This week, I'm welcoming back my friend, neighbor, and encourager, Heather Kittleson! Heather shares her journey from addiction to launching her nonprofit, Fortitude Ministries. We dive into the real struggles moms and women are facing today, how culture has distorted our view of motherhood, and how to reset our hearts around Christ-centered living. Heather’s encouragement to "zoom out," reset priorities, and pursue an abundant life will leave you feeling seen and strengthened for your own journey.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why motherhood isn’t about the white picket fence dream
  
  
• How slowing down can bring lasting joy
  
  
• Learning to say no and prioritize well
  
  
• How to zoom out and see the bigger picture
  
  
• The importance of Christ-centered identity for ourselves — and for raising our kids
  
  
• Upcoming events from Fortitude Ministries, including the new Mother-Son Event!
  
  

Helpful Links:

• Follow Heather on Instagram: Fortitude by Heather
  
  
• Stay connected with me on Instagram: Encourager Podcast
  
  
• Leave a review for the podcast: Apple Podcasts
  
  
• Sign up for the newsletter: Encourager Newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Encourager Podcast, I share a vulnerable story about a Monday when I got everything done—but missed one of the most important moments of my week. That moment led to a heart shift: from serving efficiency as a god, to seeing it as a tool that should support (not replace) my values and mission.

This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and realign how you approach productivity—through the lens of intentionality, connection, and grace.

💡 In This Episode, I Share:

• The phrase that changed how I view my time: Efficiency is king, but it’s a terrible god
  
  
• A personal story of missing a bedtime moment—and what it taught me about priorities
  
  
• How efficiency can quietly become an idol in our homes and schedules
  
  
• What it looks like to choose presence over productivity in the 5 systems: Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family
  
  
• 3 questions to help you reclaim connection and peace
  
  

📥 Free Resource:

Download the Mini Journal: Efficiency vs. Intentionality and reflect on where you can shift from hustle to holy: 👉 Grab the free journal here

✨ Reminder:

Efficiency should support your values—not define them. Let’s serve our people, not our lists.

🔗 Stay in the Know:

Get direct links to new episodes, free resources and more. Join our newsletter here.

💬 Connect with Me:

Got a question about home or work life? Drop it along with your review on Apple Podcasts, and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode!

💛 Let’s Connect on Instagram:

This is where we chat, share, and celebrate real wins.
Follow me here → @encouragerpodcast

✋ Utilize Your 5 Systems:

Every woman operates in 5 systems: Me, Food, Family, Home, and Work. Discover how to bring joy and clarity to all 5 here.

🌐 Explore More:

EncouragerPodcast.com – Get free downloads, episode links, and resources
EncouragerAcademy.com – Take the next step with our digital courses
shoprsd.com – Browse stylish + organized accessories handmade for your real life
Amazon Favorites – Explore my top tools and joy-sparking finds

📣 Spread the Joy:

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who could use the same lift. It means the world to me—and to her!

🔔 Stay Updated:

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a moment of encouragement.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes the best reset isn’t a weekend away—it’s the small things that lift your spirit and ground you right where you are. In this episode, Rebekah shares her current list of favorite things: sanity-saving tools, high-protein snacks, fashion favorites, faith anchors, brain-boosting podcasts, and a touch of whimsy. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just looking for a few new joyful discoveries, this episode is full of practical (and fun!) inspiration.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Rebekah uses ChatGPT to organize home and business life
  
  
• Her favorite recipes from “This Is Not Diet Food”
  
  
• What the Honey Huddle has to do with stuffed African animals
  
  
• Cottage cheese: the MVP of snacks and lunch
  
  
• A peek at her go-to RSD bags: BB, Lizzie & Jovi
  
  
• The devotional that’s anchoring her faith right now
  
  
• The podcasts keeping her brain sharp and her heart grounded
  
  
• $13 sunglasses and skipping out of Dollar Tree (literally)
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT
• This is Not Diet Food Blog
• Honey Huddle (Free Download)
  
• BB, Lizzie & Jovi Bags (Use code ENCOURAGER)
• Threshold by Craig Cooney – Buy the Devotional
• Central Record Worship Channel on YouTube
• Rewire Your Brain Podcast by Liz Bagwell
• The Briefing by Albert Mohler
• Sojo Sunnies on Amazon

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever had a day where everything just worked? Chances are, it wasn’t random—it was pre-decided.

In this episode, I’m sharing how pre-decisions—those small, intentional choices I make ahead of time—help reduce chaos, eliminate decision fatigue, and keep me rooted in what matters most. I walk through my five systems (Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family) and the exact pre-decisions I’ve made in each one.

These aren’t just time-savers—they’re peace-bringers.

✨ ME SYSTEM

• Tuesdays = bath night (non-negotiable!)
• No Instagram before 9 AM or after 9 PM
• 4 workouts/week 10-minute daily reset
• No work before 9 AM (Bible + journaling comes first)

🔎 Reflection: What pre-decisions could I make to feel more grounded?

🍽 FOOD SYSTEM

• Supper is decided before 9 AM
• Meat gets pulled the night before
• Weekly meal plan with my Agenda C Sheet

🔎 Reflection: What food decisions could I make ahead of time to reduce the dinner scramble?

🏡 HOME SYSTEM

• Sunday = chore/reset day
• Sink is clean every night
• Shoes lined up in entry
• Monday = laundry / Tuesday = linens

🔎 Reflection: What small routines could I pre-decide for more peace at home?

💼 WORK SYSTEM

• No work after 6 PM
• No interviews on Fridays
• Content creation on Tuesdays
• Live videos on Fridays

🔎 Reflection: What boundaries do I need to set for work and rest?

👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY SYSTEM

• Meals at the dining table
• Sundays are Sabbath
• We show up for each other’s events
• Daily 15-min check-in with my husband

🔎 Reflection: What decisions could I make to increase connection and meaning?

✅ Your Encourager Challenge: Choose just one system and one pre-decision to implement this week. Try it for six weeks—then tweak it as needed. Let it become a rhythm.

🎧 Listen now:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-encourager-podcast-equipping-christian-moms-to/id1018941720
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RYF5Ja6Z1av0K0v6Q9Aje?si=f56514810ad54174&nd=1&dlsi=070b26d422bc4f36

📝 Want to share yours? Tag us on IG @encouragerpodcast—I love seeing what’s working for you! 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do we design a home that feels like us—without the pressure of perfection?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Whitney English—designer, business owner, and author of Organize First, Decorate Second—to talk about organizing with intention and beauty.

We explore the tension between wanting a gorgeous space and needing it to work for our real, messy, lived-in lives. Whitney shares her down-to-earth approach to decorating that starts with function and editing before aesthetics. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by home trends, minimalism guilt, or the urge to rage-purge your entire house before guests arrive (hi, me), this one’s for you.

We chat about:

• How to show yourself grace in your organizing process
• Why story matters more than style
• The beauty of handmade and meaningful items
• What “maximalism with meaning” really looks like
• Why it’s okay to own 40 wreaths... or 6 pairs of blue light glasses
  
  

You’ll walk away with permission to be creative, cluttered, and still totally on track.

🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned

• Whitney English’s book: Organize First, Decorate Second → Click here
• Follow Whitney on IG → Click here
• Learn about the 5 systems→ The Encourager Academy
• Join our newsletter → for links & more resources
• Podcast episode archive ↓
  The Encourager on Apple Podcasts
  The Enourager on Spotify

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Feeling like everything’s spiraling? Like you’re one pile of laundry away from meltdown? This week’s episode is a breath of fresh air—literally.

In this episode, Rebekah shares her go-to practice for those chaotic moments: The 10-Minute Reset. It's simple, effective, and surprisingly powerful. You'll learn:

• Why a tiny 10-minute task can make a massive impact
  
  
• How to use this reset in the 5 systems: Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family
  
  
• 50 practical ideas you can start using right away
  
  
• How to use a timer as an invitation (not control!)
  
  
• Why God meets us in the small pauses we choose to make
  
  

💡Plus: Download your free printable of all 50 reset ideas here:
👉 Get the PDF Reset List

Mentioned Verse:
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” – 2 Chronicles 20:12

Links + Resources

• Newsletter sign-up: encouragerpodcast.com
  
  
• Learn about the 5 systems: EncouragerAcademy.com
  
  
• Our Amazon favorites: amazon.com/shop/shoprsd
  
  
• Connect on IG: @encouragerpodcast
  
  
• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click here
• List on spotify: click here
  
  

💌 Loved it? Forward this to a friend who’s spiraling and needs a sacred 10 minutes.
🎯 And don’t forget to follow or subscribe!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

 Ever felt intimidated by the Bible? You’re not alone—and today’s guest, Zach Windle, gets it. In this episode, we talk about his new book The Bible Simplified, which helps Christians of all ages zoom out and see Scripture as a beautiful, cohesive story rather than a confusing list of verses.

We explore:

• Why simplifying the Bible doesn’t mean watering it down
  
  
• The real-life connection between Jesus’ call to the disciples and their Jewish education
  
  
• What Revelation actually tells us—and why it doesn’t have to scare us
  
  
• How Zach’s book helps you develop a love for God’s Word that grows over time
  
  

Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or have followed Jesus for decades, this conversation will help you deepen your faith and pass it on to your kids with confidence.

🎉 The Bible Simplified launches July 1—pre-order your copy now onhttps://amzn.to/3SBFF4I or wherever books are sold!

Stay in the Know:
Get direct links to new episodes, free resources, and more. Join our newsletter.

Connect with Me:
Got a burning question about home or work life? Drop it with your Apple Podcasts review—I might answer it on the show!

Join the Community:
Let’s chat on IG! That’s where I share behind-the-scenes encouragement and bonus content.

Utilize Your 5 Systems:
Every woman operates in 5 systems: Me, Food, Family, Home, and Work. Discover how to bring joy and clarity to all 5 here.

Explore More:

• EncouragerPodcast.com
  
  
• shoprsd.com for handmade bags and accessories
  
  
• Amazon affiliate shop
  
  
• Don’t forget to follow + review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When your perfectly planned day suddenly derails, what do you do? I share my go-to solution when the spiral hits: The Encourager Emergency Kit. With humor, heart, and real-life examples (track meets and jazz concerts, anyone?), we walk through a 3x3x3 model to reset your mind, spirit, and schedule.

You’ll learn:

• How to stabilize when life feels out of control
  
  
• Why chaos doesn’t need to be met with control—but with clarity
  
  
• A real story from 2 Chronicles 20 that will help you stay calm under pressure
  
  

What’s in the Encourager Emergency Kit?
🔹 3 Go-To Items
🔹 3 Simple but Powerful Prayers
🔹 3 Practical Reset Steps

This is your step-by-step when life throws a curveball (or three). Whether it’s a missed detail, an unexpected event, or just a Monday, the Encourager Emergency Kit will help you press pause, pray it through, and move forward with God.

📌 Free Resource:

Grab the printable checklist to keep your own Encourager Emergency Kit ready:
👉 Download the Kit

🔗 Stay Encouraged and Connected:

• 💌 Sign up for the newsletter: encouragerpodcast.com
  
  
• 🎧 Follow on Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
  
  
• 💬 Join our community on Facebook: The Encourager Podcast Community
  
  
• 📚 Explore resources: encourageracademy.com
  
  
• 👜 Shop our handmade bags: shoprsd.com
  
  
• 🛒 See my favorite tools: Amazon Shop
  
  

📲 Instagram fun + updates: @encouragerpodcast

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when your friend group shrinks, or your season shifts and you're suddenly craving connection? Author and military wife Kristen Strong joins us to talk about friendship as an adult—what makes it hard, how to find your people, and what to do when you're in a lonely season.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why loneliness is more common than you think
  
  
• Kristen’s personal “needy friend” journey and what she learned
  
  
• The power of open up, show up, and pray up
  
  
• Why hospitality doesn’t have to be fancy
  
  
• How to make amends in friendship after overstepping
  
  
• Encouragement for the woman who feels like friendship is "just not in the cards"
  
  

Mentioned in this episode:
📖 Desperate Woman Seeks Friends by Kristen Strong → Grab it on Amazon
👀 Follow Kristen on Instagram → @kristenstrong
🌐 Visit Kristen’s website → kristenstrong.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, I'm welcoming back my friend, neighbor, and encourager, Heather Kittleson! Heather shares her journey from addiction to launching her nonprofit, Fortitude Ministries. We dive into the real struggles moms and women are facing today, how culture has distorted our view of motherhood, and how to reset our hearts around Christ-centered living. Heather’s encouragement to "zoom out," reset priorities, and pursue an abundant life will leave you feeling seen and strengthened for your own journey.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why motherhood isn’t about the white picket fence dream
  
  
• How slowing down can bring lasting joy
  
  
• Learning to say no and prioritize well
  
  
• How to zoom out and see the bigger picture
  
  
• The importance of Christ-centered identity for ourselves — and for raising our kids
  
  
• Upcoming events from Fortitude Ministries, including the new Mother-Son Event!
  
  

Helpful Links:

• Follow Heather on Instagram: Fortitude by Heather
  
  
• Stay connected with me on Instagram: Encourager Podcast
  
  
• Leave a review for the podcast: Apple Podcasts
  
  
• Sign up for the newsletter: Encourager Newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.