In this episode of Gleaning Along the Way, I dive into the concept of less but better—a principle that has shaped my life as a mom of five. Inspired by quotes from Bruce Lee and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, as well as Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, I share how shifting my focus to what truly matters has transformed my faith, family, and work.

I reflect on how our culture pushes us toward more—more commitments, more achievements, more distractions—and how we can break free by intentionally choosing less but better. I discuss my personal journey of eliminating non-essentials, from saying no to good opportunities to prioritizing financial freedom and work that aligns with my season of motherhood. I also unpack the power of focus, the importance of tuning out cultural noise, and the biblical example of Jesus prioritizing rest and connection with the Father.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many obligations or struggled with people-pleasing, this episode will help you identify your top priorities and make intentional choices. Tune in for practical insights on how to simplify your life, align with your God-given purpose, and embrace the peace that comes from focusing on what truly matters.

Gleaning Along the Way is a podcast for moms who love personal development but feel like most advice out there doesn’t fit the reality of motherhood. In this episode, I dive into a common challenge: so much of the personal growth space is dominated by men, and while their advice is valuable, it often assumes a level of control over time and energy that moms just don’t have.

I share my own journey of trying to implement popular productivity strategies—like waking up at 5 AM—only to realize they weren’t sustainable in my season of life. Through trial and error, I’ve learned how to tweak personal development principles to actually work for moms, factoring in the mental load, sleepless nights, and shifting seasons of motherhood.

We’ll talk about the difference betweenyearly rhythms andlife-stage seasons, how to set realistic growth goals, and why self-compassion is key. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at personal development because your life doesn’t look like the advice in books, this episode is for you.

Let’s redefine personal growth for moms—one season at a time.

Pay attention to the season you’re in. What rhythms naturally fit your life right now? What expectations do you need to release?

Be kind to yourself. Personal growth doesn’t mean pushing harder; sometimes, it means surrendering to where God has you and trusting that He is growing you in ways you can’t yet see.

God is developing a fighter spirit within me. I look back at my life over the last fifteen years and share how I'm uncovering this spirit. God is developing something within you too. I think when we look back at our past with compassion, there is so much wisdom to glean. The key is looking with curiosity and compassion, not harsh judgement. We did the best we could with what we had at the time. God often doesn't rescue us from our trials because of His compassion. Just like we don't rescue our children sometimes because we know they have to walk through the hard parts of their lives to develop the character strength needed for their futures. I needed to wake up to my own life. I needed to learn how to live fully alive. I'm still learning and I'd be honored if you joined me.

Here's a link to the song I referenced by Nichole Nordeman Dear Me

In this episode of Gleaning Along the Way, I’m sharing more about my journey—how stepping out in faith through foster care adoption transformed my relationship with Jesus and how a simple Etsy shop selling allergy bags led me to personal growth and entrepreneurship.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck, wondering what God’s calling on your life really is. But here’s the truth: He’s already given you a field to glean from. Sometimes, we just need to quiet the noise and take the next small step—even when it’s scary, even when we feel unqualified. I’ll share how the parable of the talents, the story of hidden treasure in a field, and even lessons from Mel Robbins and Jennifer Allwood have shaped my perspective on faith, personal growth, and trusting God in the unknown.

If you’ve ever wrestled with fear, perfectionism, or just figuring out where to begin, this episode is for you. Let’s take imperfect action, trust that God will equip us, and step boldly into what He’s already placed in our hands. I’m so glad you’re here!

Audiobook by Mel Robbins referenced: Take Control of Your Life: How to Silence Fear and Win the Mental Game

Podcast by Jennifer Allwood: The Jennifer Allwood Show

My Etsy Shop: WUGbag - Personalized, Insulated Allergy Bags

Hey friend, I’m Ruth—your fellow gleaner of all things faith, personal growth, and motherhood. I know what it’s like to crave clarity and purpose but feel overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life. I’ve been there—praying for a way forward, only to realize that God had already placed everything I needed in the field right in front of me.

This podcast is for the mom who longs to grow in her faith and enjoys a little personal development but knows that motherhood doesn’t always allow for rigid routines. It’s for the woman seeking encouragement in the midst of the hard and holy work of raising a family. Here, we’ll talk about trusting God in uncertainty, finding joy even in the struggles, and embracing the life He’s already given us—messy, beautiful, and full of purpose.

If you’ve ever felt lost, weary, or unsure of your next step, you’re not alone. Let’s glean together—one step, one season, one small act of faith at a time. I’m so glad you’re here. 💛