352: How to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life with Ruth Chou Simons

Author of the brand new book This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life, Ruth Chou Simons comes back on the podcast, and I am so excited to have her back! The last time that we tried to record together, I was such a hot mess that we ended up doing an Instagram story and Facebook Live instead, so when she agreed to come back, I was thrilled, and this time, we actually have a podcast episode!

I truly love Ruth's new book. There is so much practical wisdom in its pages and so many moments when I found myself saying, “Yes!” while also getting my toes stepped on a little bit. In this episode, we talk about what it means to cultivate beauty and grace in the middle of our very ordinary, very full lives.

Ruth is a mom of six boys, and I could not stop asking her how she has managed to create such a beautiful home, but what I especially love about her approach is that it's not about having more money, buying more things, or waiting until life is less chaotic. It's about stewarding what God has already given us and learning to notice the beauty that's right in front of us.

We talk about creating rhythms that help us start our days well, making space for God's Word, and even setting up a little scripture memory station. Ruth shares why small acts of faithfulness matter more than big accomplishments and how making room for inefficiency can lead to the conversations and relationships that we might otherwise miss. We also talk about motherhood, enjoying our kids, and the importance of leaving room in our calendars for nothing because, after all, sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we're not rushing off to the next thing.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like you need to get your life together before you can enjoy it, then this conversation with Ruth is definitely for you. Ruth reminds us that we don't have to wait for a better season to live a grace-laced life, that we can start right where we are, with what we have, today. Enjoy my conversation with Ruth Chou Simons, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts!

In This Episode

[0:36] - I have a repeat guest today, Ruth Chou Simons!

[3:08] - Ruth describes cultivating beauty as a way to recognize God’s presence in everyday life.

[4:24] - Rather than buying more, Ruth encourages appreciating and sharing what we already have.

[7:03] - Hear how small, manageable steps can help overcome the perfectionism and overwhelm that prevent us from getting star