Heart Lessons Podcast

Today’s episode features beavered mother Courtney Hughes. Courtney lost her sweet son, Will, after a fierce 96 day battle in the NICU. From Will’s life, Courtney and her family have created The Will King Foundation – a foundation that seeks to provide heart treatment for children in need in developing countries. They have had the opportunity to sponsor three little girls in developing countries and provide them life-saving heart treatment surgeries, and they hope to sponsor many more in the future. Today you will hear more about the Will King Foundation, as well as the story of Will King Hughes, his mana Courtney’s grief journey, and how the Lord has brought really beautiful things from this story of loss. Heart Lesson:Be patient. Trust that God has a plan. Connect with Courtney:website// instagram// facebook // 96 Days 96 Ways Donate to the Will King Foundation Connect with Sarah:instagram// book   Come visit me on Saturday 5/18 from 2-4 pm at The Industrial Cottage. I will have books available to purchase and will also be happy to sign any books that you've already purchased.   Please consider bringing an item to support 99 for the 1: plastic storage totes sunglasses sunscreen sun hats baseball hats small battery operated fans We will also accept cash donations for 99 for the 1  

Today's guest is author, speaker, and single-mom of seven, Rachel Marie Martin. Today she opens up about living out her own story of bravery -- of doing things she never thought possible. She describes what it was like to develop this beautiful bravery from her most painful and broken places. Heart Lesson:We are not meant to walk this journey alone. We are stronger when we link arms with each other. Purchase Sarah's book:amazon//signed copies// WestBow Press// Barnes&Noble Connect with Rachel:website// instagram// facebook Purchase Rachel's book (affiliate links used): The Brave Art of Motherhood Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast 

Mo Mydlo is an author and speaker with a passion to help women renew their minds in the word of God. Today we have a very open conversation on how God can use all manner of brokenness in our lives to bring beauty into our lives and to the lives of others. Connect with Mo:website// books// youtube// instagram// facebook Connect with Sarah:instagram// facebook// shop Heart Lesson:You are not alone. Mo is looking forward to: Being a MiMi! Son's first baseball game, family dinners, 7-week bible study -- A Journey with Joshua, and women's retreats in her home. Purchase Sarah's book  We Mention:  MOPS Scriptures Mentioned:  Psalm 51:17 Colossians 4:18 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Psalm 91 Philippians 4:13 Quote to Remember:  God didn't cause my anxiety, but He used it to bring me closer to Him. God has to allow us to be broken before He can use us. Sometimes we need to remember our chains and remember where we came from so that we can help others who are there as well. We need to be free here on earth so that we can share heaven with the world. When we can remember we are unforsaken we can overcome anything.

Today's episode features Kaitlin Wernet, co-writer of the Book of All Comforts. She opens up her heart and shares about the pain of losing her brother unexpectedly and the comfort she found through God's word, the cross of Christ, and the love and care of others. Connect with Kaitlin:website// instagram// facebook Kaitlin is looking forward to:Seeing the influence of the Book of Comforts and visiting family. Connect with Sarah:instagram// facebook Purchase The Book of Comforts : Genuine Encouragement for Hard Times(affiliate link used) Heart Lesson:God's plan is to make things beautiful and He is faithful.

Email Sarah to join the launch team for Even Broken Can Be Beautiful!! Today's episode of Heart Lessons features author and speaker Allison Allen. She shares with us what it was like to go through a spiritually dry, desert season in her own life, and how God used that to bring about some much-needed growth and healing. She encourages us to see our own spiritual desert seasons as times to reveal, restore, and release our hearts. Heart Lesson:Make sure God is the one holding the pen. Allison is looking forward to:Spring!! And looking forward to seeing who her oldest son becomes. Connect with Allison: website// instagram// facebook// book Connect with Sarah:instagram// facebook Purchase Allison's books (associate links used): Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert Season Shine: Stepping into the Role You Were Made For Scriptures mentioned: Psalm 63:1 Deuteronomy 31:6 Hosea 2:14 Deuteronomy 8:2 Job 42 (his friends) Matthew 4:1 Song of Solomon 8:5 Hosea 2:15 Isaiah 30:15 Quotes to Remember: A desert experience is a unique experience for each woman. A desert season can be defined as a fairly intense season marked by spiritual dryness, is fairly isolated in occurrence, and where the presence of the Lord feels distant. In many regards the desert season is all about the heart, for the Lord to use to reveal, restore, and release the heart. There are often lengthy seasons of preparation in the desert for God's people. God took me to the desert where I could not provide for myself and said, "Now I am going to take over feeding you." There is nothing so ugly or painful or hard that the Lord does not want to encounter us right there. I was turning my friendships into a fishing line rather than a net. If you know God is leading you to heart work, do your best to make space for it to happen. Journaling is a great way to build a memorial for what God is doing. God speaks most in the middle of solitude rather than in the midst of a multitude. God is the God of resurrection and restoration.   Thank you to our sponsor for today's show: Living Scripture Strong Enter code HEART20 at checkout for 20% off your entire order

Today I am joined by 5x gestational surrogate, Tiffany Jo Baker. She shares her experience of carrying other women's babies to make their motherhood dreams come true. Today she shares such sweet encouragement about how we can trust the path God uses to lead us to His promises. Tiffany's heart lesson:If you trust that God has given you a promise, trust the path He will use to make it happen. Tiffany is looking forward to: Grandbabies! Connect with Tiffany:website// instagram// facebook// youtube channel Connect with Sarah:instagram// facebook// show notes printable

Today's episode features fashion and lifestyle blogger Carolyn Arentson. We chat about fashion and faith and what we can expect to see this spring! She also talks about her favorite places to shop, how to build a wardrobe for you, and what should be your basic wardrobe staples. My prayer as you listen is that you will feel free to embrace your own sense of fashion – your style that reflects your Creator and who He uniquely designed you to be. Connect with Carolyn: blog// facebook// instagram// pinterest Connect with Sarah: show notes// instagram

Today I am joined by author Dorena Williamson. She offers biblical wisdom and insight into how we can love our sisters in Christ well, even when our differences might create obstacles to that goal. Heart Lesson:God is writing my story. Dorena is looking forward to: Hew newest book release!! Connect with Dorena:website// instagram// facebook Connect with Sarah:website// instagram// facebook

Today's episode features Tilly Dillehay, author of Seeing Green: Don't Let Envy Color Your Joy, and today Tilly offers some very insightful wisdom when it comes to being envious of others. My prayer as you listen is that you will be able to identify what exactly you are envying in another woman so that you can confess it before the father and instead of feeling steeped in envy, move toward a relationship filled with praise – both for that woman and for God who crated her. Heart Lesson: The fulness that Christ provides is exactly what my heart desires. Connect with Tilly:  website// instagram// facebook // email Purchase Seeing Green: Don't Let Envy Color Your Joy (affiliate links used) Connect with Sarah:show notes// instagram

This week we hear from Rachel Lawrence, host of the Unaltered Grace Podcast. Rachel shares her story of coming to Christ and what it means to become more and more like Christ each day. We also talk about the foundations of the gospel and why it’s worth living your life for Jesus. My prayer as you listen is that you will understand the unaltered grace of the gospel – that God’s love never changes – and that it is freely available to all hearts, those committed to Jesus and those just beginning to wonder what He is all about.   Connect with Rachel:website// instagram// podcast Connect with Sarah: show notes// instagram

Today I am joined by Ruth Chou Simons -- the artist, author, and speaker you might better know as Gracelaced. Today we have a very frank, honest, and open discussion about the realities of marriage, both the difficult reality of #marriageissanctifying, and the truth that marriage is designed to be a reflection of God’s love for His church. If you are not married, don’t tune out! This episode offers great encouragement that can really be applied to any relationship. My prayer as you listen is that you will realize the depth of love and forgiveness you’ve been given through Jesus, and be compelled to extend that same love to others. Connect with Ruth:website// instagram Connect with Sarah:show notes// instagram Purchase Ruth's books: (affiliate links used) Gracelaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship

Today on Heart Lessons, singer-songwriter Caroline Cobb shares her thoughts on why God’s great love for us compels us to worship with song. My prayer as you listen is that you will see how worshipping the Lord is both our response to His love for us and our expression of love to Him, as well as a reflection of the song God sings over us as His beloved. Connect with Caroline:website// instagram// spotify// youtube Connect with Sarah: instagram

CEO of Noonday Collection, Jessica Honegger, shares the truth that we don't have to have it all figured out before we step forward in faith to do big things for the Lord. We can leave behind our comfort and move forward despite our fears because we know the God who holds us, the God who calls us, and the God who uses imperfect people like us to accomplish big things for His kingdom. Connect with Jessica:website// instagram// NoonDay Collection// Imperfect Courage Connect with Sarah:instagram// facebook Heart Lesson: Do things with God. Sense the partnership with Him and find the joy that comes from the deeper dance with Him.

In this episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast we continue our January heart focus of gracious new beginnings as we hear from Jessica Turner, author of The Fringe Hours and Stretched Too Thin. Today, Jessica is going to offer special encouragement to women on how to lose guilt, work smarter, and thrive in the place God created especially for you. My prayer as you listen to this episode is that you will identify the things in your life that are bringing unnecessary guilt, and also those things that are most worth your time and energy, so that you can live well and thrive in 2019. Connect with Jessica: The Mom Creative Find complete show notes here

Author Kristy Cambron walks us through the verse mapping technique of studying scripture and encourages us all to foster a love for God's word and be in it daily.  Connect with Kristy: website// verse mapping website// instagram  Connect with Sarah: website// instagram

Kendra Adachi, aka The Lazy Genius, gives us permission to be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't.  Connect with Kendra: The Lazy Genius Collective Heart Lesson: Sit with my friend Jesus and abide in His moment by moment presence. Kendra is looking forward to:  The Popcast Bachelorette Recap Her book!! (coming summer 2020) Find complete show notes here

Happy New Year! In today's episode of Heart Lessons, Alli Worthington gives us permission to pursue the things which make us most happy, and let go of the things that don't including the tyranny of the urgent, toxic relationships, and a negative life outlook. She reminds us that nothing can shake the joy and happiness we have in Christ. Connect with Alli:website// The Year of Living Happy// podcast// Heart Lesson:God will take care of me. Alli is looking forward to:School starting up again. Find complete show notes here

Looking ahead to 2019 and what to expect from the Heart Lessons Podcast PLUS announcing something very exciting debuting next year. Thank you for all of your support for the show ... it means so much. Here's to a great 2019!  Find out more at sarahrieke.com

Sarah Bragg of the Surviving Sarah podcast joins me on Heart Lessons today and walks us through how to survive some of the major issues that arise over the holiday season. We talk about things like family plans, decorating, holiday eating, and gift giving. But we don't just talk survival -- Sarah takes our hearts one step further and gives us tools, tips, and tricks to not just survive, but find joy this Christmas season. Download Sarah's free holiday ebook here Connect with Sarah:podcast// website// book// facebook// instagram// Heart Lesson:Joy is directly related to gratitude, and it is something we must practice. Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast

Ruth Schwenk of thebettermom.com encourages mothers to embrace the process of becoming better over striving for perfect by becoming more like Jesus. She also takes that grace-filled principle and applies it to our holiday seasons, encouraging us to celebrate in the way that is best for our own families. Connect with Ruth:website// instagram // facebook// pinterest Books: The Better Mom: Growing in Grace Between Perfection and the Mess The Better Mom Devotional: Shaping Our Hearts As We Shape Our Homes Heart Lesson:  It is important for me to walk with wisdom and faithfulness for those who are watching. Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast

Asheritah Ciuciu ushers us into greater joy and wonder of the Christmas season by unwrapping the different names for our Savior, Jesus.  Connect with Asheritah:blog// facebook// instagram// book Connect with Sarah this week on instagram for a giveaway of Asheritah's book! Complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast 

Christian music icon Sandi Patty shares how some very formative experiences in her younger years caused her to feel silenced. In today's episode, she shares her journey of finding her voice again and encourages all of us to speak our stories out loud, to the glory of God the Father. Connect with Sandi: website// instagram// book // youtube // facebook Purchase Sandi's new book, The Voice: Listening for God's Voice and Finding Your Own

Today on Heart Lessons I chat with Kristin Schell, the wonderful heart behind the Turquoise Table/Front Yard People Movement. Our conversation centers on bringing the heart of the turquoise table--community and genuine connection-- to our Thanksgiving tables. Recipes, how to handle the workload, how to make a guest list -- you'll find it all and more in my conversation with Kristin. Connect with Kristin: pinterest// website// instagram// facebook// twitter Purchase The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard Heart Lesson:Keep gratitude at the forefront of your heart and mind. Find complete show notes here

On today's episode of Heart Lessons, recording artist Nichole Nordeman shares how she learned greater dependency on Jesus through the difficulty of a broken marriage. She shares how the pain of her divorce caused her to become more real with others, and develop a more authentic relationship with Jesus. Plus we talk about a line from her album, Every Mile Mattered, that reads, "And you cannot imagine all the places you'll see Jesus, but you'll find Him everywhere you thought He wasn't supposed to go."    Connect with Nichole Moxie Matters Tour tickets Find complete show notes here

"If you want to know all of my deepest, darkest secrets, listen to this episode." -Hayley Morgan Snickers+Diet Coke = breakfast, the value of the instant pot, and Hayley's longterm vision for women in the church. Connect with Hayley: instagram// website// book Purchase Preach To Yourself We Mention: Always Enough, Never Too Much Wild and Free Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker Enneagram Instant Pot Emily Henderson Elon Musk Happier by Marshmello Baby Shark Everlane Madewell Nellie Taft [Fashion]Able ThredUp Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 56 // You, Me, and the Enneagram with Beth McCord Episode 46 // Always Enough, Never Too Much with Hayley Morgan Scriptures Mentioned: Romans 12:2 Psalm 107:2 Ephesians 2:10 Advice to her younger self:Chill out. Relax. You have plenty of time. Quote It: There is no shame in the continual renewing of your mind. We only benefit from a diverse view, when we can love and learn from the fulness of the human experience. Where Hayley's heart is landing:Thinking about women in the church and what being a woman looks like under the umbrella of the Lord.     **Amazon Affiliate links used where appropriate

Today's episode is the audio version of the FB Live: Ask Us Anything video I did with Holly Colonna and Kristin Hernandez of Through The Lens Podcast. We take the time to answer listener submitted questions regarding pregnancy and infant loss. We hope your heart feels heard

Today's episode features Beautiful&Beloved founder, Amber Newberry. Amber opens up her heart and shares her story of infant loss through abortion, and how Jesus met her and redeemed and restored her. Amber's story is special and sacred and a perfect picture of God's matchless grace. My prayer is that this episode will open your heart to empathy, love, and compassion for post-abortive women so that they can know the truth of the Healer of all things. Connect with Amber: website // facebook // instagram // youtube // Heart Lesson: There is no healing without God. Link to Facebook Live Video here Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast

Today's conversation features Deb Dougherty, the Perinatal Bereavement RN for the hospital system here in our local area. Today Deb shares her story of losing her precious baby boy, how she serves bereaved mothers, how to distinguish between depression and grief, and shares ideas for keeping your baby's memory alive. So thankful for women like Deb who compassionately serve the infant loss community. Heart Lesson: God is always there, and there is a reason why things happen. Stay close to Him so that you know what He wants in your life. Find complete show notes here

Today's episode features Kristin Hernandez, co-host of Through The Lens Podcast. Today Kristin shares her stories of infant loss and multiple miscarriages. Her honesty and vulnerability in this episode are deeply encouraging for any of us who have had to wrestle with the Lord with the hardest questions of life. Connect with Kristin: blog // facebook // instagram // podcast // Heart Lesson: Rest in God's sufficiency. He gives us manna for every day, our daily bread. Find complete show notes here

Today's episode features author, speaker, and loss mama Adriel Booker. Adriel shares her story of multiple miscarriages, encourages loss mothers that it is ok to grieve on a wide spectrum of emotions, and advocates to the world for how to tenderly care for bereaved mothers. She also challenges us to allow the Lord to remake our pain into something beautiful. Purchase Grace Like Scarlett Connect with Adriel: website // instagram // twitter // facebook  // Our Scarlett Stories Heart Lesson: Enter into God's rest and presence, and quiet my mind and heart enough to hear His voice. What Adriel wants the world to be aware of regarding pregnancy and infant loss: Miscarriage is not only a women's issue. It is a human issue and a family issue. We need to share our stories. We Mention: Journal Prompts for writing your baby's story Centering Prayer App Scriptures Mentioned:  2 Corinthians 12:10 Romans 8:28 Takeaway Truths: Pregnancy loss can be such an intangible form of grief, especially for people who aren't experiencing it themselves. The human heart itself will grieve differently from instance to instance and from circumstance to circumstance. Love is never safe, it is always risky, and that's hard for our mama hearts. When you lose a baby you aren't just losing that little one, but you're losing the life you had begun to imagine. After a mother loses a third baby, what else is there to say? There is just no one right way to grieve. We're all going to respond differently, even as we find the common threads in the midst of it. God is not intimidated by our big questions. He is not put off by our humanity. It is our heart posture makes all the difference. Our heart posture should say, "I need you to meet me here and help me understand." I think the big questions keep us tethered to God because we can't find the answer to those questions without some level of withness with Jesus. Especially as believers we should absolutely be able to rejoice with people then they're celebrating, but we should also walk alongside them when they're suffering. What would you do for a new mom, and what would you do for someone grieving a death? It's that complicated and that simple. Your grief might undo you, but it can also remake you if you are willing to let Christ work with you to make something beautiful happen. What does it mean to pull heaven to earth right now? When we tell our stories it gives others a sense of permission to share theirs too. Other wonderful books for bereaved mothers: I Will Carry You, by Angie Smith Grieving the Child I Never Knew, by Kathe Wunnenberg Holding Onto Hope, by Nancy Guthrie Just Keep Breathing, by Jordan Tate The Jesus of My Grief, by Kate Kelty   *Amazon affiliate links used where appropriate

On today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast I have the privilege of chatting with Deidra Riggs. Deidra is an author and speaker passionate about showing God's love to the world. Today we talk about what it means to love outside of our comfort zones and how sometimes we have to push aside our own personal comforts in order to pursue real, authentic relationships with others. The world will know our God by our love. Connect with Deidra: website // instagram // twitter // facebook // books Purchase One: Unity in a Divided World Purchase Every Little Thing: Making A World of Difference Right Where You Are Heart Lesson: Make the transition a pose. Find complete show notes here

Today's episode features Bethany and Kristen of Girl Defined Ministries. Their passion is to help young women learn how scripture defines things like identity, relationships, beauty, etc. so that they can approach these topics in a way that pleases the Lord. Today we talk about pursuing godly relationships and being content in waiting. We also tackle questions like can we really be "just friends" with guys, and do Christian girls have to date only other Christian guys. Loved chatting with these lovely ladies. Connect with Girl Defined: blog // instagram // youtube // facebook // twitter Purchase Love Defined Purchase Girl Defined  Heart Lessons: Bethany: Instead of worrying about the business of a season, enjoy each day and each moment. Kristen: Trust that God is good. Find complete show notes here More info on book giveaway here *Amazon affiliate links used where appropriate

In today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast, I chat with Lindsey Goff Viducich. Lindsey is a teacher with a passion for showing kids how to love the world well. Today we talk about why kids should show love to the world and how to follow their lead in loving others. Lindsey shares some inspirational stories from her own childhood, as well as her life in the classroom, to sufficiently inspire us to empower our kids to love the world well. Connect with Lindsey: blog // facebook // instagram // TeachersPayTeachers // book Purchase Love Does for Kids Find out more about starting a relationship with Jesus Heart Lesson: Following Jesus means reflecting His upside-down culture, the Kingdom of God. Find complete show notes here

For the month of September, our heart focus here on the podcast will be: living with and loving others well. Kicking off this series is my interview with Beth McCord. Today we chat about the Enneagram personality typing system, what it is, how we can use it to better understand ourselves and others, and how the Gospel redeems even the most challenging aspects of our personalities. My hope for this episode is that it will grow inside each one of us a greater compassion, understanding, and appreciation for how all the nine types relate to the world.  Connect with Beth: website // instagram // twitter // facebook // online courses Find complete show notes here

Today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast features author, speaker, podcaster, and radio show host, Autumn Miles. Passionate about bold truth and raw faith, she shares her testimony of abuse, and how the Lord has redeemed her story of domestic violence. Her story is full of God's love and His beautiful redemption. Connect with Autumn: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // books // youtube Click here for complete show notes Heart Lesson: God is for us even when we are not for ourselves.

Today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast features my son, Micah, as he shares his heart and his experience in losing two infant siblings. He answers some of your questions and offers some sweet and encouraging words to other kids who may have lost siblings as well. Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast  

Such an honor to speak to Kathleen Fucci Ministries - Grief Resources for Kids and learn more about her wonderful ministry to help children process their grief. There was so much truth in this episode about God, who He is despite our suffering, and the realities of Heaven. A great listen for anyone who has lost a loved one and needs the hope Jesus provides. Connect with Kathleen: website // blog // books // instagram // facebook // twitter Heart Lesson: Look up, look up, look up. Find complete show notes here

Today's guest on the Heart Lessons Podcast is children's author, Amy Parker. Today we chat about Amy's books and her heart in developing great resources for Christian parents. We also talk about the importance of grace in parenting and grace in life and how, if we serve well where we are, we are reaching the very souls God intends for us to reach with His truth. Purchase Amy's latest book, Night Night Sleepytown Enter here or here for a giveaway of Night Night Sleepytown Find complete show notes here Connect with Amy: website // books // facebook // instagram // twitter // blog

Today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast features Grace Valentine, a young woman with a heart for Jesus and a passion for helping other young women find their identity and sufficiency in Christ. Today we are celebrating the launch of Grace's first book, Am I Enough: Embracing the Truth About Who You Are. Connect with Grace: website // facebook // instagram // twitter Find complete show notes here

In today's episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast, I chat with Cara Whitney, wife of Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy). Cara shares her testimony of coming to trust Christ as her personal Savior and how caring for her horses gave her a unique glimpse into the heart of God. We also talk about how Christians can better support those who are just beginning to pursue a relationship with Christ and the importance of loving and disciplining those new to the Christian faith. Purchase Unbridled Faith Click here to learn more about beginning a personal relationship with Jesus Find complete show notes here Heart Lesson: Have I done enough to tell my kids about Jesus? We Mention: Larry the Cable Guy Richard Dawkins theology of baptism secular (definition) evangelism (definition) Hashimoto's disease Greg Laurie David Jeremiah Back to the Bible Turning Point Ministries prey animal Dan Whitney's testimony at LU Beth Moore Esther study Go Tandem (discipleship app) Franklin Graham ministries David Platt Scriptures Mentioned: Ecclesiastes 3:11 Luke 23:34 James 2:19 1 Peter 5:7 John 12 Luke 22:54-62 Job's friends Proverbs 27:17 1 Peter 4:8 Takeaway Truths:  How Christians behave has no bearing on whether or not the resurrection happened. We can cast our cares on the Lord because He is in control. God gives us the choice to love Him by giving us a choice not to love Him. Christians are quick to judge but not to give you the good news. God designed my life this way and it is the best way. You can not expect lonely and hurting people to walk into church, but Jesus made house calls. He rarely said, "I love you," but showed it in action. Get to know a new believer and tailor your discipleship to their specific needs. The group that needs to be louder is the group that loves. Allow yourself time to get to know Jesus after coming to faith.

On today's episode, I chat with Tracey Murtha, wife of the late Greg Murtha. We chat about what Greg's cancer journey was like from her perspective and some of the challenges of living without her beloved husband, but mostly we talk about how Greg's cancer diagnosis opened the Murtha's eyes to the needs of the people around them, and how Tracey continues to live with this same love and compassion for reaching others. Connect with Tracey: website // Out of the Blue book Heart Lesson: There are only two things that will last into eternity - the word of God and the souls of men. We Mention: Out of the Blue: The Unexpected Adventure of Life Interrupted Kanakuk Christian Camp The Broken Way (book) The Heart Lessons Podcast Episode 23 with Becky McCoy The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey #166 with Kathie Lee Gifford The Glorious in the Mundane Podcast Episode #19 with Ann Voskamp Scriptures Mentioned: James 4:6 1 Corinthians 12:27 Isaiah 61:3 Takeaway Truths: More is caught than taught. Our greatest area of service often springs from our greatest pain. Obey the Lord. We don't have to fix the other person, we just have to do the small thing and He will do the rest. Choose joy in the moment because you won't get that moment back. Cling to the hope of Jesus because He's got you. He didn't bring you this far to abandon you. Live in the present and the Holy Spirit will prompt you to serve whoever is in front of you. Only two things will last into eternity: the word of God and the souls of men. That is where we need to invest our time. Greg was not fearful of taking his last breath. He was all about making the breath before that one count. Join the Heart Lessons Community group

This episode of the Heart Lessons Podcast features actor, producer, and author Candace Cameron Bure. We chat about her newest book, Kind is the New Classy, and why kindness is so important. We also talk strategies for how to be kind when you don't feel like it, and why Christians sometimes have a hard time displaying kindness to those who hold viewpoints that are different from their own. More information on pursuing a personal relationship with Christ Connect with Candace: instagram // facebook // twitter // books // website Purchase Kind is the New Classy Heart Lesson: Push into the Lord even more. We Mention: Full House Fuller House Dancing with the Stars Season 18 Candace's Hallmark Movies Kind is the New Classy The Heart Lessons Podcast: Heavenly Minded Motherhood with Katie Bennett Kirk Cameron Scriptures Mentioned: Galatians 5:22-23 (fruits of the Spirit) Philippians 4:13 Takeaway Truths: I believe we can bring kindness back and change the culture. But it all starts with you and it starts with me - it starts with one person at a time. You have to work at kindness and build it like a muscle and form new habits for yourself. Kindness can still be bold it's just staying respectful in your character and treating the other person with dignity. What will people say about Jesus because of me? I trust God and I know that He has my back. I trust that He will give me the words or disposition I need in that moment. Jesus's kindness was never conditional. He recognized the image of God in everyone and treated everyone with that appropriate level of kindness. Kindness is love in action. It is something you do. Love is also a verb, but it can have emotions attached. I don't have to have an emotional feeling toward someone to be kind to them. Steps to Choosing Kindness: Take a breath Take a beat Put yourself in the other person's shoes and consider them Go to God in prayer Ask for what you want.

On this final part of the Father's Day series here on the Heart Lessons Podcast, Nigel Anderson shares his perspective on fatherhood, approaching racial issues with grace, and how we can all be unified under the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a very sensitive but very important topic, and I am so thankful for Nigel's willingness to share his heart and his wisdom and speak into these issues with such a spirit of grace. May you receive it with just as much love and grace. Connect with Nigel: website // youtube // Expect Renaissance (nonprofit) // instagram // facebook // SoundCloud Purchase the Safe House Album Heart Lesson: Never stop trusting. Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast We Mention: Safe House Music video Better Days video Philando Castile and Tamir Rice shootings Come Thou Fount hymn (Prone to Wander) Imago Dei Ravi Zacharius Grace Bible Church The Mother's Day Series Part II: Mothering a Transracial Family with Lauren Casper Scriptures Mentioned: Romans 12:2 Matthew 5:13-16 Mark 6:34 Revelation 7:9 Takeaway Truths: Running from who you don't want to be isn't enough to keep you on the right path. If we are not intentional about keeping Christ at the center of everything we will find something to put there. If you're a Christian you should care about everything because of the Imago Dei and if not, you should fight to view all of it as important. We need to get out of the identity of our camps and figure out what the meaning of a real Christian is. The intentionality of the gospel is the restoration of a relationship that was eternally severed. Everyone's perspective is valid and it is, by definition, incomplete. The solution is knowing people. A prayer before confronting another's perspective: In this moment, Lord, give me grace to listen and wisdom to know if I should say something and if so, what that something should be. We are all different and that is fine. It is beautiful. We should elevate the gospel above all else. Related Material: The Way (song) My Role in Racial Reconciliation (blog post)

In this second part of the Father's Day series here on the Heart Lessons podcast, Chris Tate shares his heart and his journey with infant loss. He shares the story of his two beautiful baby girls, Ellie and Elsie, and speaks openly about what it is like to be a loss father, to support your wife in grief, and how to trust the Lord even in the midst of such tragedy. Connect with Chris: instagram // blog Heart Lesson: Love God with all your heart and love people. Find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast We Mention: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day Myers Briggs Type Index (personality test) Enneagram (personality test) Choose Joy Conference Scriptures Mentioned: The story of Eli and Samuel (Did you call me ...?) Story of Mary and Martha Related Material: The Heart Lessons Podcast Episode 11: It Is Well with Josh Rieke The Heart Lessons Podcast Episode 7: If You Let It with Jordan Tate Jordan's Blog Dear Loss Mama . . . It's Okay If You And Your Husband Are Processing Things Differently (blog post) Takeaway Truths: God is for us and not against us and that knowledge allowed me to trust Him completely. Stay the course and be there for your wife even if you aren't receiving instant feedback in that moment. Spend more time together even if that means embracing the pain. There isn't one way to grieve correctly. It is an individual process for everyone. Advice to another infant loss father: Spend time with your spouse and continue to love her in the best way you know how because it gives you strength to move through it all together.

In Part I of the Father's Day Series here on the Heart Lessons Podcast, Jerrad Lopes from Dad Tired shares what it means for a husband and father to lead his family well, and to look to the perfect Father as the prime example of leadership and service to his family. Connect with Jerrad: blog // podcast // book // facebook // twitter // instagram Heart Lesson: Recognizing that God is a person with his own personality, thoughts, patterns, and preferences. Click here for complete show notes We Mention: Dad Tired Podcast 3 Ways to Improve Your Marriage and Parenting (podcast episode) Stop Behaving Devotional Jesus Storybook Bible Love and Respect (book) Dad Tired Conference Scriptures Mentioned: Proverbs 4:23 1 Corinthians 13:1 Luke 11:39 1 John 1:9 Related Material: The Heart Lessons Podcast Episode 14 (on foster care) Ginger Hubbard Shepherding A Child's Heart The Power of a Praying Wife Marriage is a Mirror, Parenting is a Magnifying Glass (blog post) Takeaway Truths: Three steps to leading your family well: Humbly admit that you can't lead your family well Point your wife and kids to Jesus on a consistent basis Have integrity and follow hard after God Behavior is always a manifestation of what is going on in the heart. You don't need a bunch of rules to follow, you need Jesus to change your heart. We will have three titles that extend beyond the grave: disciple, husband, and father. What do you spend your time on that does not make sense for the kingdom of God? Take initiative and stumble your way through spiritual leadership. The good news of the gospel is that you don't have to be the perfect daddy because you can point your kids back to the perfect daddy. How can a wife help her husband lead well: Create an atmosphere of humble confession Pray for him often Affirm him in his heart question that he is valuable and has what it takes. I love you simply because you are my child just as God does not love me based on what I accomplish but simply his heart toward me.

Christine Caine, author, speaker, and founder of Propel Women and the A21 Campaign, talks about what it means to live a faith-filled life in the midst of unexpected and often unwelcome circumstances. Connect with Christine: website // instagram // facebook // twitter Purchase Unexpected (Christine's latest book) Click here for complete show notes Heart Lesson: He who promised is faithful. His mercies and grace are new every morning. Scriptures Mentioned: Psalm 119:68 Luke 17:7-19 Romans 11:36 Isaiah 55:9 Psalm 23:4 John 10:10 John 16:33 Psalm 56:8 Luke 22:42 Hebrews 11:3 We Mention: Beth Moore Let It Go Shake It Off Takeaway Truths: Jesus shamed shame on the cross. To have been broken for so long and then to find healing in Christ, that is the message of the gospel. We want to be delivered from our trouble but most often Jesus will take us through it. What is abundant life in the midst of heartache and sorrow?  That is the faith-filled life. If I can have hope then maybe what I went through can help give someone else hope for one more day. It is not sin to not want to go through something. The sin would be to stop there. Allow your pain to make you better and not bitter. Allow pain to make you better: Surround yourself with a good church family Be in God's word Listen to worship music Protect your heart (i.e. be careful what books, movies, etc. you allow in) Let go of what you don't understand Subscribe to my newsletter to receive monthly devotional thoughts, notes on my favorite things, and find out what is coming up next on the Heart Lessons Podcast.

In this episode, I share the part of my story where I was most angry at God. You might be surprised to hear that it was not when my unborn babies were diagnosed or in the grieving months that followed my losses but rather, a time when I felt like God owed something to me. Subscribe to The Heart Lessons Podcast Mentions: The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey #189 Tova Sido find complete show notes at sarahrieke.com/podcast Scriptures Referenced: Romans 3:11-18 Romans 3:23 Acts 17:25 Romans 11:36 Ephesians 2:8 Romans 12:1-2 Takeaway Truths: Through Jesus, I, a sinner, am made righteous before the Father. He traded the death and eternal punishment I deserved for eternal life. God owed me nothing but gave me everything. I had forgotten that God owed nothing to me and that even the breath in my lungs belonged to Him. I am to live my life in sacrificial surrender to the Lord because of what He has done for me. As soon as I forget that, I begin to feel entitled to certain things in life. I had been clinging to the desire for a healthy baby so tightly, probably throwing a spiritual tantrum. But before the Lord could bless me in that way, I needed to calm my heart and remember my place as a living sacrifice and be at peace with God's good and pleasing and perfect will, even if that meant no more babies. This is not a formula for getting what you want but rather, a reminder to surrender to the Lord's will because He owed us nothing and yet gave us everything, which is far beyond what any of us deserve.

Sophie Hudson, aka Boo Mama, shares what it is like to mother a teenager. From what she tells me, it's actually pretty fantastic. Connect with Sophie: blog // facebook // instagram // twitter // books Heart Lesson: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus's blood and righteousness. We Mention:  Big Boo Cast Melanie Shankle Sophie's Books Takeaway Truths: The Lord is sweet in that just as He grows them up, He grows us too. I want to enjoy the stage I'm in and not dread when it's going to end. Where am I parenting out of fear? Because in the end, it's not healthy for either one of us. Kids freak out about what we freak out about. The sweetness of life is that it is a gift at every stage and these kids are a gift at every age and golly, it's so fun to get to be a part of it. Conversations on sex and conversations on friendship need to be ongoing, not just one time. Survival Kit for Parenting Teens: Bible Cash A healthy community

Visit sarahrieke.com/podcast for complete show notes Find the Dear Loss Mama, It's Okay If ... series here Caitlin Mathieu of Due to Joy talks about what it means to be an invisible mother, a mother with no living children. She is a wealth of wisdom for leaning on the Lord during dark times and how to navigate the road of invisible motherhood with grace. Connect with Caitlin: blog // facebook // instagram // twitter Heart Lesson: The Lord wants to turn my mourning into dancing and return my joy even in the middle of my pain. Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 5:4 Isaiah 53:3 Job 8:21 Matthew 7:6 Story of Lazarus We Mention: I Will Carry You Still Standing Magazine Facets of Grief workbook by Francesca Cox Takeaway Truths: Jesus wants to bring purpose to our pain. He does not want to waste it. The devil wants me to believe that God has left me or that my body has failed me. But those are all lies. We need to extend grace to people who say things and don't know your story and people who say things and do know your story. I've had to release my white-knuckle grip on my fear because it's too heavy for me to carry and it isn't mine to carry. You are not alone. My heart that is so ready to love another baby is the same heart that already loves a baby who is a citizen of heaven. Three Ways to Fight the Darkness: Combat lies Memorize scripture Find people to pray for you and over you Additional Resources: My Invisible Motherhood (blog post) When Infertility Doesn't End with a Miracle Pregnancy (blog post) Through the Lens Podcast Episode 8: Mothering After Loss (podcast episode)

Katie Bennett, author of Heavenly-Minded Mom, shares what it means to mother in light of eternity and how that truth can transform our everyday lives. Connect with Katie: website // book // facebook // instagram// podcast Heart Lesson: God is holy and it is not ok for me to be unholy. He is holy so I must be holy. Scriptures Mentioned: John 6:68 Colossians 3:23 Hebrews 12:1-2 Galatians 1:10 2 Corinthians 12:9 Romans 12:1 Proverbs 9:10 We Mention: Shepherding A Child’s Heart Takeaway Truths: I felt God leading me to make my faith my choice. He called me to live the truth of an eternal reality and pursue the simple task of living for Him and obeying Him moment by moment. All of our meaningless tasks are given lasting meaning because when we work hard and heartily as unto the Lord, we will receive an eternal inheritance as a reward. It’s all passing away. Everything except how we loved, how we persevered, and how we faithfully accomplished the tasks that God laid out for us. Determine what is best for the kingdom of God and put that above your own wants and desires. What does it mean to throw off the things that hinder us so that we can pursue Christ with all we’ve got, running our race with perseverance? Allow your sense of overwhelm and need drive you to the cross and ask for help. Even if things don’t go how we expected, they went how God expected and knew it would happen. what is important is not the outcome, it is taking steps of obedience and trust in the midst of that situation. It is important to let my children in on how I think. Journal and Reflection Page: Katie Bennett – Journal and Reflection Page

My dear friend, Lauren Casper, joins us for this episode of the Mother's Day series and shares what it means to mother a transracial family and embrace the diversity of skin colors and cultures within her own home. Connect with Lauren: website // book // instagram // facebook // shop visit sarahrieke.com/podcast for show notes Heart Lesson: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. We Mention: It's Okay About It All God's Children International Ethiopian calendar Timkat The Little Boy Whose Name Means Peace How We Do Our Daughter's Hair Jessica Turner When God Made You Michael Twitty Matthew 22:36-40 (The Greatest Commandment) Choose Joy Takeaway Truths: I want to be intentional to put in the time so I can raise my children as children of color, because they are, and not try to make them fit into my white world. I need to learn about cultural differences because I don't want to erase the heritage they came from, as much as I possibly can. So much of adoption is about loss. As beautiful as the process of adoption is, it is impossible to ignore that there is an enormous component of loss there, particularly for the children. I do everything I can to embrace and celebrate their culture because I want to show them it is not something they were rescued out of. It is our responsibility not to look away because how can we love each other well when we do? This is how we raise racially aware children; by putting diversity in their world from early on. I have recognized my need to have a lifelong posture of student and continuously be asking and learning and listening. Empathy means to treat someone how they want to be treated and that requires listening and learning. Journal and Reflection Page: Lauren Casper - Journal and Reflection Page