Today on the Planted in Purpose podcast, I’m joined by my dear friend Aly Fish—U.S. Army veteran, certified nutritionist, military spouse, homeschool mama to five (with one more on the way!), and a woman who carries strength with such grace.

We met in South Korea—she lived just two floors above me—and I’ve been inspired by her ever since. In just the past year, she’s made a major international move with five little ones and a sweet baby on the way, bought a home, and continued showing up for her family while her husband continues to serve overseas.

She knows transition. She knows motherhood. And she knows the quiet, steady hand of God through it all.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, unseen, or in the middle of a big move—this episode is for you. Aly’s story is filled with honesty, humility, and hope.

✨ In this episode, Aly touches on:

• Life after active duty

• Homeschooling through transition

• Faith in the chaos

• Building new rhythms

• How to keep showing up, even when it’s hard

And most of all—how to trust that God is still weaving purpose in the middle of it all.

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Gentle Reminder: You are not alone. There’s grace for your pace. And there’s beauty and purpose, even here.

Sometimes, we carry things so quietly—hopes, hurts, questions we haven’t dared to speak aloud. But here, at the bench, you don’t have to have it all figured out. This space was made for real hearts and honest moments.

Today’s reflection is a gentle pause—an invitation to breathe deep, lean in, and meet God right where you are. Rejection stings. Whether it’s a door that closed, an opportunity that slipped away, or a place you thought you belonged—no can feel personal. But what if the “no” is actually God’s redirection?

In today’s Garden Bench reflection, I’m sharing about the moments where what we want doesn’t align with what God is doing—and how He meets us there with wisdom and a better way. If you’ve been wrestling with a closed door or feeling like you missed something good, this one is for you.

FREE Guided Journal!

I’ve been holding this one close—and today, I finally get to share it with you.

I created something special for your quiet moments: The Garden Bench Guided Journal to Nourish Your Purpose is officially HERE—and it’s completely FREE.

This isn’t just a download—it’s a faith-filled space. Inside, you’ll find: *Thoughtful, scripture-rooted journal prompts *2 personal letters from me to you *Open space to reflect, write, and reconnect with what truly matters

It’s for the woman who’s ready to slow down. To get honest with herself. And to seek God—in the stillness.

Grab your free copy right now on the Planted in Purpose Official Website in the Toolbox!

This reflection is close to my heart—it’s about showing up in a world where hustle is loud, but heart can be hard to find.

It’s about friendship without performance. Presence over productivity. And remembering that you are already enough—because God said so.

If you’ve been craving something real… If your soul is tired of shallow… Come sit with me for a few minutes. You don’t have to earn your place. You already belong here.