people in my area that cannot afford to buy good fresh foods from the store. Yes of course I want to provide for my own family and bring us into healing and wholeness through changes we make as God provides. I want to have a ministry garden that brings the church, the body of Christ together to work toward providing foods for their members in need, their food banks etc. The land I live on has been in my family for generations, my maternal great grandmother lived here as a child and then somewhere along the way my paternal grandmothers family bought it and she lived here as a child. Years ago my dad decided to buy it from his late uncles wife and give her a living estate. But the thing about it was he asked God to make a way for him to buy it and if He did my dad told God he would raise beef to donate to the food banks. It was I believe 23 acres, God made the way and then my dad decided to divorce my mom and never held up his promise to God. For the majority of my adult life I have felt this internal desire to be able to have a ministry to feed the needy. I believed it was because as a low income family I knew how it felt and I wished God would bless me to help others. Then 13 years ago I found myself as a single mom raising 2 boys when my worst nightmare came true and after nearly 15 years my husband left. That desire to help those in need just continued to grow because we have struggled so much since then. Then 6 years ago this new dream started to be birthed, and I got my first 12 chickens, and fell in love. Over these 6 years it has grown to what I wrote about earlier. I have grown spiritually and learned of how your generations can carry things from the past as well as the land. This land I live on is a part of that original 23 acres and I believe God is calling me to do what my father promised to do and why this land was provided to him. A few years ago he sold the other 7 or 8 acres behind me and since it has sold again to someone else, they have yet to make any changes to the land. I am praying for provision that only God can provide to buy this land back and truly begin the work God has laid out in my heart to do. But recently my father told me that he would probably sale the land he still owns because of age and not being able to maintain it. So you better believe if and when God provides I will buy it all back. The neighboring land was once a part of this family land of equal size apprx 23 acres or more., I do not know how and when it left family hands but I do know that it was not an amicable deal. It left a bad strife between the families. So that is yet another thing which needs healing over the land. I am sorry if this is too much, but I felt impressed to share this dream with you after this beautiful devotional. I cam into my moms room when she was watching it and she was amazed at how it was so much like the words I speak about this dream all of the time. I know God can do it. I am dreaming a dream that only God can manifest the way. The desire is so strong I weep over it, I cannot put into words how very badly I want it and can see it in my spirit. I have drawn it out like blueprints. The word says to write the vision and make it plain, as well as speaking those things which be not as though they were. God bless you and keep you, may He continue to favor you beyond your imagination. You are a light of His love, His joy and His promises, and you and Miah are an example of peace after pain.

[@poodledaddles1091]

Thanks Jess...making me reflect where I have been afraid to dream or trust God and failing within myself. You have challenged my faith!

[@DecoratingTheShackWithEthan]

i promise to dream big! im a dreamer like you.. i get told all the time "thats not realistic or profitable" "thats just a hobby" etc. I GET SO MAD! haha. no one can see what i envision and i usually feel a little sad thinking i might not get to live this out. i just keep learning more to help me when it does come true! turn your waiting room into a classroom right!? having a home of my own is something ive always dreamed of and when i finally got it i was faced with some hard truths and it was taken away from me. now im a bit afraid, but i have the love of my life, a wonderful child who i get to be a part of his life, and A BIG DREAM! I AM REROUTING JESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ill have my land, home and family one day.. i have pcos and its hard to conceive.. its been years and ive not been able to get pregnant even once. IM 34!! ... THESE ARE DREAMS OF MINE! TO BECOME A MOTHER, A FARMER AND A HOMESTEADER! oh and a wife lol.

[@mistymills3699]

I love when you do an devotional. You are wise beyond your years and you fill me with inspiration! ❤️

[@blueridgehomestead4510]

I have gardened since I was young but this year, this year, I have lived in the garden because of you. I broke tradition of rows and started imagining what I wanted my garden to look like. It's not like yours but I'm in love with it!!! Thank you so much for allowing God to use and guide you. Now, we're going for our dreams of living as much as we can a sustainable life.

[@jannashepherd]

So I watched this yesterday, and told my husband about my silly backyard chicken dream last night (I've wanted them a while)... Well guess what?! I just found a coop on FB today for cheep cheep and my awesome husband went to get it and now we're gettin' chickens! Friends are gifting me supplies and the egg laying hens... I'm so excited and can't even believe how quickly God heard my heart and fulfilled my little dream.

[@raversmead]

Every now and then I find myself drawn back to these videos, and every single time I hear another message, every time I receive a new understanding. Your boldness to speak aloud has influenced so many lives in ways you could never imagine. You opened my eyes. You helped me to see what I did not want to even consider as a possibility. You opened my eyes and my heart to God. I searched for a video about tomatoes a little over a year ago, I found one of yours, that's how I found you. I now know that I was led here very intentionally. I can't explain why, but one day I woke up and I had to grow food. I just had to. I couldn't stop thinking about it, I had to learn more, and I was led to you. I'm still here, a year on, not just for the gardening though but to be inspired by your faith. I commented on a video of yours from my old incognito account (hiding in shame behind a fake name). It was the one about how God cares about the littlest details, the cowprint car chair you wanted so badly. You prayed for me that day. I felt a shift in everything from then on, I started reflecting on everything. Impossible things, that seemed to just land in front of me right as I needed them, as if carefully scripted and positioned. I still lack so much understanding. But these videos are a wonderful place to come back to and reflect. I listened to your devotional about the shepherd and the butcher today while I was cleaning my stables out. I didn't really understand last time I listened, but today I understood. I pray that in time I come to understand more and more the true nature of God. Anyway, I feel like I'm waffling again like I did last time 😂 So I will simply say thankyou, Jess.

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. It encourages me more than I can express

[@carolynrivera9147]

Thank you so much for your inspiring talk. You've helped me to begin to believe again. That I can achieve what I have dreamed of. Thank you from the center of my heart.

[@DIYSolarandWind]

Always be awesome and never slow down. I'm looking for a place out of the city so I can live in the garden and learn everything that you teach.

[@Monzakaka]

Preach Jess!!! This was God totally talking through you to so many people. Myself and husband directly! 🙌🏼 God is so good. Great video today Jess!

[@homesteadingintheheartland8106]

Agreed, the holy spirit worked through her during this! I get like this sometimes too, just my family hears it....lol

[@brownfamilia4]

I found my notes from this video in my Bible today. As I rewatched I was brought to tears again as you reminded me how much God cares, loves and yearns to bless me infinitely more. I needed this encouragement today. ❤️

[@kathrinekerns8398]

You are beautifully and wonderfully made. Your vision is awsome. The Bible says without a vision the people will perish Proverbs 29:18. Great devotional.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Amen, Amen! AMEN! At the end of my comprehension and imagination, He is just beginning! Thank you for this reminder, dear girl. Keep going! Keep dreaming! Keep believing God for bigger vision and every provision!

[@hollandsheroes8040]

I am trying to start a homestead that would help homeless people transitioning into independence. Whom witch in turn would help preserve endangered livestock on this farm. While teaching residents how to have homesteads of their own. It is a huge dream and yesterday I was so discouraged I was thinking of giving up and THEN YOU DID THIS! Ok "I promise God I will not give up I will see this vision you gave me through!"

[@EliMacalikova]

You know, there are times that are just.. harder. It is such a joy, such a relief, such a.. refuge, to visit your older devotionals for some nice words and piece in mind. You are like my spirit guide, helping me sort my own self. It's such a strange space to be in, to be born and raised in atheist family in mostly atheist country but still yearn for something.. I mean I don't even have the words for it really. I just have the need for something that is not explainable. But your devotionals always helps me "feel" through it.

[@snobbytoohottie]

Oh Jess. Thank you for touching and reopening my heart and reminding me of who God truly is.

[@hiker750]

Thanks for sharing the dream. It inspires us all to push back those walls that confine us to dream only what WE can imagine. God is infinitely greater than anything we could ask or imagine. Thanks for reminding us of His desire to be in our lives on a daily basis. I loved the statement about walking with Him in the cool of the day. I will think of that every evening when I make my final pass through my garden. Thanks for sharing your heart. God has given you this opportunity to share His love and faithfulness with so many. I bless you:)

[@carolcaple5292]

You have no idea how much this means to me and my exact situation today! Thank you!

[@jenniferyoung7542]

You are so encouraging!

[@amyrichards1537]

Thank you Jess for you and Miah being willing to live your lives out loud . What a blessing!

[@cindik8017]

So needed to hear this. I finally have my raised beds in and full of growing vegetables for my family. Enjoying the time I have spent in my garden. Enjoyed the time my husband and I shared building each bed, putting up fencing, a little greenhouse kit, filling it with seedlings, filling the beds with soil..... I could go on and on. It’s not much to look at in most people’s eye, but in mine...It’s beautiful. A fulfillment of a vision that I have had for a very long time. I thought for so long that it was selfish, and I didn’t deserve it. However, after a lot of prayer, i came to realize that it’s ok to enjoy things just because you love it. Others are enjoying it too! Especially my grand children. They are the light of my life and to watch them enjoy something as much as I do, priceless! There is nothing selfish about seeing someone else smile!😊