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

Powered by RedCircle

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 started.
[8:28] – A grace-filled life begins by intentionally honoring Jesus via everyday actions and rhythms.
[10:22] – We discuss intentionally cultivating daily habits that immerse us in God’s word and shape how we live.
[13:28] – Everyday conversations and small decisions shape our character, homes, and relationships more than big achievements do.
[16:01] – It’s important to make space to enjoy children, as it strengthens relationships and creates family memories.
[17:28] – Ruth reflects on how her shift in mindset helped her embrace motherhood as an opportunity to model faith and enjoy her children.
[20:15] – Choosing gratitude and intentionally recognizing others’ goodness can truly change our perspective on relationships.
[21:23] – Hear how leaving room in our schedules creates space for meaningful conversations and helps us prioritize relationships.
[24:02] – Embracing inefficiency can help create opportunities for connection, conversation, teaching, and modeling everyday relationships.
[27:14] – Learn how regular self-reflection helps us recognize God’s presence and think about the reasons behind our everyday choices.
[29:30] – Ruth emphasizes cultivating richer, more nourishing experiences to naturally curb distractions and strengthen self-discipline.
[31:55] – I reveal that I gave up refined sugar and white flour about four weeks ago, and I feel great!
[33:59] – I describe how slowing down and resetting my habits has made simpler, slower experiences more enjoyable and nourishing.
[35:22] – In closing, small, intentional choices and slowing down can nourish us, improve our lives, and help us accomplish more!

Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
The Crystal Paine Show – 184. A Life Update + Prepping Our Hearts for Advent (with Ruth Chou Simons)
GraceLaced

Books
This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life by Ruth Chou Simons

Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Crystal Paine on LinkedIn
Crystal Paine on Twitter
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
[email protected]