Gleaning Along Life’s Way
The first woman to have a book of the Bible named after her was Ruth. She was a gleaner. I’m also a gleaner named Ruth. I just don’t glean grain.
Here you’ll find some of my “gleanings” along life’s way.
Please know that I am in the process just like you. Sometimes I’ll gather chaff (insert worthless nonsense) and other times I’ll collect lots of wheat because of Jesus. It’s always because of Jesus.
Honoring My Pain and Learning to Walk Through It
A small but impactful moment—my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter fell asleep on the couch by herself for the first time. This little milestone reflects years of navigating challenges, and deep unseen pain. These quiet, hard-earned wins remind me that everyone carries unseen battles. Strength and empathy come from embracing life’s struggles, not being afraid but learning to walk through step by step. May you find that strength today.
Shamefully Still Embarrassed by our Old Car
I wish I could say I'm better than this—sometimes, I am. On some days, the old car with squeaky brakes doesn’t faze me. But other times, like today, it brings up memories of my childhood, when we couldn’t afford much, and I feel embarrassed and triggered. Deep down, I know it doesn’t really matter. But I need to be honest with myself and confront it if I ever want to move past it. Maybe you can relate—not necessarily to the car, but to those moments in life that keep resurfacing, where you feel like you should have outgrown it, yet sometimes it still gets to you. This is my confession and attempt to bring it into the light.
Rediscovering my Voice: Blogging Brings Clarity
Oh the power of writing it down! It’s amazing how revisiting our own words can provide such clarity and encouragement. I’m picking this blog back up as a personal journey of faith and understanding. Embracing the process, regardless of the audience, is incredibly fulfilling
Her Reality is Not Mine.
If you’re anything like me, you may have struggled to compare your life to the lives of those around you. Perhaps you have trouble implementing everything you’ve read in personal development books. This is a reminder that your reality is unique. There is nothing wrong with you. You may just need a moment to write down your current reality and what success looks like given that reality on your terms. Be gentle with yourself!
Living Counter to The Chase
For much of my life, I've found myself caught up in the pursuit of various things. I wish I could say that I was above being swept away by the materialism so prevalent in American culture. But time and time again, I've found myself chasing after possessions or achievement, only to be left feeling unsatisfied. True contentment, I've realized, doesn't come from material wealth. Instead, it comes from taking the time to slow down and reassess what truly matters. Embracing gratitude and appreciating the blessings in my life has brought me fulfillment in ways that possessions never could. Choosing to live a life that goes against the mainstream is difficult. It requires daily dedication and focus. I hope that you, too, can find the courage to live authentically, free from societal pressures and the pursuit of material wealth that always come up empty.
Putting Anything Into the World is Scary but Taking Action is How We Grow
When I first opened my Etsy shop, I didn’t exactly know what I was doing. I was terrified to put a product into the world and risk criticism. The truth is, often we have to risk being vulnerable if we ever are to learn and grow.
Navigating the Gray: In a World that Demands Black and White Thinking
It is challenging to see multiple perspectives in a world that often demands black-and-white thinking. I am empathetic in nature and struggle to define my viewpoint amid the cacophony of diverse opinions. There is pressure to conform to societal ideals, emphasizing the importance of embracing individual growth paths and trusting personal instincts in an era dominated by external influences.
Clear Head/Foggy Head
Ever felt like yesterday's clarity turned into today's foggy mess? Yes, it happens. Are you remembering that God is in control? Are you trying to subtly take the reigns from Him? I know that’s what I tend to do when things become unclear. So instead, I’m remembering to wait and trust in a good God who is in control.
Navigating Social Media Challenges: A Journey to Deliberate Living and Mental Well-being
A Personal Journey to Balance and Well-being. Dive into my experience navigating social media, from seeking inspiration to grappling with insecurities. Let's redefine our social media engagement and cultivate a more fulfilling online presence.
Embracing Life's Interruptions: Finding Peace and Abundance in the Unexpected
I am on a transformative journey, learning to find peace and abundance in life's interruptions. I’m leaning into the power of flexibility and the unexpected joy it brings, even when plans go astray. Embrace the beauty of spontaneity and the wisdom of leaving room for the unexpected in your daily life.
Some Days are Just Hard.
Today was a hard day. I seem to have trouble accepting the fact that some days are just that, especially with little ones at home. I tried to fight it, and still be productive until I decided to surrender. There is peace to be found in surrendering to God and His power is made perfect in weakness.
Shifting My Perspective: On-going Effort to Stop Negative Thought Patterns in their Tracks
The struggle is real! I am working hard at overcoming negative thought patterns and I am seeing so much improvement. Asking the Lord for help to recognize my negative thought-life and stay above it has been everything. Learning to embrace what is, and not bending reality has helped too. It’s truly been a perspective shift. I am grateful for everything the Lord is teaching me through it all.
Turning 40 and Learning what it means to Rest
Turning forty has left me feeling reflective. I feel so blessed to have escaped to Miami for a few days with my husband. While I intended to do nothing, but lay on the beach, I am learning that true rest for me is actually much more active in nature. For me, rest means being present and maintaining healthy habits, even while on vacation.
Overcoming Negative Self-talk, an on-going journey of self-compassion
In a world filled with self-doubt and inner critics, conquering negative self-talk can be a daily battle. If you've ever wondered how to silence that unrelenting voice inside your head, here are four practical steps that have helped me in my journey to self-compassion.
Embracing Imperfections and Finding Peace
Life can be a bit of a rollercoaster as a mom of five! This was a hectic morning, and I can talk so harshly to myself. Thankfully the Lord interrupted my thoughts and reminded me to be gentle. I’m learning to embrace my imperfections and practice self-compassion.
A Letter to my Daughters
I pray my daughters know how deeply loved they are and where their worth and value come from. In a world that emphasizes looks and accomplishments, it’s easy to forget. This is a letter to remind them they are seen, loved, and treasured by the Lord.
Too Many Voices
There are many voices vying for our attention on any given day. There are experts in every field, with conflicting advice. It’s hard to know who to listen to. The truth is there is only one voice that matters and His voice often goes against the grain. I’m learning to trust that voice again and recognize it’s whispers.
Learning to Let Go
What if all the distractions and hard parts of your life are a subtle sign from the Lord, telling you to let go? I think the Lord may be gently teaching me this very thing through a challenging and beautiful baby.
Feelings of Loneliness
I’ve been feeling lonely. Left-behind really. As difficult as this is, I’m learning that feelings of loneliness unite us all.
I fell asleep with four children and woke up with five (I was not pregnant).
I went to bed with four children and woke up with five. A year and a half later, I am still reeling from this reality and all the ways it has changed our family. Most importantly, I am grateful to a God whose ways are so much higher than I could ask think, or imagine.