Well, I'm 14 minutes in, and one of the handicaps (or blessings) of being up in age, is the frequency in which I lose my train of thought. I have followed you for many years here and on Facebook. Admittedly, I never wondered about your religion. It wasn't important in the context of why I followed you. That said, I found your shared journey intriguing. Most importantly, I loved your closure on the subject, "God is so much bigger than I was allowed to believe." Now, since this is a channel based upon being Old Fashioned on Purpose, I have your latest book. I enjoy it as much as I enjoy your content creation. Many of your KZfaq videos are saved on my removable hard disk. They are not something I gamble on ever losing. Thank you for your ambition to teach and share with others. I have gleaned much from your content. Hopefully many more will come across your channel and benefit as I have. Happy Thanksgiving to you, and your family!

What a great name for your website and blog “Old Fashioned on Purpose” I’m in marketing so it speaks volumes. Big fan in Santa Barbara Calif

Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey. My husband has been trying to encourage me to film my homesteading journey but I know how religious most are and I told him I didn’t know if I’d fit in. I’m very spiritual but not religious. Hearing your views have given me encouragement…. Thank you!

I admire your bravery in sharing such a personal thing as religion on the Internet. Asking questions, getting to the root of why we believe something is such a healthy way of thinking for anyone! It's painful and frustrating to see Christians tearing others down for believing differently than them, even other Christians. The lack of knowledge breeds fear, IMO. Thank you so much for sharing.

Love that you did this for us… I’m sure it was really hard. And I think you did a great job explaining your beliefs and that it’s more than ok to question what you are doing as a “religion” (versus a relationship).

Sharing your personal experiences must be hard & I want you to know I admire you so much!

Jill, it must be very hard to be so personal in such a public way. You seem to do (everything) with grace, honesty and humility. I enjoy listening and learning from you!

Thank you for your honesty. good to know I’m not alone. I attend church but could never get my head around the categories, denominations man has made in order to worship. I don’t believe God meant us to be so divided in that regard. In my heart I know it’s not healthy to attend in order to check a box every week or write a check to assuage my guilt. My husband and I are working through this.

I’m so sorry you had that experience growing up. Legalism gives Christians a bad reputation. Grace was given freely. Thank you for sharing.

Well done! Well said!! Relationship, NOT religion.

Good for you Jill. Your journey shows a path to wisdom and maturity, and the ability to take responsibility for your life. Youre right that it takes courage to question authority and systems, and to look at where you've been objectively so that it can be a life lesson.

What a first show to be watching ❤❤❤ 11 min in and I am already hooked. Yes for we do not need to explain our faiths to the world unless we choose too, yes for questioning all systems, yes to refusing a box 🎉 for sure a new fan here!!

Thank you. It’s so disappointing when I begin to follow a gardener then they use that as a platform for things not gardening. You are genuine and I depend on honesty. Gods blessings to you for sharing your knowledge that has helped make me a better Gardner.

This would be my answer as well. I have had bad experiences with organized religion as well. I just googled whether you were Christian and found this video. I was on Audible and saw your book on my wishlist, but I was concerned that your book would be filled with religious undertones because Christianity comes up a lot in homesteading communities. Thank you for sharing your experience ❤. I just subscribed to your channel and purchased your book.

I'm right there with you as to the topic of religion. You are very brave to be open about this. I think of myself as spiritual, but not religious.

I appreciate your thoughtfulness to answering the religion question and it also resonates with me - if you or anyone cares - i was raised by a godless; atheist-catholic (my mother). she went to church with us weekly but was emotionally and physically violent and abusive to her family - my brothers, her husband, and me - a toxic person, an alcoholic, probably a narcisist, but told us bible stories (including the horrific ones), prayed, and kissed a picture of Jesus every night. -- none of her actions were ever able to be questioned because she was "holier than thou" and maintains that attitude. so i questioned "religion" early on, and was distrusting of it. fast forward in all of my experiences of life, when i think about the suffering i have witnessed, even in just the crudeness of nature and that it sometimes seems like it can be driven by "evil" -- let alone the more obvious examples of evil, i think, "if there is a god, he is one sick mother-f#r..." i wonder if this is actually the devils world, even. who knows? of course there is plenty of good to look forward too. but yeah, none of it fits into a box -- and i will never go back into a box, either.

Gosh I admire your courage. I hate personal questions like that, it's like asking people if they are vaccinated, it's none of anyone's business.

I watched this video a few days ago, I dont watch television and I'm only occasionally on youtube. I try and focus on all positivity. As i watched this video it deeply resonated with me. I'm 50 years old and still struggle with people not understanding why I seem so guarded with my spirituality. It's my personal walk. I feel much more connected in the garden, the woods, ridimg horses, even makimg hay than I ever do in a pew. It is a hard thing to get people, especially my family to understand. Thank you for making this video even when you didmt have to. I appreciate you!

I like and relate to you even more after this episode. Thank you for what you do, Jill!😊

I have always said to those that ask me what religion I am that it’s not a religion, but a relationship. I applaud you for your response and you’re 100 percent right, He is SO much bigger!♥️

Shiny Happy People is a microcosm of what everyone is going through on some level. And the few people like yourself who manage to break free despite all odds are amazing.

Hello Jill. This podcast resonated with me heavily. A lot of similarities here. I was raised Seventh Day Adventist and for many it is considered cult-ish, very strict, and even compared to being like Jewish. I would love to know more about the charter school. My grandson was going to a local charter school here in Cheyenne, WY...however, it did not work out. I would love to homeschool him, but right now is not the right time. I was not even aware there is another charter school available here. We are still in the process of moving out of Cheyenne and further into the countryside (soon as our home sells) and I know it's going to be difficult to find a good school for him. Anyway, loved this podcast.

As a homesteader in my 70th year of life loves and enjoy your many videos and interviews.

I guess I can understand it being a personal question, but we are to be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks and many people just want to be sure of who they are supporting. 😊

I was raised Fundamental Baptist and I remember learning some of Bill Gothards teachings! I have always been a fan of the older Duggar girls and reading Jingers "Finally free indeed" really opened my eyes and helped me to move away from his teachings. Sooo many things they tought me I thought was biblical.. now I understand it was manipulation. I have been digging deep into catholicism by watching the youtube channel "Pints with Aquinas".. and i will be starting RCIA to become catholic. Goodluck to you on your journey!! And thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your bravery in addressing your religion. It is always best to listen to your inner, authentic voice!

great job unlearning and starting to explore & listen to yourself! after studying religion in college n life experiences...it all comes down to basic life goals represented in most religions - about treating others as we want to be treated, doing no harm & helping those of need. raised catholic but now able to practice my culture under Creator / Great Spirit, living as one with our Mother Earth. I speak about this because my ancestors were not allowed under govt laws until the mid 1970's. Blessings for your strength n love to all that follow the spiritual path.

Thank you so much for sharing your religious story. Mine is very similar and it is so hard to explain to people who didn't grow up that way and hard (if not impossible) to stay connected with those who did. It's refreshing to find someone in the homesteading community who isn't pushing religion. Ps. I have your cookbook and it is hands down my favorite. Every recipe is easy to understand and amazingly delicious! And when I splatter grease or drop dough on the pages I think "oh well, Jill would be flattered". Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences!

Thank you for your honesty. I found praying the Rosary to be a real spiritual treasure on my journey. It still is a gift today. Many graces and miracles came to me and my family through it. I would highly recommend trying it. God bless.

Great podcast!! I grew up in northeastern Wyoming on a ranch and still even though now living in town, still feel the need for the outside! Thank you for encouraging the younger people (your age!) to appreciate and embrace nature and the positive influence it has on all of us!! Good luck in all your ventures!!

I watched your KZfaq because of this title. I like your answer. I fell like an orphan because the church I grew up in changed as I became a teen and even changed its name. It turn into a worldly church, accepting things I know are wrong. Now I am a part time attender to the church my daughter goes to but still miss my childhood church. I struggle because they think my church is what it became. I miss the hymns. I don’t enjoy the music nor the KZfaqs incorporated in their service. So I’m waiting on God to lead me to either finding the right church or help me understand and appreciate what this modern day church is.

Jill, I am a Christ follower, and I'm so sorry that you have found so much adversity in the faith communities. Having personally found so much hope in faith, I'm sad when someone else hasn't experienced same. Additionally, you shouldn't feel weird, guilty.... whatever for not openly sharing things you consider very personal with complete strangers on the internet. Thank you for your candour, and for all of the insight and perspective you offer to slow living/homesteading. I'm new to your channel, and I'm loving it! ❤

This was a great explanation! Thanks for your courage Jill!

It’s SO refreshing!! I would say I’m the same exact way and in this space it is hard to find that type of connection. Like you said, it’s not that I don’t love this people and have a relationship, but do have a spiritual connection is harder to find sometimes.

My mother grew up in a religious cult in the 50’s - World Wide Church of God. You are brave, and so glad you came to the realization that God is so much bigger than what you thought….instead of turning against or blaming Him. I love your content. I’m 60 and have lived most of my life on harsh and remote ranches in northern Arizona and New Mexico….I totally get where you are coming from about your comment on Hawaii.

God bless you Jill. We all are questioning alot lately on our teachings in past and looking to get one on one personal with Jesus. I feel all signs above the 4 walls need to come down and we all worship one God the way it was intended.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I was also raised in a cultish religion and have felt very isolated in the homesteading community due to all of the very outspoken views. I was not smart enough to keep my questions to myself growing up, and the harsh judgment and punishment makes me shy away from religion to this day. Anyway, that’s enough about that, but again, thank you for sharing your experience.

I love the ideology of “opting out of systems” ❤

You are so brave! Thank you for sharing. I’m also and odd one out. I want to homestead, but there is so much religion associated. There are some of us who resonate with episode this too.

Your answer to the religious question was perfect! I don't know why everyone has to ask and know.

Always enjoy your videos. This took courage and you handled it so well! Our walk with the Lord Is a relationship not a religion. He will never leave or forsake you. Appreciate all you do. I requested your cookbook for Christmas. 😊 Val C ❤️🙏🏻

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences growing up. I am sorry you had many negative experiences in your childhood. Unfortunately there are 100's if not 1000's of religious denominations all with different doctrine and a different Jesus. Satan uses this to separate, divide, abuse and most sadly take away from us the one thing that has the power to truly change our hearts and lives:The Bible. There is ONLY 1 Bible. I encourage you to focus your attention on reading the Bible and seeking the Lord wholeheartedly in prayer. There are good churches but very, very few and far between ( I am part of one) that focus on teaching the pure Word of God and the Word ONLY. No doctrines of men. The Bible says not to trust your heart for the heart is very deceitful- Jeremiah. Trust in the Lord. Psalm 37 Trust in His Word and may you come to know the SIMPLICITY that is in Christ... The righteouness, peace and joy that can only be found in Him. Praying for you to one day be so strong IN THE LORD, IN THE BIBLE that you won't care what anyone thinks of you. Your shows have always been a blessing. Thank you for sharing your life with us and teaching us how to cook :). Try to listen with an open heart and Bible in hand: New Covenant World Outreach- Vision. You'll be blessed. Promise. I am a teacher and home school mom. I love Abeka. They have great curriculum that teaches Biblical truths and critical thinking skills.

Thank you, Jill for sharing your spiritual history. I too am a strong believer in our personal faith is not up for fodder. I have experienced spiritual abuse growing up, so I consider myself to be a free spirit and believe in many forms of higher power from Catholic to being a green witch. Keep asking questions, keep finding your way to your higher power. Sending peace and love!

Hi Jill. Just started watching this video. Had to stop to comment. Yes should wait till the end of the video, but I will loose my thoughts by then. Lol I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Never baptized. Only went a couple times as a adult. It’s a cult religion. Didn’t know it at the time. But as a adult and after doing research. That is my conclusion. Mine and many others. The amount of brainwashing is unbelievable. And it’s hard to go up against them. They know (their ) bible very well. The amount of sexual abuse that is not reported would shock you. I still have family members who are not good people, but hide behind the religion. Despite all that said I became born again in 2007. I know God now. And it was life changing. I see Gods goodness. JW’s push nothing but fear. Inside the organization are ones ( Elders and higher up ) who know things that are for only them to know. It’s sad because there are many good people in that faith that are so brainwashed 😥 They keep them so busy with the 3 meetings a week, they only can read their bible, use their website. No outside influence. It’s to protect them. No it’s so others can’t talk sense to them. Sorry for the ramble. But I’ve felt Gods presence so many times over the years. Nothing compares to it. It gives you joy deep inside. Thanks for your story :)

Jill, thank you for sharing! I understand how difficult it can be to discuss the religion topic and I am where YOU ARE in spirituality...."God is so much bigger than I was allowed to believe." You nailed it with how religious people can be when you talk with them - and I had been guilty of it toward others in the past. I am a "been there, done that" person - I was in the Mormon church for 27 years married to my first husband but for the last 15+ years there, I had been looking for something less restrictive, controlling, and more open. And in searching for that I found God! In literally not being a part of a system like that. I realize now I can find Him in all that I am doing in our garden and tiny homestead. Thank you so much! Blessings to you and your family.

Love the windy prairies, south east Colorado has and remains home even when not crazy for the extreme hot or cold here.

I am a born and raised Texan but the summers seem to get worse the older i get. My dream is to go to Maine. Like you i love the cold and dark.

This is soooo refreshing! Thank you! Very well spoken

I love your solo & Q&A podcasts! Thank you for addressing the religion issue. I was brought up strict Catholic and I left the church. I feel as you, God is so much bigger. Thank you for saying it. I’ve “opted out” of organized religion. My relationship with God is personal, between God & me. Love your home school/charter school balanced approach.

Sharing our SPIRITUALITY openly connects us with others. Expressing our RELIGION separates with others. Best kept private while openly living our lives of Faith.

Your honesty is, just appreciated.

Thank you for sharing your story. I can relate to many parts of it, and am also skittish about labels that are used to determine whether you're a member of the in-group or the out-group. Thanks also for creating a journal of your homesteading journey.

So very kind and generous of you to answer the religion question as deeply as you did. I can relate personally with your journey as far as learning how to ask questions and seeking my own personalized spiritual path. You’re a truly lovely person. And btw, I’ve been following you since before prairie girl was born.

I only proclaim to being a Bible reading Bible believing Christian. I am so glad to hear more homesteaders openly say they are not ultra fanatical zealots. I believe that judgemental hard hearts are the unpardonable sin and that God alone reserves judgement by his own hand. It our job to be humble in grace and open in love. Your boldness is a treasure! Thank you for sharing!!!!

I watch you because of your content. It is none of my business nor anyone else’s business to know your personal details. Keep up the good content. I watch the ones that pertain to me.

I do miss you on KZfaq but totally understand why you don’t want to keep up with it! I also really enjoy your podcast. All the interviews are fun, but I really love learning about you and your content like this where it’s just you as well! Thanks for sharing Jill!

Yah for you! My background was very similar & I totally affirm your courage!!!

Good for you Jill. I love your way of thinking!! ❤

I watched this video hours ago and had to come back to comment. I want you to know that many of us who work toward self sufficiency identify with you. We don't put a label on it. Thank you for sharing who you are. It makes some of us not feel so alone in the world.

Very eloquently said Jill. Good for you for asking those questions and can totally understand! What you’ve said is so true. Love your kindness and spirit! ❤

I just happened upon your show today. First time viewer. Not a homesteader, but I do serious canning, gardening and scratch cooking. I'm 70, homeschooled my kids. My hubby and I did not come from the most stable homes. When we started our family I got all the Christian parenting books I could find as I did not want to be a bad parent. We gave it our best shot and it is to late to undo what our kids think was to strict. I hope you can see what your parents did following a respected leader was an effort to raise Godly children.

I'm very familiar with IBLP with homeschoolers I was close to growing up. So thankful my parents avoided that! I'm sorry for the spiritual abuse you endured. I pray that you find true freedom in the abundant love of Jesus... all others will fail us but He NEVER will!

You are very brave and have shown much courage to share your past experience with religion and the difficult side of that subject. It is indeed, so unfortunate, that "religious" people can be some of the most judgmental and hard to talk to. We could talk...so many things ....! God bless your journey forward in your belief and faith. :)

Wow, very courageous. I’m so sorry you’ve suffered-first from a cult and then from religious people. But you are right to question every belief-not with the intention of destroying those beliefs but to be sure we know the truth! We are to love The Truth, and that will protect us in these days against deception. God bless you❤

I appreciate your honesty. That question itself feels almost like a judgement. With you or against you is part of the reason many people walk with Jesus, but do not belong to any church. God is so much bigger. Love is all that matters. And it can connect us all.

God bless you for speaking your mind and being true to yourself. Love your videos!

‘Religion’ is a ‘box’. God wants to be in an ‘open’ relationship with us! There should be no defending that relationship. Be free, set your heart to God, and he will do the rest. Thank you for your testimony and thank you for sharing your homesteading journey and experience with us.

I grew up in an atheistic home, my husband Roman Catholic. My husband and I encountered the Lord Jesus in our early 20’s (I should say, He encountered us!). We gave our lives over completely and waited on Him only. We visited “churches” and there were wonderful people there and several discipled us, always pointing us to Him. We both trusted God for our spouses and now we have 5 adopted children and we no longer “go to” church… we ARE the church. We can’t believe any longer in an institution. God is WAY bigger. And He’s so, so good! Great testimony!!!!

Andrew Pudewa for a time lived in the neighborhood next to mine, my kids also had an opportunity to learn from him in a one time workshop setting, my boys didn’t do well with me with IEW when I tried to implement it, we gave it two full years and dropped it this year.

I appreciate your comments on your religious ideas. I was just looking for another bread recipe. This was an interesting and unexpected thing.

I have so enjoyed watching you throughout the years. This is so brave of you to do. Thank you. That is great about the planners being drop-shipped and the simple compromise is actually great for people like me (extreme OCD) who love to tab everything anyways. My daughters love your intro because they like to see the "lady that is walking her pet cow". That religion question is somewhat abrasive and at least you have some documentaries now to help you explain. Bless you and your family.

9:06 I can 100% relate to this and I'm glad for your bravery. It's appreciated, and I hope other people can respond to this with love and appreciation, too.

Good for you Jill Keep be an amazing woman. You are inspiring many just read your book, Amazing book. Things need to be questioned!!!

New subscribers and I am so glad this is my first- I love my God but not religion and so I will definitely be listening to you in the future!

I’m proud of you! This is not easy! We need to question what we believe!

Thank you for sharing a very personal part of your life. I had gathered it was a difficult journey, but unfortunately I was curious. I have so many questions...lol...but not here, not now. I find it interesting to hear what folks believe and their journeys in their faith. The rest of the podcast was quite enjoyable as well. I too am trying to get things set up so that I can ride and work with the horses more. On initially hearing the comment about dabblers, I, to be honest, got a little defensive. But in thinking about it realized it was perhaps true - why can't I write a book, why can't I have a successful blog, why can't I sell things like xyz, etc....the hard reality is that I am a jack of all trades and a master of none. I like seeing others succeed and will help them get there, but don't help myself in the process. Neither is an undesirable thing when living this lifestyle but when someone asks what is your goals, it is usually a blank stare as it all seems to be to just survive. It is an interesting journey I am on and one that doesn't always make sense but I will say that some of your podcasts have been quite helpful. But for now, I can relate to your feelings of being an outsider at the conferences as I feel much the same most of the time. But that's okay too! Good job Jill.

We love Math Mammoth (i haven’t heard of other homeschoolers using it!), TGTB science & LA…my oldest loves to write but I have found the same thing as you with IEW’s writing lessons

Bravo. Faith is a thing to treasure and hold lightly. Grateful for your vulnerability and sharing. The holy is so much larger than our finite consciousness can comprehend.

Thank you! You are BRAVE!!!

I had to stop at question 1 to comment. Thank you for not answering, or answering as you did. This is no one's business but your own but what I do appreciate is your eloquence and subtlety in your response.

Why would people ask "What religion are you?". That is a out of ordinary question. Of course this is only my second time on your channel as I just found it today and in binging. God bless you and all thank God for strength to follow the voice inside.

WOW! You are so brave to talk about this. I think if this was me I would have just kept avoiding the question. Good on you for doing the work to get passed all of that and still love god

Thank you for your answer ...honest & up front. I just found your 'blog'?...if that's what this is. Excited to get to know your family. I came here thru Farmhouse on Boone. Love both of your channels.

Good for you Jill! Over the last few years I too have questioned the status quo about God and church and have also realized that God is so much bigger…thanks for sharing.

I receive exactly what I ask. Today your energy resonates my need. I appreciate your share.

I started asking those deep religious questions when I was 10 or 11, and continue to do so. My religion encourages asking questions. I'm very at peace with the domination I'm part of

Exactly- I home schooled my children to college level. All were different so we used different curriculum for all per subject.👍

We used all school systems, and I now work at our local country school which I love. I also tutored at local high schools.🕊️

Love what you had to say. It’s really no one’s business what your religion is it’s your relationship with God

Horse riding declutters the mind. Do some short video clips at the end of your shows. Maybe roping progress updates. At your 26:10 mark, PBS had a show called A Chefs Life which featured a NY Chef couple returning to N. Carolina, buying a restaurant, and specializing in local grown crops, and animals. A wonderful series. Well produced. No more how to videos! Those were good!

I don’t typically comment to these types of things, but I love learning from others. We are all resources…. And have the potential to be. I think we speak and do things with the knowledge we have up to the point we are at right now…. As we grow, are exposed to other things, and get our hands “dirty” in a topic, our opinions/actions/judgement can change also. I am so a different person than I was 10 years ago, not all for the better I am sure but still in process! I enjoyed and learned a few things with this video, and naturally the things you are doing are not all things that I want to be doing and that is ok. The biggest thing is, and I tell my kids this, no matter what you do with your talents, you need to “inspire a desire” in others you talk/teach/work/live/serve with. I felt like that was done for me. So, Thank you. 😊

You amaze me … so much respect ❤

At home, how do you cook French fries? I am looking for a healthy way to cook French fries without using vegetable oil. I love your suggestions as well are definitely on the same page with healthy cooking using organic whole foods! I would love to try your 90/10 grass fed and finished beef. I love horses too!!!

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story.

Jill, I never heard of this cult before. I am watching the Shiny Happy People...interrupted your video to see this. Jill! How very sad. I am a Christian. I love the Lord! This is ridiculous! Where is the faith, the mercy, the grace? Taking all the crap and calling mercy as a gift is NOT Biblical! But then again, not much about this is Biblical! We are covered under the blood of Jesus. Forgiven by the mercy of God. They plant sin in the hearts of people! I am so sorry that you have experienced this...experienced bad things from Christians. I think...my humble opinion is that Christians need to learn more love. We all sin, thanks to Adam and Eve. God gave us his Son. We need to focus of that gift, and of course self-reflection...but my goodness! Prayers for you. This would be hard to overcome...

They shall not judge or they shall be judged 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 I have always admire your strength . And yes it does shine through. 😻

Well done young lady!

Wanted to thank you for sharing.

We “home schooled” our children and did use IBLP material. It had a lot of good content but I’m fully aware of the “IBLP Cult” association. Faith must be a personal relationship and after serving as senior pastor for over 45 years I have to say most churches today are far from the ministry Christ defines and deeply into following a world business model. Today, I still teach Bible through KZfaq but have not found a local group to fellowship with. FAITH is your relationship with Christ. RELIGION is how you live your faith. Thanks for bearing your heart.

Thank you for being open about your religious beliefs. Luckily it hasn't come up in our conservative circles but people tend to be religious and that's just not for us.