Heart Lessons Podcast

Welcome to Part I of the Intentionality Series of the Heart Lessons Podcast! In this intro episode we talk about intentionality in Scripture, how God models intentionality for us, and share the resources you shared on social media about all the things that are helping you live with greater intention. This episode kicks off the series designed to help you stay on track with your New Year's Resolutions.  Visit sarahrieke.com for show notes on this episode and the other episodes in this series.  

As a mother, I want what is best for my children. I want what will keep them happy, safe, and comfortable. And while my heart breaks over the reality that two of my children are no longer here, isn't that what they have in Heaven? Through Jesus, my babies have happy, safe, perfect life. Praise God that through the death of His Child, He made a way for mine.  Prayer to Receive Christ as Savior: Dear Jesus, I believe in You.  I believe that you died on the cross for me and rose the third day and are now in Heaven preparing a place for me.  I want to accept Your gift of everlasting life and spend eternity with You.  Please come into my life and save me from my sin.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Links: Evie's Memorial Service Glory, by Selah Visit sarahrieke.com for show notes

As the world turns to a new year, it is so common to enter into that newness with a handful of resolutions and a renewed sense of energy and intention for how to keep those resolutions. It's a new year, new page, fresh start. But what about those times when the difficulty, sadness, and grief from the previous year follow you into the next? This episode is dedicated to those listeners who are still feeling burdened by whatever hard things 2017 held for them and offers hopeful encouragement for how to move forward in that brokenness, keeping in mind that even broken can be beautiful.  Visit sarahrieke.com for show notes on this episode Song: "Beautiful Things" by Gungor

Merry Christmas friends! I'm so glad you're joining me for this Christmas podcast series. Today I will be sharing my two favorite Holiday Heart Lessons to meditate on during the Christmas season, the ones that continue to ground me in the reality of the baby who came to save us all from our sins. Mentions: Luke 2 Matthew 21 Isaiah 53 Pharaoh's Daughters Christy Nockels The Thrill of Hope The Glorious in the Mundane Podcast Wrap this One Up (podcast episode) Wrap This One Up (song) Wrap This One Up (song story) The Greatest Gift The Wonder of the Greatest Gift Treasuring God in Our Traditions She Reads Truth She Reads Truth (advent studies) Meredith Andrews Receive Our King

In this episode my friend Justina joins me as we chat about Christmas stress, how to best handle it, and how to keep our hearts and minds focused on the true meaning of the holiday. We Mention: Heart Lessons Episode 34 Green Egg Grill In the Manger, by Max Lucado The Christ of Christmas, by Calvin Miller Philippians 1:6 Romans 12:18 James 3 Matthew 11:30 Heart Lessons: Keep Jesus at the center where He needs to be. When you feel Christmas stress overshadowing your joy, take a second to recalibrate and remember what is actually important - family, love, peace, thankfulness - and try to rest in that perspective.

In this episode my friend Brittany joins me as we chat Christmas traditions of all shapes and sizes, read about some of your favorite traditions, and add in a few Christmas traditions that we can't even. We Mention: Heart Lessons Episode 33 Pagan traditions converted to Christmas traditions Christmas Countdown Garland Bake at 350 cookie recipe Jesse Tree Alton Brown's Overnight Cinnamon Rolls DrawNames.com Heart Lesson: Make the whole month a simple, special celebration and focus on the truth of the holiday and God's word.

Hi friends! So glad you're joining me for episode 41 of Heart Lessons. My guest for today's episode is Nichole Nordeman. I can't even tell you how honored I was to interview someone whose music has been very present, almost theme-like, in some very pivotal seasons of my life. Her musical talent has earned her some very prestigious awards in the Christian music industry but today, our conversation was centered on motherhood and taking the time to slow down and enjoy the moments happening right in front of us, as inspired by her new book, Slow Down. Also, talking about the title track on Nichole's latest album, Every Mile Mattered, allowed us to explore the idea that no part of our story is wasted in God's hands. I wish I could have talked to Nichole so much more about so many things, but I think I'll let those unexplored conversations point you over to her blog and her social media places so that you can get to know her story for yourself. She is an inspiration and a delight and a very talented writer, both mu

Hi friend! Welcome to episode 40 of the Heart Lessons Podcast. My special guest today is Melanie Rainer, director and editor of content for JellyTelly. In today's conversation Melanie and I talk about her personal experiences with graduating from seminary, the joys of parenting a toddler, and what her go-to resources are for teaching her own daughter about Jesus. We also talk all things JellyTelly - from the video devotionals, show streaming availability, to the ways to incorporate all of these great resources into your everyday conversation with your kids. If you are a parent or if you have little people in your life and you desire to influence them positively with the message of the gospel, I think this episode will really help introduce you to some wonderful tools to really make this sort of influence accessible and attainable. Heart Lesson: The Lord goes before you. Connect with Melanie: blog // instagram // twitter Connect with JellyTelly: website // blog // facebook // twitter // instagram We Mention: C

Welcome to episode 39 of the Heart Lessons podcast. My guest today is Kelli Tobin from My Fit Finish. I have to say I am really thrilled that Kelli agreed to be a guest on the podcast because I had been praying for a guest that could speak to health and fitness. I try to think of the wide variety of subject matter that might interest Heart Lessons listeners and wanted to delve into the topic of health/fitness from a Christian perspective. I am so thankful Kelli said yes and that she is here today to speak truth into our lives when it comes to pursuing exercise and eating well. Her overarching theme is grace, which I love, so you will not feel condemned as you listen. Instead, I think you will come away feeling that taking steps toward health/fitness is important and also, attainable. Heart Lesson: Be patient and let things take time. Connect with Kelli: website // instagram // facebook // Biz Runners We Mention: Risen Motherhood Hebrews 12:1 My Fit Finish resources HIIT Training Stronglifts 5x5 P90X3

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Heart Lessons Podcast. My special guest today is Nicole Jennings, the creative mind behind Color and Kindness, her online shop dedicated to providing resources to help introduce gospel concepts to kids. You can find scripture cards, coloring pages, and many other adorable and inspired resources. We talk about the mix of motherhood and being a work-at-home mom, how she tries to expand her children's' worldview beyond their four walls. We also talk about Jesus meeting us where we are, not polished and presentable but right int he moment of temptation. I know you are going to find this episode encouraging, especially if you have young children but really for anyone who has gospel influence on a little person. Heart Lesson: Look for the ways that God has been good. Connect with Nicole: blog // facebook // instagram // etsy shop We Mention: Philippians 4:6 Feed My Starving Children Love Your Neighbor kit Thrive Moms Prayer Journal Susanna Wesley You're a Good, Good Father Heart Lesson

Hi friends! I'm so excited to welcome you to this episode of Heart Lessons with my special guest, Kristen Hatton. Kristen recently released a book entitled, Face Time: Your Identity in a Selfie World. It is a devotional book for teenage girls aimed at helping them realize they don't need to look to social media for security and affirmation because Christ already loves and accepts them, just as they are. We chat about her book and many of the life-giving concepts found there, she answers some of your listener questions, and we also hit on how this topic is relevant for young moms and laying the foundation now for your kids later. And of course, Kristen shares her heart lesson with us as she continues to dig deeper into this topic of true identity in Christ. This episode is so good for anyone with a teenage daughter, anyone who mentors teen girls, anyone who will one day have a teenage daughter, but it is also really great for women in general and moms of teenage boys. There is a little something for everyone i

Hi friends! I'm so excited to share this episode of Heart Lessons with you today. My special guest is Kristin Schell. Kristin started the Turquoise Table and #frontyardpeople movement, which is all about building community with those around you. Kristin just released her first book and so we chat about many of the ideas she shared there including how to make space in your heart for others, the difference between hospitality and entertaining, and how we should be ok inviting others into our lives and homes because it is less about perfection and so much more about just belonging and being together. In this age of being so "connected" via social media I think learning to connect with others in a face to face way is deeply important and I'm so happy Kristin was able to share her heart and her vision with us here. Heart Lesson: Stay in communion with God and listen to Him. Connect with Kristin: blog // facebook // instagram // twitter // book We mention: Romans 12:13 Lowe's picnic table Sherwin Williams Nifty

Connect with Lexi: blog // instagram // book // twitter We Mention: Heart Lessons Episode 5 // Strength in Weakness // with Lexi Judy SBCV Blog Angie Smith Conference My Sister's Closet Nothing to Prove Can't Stop the Feeling Trolls Movie Call the Midwife Downton Abbey Altar'd State Francesca's Everyday Heart Lesson: Learning to trust in the Lord when you can't see him moving. Find me on instagram this week and share your answers to some of the lighthearted questions! Next time I'll be chatting with Kristin Schell, the woman behind the Turquoise Table. I hope you tune in to catch her vision for being "front yard people" and living in community with those around you.

Hi friends and thanks for joining me for episode 35 of the Heart Lessons podcast! Today my special guest is Mary Evelyn Smith who blogs over at What Do You Do, Dear? I absolutely love what Mary Evelyn writes on her blog and although our stories are different, I feel like I identify with her very much and much of her writing has helped me along in my journey of processing the loss of my babies.  Today Mary Evelyn and I talk about what it looks like for her to be the parent of a child with a disability specifically, her son Simeon who has spina bifida. We talk about the diagnosis day and what that felt like, we talk about what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made when your body operates differently than the majority of those around you, and what Mary Evelyn hopes to communicate to the world about disability. We also talk about her awesome career as a school librarian and she makes some killer book recommendations. And of course, we chat about what God is doing in her heart as she continues to move forw

Hi friends! I'm so glad to introduce you today to a dear, dear friend of mine, Justina Roberts. Justina and I met in college because our boyfriends, at the time (now husbands), were roommates and so we hung out often. She is one of those friends that I don't see very often but whenever we finally do catch up we can pick up right where we left off. I love that. Today Justina shares about her business, Simple Farmhouse Company. She shares her favorite tips, tricks, and tools for refinishing furniture, her favorite places to find pieces, and five easy ways you can spruce up a room. And I love her heart behind the business and that even though she's all about making living spaces beautiful, she knows it's really all about knowing your people. I think you'll love my conversation with Justina and maybe be inspired to experiment on some furniture of your own. And of course, I hope this episode helped you to come away with your own heart lesson to help you draw closer to the Lord. Click here for show notes.  Come fin

Hi friends! I'm so happy to be back doing this podcast with you! I took a break after my son was born in November and intended to come back in February but that did not happen. But I'm glad to be back now sharing stories with you of women doing amazing things. My guest today in an old college friend, Brittany Meng. Brittany shares about being the mom of twins, mothering four boys, transitioning from working to being a SAHM, and the long process of uncovering her son's autism diagnosis. And, of course, she shares her heart lesson about realizing the importance of asking for help and living in community. I hope you listen and enjoy and find yourself encouraged and inspired to listen to the Lord's voice in your own life and discover a heart lesson of your own.  

Hazelnut coffee, doctor dreams, and when bacon betrays you ...  **Friends, this is the last episode for me for a little while. I am taking a maternity leave until mid-February to enjoy the holidays and my new little family. If you want to stay in touch you can find me on instagram (sarah_rieke) or email me (sarahjrieke@gmail.com). Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. I will see you back here again soon.

Welcome to Episode 32 of the Heart Lessons Podcast! My special guest today is author coach/writer/speaker Shelley Hitz. Today Shelley shares her story which includes some really painful elements including processing the tragic loss of her grandmother, past sexual abuse, and a pornography addiction that lasted for two years. Although there is great pain in her story, what ultimately shines through is the redemption and restoration that we can find in Christ. Shelley is using her painful past and what she has overcome to encourage others in similar places. I know you will find such hope in Shelley's story. **Just a note that this might not be the most family friendly episode. If my five-year-old was in the car with me I might consider listening at a different time. This episode is so wonderful and definitely worth the listen, but considering some of the words and stories Shelley shares, you might not want little ears to hear.

Today's episode of Heart Lessons features Lindsey Nobles, COO/Strategist for IF. Lindsey and I chat about IF and all the wonderful things she get to do through that ministry. She shares about her trips to Israel and how life-changing those have been. We also chat about her personal testimony and how she realized she needed to move from a cultural Christianity to one that really made a difference in how she lived her life. Lindsey is also a wonderful spokeswoman for singles in the church and we talk about what it's like to be single in the church and practical ways those of us who are married with kids can be intentional about inviting single people into our lives and our family relationships. My conversation with Lindsey was rich and eye-opening and I think you'll find that to be true for you as well. 

On today's episode of Heart Lessons (Episode 30 ... what?!) my special guest is Emily Chapman Richards, oldest daughter of singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and bestselling author Mary Beth Chapman. We chat about what it was like growing up in her home with her father being who he was, the origins of her passion for adoption and orphan care. Emily also shares what it was like to lose her youngest sister just months before she got married. We talk about her time living in Ireland and how that impacted her in a big way for pursuing a more dialed down pace of life and embracing time for rest and relationships even in the middle of a busy day. Emily's heart lesson is just so perfect, she shares a verse that reflects how, when our anchor is firm and secure in the deep calm of Jesus, it doesn't really matter what the storm is like on the surface. I love that insight and I know you are going to love hearing from Emily.