You’re Not Late: Trusting God’s Timing in an Unhurried Life - Ruth Chou Simons - Season 12 Episode 5

Do you ever worry that you’re behind—that everyone else is further along, more successful, more settled, or more certain than you are? In this heartfelt episode of the Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, Candace and guest co-host Ruth Chou Simons explore what it means to live unhurried, especially during the Christmas season when expectations, comparison, and consumerism often steal our peace. Ruth shares candid stories about life with six boys, running a small retail business during the holidays, and intentionally choosing rhythms that protect her family from hurry. Candace reflects on her own refining season when she stepped back from acting, learning the hard way that she could be physically present yet mentally far away. Together, Candace and Ruth unpack: - The difference between expectations and holy expectancy - How anxious thoughts often trace back to our core beliefs - Why hurry is a cultural value—yet spiritually draining - The sacrifice required to pursue an unhurried life Listener Q&A - Nikolina asks how to discern God’s direction when she has many passions but keeps becoming discouraged. - Charity shares her lifelong battle with task lists, goals, and the mental exhaustion that follows—seeking wisdom through a spiritual warfare lens. 1:45 – Welcome; Candace introduces Ruth and the theme of unhurried living 3:05 – Artist identity, personal style, and creativity as a way of life 5:00 – Christmas prep with six boys & a retail family business 7:20 – Consumerism + anxiety: why Christmas pressures overwhelm us 9:40 – Expectations vs expectancy; tracing anxious thoughts 13:00 – Choosing a slower family pace and protecting daily rhythms 16:10 – Advent without pressure: weaving truth into what already exists 18:30 – Family conflict, conversations, and creating a culture of honesty 21:00 – The sacrifice required to truly live unhurried 24:00 – Ambition, maturity, and the danger of outgrowing your character 26:10 – Ruth’s hidden season: nap-time painting → birth of GraceLaced 29:40 – Candace’s reflections on being present vs mentally preoccupied 32:45 – Social media’s disruption of slow living & real presence 34:30 – Wildflower seasons: crocuses, dahlias, and God’s perfect timing 37:20 – “Did I miss my chance?”—addressing the fear of being behind 40:00 – Listener question: Nikolina on passions, discouragement, direction 42:00 – Listener question: Charity on list-making, overwhelm, spiritual warfare 43:30 – Advent resources, Ruth’s books, Together Community - Download the FREE Advent Guide at Candace.com - Get Ruth’s books Emmanuel and The Way of the Wildflower - Join the Together Community at Candace.com/together - Subscribe on YouTube + Apple Podcasts and share this episode #candacecameronbure #candacecameron #candace #candacecameronburepodcast #ruthchousimons #wayofthewildflower #unhurried #anxiety #faith #christianpodcast #purpose #calling #waitingonGod #christmas #advent #motherhood #family #spiritualgrowth #slowliving #christianwomen #biblestudy #gracelaced #peace #rest #presence #scripture #holyspirit #jesus #trust #wisdom #seasons #timing #patience #hope #encouragement #mentalhealth #stress #worry #joy #calm #healing #renewal #mindset #truth #identity #purposeful #discipleship #faithjourney #christianlife #womenintheword #godstime #godswill #godspurpose #biblicalwisdom #christianencouragement #anxietysupport #holidayseason #slowdown #beintentional #familyfaith #faithmoms #womenoffaith #prayerlife #devotional #scripturestudy Connect with Candace and Ruth Candace on Instagram @candacecbure Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram: @ruthchousimons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons SPONSORS -IFCJ ifcj.org -Angel Studios David angel.com/candaceb -Qava QAVA.tv/Candace -Cozy Earth cozyearth.com/candace , Use Code CANDACE for 40% off -Grand Canyon University: https://www.gcu.edu/ Each season of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast features one guest for a deep exploration of a single theme, encouraging viewers to grow in their experiences of faith, family and purposeful living. --- Best known as ‘D.J Tanner’ in the hit television series “Full House” and Netflix’s “Fuller House,” and as the actor and director who takes over your television around Christmas time.  Candace is also a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and CEO of CandyRock Entertainment. Candace has been interviewed many times over her decades on television, and in her podcast she hosts deep conversations with experts. Keep up with Candace: Candace's Website: https://candacecbure.com/ The Podcast Website: https://ccbpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candacecbure/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candacecameron   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candacecameronb   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/candacecbure/