My Secret to Daily Productivity, Moving Towards our Long Term Goal

[@janicew6222]

I'm in the winter of my life. I had a very wise mother, she use to tell me when my children were little, rock them now, the house will wait and 50 years from now, no one will remember you had a clean house, but your children will come see you because of your love.

[@singing3495]

I am now in my 70’s. My children were my top priority when they were growing up, and as your mother predicted I see them often. I also truly enjoyed getting to know my children’s friends. And now my life is enriched by continued relationship with my children’s childhood friends. That is an unexpected joy!

[@Joe-ew5rt]

I found out a long time ago that no one,when on their death bed,ever said *Gee, l wish I would have spent more time cleaning my house.*. Much more important to spend time with your children. Cooking together, reading together, praying together, talking together yes and even cleaning together.

[@Ruthannzimm]

Amen!!

[@lydiaStrugas]

And I would say, if someone who is visiting me and thinks I'm untidy should either accept it or don't come to visit me anymore. 😊

[@dianedazzle241]

I always say, if you are coming to see me, come on I've. If you want to see my house, call and make an appointment! 😅

[@simplydivine5053]

I went to write exactly what you said and had to delete it as you said it all. As a nurse I’ve seen many people at the end of their lives and house cleanliness was NEVER spoken of. But relationships always. Learn this young and you will find the happiness you crave. God first, then family and everything else follows.

[@sherristeele7267]

My parents raised us much the way you're raising your kids. Everyone works together, and everyone plays together. If it's mowing, we're all out there. If it's house cleaning, everyone is cleaning. Learned my work ethic from them!

[@jodybruch829]

I read a saying many years ago that has stuck with me. “My house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy”. I believe it was on a plaque in an Amish store.

[@cheriebolender8765]

That's a quote in the back of Beverly Nye's books! I love it, cause I raised 6 kids, I now have 13 grands & 1 great grandbaby!❤😊

[@PegSueQ]

Oh I just commented this saying as well!

[@jlauridsen1005]

When your children remember their childhood, they don`t think. Why moms all ways had a clean house, No they remember the day you sat and made a gigantisk lego city all over the flat, and they remember we got out with mum and played in the snow, and we had popcorn and pancake with warm chokolat for dinner, and sat on the blanket with the fire. Let the cleaning be another day. A Child smile is more, like gold in your old age. Greating from Denmark - not allways snow, but my adwise, LIVE

[@tracybell700]

Ruthanne, I think something you said may have just set me free from the bondage and stress of feeling like a "less than" wife and mom because the house is never perfectly clean. "There is no eternal benefit to a clean house." THANK YOU!!!!

[@cindyebner5331]

20:24. “The only thing that satisfies the human heart is the Creator of the human heart.” ❤. Thank you for that comment.

[@barbvoth4704]

Oh my dear, I’m 67 now, and learned these lessons much too late. My children grew in spite of my mistakes, but their path could have much easier if I would have had a teacher such as you in my young mother days. You are giving the mothers of today a GREAT gift. Much love to you❤️

[@marymarymillidweeb2661]

I'm in the same position in life too. Some times I marvel at how my children are in spite of my shortcomings. How I wish I knew about the creator of the heart and the universe to steer my children on that path. I think I need to have a conversation with my adult children very soon.

[@kathie4883]

While your standards might not meet your mom's, she raised a wonderful and well rounded daughter. You in turn are raising a wonderful family of your own. She must be very proud of you. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

[@chantaladams7044]

I appreciate you Ruth Ann ….Wish I had had you when I was a young mother and wife. Thank you for your wise and kind words on being a mother, wife and woman. ❤

[@tanyapayzant5261]

Amen! ❤🇨🇦

[@tanyapayzant5261]

This would have been gold for me when I was raising my 3 children. You are such a blessing to us Ruth Ann!

[@sharmanemay5959]

Trust me, people see what you do for your family. Watching your videos could be silent, and we would still know there is love within your walls.

[@paulettemann500]

I have always been amazed at how clean your kitchen and entire house appear, because of the number of people that live there. “Lived in clean “

[@lcronkright]

My favorite poem when my children had a line "so quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep". Thanks for the encouragement and reminder of what's important. I'll be sharing this video with younger mothers I know. ❤

[@lisatakeitorleaveit]

I always love watching your videos because it’s another sensible woman in the world! As a mother of three adult sons 31, 28, 26. I can definitely say those days do not last forever. It is imperative that you take the time with your children when they are young and especially in the teenage years as well, you’re forming good human beings for the world, and that is such a blessing :-)

[@cindyebner5331]

👍

[@lotofhankins1]

This video has been a HUGE blessing! As a mom of 11 I was just encouraging my oldest daughter yesterday when she was feeling impatient with our 3 year old wanting to help and I told her messes can be cleaned up easier than broken hearts. Your philosophy on keeping their hearts is number 1 so you can steer them towards a relationship with Jesus Christ is the ultimate long term goal. I love love LOVE this video. Quite possibly my favorite. My 3 year old and I always look forward to watching “Mil Cow” every Saturday. (He likes your milk cows the best 😅)

[@MommaJks]

@HomesteadingWithThe Zimmermans - Ruthann, this, this, this IS your best video ever! As a mother of three adult men, this video hit home hard. I always felt I never gave my kids enough of me with all the craziness of this world. I sat here tearing up hoping I did enough for them. Yes, they are productive men but I often feel I did too much to get them to where they are, that they don't need to reach out and rely on mom for anything. I miss the crazy long days of them calling mom, mom, mom for the simplest little things. Being a grandma is a true blessing and I hope I can be an even better grandma. Much love, Ruthann.

[@vivhall6198]

Precious Ruthann! Thank you for this refreshing video. Our journeys are very similar in several ways. Although I did not get married till I was 31 years old. My husband and I were blessed with a beautiful Miracle daughter who was born at 28 weeks of gestation weighing 2 lb and 3 oz. She is 29 years old now and still lives with us. God has blessed her with an amazing mind and she was able to earn a bachelor's in social work and then a master's degree in Christian ministries. She wants to use these degrees helping people within the church. She loves the Lord with all of her heart! And we are so very proud of her. When she was about 7 years old we started fostering children, knowing that it was dangerous for us to attempt more live births. So we adopted three children out of the 11 children that we fostered over time. I truly wish that they were following the Lord now, but we still pray that they will turn their hearts toward him! It has been our philosophy and mindset for all these many years that the nurturing of the children does indeed come first, pointing them to Jesus and establishing the relationships with them that would please the Lord. Thanks for your insights and your beautiful videos. And we hope to get on a homestead in the spring if we can get together enough money for it.😊

[@jwbach5508]

Thank you so much for making these videos- we are both 73. I soo wish we could have learned these things, especially about raising children, when we had small children. Wish you lived next door! God bless you.

[@christineelsey3104]

Yes.. Ruthann would be an Awesome neighbor ❤❤❤❤

[@paularodery8074]

I wish I had known you when my children were small. I never kept a sparkling house but I didn’t get as emotionally involved with them as I should have. At 74 yrs old it makes me very sad to think back 50+ yrs ago. But my children love me and I love them but I could have done better😢.

[@kathybromley8084]

Great video

[@stephengregory7953]

[Stephen's wife, Laura] Dear RuthAnn, your content is always an encouragement and very valuable to our entire family, but today's content was a very personal blessing to me. I am a 47 year old mother with two small children, age 4 and 2. I was born-again late in life at the age of 38, just barely over 8 years ago. There are no other truly born-again believers in my daily life and certainly no godly, motherly, homemaker examples. The Lord has used you today to help shape my priorities as I navigate how to use my time to glorify God (as He is most important), and how that works out practically in being a Mother and Keeper of the home. I believe you truly have lived out Titus 2 in teaching to love my husband and children in the way I prioritize the needs of my family and home. Thank you. I greatly appreciate your content and time. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry here. I love you, Sister.

[@belindaalderson9341]

Adopting does take time to bond and the children healing and trusting . Took my son a few years to trust he was with us forever. Worth it .

[@marilynrobertson6265]

God is so good.❤ in two days I turned 61 and for the first time in my adult life my children are throwing me a birthday party. My oldest is 42. My child is 40 and my baby child is 38. It is the most joyful feeling to know that they love me enough to take the time, to cook and prepare and pay for a birthday party. I feel God‘s love so much when my children pour back into me my needs emotionally because that has not always been the case as I have been the filler of the vessel so to speak. ruthann, you are amazing speaker. You have a way of putting things in simple terms, but in ways that mothers have never in my life told me so I appreciate you their father left when they were babies four, two, and nine months. And now I have six grandbabies that go from 18 to 7 and I am pouring my self into them. I called them my loves ❤❤❤❤. Thank you for this video. I know many women will enjoy the way you have structured the thought patterns of many women along the way. God bless you and your family and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.😊❤❤ as well as all of your community that watches you are videos

[@sinlow2]

First time EVER adding comments to KZbin, that said, I have watched you for a few months, and I love what you are doing. You calm my mind in a turbulent world. Keep going. I am a 74 yr old woman(so I have lived through the bra burning glass ceiling woman's movement) And I love that you are bringing us back to traditional family values. Again, I will say, Keep Going! God is Good.

[@betsyfallon867]

Please tell me that my husband and I (empty nesters now) ages 53 and 50 aren't nuts for buying 35 acres and building our homestead! This is the life we've always wanted ❤❤❤ thank you for all your knowledge ❤

[@Ruthannzimm]

You can do it! That’s so exciting

[@rachelchavez437]

Good for you guys!!! Follow those dreams!

[@susandavey3312]

Moving onto property helps maintain 1. Privacy and 2. Safety of your home and family. Country people can be clannish and get jealous if they believe you have more $ than they do, so it's probably best to find and attend a good church, and not wear a lot of jewelery until folks get to know, trust and accept you. You can do this. Its not easy, but you can do it! I grew up in a small farm town, it can be rewarding.

[@AmyThomas74]

Good for you! Wishing you the best!

[@Steel-Rails-Ranch]

You aren't nuts! At 70 and 65, my husband and I bought raw land, built a cabin I designed with the help of our 2 daughters and their husbands, haul our water, (no well yet), and have a small solar set-up. In winter, we plow 2 miles of road to get to the main highway. Going back to a simpler way of life, away from the rat race, is the best thing we ever did.

[@sharonhendricks9706]

You really are an amazing woman and I’m so glad that I’m able to sit and watch, as well as listen, to you. I enjoyed the pictures you shared, but your words are invaluable. When I was a young mother I reacted to life’s stressors like I had been taught by example…too often yelling and screaming out of frustration, mostly….until God showed me what it looked like to live under my parental leadership. Then I learned how to be intentional about changing all that. Still, it took years. But what I am hearing you say is what I have learned over my 80 years of life, and that is that there has to be a balance among the “important” aspects of our daily lives. With that 8-year old, you are more able to “put them off” momentarily, for not only your convenience but for their learning of patience and waiting as opposed to me get what me wants when me wants it. That is important also. But then as quickly as is possible, devoting that time and taking opportunities to talk, listen, using work or chores together to provide reasonable and comfortable venues to help them resolve whatever is at the core of their need. I love how you prioritize their need for the Savior. Like I said, you are an amazing woman and your children will rise up and call you blessed, and your husband also.

[@angelsserenade1]

I wish your wisdom was available for all mothers! It's vitally important in today's world where parenting skills are limited. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and faith! ❤

[@riverduck3]

It would be great if we all had Ruth Ann's wisdom, but not all of us grew up with emotionally healthy parents.

[@DonnaYeldell]

Wow, I am 62 years old and I have yet to reach your level of emotional intelligence! What a blessing this information is to me and I know it will bless so many others. God bless you, Ruth Ann!

[@grandmabear9069]

How I wish someone would have told me this 45 years ago. I pray the younger generations take this message to heart. God Bless.

[@pennee365]

Me too.

[@melissawaskey1549]

I am in a time of my life where both my parents are recovery and getting strong. My Mom had an infection that had her in the hospital. My Dad fell and broke his hip on Easter weekend. Both within a month. My life is making sure the both have what the need to get healthy and strong. Both have had some sadness and depression. My job is getting the better. Eating well, having things to keep them active. Walking, rehabbing etc. Keeping the house perfect isn't my top goal. The house is messy in spots. That's fine. I've learned that I have to focus an other things. I will get it done, when I get it done. I give myself permission to let things go. My parents eating well, getting stronger, feeling good and being okay is my most important thing everyday.

[@BonitaRichmond-lg9lq]

I'm 69, single, a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 4, and although I don't know you, watching all your videos makes me feel like I know you, as well as wishing you were my best friend. I learn so much from you, Ruthann, and I believe you are the most stable person I've ever known (or rather, ever observed by your words and actions on your videos). This makes me wish, every single time you make a profound video, like this one, that I could start over, from childhood, and live in a family like yours, as well as raise my children with all the values that you hold valuable. This makes it sound like my life wasn't stable at all, and that is not the case. On the outside, I'm sure most people thought my life was pretty great, but after 3 years old (I lived with my grandparents from birth to 3), my emotional needs were never met in the way I needed, and that's probably because I am just a very emotional person. But their home was always my "safe place", and I brought my two children to my grandparents home for the weekend, as often as we could during their childhood, because I wanted them to experience that life...and, well....I wanted more of it, too. I was a single mother by the time my children were 5 1/2 and 2 1/2, and my grandparents home was where stability and love lived. I found Jesus Christ when my children were almost 12 and 9, and they followed soon after, and we're all still believers. My life is still not what I wish it was, as I want someone to share life with, but...being on my own, I have learned to do almost everything, and I feel good about that. But anyway, you asked us to let you know how we felt about this morning's video, and I love and agree with everything you said. Your videos truly expand my knowledge and my thoughts about life, in general, and your video every Saturday morning, are what I look forward to watching, because I always know it's going to be profound. Thank you for what you do!

[@riverduck3]

Ruth Ann is truly a blessing!

[@tonyapatrick4451]

Thank you Ruthann for putting into words what I have felt all of my adult life. Growing up my mom was a wonderful mother, but housekeeping was number 1. So when I left home at 18 and started keeping my own place I tried to keep everything just so. Later when I married and was working full time I felt such guilt because I couldn’t keep everything just perfect. When we began having children I had to just stop worrying about my home being perfect. I began to prioritize the hearts of my children. All of that to say thank you for putting that into words.

[@mellenk.4771]

Thank you for providing such a thoughtful and meaningful discussion!! THIS - emotional needs of our families NOT being met is why our society is in such ruins!!! GOD Bless you and your Family!!!

[@Ruthannzimm]

Agree

[@wendyrobert9253]

Thank you for this. I have disabled man son in wheelchair and many times I feel bad about the house appearance. He is a full time job. I’m just getting back into creating my own dish soap, solid lotion bars, antifungal cream, tinctures. I appreciate your true feelings.

[@darlenelapointe4852]

Spot on this morning. I remember stopping everything to comfort my daughter, now 28 years old. Good reminder to do with a little girl that I'm raising. I often find myself more frustrated because she "needs" me when I'm engrossed in what I'm doing. I'm hoping this week I'll catch myself and spend the time with her that she longs for. She lost her mommy when she was only 4, now she's about to be 7. Thanks for the reminder to be present for our little people.

[@katiebradford9751]

As a mom of four boys from the ages of 33-21, I cannot cheer for your words of advice to all the listeners loud enough. You are spot on. There is a season for everything and the priority scale and intensity is always changing but the one constant is that you are raising eternal beings that need to know and love the Lord. Looking back I wish I would have keep my house less perfect and played a little more, smelled the roses so to speak. They all grew up wonderfully but the time I spent on the keeping a perfect house I would give up in a heartbeat to sit with those sweet young boys again. I hope this lands on the hearts of many young mothers who have in their hands the most precious gift the Lord can bestow on them, their young children. Like a vapor it will disappear and it needs to be cherished. May the Lord continue to keep and care for your family

[@gailkrings2029]

you are one smart gal! I wish I would have been able to hear you talk when I was younger! You keep doing what you are doing! the world needs more Ruthann Zimmerman’s!

[@tammyf8921]

Your priority for your children/family is evident in every video in how you interact with them, in how they respond to you, and in how they interact with each other. ❤

[@Rjmaaske]

Listening to this as I get ready for church and “Nutritional needs have no eternal value. The souls of my children do” brought tears to my eyes. Amen. What a beautiful reminder.

[@JayneLarson-u2d]

Your priorities are amazing! I’m so glad to hear you addressing the fact that we as women must give ourselves permission to not feel guilt over not meeting “standards “ and instead prioritizing what really matters. By knowing you are enough even when lists don’t get checked off, allows your children to know they are enough no matter what. God loves us where we are at and continues to work in us and through us. We do not have to be the perfect person to deserve His grace.

[@KRISkeuler]

Absolutely agree with everything RuthAnn said❤❤❤ great video 😍TFS your thoughts ❤❤❤

[@GeorgiasGarden]

When my children were home, I would be asked if I had a favorite child. I use to say, “Yes”. With faces of disbelief, I would then say, “Which ever child needs me the most at that moment”. Not that they didn’t get my attention with cuddling and love. There are just times when you know the needs of a particular child needs you more at that particular moment. My house always seemed to be messy. Not dirty, just messy. I also wish as a new mom, someone would have told me this time will pass. The Days are long but the years are short.

[@calvaryhomestead]

I love this video! I've been married for 13 years now. I got married at 21 and I had no one to teach me these things. Yes I watched my grandmother and learnt from her but to actually be taught this as a newly wed or young mother is priceless. I know this video will help so many young wives. My sister is 18, my husband and I grew her up from the age of 4 and I watch your videos with her so that she can learn from you as well. You are an amazing example of a Godly wife ❤

[@mairzydotes3548]

Wow, I can’t think of a better use of social media. Best to you and your family.

[@silver_threads]

Oh I have to comment again...sorry. My earlier comment was before I had watched the entire video. Amen and amen! I've thought to myself, "If only I could go back and talk to my younger self about how quickly those years would fly by!" They have definitely done that! Now my house is so quiet...and I have so much control of my day-to-day activities. Gone are the days of homeschooling and trying to manage the craziness of four children under the age of 7. One of the most important reasons for me to keep my house tidy and organized now is to be available...when those unexpected needs arise...to be of assistance and support for these now all grown up children and those precious grandchildren. And I can on occasion step in to help them in their times of emotional need. Such a blessing! I completely agree with your priorities...but my mom would not approve of my level of what is "good enough". Blessings again...Marie

[@Ruthannzimm]

😍😍

[@mpbenva]

My Saturday needed this calming, reaffirming lesson. It reminds me that sometimes God speaks to us thru other Godly people. Thank you for this reminder. My tendency is to be a Martha when I need to add balance of being more like a Mary. Knowing I need that balance has made me a masterful multitasking as has my career as a nurse and clinical leader. However, I've had to learn when to slow down and be...

[@francesmcgrath6926]

Thank you, RuthAnn, for your Christ-like example.❤

[@BWell247]

I regret not investing in the emotional needs of my daughter through her teen years and I too would have benefited from counsel from my older self. Now, I focus on what I can do going forward and am slowly mending that relationship. That said, I have learned so much from watching you, like doing the little things in the kitchen in the middle of food prep. I no longer stand and watch my dough in the mixer, I set a timer for 3 minutes and clean in spurts!!! Thank you!

[@janiemorris1593]

I know that this wasn’t a preaching video, but the way you talked about prioritizing God and emotions in your family was such a blessing for me and I thank you for that. I needed this video today.

[@iwannabe18already]

Thank you so much mrs.zimmerman for all you do. You talk so well and you are very wise. I come from a broken home and this video was so needed and emotionally uplifting. I am a new stay at home mother and hoping to do an amazing job at the three needs you mentioned. Thank you so much for being a role model of mine. 29 years old, from va

[@StephanieMcCamon]

I agree with you. When my kids were young, my husband was a little cranky when the house was not as clean as he wanted. I told him, "sometimes I only have time to be a mommy". 😊❤

[@rosshunter1645]

From a 30 year missionary ( in the Andes mountains Ecuador) mom of 3 , with 6 grandchildren : God has used you to encourage me! We homeschooled all the way through (clearly led by God!) mostly away from other North American/English speakers, in a time when this was not done. Long complicated stories, that contributed to many challenges. My lifeling values for my family were/are the same as yours. I am seeing them coming to fruition. Watching your videos is calming, encouraging, grounding, and fun because I learn knew things; and I see so much that I have learned/know/ applied as I look back. That is so reassuring, as I keep learning new things, (recently how to help God help heal people with trauma and loss), and reminds me to keep going the same way: Eyes on Jesus (Hb 12) I thank God I found your site just a few months ago. Thank you for loving and serving Him - nearby and "to the ends of the earth" via KZbin! ❤

[@DavidSmith-bw3bk]

Your wisdom is beyond your years; I'm hoping that many young mothers find this video. I am 75 a mother of 5 and grandmother to many. My children have done a very good job of balancing their lives with children and work. Gratefully, they all seem to have emotionally stable children.

[@maryturner3534]

RuthAnn I have always known your priority is your families emotions. It has been a joy watching you teach others how to juggle all the aspects of motherhood.

[@joannenalewyko9091]

This was a spot on video! I love how you explained how you felt/ feel raising your children! I hope I did enough for my girls. They both are wonderful parents and have raised good children. I have contact everyday with my children and grandchildren! Thank you Ruth Ann for always sharing God’s love! Blessings to you and your family! 💕

[@sheilaw.7210]

I always said to any friend who would drop by when my children were small that if seeing the sink full of dishes, don’t moan at me just do the dishes and help me. I would help out when I visited them so it worked both ways. I found sharing tasks built a good base to add to later in life. Thank you for your videos, so much common sense, which is sadly lacking nowadays.

[@carolmalko615]

Such good advice for young mothers raising their children today. as a mom of 6 and grandmother of 13, I totally agree with you. My house was such a mess but I had happy, well adjusted kids (and a happy husband!) who thrived in life. Don't forget the emotional needs of your spouse as you're fussing over a baby. Husbands are sometimes like an extra kid in the house, lol.

[@cdavid2486]

100%!!! thank you for sharing this information. So valuable especially to young families.

[@guardianandgracefarm3528]

You are such a wise and wonderful woman.

[@cathybackus5159]

Im mother of three, and two of them are autistic, my mother in-law in ridicule me on the way I kept my house my house. I was the dirtiest one of the family my dishes were done my floors may not have been swept my beds may not have been made but my children were happy. And we are still close to this day. My children are now 42,39 and 37 and they don't remember the way our house was kept it was presentable. But they do remember going to the park and going to the zoo and going to the lake those are memories that they will always have.

[@karencross1964]

Thank you for a wonderful, thoughtful, and encouraging message. ❤

[@laurettaross8415]

Thank you so much. I paused the video so I could run and tell my husband how much I agreed with you concerning our families priorities. I’ve always tried to address their mental health first. Everything else seems to fall into place with a little help from me, Mom. ❤️

[@Ruthannzimm]

💯💯

[@FoundThingsandFamilyLegacies]

Thank you. Our only "child" is now 23 years old. While I can see where there were many things I did well - I can see in retrospect, where I could have been better in other areas. Your "Keep It Simple Sweetie" is so good! We had our son later in life - I was 37 and my husband 41 years (and married 14 years) before God blessed us with him. Eternal value, nutrition needs and housekeeping. I used (still do) God 1st, Family 2nd, Career 3rd. You would have been a great resource when he was growing up for both of us - I worked for myself at that time and my husband was in law enforcement and his schedule was highly unpredictable (retiring after 35 years).

[@lynnoconnell6062]

I cannot express the joy I receive viewing-sharing - your videos... The Lord has blessed you with great wisdom... I have two wonderful adult children I dearly love.. never a problem with the law or addictions, etc. But they do not know our Lord.. So I pray.. Not spilling my life here.. Just thanking you for sharing your love for God, His Son.. Praying also for you, your family, your continued witness to His saving grace..

[@maryevelynlee7465]

As a new mother and someone who lives too far away to attend any of your speaking engagements, THANK YOU for this video. This was such an encouragement, especially after the cranky day we had yesterday. I would love and cherish more content like this, if that is what God is putting on your heart

[@kiriaioulia]

Oh Ruth Ann!!!! Thank you so much! I've been struggling to help a young man who recently came to our church. His emotional needs have never been met, and this young man is STRUGGLING!!!!!! He feels so unworthy for any kindness...we are slowly making progress with him, and his is receptive to learning, but I was struggling with how to convey his worth to him!!!! Your talk to us today, THIS is what I needed to hear so that I can convey this message to him. Glory to God! He sent this message to me through YOU! Thank you so very much!!! Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Much love and prayers from Des Moines!

[@hornshodgepodge8152]

Thank you SO MUCH for your faith, your values and your commitment to your family! You’re such an inspiration and I wish we lived closer as I’m absolutely sure you’re also committed to your friendships. In my eyes and heart we’re “friends from a distance”. May God bless you and your family beyond measure . 🙏🤗💜

[@sharonhuelsman]

Thank you for this encouragement Ruthanne! I am a mother and grandmother, with multi generations living under our roof. You are absolutely right about emotional needs being first. We are a messy (in ALL ways) family but we are a close family and I appreciate you validating that for me! 😊

[@user-cu9bn8oc5v]

I’m a new mom, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the best way to spend my time each day, trying to figure out what is a priority and what isn’t, and what “systems” I should put in place. Your outlook is so simple and yet profound. I will need to watch this video again and again and again! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@vickywray7285]

Wonderful message! So many parents today think filling their children with worldly ‘things’ is the most important thing they need to do so that they keep up with others and it is not. If more children had their emotional needs met it would help them to grow up to be well rounded adults. We all can use more love in our lives and less ‘things’.

[@cherylkygirl7181]

I agree with how you have prioritized your family's emotional needs along with their nutritional needs. You are truly an inspiration.

[@katiengland1529]

My children are now adults. However, I wish I would have been given this blueprint when I was a young mother. I have shared this with my daughter in law. Blessings!

[@ccook764]

Ruthann, how I thank you for the beautiful way you share your heart and your focus, putting the Lord first in your life and in the lives of your children. God is using you in powerful ways for him. Thank you also for the freedom you give to young moms to focus on their children not all the other focuses they are pressured into! Hugs from afar my friend!!

[@karenhoch7533]

Once again a reminder to keep our faith the main priority in our lives and how doing so affects those around us. A message I needed to hear again to keep my life balanced. You are a true witness to the Lord! Peace and Blessings to you and your family!

[@neldakyzar1495]

Ruth I love this video extra special because you are describing the priorities of your family. Your heart ALWAYS comes thru every post. I love your gentleness with raising your children. I am always thrilled to see when you have a new post. You are an inspiration me. I am so amazed at your kindness and structure in raising your sweet family. God bless you all!🙏🏻💜

[@pamelajones4412]

Deposits into the emotional health of the family i love that ❤

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

I agree 100% with putting the emotional needs of a child first in the younger years. I am witnessing my hard work in abundance. My shy uncertain insecure little Angel is now a strong confident independent women saving lives and helping those who can’t help themselves. Giving more early and making those small sacrifices will pay off if your patient.

[@karenw9996]

My folks have been gone for several years now, but I can tell you that staff at medical facilities were astounded that all of us kids & grandkids spent so much time with them...and it was because, as we were growing up they gave their time and attention to us. I miss them still, but I bear that grief happily, because I truly believe that how much you miss someone is directly related to how much you were loved by them, and I was loved a LOT!

[@marywinters2436]

Love this video, I’m single an older but putting priority on what’s important allows me to focus on what God is leading me to do. My home is clean but not perfect. Ready for company if needed. Still allowing me to serve to the needs of others and the Church. Family is very important, especially when they need you❤❤❤

[@debbiekrueger5576]

I’m a product of not having emotional needs met. My in laws couldn’t understand that I put my son’s emotional needs above material things & housekeeping..now he’s grown & getting married tomorrow! We won’t have grand children so I wish now that those toddler years were slower..shalom!

[@Willow53663]

I have watched this video as many of yours and always enjoy fully . I am amazed at how much you accomplish in what seems like a 15 hour day more than most work. Your home is beautiful your children are happy and knowledgeable more than most in todays world. I love how you prioritize everything that can touch anyone . Running a farm and pulling in large amounts of food while teaching children and putting out videos is amazing.

[@Artiekarns]

About 20 yrs. or so ago I attended a weekly ladies Bible study. We recognized birthdays and anniversaries. One Tuesday a young woman was celebrating her first anniversary and so the leader asked those who had been married for several years to offer one piece of advice that helped them in their marriage. Well, there was some pretty inspiring advice. My turn came (married 40+ yrs.) and I said "This too shall pass." There was an audible gasp 😳. But to this day it is my best piece of advice. No matter what is happening it won't last. Times are hard, they'll get better. Times are great, enjoy them, things will change. Your babies grow up faster than you can begin to imagine. When you want to wring your husband's neck, restrain yourself. Next week he'll be the most thoughtful person you've ever known. I was a La Leche leader about 48 years ago before they went off the "deep end". I would tell moms to put their children FIRST. If they needed to be held, then do it. Kraft Mac&cheese with a can of tuna thrown in was perfectly acceptable. Make a list of things bugging you ie. floors need mopping etc. Stick it in a drawer and let it go. Making a list relieves some of the pressure after all, you've made a start. And the best thing a dad can do for his children is love the Lord and love their mother.

[@patricialeonardi6260]

I agree. You are a wise woman and your children and husband are very blessed.

[@Patticombs]

This may go down as one of my absolute favorite videos of all time. So wish I had someone with so much wisdom as an inspiration when I was raising my sons. Love your heart for raising amazing young people with hearts for God.

[@jessiebrown8162]

Thank you for this video! It was very timely for me. Thank you for the wisdom and clarity in how you structure your thinking and energy throughout your daily life. I feel more freedom to focus on the emotional needs of my family without feeling guilty that some other things may slip through the cracks. Influencing my children (and others) to know Jesus, love Him, and follow Him with all their hearts is what Jesus has purposed for me to do. That is the desire of my heart. That’s what I want my children to remember of me…that I love Jesus, their Dad, and them with all my heart. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in this platform to encourage others!

[@martinwheeler5088]

Congradulations!!!!Congratulations!!!!! Your goals are as the LORD wants them to be. I liked your comment concerning "keeping up with the Jones's". The way I like to counter this suggestion is "We ARE the Jones's". The LORD bless you and give you His peace. Good job mom! ❤😊

[@CathyKernen]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ how i wish i were more mature thinking as a young mother in the sense that I didn't consider everyone's opinion instead of thinking of my own family's needs in our own way

[@SuAnne-lc5rw]

I love watching your videos, thank you so very much for sharing. You have inspired me to make my life easier, although I’m 70 years old now I still have my husband to do for, and our grand daughter lives with us and her two children, Ray is 7 and in 2nd grade and Isabela is 5 and in kindergarten. I have been so proud of them and I’m sure grateful for this opportunity and spend time with them and together as a family… our youngest daughter and her fiancée live on our property in our travel trailer and they do many things for us too. They do grocery shopping and they help with the cooking and cleaning for us. We are so happy with our situation right now. I really appreciate your videos, I will keep watching! Have a great weekend. ❤

[@phyllisgovia4253]

I can understand the challenge of adopting children. We adopted two boys that had severe emotional needs. We lost their father to cancer when they where 8 and 9 years old. I raised them in church and I know that’s the only reason we got through. They are now 27 and 28 and Im Happy to see them and know they have reflected on how they where raised and are very grateful. God bless you for adopting those boys. They are as special to you as your own children and loving them is a choice which is the ultimate act of selflessness!

[@riverduck3]

♥

[@jamieyoung9429]

Ruth Ann, I wish I could have heard this advice and wisdom years ago. I ask God for forgiveness in not running my household with the same wisdom you have used. I pray that he’ll give me wisdom for my role as Mom to adult children.

[@bethford2334]

I totally agree with your priority list and it takes me back to when I had my children at home with us. My children's needs always came first! I will always remember my dad, who was helping with some repair job I needed help with, watching me move around and work with my children saying, "Well, you may have dishes in the sink, but you are one great Mom for your children." That is probably the biggest compliment ever given to me. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

[@Ruthannzimm]

That’s a beautiful compliment!!!

[@lindahostetler4572]

So very many mothers & women in general,need to hear this. Thank you.

[@AZJH8374]

Every video you post is full of your priority to your family. You walk with Christ and that brings me joy ❤❤❤

[@mce6328]

myself had 3 toddlers at once in early 90s, before these carrying ur baby items were even in stores. they were stair steps 2 were born 10 months apart, n housekeeping was low on my list, my hands were full with caring for them, keeping them clean, and safe, n each 1 had different personalities, 2 needed held alot,1 was more independent, n none of them slept at same time or length of time. only once did a family member ever make a comment bout the cleanliness of my home, so i told them u keep them for 1 day, n then u tell me how much cleaning u got done. never heard another complaint! children must be #1 if u want them to be their best all the time!!!❤❤❤

[@susandavey3312]

Thank you, Rugh Ann, for encouraging us all to live our best lives. It is easy to allow life to spiral out of control and completely forget that God is always in control. Teaching tidiness and orderliness by example is very godly. Thank you for helping me set my feet back on the right path!

[@SueMilnes]

I personally think you're amazing! I don't know how you manage as much as you do every day. With barn animals you're talking 7 days a week - no sleep-ins ever. The fact that you can readjust your mind to accept what those little ones do in your house and kitchen puts you in Saint status as far as I'm concerned. You're incredible. Your family is VERY fortunate.

[@edithdoyle9795]

I wish I had as much energy you possess with every thing you do , physically, emotionally. I love your family values.😊

[@bethanynelson3959]

Such beautiful, sound advice. The days are long, but the years are short. Every mother needs to see this video. Keep your priorities straight.

[@diannemiller4754]

Ruthann, it me as a young mother to learn to let my four children do dishes and put them away as best as they could. Doing laundry was the same way. 😮 As a grandmother of 14 my job is to love, be there, and prayers for each one❤ thank you for sharing this video.

[@joyces.9021]

Wow..depositing into the emotional needs of kids..so true. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was at home raising our four kids age newborn to age 5, two of whom were on the spectrum, one who also had spinal bifida. Those were intense years, but priceless. I told myself the dust would wait. It did.

[@riverduck3]

The challenges of parenting a child with spinal bifida must have been very difficult much of the time. God bless you for your patience and love ♥

[@mslee3524]

WOW! I haven't followed you very long, but I'm continually blessed by your videos. Your wisdom and clarity of vision are AMAZING! The Lord gave you clear and beautiful ETERNAL values and steps to accomplish those goals! I regret that I was not in the same place with my own family, and pray that the Lord will redeem those failures. I also pray that young women will be drawn to your videos and molded by the wisdom you humbly offer, realizing as you have, that the need and answer to the human heart is the Creator! I pray you have much eternal fruit from the good, good seeds you are scattering! Blessings ❤

[@woodyswartze5620]

RuthAnn, From another Iowan, well done! your order of spiritual, emotional, physical needs is the answer many people are looking for -- especially when you focus on the one true God and Jesus Christ. Amen Sister

[@kimberlyadams6613]

I love waking up on Saturday mornings to watch your videos. This is how I choose to start my weekend! Your practical advice and total love of your family is priceless. I don’t live on a homestead but I love learning about yours. God Bless you and your beautiful family ❤

[@katie7748]

Same here! My husband is an OTR trucker and last night, during our nightly phone calls, I had mentioned how excited I was that I'd be waking up to watch RuthAnn 😊

[@kimberlyadams6613]

@ - how sweet!! I bet that job is hard! Let him know I will pray for his safety on the road!

[@pbdewit]

Dear Ruth Ann, thank you so much for this! We have made the journey from spotless homes, man-made doctrines and traditions to finding Biblical truths and the heart of God. We are not quite done raising eight children (7 are boys), but started market gardening 14 years ago. My house was least priority and it was a treat if our bed got made. The guilt was real and i felt i was failing miserably, but looking back I'm so thankful for how God led us all the way. Our youngest is 9 now and so i have more opportunities for homemaking, but the relationships we have with our children surpass all the gold in this world. God is good. Im grateful to have found your channel, just a few months ago, and to hear your pearls of wisdom as i continue on this journey. Thank you Ruth Ann! This was so encouraging to listen to!

[@DebbieB-zy8zp]

Amen!!

[@denisesalemink5186]

You are a very wise woman. God has made you a great witness for what should be the way children are raised and love! May God continue to make you a good example for those seeking it.

[@peggyschram917]

You have your priorities straight. I regret that housekeeping was so important to me when my children were growing up, thank God that they have all grown up to be wonderful adults.❤

[@robertamead3687]

Your wisdom for younger mothers is spot on 😊

[@franimwalle2364]

I love learning from you. You are a wonderful woman. Our Lord bless you.