Hey y’all, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast! In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some stories from the early days of our homestead, the hard lessons, the high hopes, and the deep love that has grown in the soil of our farm over the years. This episode was recorded in a season of low battery mode for me, a time when I was physically and emotionally drained, but still showing up to care for my animals and tend to the life we’ve built. In the quiet of these days, I find myself remembering. From the goats that first stole my heart to the steep learning curves of loss and perseverance, this is a reflection on how far we’ve come and how familiar this once-dreamed-of life has become. I talk about the value of seasoned love; in marriage, in farming, and in the calling to steward well. This isn’t about the novelty of a new adventure, but the deep roots of a life lived slowly and intentionally. Thank you for spending time with me today. If you’ve found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always—I bless you, until next time.
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38:46
How the Garden Taught Me to Stay
Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. In this episode, How the Garden Taught Me to Stay, I’m sharing some tender thoughts on restlessness. You know that feeling that makes you want to change everything when life gets too quiet, too slow, or too honest? The garden, in its steady and unhurried way, has taught me something different. It taught me to be present, to hold still when everything in me wanted to run. I talk about the difference between moving out of fear and choosing stillness from a place of peace, and ultimately the great fruit that steadfastness enables us to grow. Sometimes, staying put is the bravest, most faithful thing we can do. If you’ve found something useful here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.
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44:59
Growing a Culture
Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today we’re digging into how to grow a life-giving family culture on purpose. From learning to be fully present at the dinner table to teaching our kids that hard work feels good, I share the seven pillars shaping our home—and the garden metaphors that keep me humble. We’ll talk screens, Sabbath-style rest, telling the whole truth (even when it’s awkward), and why patience is the secret sauce that lets all these seeds take root. Grab some iced tea, settle in, and let’s tend what’s already in our hands, one step at a time. If you’ve found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.
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1:04:57
To Enjoy The Food You Grow
Hey there, darlings welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today I’m sharing a slower, sweeter reflection on something that’s been on my heart lately, the joy of growing your own food. With the busyness of spring, harvests starting to roll in, and everything asking for our attention, it’s easy to rush past the wonder of it all. But I want to invite you to savor it. Whether you’ve grown one tomato or a whole pantry full of produce, there’s joy to be found in every bite—if we choose to see it. Let’s focus on being present, celebrating the small victories, and remembering why we started this life in the first place. If you’ve found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.
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45:14
Tending Whats In Your Reach
Hey there darlings, welcome back to the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today’s episode is one I recorded as much for myself as for you. It’s a message I wish 22-year-old me could have heard—back when my dreams felt so big and my limits felt so loud. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by what you can’t do, this episode is a gentle reminder that there’s sacred strength in doing what you can. I’m talking about tending your life like a garden—not in panic, not in perfection, but in presence. Whether you're in a season of limitations, raising babies, or just navigating a world that feels a bit too urgent, you’re not alone. There is wisdom in your limits. There is grace in your pace. And there is peace in choosing to be rooted right where you are. This conversation touches on preparation, presence, performance, and the quiet rebellion of slow living. Let it encourage you to stop striving, to tend with care, and to trust that what’s within your reach is enough. If you’ve found encouragement here, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, where you can listen early and join our monthly Q&A. As always, I bless you until next time.
Hey there, darling! My name is Jess. There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that's exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart – to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to the Roots and Refuge podcast, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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