#39 Ruth Schwenk [The Better Mom]

Ruth Schwenk is the founder of the popular blog, The Better Mom, where she inspires moms to become better by becoming more like Jesus. She is the trusted author of several books with Harper Collins and is a 2020 Christian Book Award Winner. Ruth is a Michigan football super fan, a self-proclaimed "foodie," and lover of all things HGTV. But her greatest joy is her family. She lives with her husband, four children in the beautiful, college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here are some of the things Ruth and I chat about: How Her Blog Got Started and How We Shape Who We're Becoming Ruth and I talk about her blog, The Better Mom, and how it's not about doing, it's about becoming.  Ruth says, "We become better parents because we are becoming better ourselves by becoming more like Jesus."   Not a Message of Perfection I love Ruth's approach to teach what you know, what has worked and what hasn't. She says she doesn't really struggle with impostor syndrome because she's not trying to look like she has it all together.  The Better Mom Devotional Ruth tells us about her devotional and how it's a practical tool pointing women to the heart of her message of learning, growing and putting God at the center of our lives. Getting Things Done/Every Season is Different As a busy mama of four kids in full-time ministry, she's got so much (good!) stuff going on. We talk about how she actually gets things done. She says focuses on the things she likes to do, the things she good at and delegates the rest. Ruth says it's also about the season you're in. Some season will allow for things that others won't. Prayer During the Pandemic and Everyday Ruth shares her thoughts on knowing when to pray, especially during anxious times, but also everyday. Having a God-Centered Home/Parenting We talk a lot about parenting throughout our conversation, but Ruth's overarching message is that it doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be grand, spiritual activities.  She says, "it's being faithful day in and day out and over the years, those things add up to a faithful life that I think has an impact on our kids that we don't even realize."   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Better Mom The Better Mom Devotional For the Family Weekend Reset Faith Forward Family Devotional   RUTH'S FAVORITE 5 (6) Everything from Madewell Trader Joe's Strawberry Lemonade Kombucha Growth Roots Journal Time for Organization Her New Pug Puppy! Live In Hoop Earrings   CONNECT WITH RUTH Instagram | Facebook | Website   CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE Show Notes for this Episode | Instagram | Facebook