Hope With Ruth Podcast

This is the final episode of Season 2 which has been exploring questions and answers we have during painful times. It's a slightly longer episode as I include an update regarding future podcast episodes. Do take a listen and thanks for following along as I have thought through some challenging questions this season.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year if you're listening to this in December 2022! Remember to: Go to ruthclemence.com to subscribe to stay updated with all of the exciting news going forward! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

'Suffering can be very isolating. We can begin to feel alone in this walk, even though we may be surrounded by friends and family. Or maybe we don't have anyone around us at all. It’s those times when we are by ourselves, alone with our thoughts, worries and fears that fill our minds that we may ask searching questions. Does anybody care? Can anyone understand the depths of my pain and anguish? We may seek God and ask 'Are you there? Are you even listening? Are you even real?  These soul-searching questions come from the deepest part of who we are and they are extremely relational. We were created to be in relationship with our Creator...' LISTEN FOR MORE! Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content from me :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

You're listening to Episode 5 of Season 2 where I have been exploring some of the questions we may ask or face during Painful times of suffering. Today’s episode asks 'How Long Will This Suffering Last?' The word that I will be reflecting on is perseverance and there will be some sobering thoughts to consider... Go to ruthclemence.com for more from me and to follow all of my social media channels if you're on them :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

Today's episode asks the question: How does this suffering fit with the rest of my life? The underlying theme of that question as we try to make sense of suffering is perspective. What is our perspective as we suffer? How do we view our suffering ? What is our worldview? How can we make sense of what we are going through in the context of the rest of our life?  Go to ruthclemence.com for more from me and to follow all of my social media channels if you're on them :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

In today’s episode, I am exploring the question ‘what will calm my fear and worry?’ Getting behind the heart of that, I have chosen the word ‘peace’, because with all of the fear, worry and anxiety that can accompany suffering, we can long for peace in our lives again and for our hearts to be still amidst the turbulent storms we encounter in suffering.  Go to ruthclemence.com for more from me and to follow all of my social media channels if you're on them :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the second episode thinking through the theme of 'Q&A in Painful Times' for Season 2. The question today is 'How will I get through this?' and the heart behind this question and the answer lies in the idea of 'Provision'. Have a listen as I share some more of my own story of suffering where I thought through this question quite a bit.  Here is the link to Elisabeth Elliot's website mentioned in today's episode. Her video series/talks on 'Suffering is Not For Nothing' was very helpful and well worth a watch, and you can also purchase her book 'Suffering is Never for Nothing'.  A new podcast episode will be released every Wednesday, except for when there is a break between seasons. Go to ruthclemence.com for more from me and to follow all of my social media channels if you're on them :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the second season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the first episode of this seven-part series exploring the theme 'Q & A in painful times' . Today, I explore the following: 'Purpose: Why is this happening?'  A new podcast episode will be released every Wednesday, except for when there is a break between seasons. Go to ruthclemence.com for more from me and to follow all of my social media channels if you're on them :) Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the final episode of this seven-part series exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?' Today, I explore 'Hope for Happiness', because who wants to be sad, really? But perhaps happiness is not something that we need to seek for ourselves, but rather true happiness is being sought out by the One from whom all blessings flow! I hope you enjoy this final episode and have enjoyed the first season.  See you for Season 2 which will be available in early November. Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the sixth in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?' Today, I explore 'Hope for the Future', as I'm sure I'm not the only one who has wondered what the future holds! But perhaps that's not the right aspect to focus upon... so tune in to find out a better way! Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! David Wilerson's devotional 'We Are Too Earthbound'  Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the fifth in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?' Today, I explore 'Hope for a Better World', and with everything that is going on at the moment, we're probably all wanting to see some changes! Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the fourth in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?' Today, I explore 'Hope for Healing', which I hope will be of some comfort, as it is a topic I am sure resonates with many.  Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the third in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?' Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the second in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?'  Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence  Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

This is the first season of the Hope With Ruth Podcast and the first in a series of seven episodes exploring the theme 'What are you hoping for?'  Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content! Written and presented by: Ruth Clemence Producer: Joel Clemence  Intro music: Zakhar Valaha - motivational-anthem-9709 Outro music: Oleksandr Savochka - we-confidently-go-to-victory-12006

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/19/unemployment-a-short-devotional-7/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/18/unemployment-a-short-devotional-6/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/17/unemployment-a-short-devotional-5/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/16/unemployment-a-short-devotional-4/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/15/unemployment-a-short-devotional-3/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/14/unemployment-a-short-devotional-2/

'I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/11/13/unemployment-a-short-devotional-1/

'C.S. Lewis said ‘We read to know we are not alone’ and I have found comfort in Christians that have lived before me from the earliest centuries until now. Each individual has lived through a different time, yet reading about their lives reminds me that the issues that I see in the world today are not that different from then. The human heart across generations still has a problem with sin, evil is evident even if it is not called evil, but despite that there is hope to be found.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2018/12/03/unshakeable-hope-in-turbulent-times/

'Have you ever had one of those moments in life that could have been lifted from a movie? A couple of days ago I was feeling incredibly low – the worst I had felt in a while – and went for a walk. It had been a pretty grey day but had stayed mostly dry. As I got to the end of my road the heavens opened and it poured with rain. Depression and rain. The weather could have been my tears. Just like a scene from a film where the character’s day goes from bad to worse.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/01/27/5-glimpses-of-hope-in-despair/

'The topic that has been on my heart and mind recently is milestones. The majority of infants tend to reach developmental milestones by a certain age such as rolling over, sitting up by themselves, crawling, standing, walking etc. My not-so-little one has been delayed in all of his and hasn’t quite reached others that he should have by now. And that’s OK. It can be hard to say that it’s OK when I know a lot of his peers and many who are younger than him who are reaching them on time or early. And that’s OK too. It’s wonderful that children are all so brilliantly different and beautiful.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/04/22/the-mustard-seed-mum-milestones/

In today's episode, I'm sharing how the Hope With Ruth podcast came to be, why I'm passionate about this podcast and my personal hopes for 'Hope With Ruth'.  Email: hello@ruthclemence.com My website: ruthclemence.com  Facebook: ruthclemencewriter  Instagram: @hopewithruth Twitter: @ruth_the_writer 

'In winter seasons of life, there is work going on beneath the surface. Like the roots underground, our hearts can be watered by the words found in the Bible – God’s Word for us. Sometimes, we may forget to water the plants and likewise we might forget or choose not to soak up the richness found in the Bible. The Bible is like a faithful gardener that waters the soil of our heart, prunes us through trials to help with growth and gives light to enable us to flourish.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/03/27/gardening-101-going-for-growth/

'Scrubbing floors. Scraping plates. Watering plants. Emptying bins. Wiping counters. Hoovering carpets. Writing lists. Planning meals. Making beds. Chasing toddler. Sweeping up. Cooking dinner. Clearing toys. Life can feel like a continuous verb at times.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/04/17/the-extraordinary-in-the-ordinary/

'What if we were to give all of our material wealth, security and influence up? Or what if it was taken from us? What would our life look like? How would that make us feel? Where do we place our trust? Who do we trust? Can we have it all? What does it ‘all’ actually look like? I share how the Lord looks at things differently than we do when it comes to what appears weak and strong in the world – and why that is a good thing.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/04/05/why-weakness-matters/

'The Easter egg chocolate has been removed from the shelves. Some of you have devoured your body weight in chocolate I’m sure, and others are carefully still chipping away at it. But that’s that for another year right?' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/04/23/have-you-forgotten-about-easter-already/

'The 20th April 2022 will mark one year since I had an autologous stem cell transplant. I remember my emotions a year ago. It was the time where I felt most alone and afraid in my entire life so far. Nobody could experience the high dose chemotherapy and the suffering that it caused on my behalf. Nobody could visit me in person to comfort me because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Easter 2021 was filled with a real sense of what I referred to as ‘my personal Gethsemane’. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/04/16/one-year-on-from-a-stem-cell-transplant-easter-reflection/ For more blog posts visit: ruthclemence.com/blog/

Listen to a recent disappointment that me and my son experienced together and how we faced it. Go to ruthclemence.com for more hope-filled content!  Thank you for listening!

'Maybe those moments where nothing obvious seems to be happening in our lives to the outside world are actually moments that are preparing us for a life that will burst in full bloom for God’s glory. Don’t underestimate what God is doing in the hidden places of your heart and home.'  This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/04/24/in-the-hidden-places/

'I thought success meant having a rewarding career with a good salary, buying a home, having a family and being able to afford holidays and nice clothes on a regular basis. If I could just get that, then I would have made it. None of those things are necessarily bad in themselves, but the Lord knew my heart and the motive was not for Him. Rather it was what everyone else was doing and I wanted what they were striving for.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2019/07/16/what-real-success-looks-like/

'Do we create an image in our mind of what a perfect mum or parent should look like? Do we raise the bar high and beat ourselves up when we fail to measure up? I know I do. I still compare myself to other mums that I see out and about and on social media. It’s very easy to then compare what I see with my own reality. It can either leave me feel lacking and discontented as a parent or prideful at my own way of raising my kids compared to so-and-so for example. Neither way is beneficial or helpful.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/04/02/the-mustard-seed-mum-pressured-to-be-perfect/

'Can I fumble my way through telling you this story of how I came to trust in Jesus? I say ‘fumble’ because I have been asked on the spot how I became a Christian, and I often feel like a stumble through an answer. There were no flashes from the heavens. No radical encounter...' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/04/09/my-journey-with-jesus-how-i-became-a-christian/

In this episode, I share a raw, honest experience from this Good Friday and explore the hope that can be found in the death of Jesus Christ some 2000 plus years ago.  My website: ruthclemence.com - do have a look around and feel free to reach out via the contact form, my social media channels and subscribe to my newsletter too!  Thank you for listening and for joining me on this journey of creating a podcast! 

'When I started blogging, my aim was to share the good news of Jesus in the middle of my suffering. Today, I still believe that God is good in the middle of the storms and trials of life and that because of Jesus Christ, we have a hope that goes beyond all of the darkness and sickness that we are witnessing today in the West and across the world.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2020/03/26/hope-for-hard-times/

'What seems lost and beyond use is not in the eyes of God. He works in the lives of the broken, the hurting, the defeated, the weak, the struggling, the humble, the sick… Maybe today, God is breathing new life into your brokenness, and what was dead in our lives will be made into something more glorious than you could have ever imagined.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2020/04/24/new-life-from-death/

'Envy is good at robbing you of your here and now as it constantly looks to feed that longing of wanting what someone else has to the point of leaving you discontent and dissatisfied. She promises to deliver, but falls short every time.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2020/05/01/when-envy-tries-to-wear-you-down/

'I was at my most fearful when I was faced with having high dose chemotherapy. Part of having an autologous stem cell transplant meant being an inpatient at hospital for a couple of weeks. I received higher doses of chemotherapy which effectively wiped out my immune system. Before being admitted, I was told about the drugs and all the possible side effects my body may or may not experience. Then it was a case of watching and waiting.' This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/02/19/what-to-do-with-fear/

In this episode, I consider if we can can know God and how we can know Him. It covers a lot of ground with some truths that seldom (if ever) get spoken in churches anymore. Stick around and listen in to hear good news and know real hope.  Visit ruthclemence.com/resources/ to see some helpful resources mentioned in the episode.  As always, do contact me if I can be of any help or encouragement to you :) Thanks for listening!

This episode reflects on the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe who was detained in Iran for six years. I share how much greater the debt we owe to God, yet Jesus paid the price in full, so we (the guilty) go free.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/06/13/the-hardest-post/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/07/03/why-did-you-doubt/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/07/10/the-mustard-seed-mum-when-mummys-sick/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/07/17/5-reflections-from-my-hospital-bed/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/09/04/when-grief-catches-up-with-you/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/09/11/20-years-on-from-9-11-what-can-we-do/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/09/25/7-tips-for-writers-starting-out/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/10/09/is-there-hope-in-suffering/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/10/02/the-mustard-seed-mum-leading-by-example/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/10/16/what-does-time-with-god-look-like/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2021/11/06/the-mustard-seed-mum-when-patience-runs-out/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/02/05/the-strong-willed-child-in-all-of-us/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/02/12/lift-up-your-voice/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/01/08/the-scars-matter/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/01/15/the-mustard-seed-mum-can-we-agree-to-disagree/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://ruthclemence.com/2022/01/22/lift-up-your-eyes/