In the Dust Podcast

This week, Sarah continues The Songs We Sing by reflecting on Arms Open Wide by Hillsong United and the invitation to surrender our whole lives to God. Drawing on Romans 12:1, she explores what it means to offer God our ordinary, everyday lives as worship, and names some of the things that can get in the way of surrender. This episode also includes a note that In the Dust will take a two-week brea...

This week, Sarah reflects on relistening to Shauna Niequist’s Present Over Perfect during a weekend away and the invitation to check in with the shape and pace of her own life. Drawing from five themes in the book — taking down the chairs, saying no, disappointing the right people, choosing the shape of our days, and simplicity — this episode is a gentle invitation to notice where God might be cal...

In this special 100th episode of In the Dust, Sarah is joined by her friend Kelly Cooper to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the journey so far. Together they look back on how the podcast began, what has happened behind the scenes, the lessons learned along the way, and the ways God has been faithful through each season. This conversation is a chance to honour the milestone, but also to notice wha...

This week, I’m reflecting on the truth that God’s goodness and greatness are not dependent on our circumstances — and so our worship doesn’t need to be either. Drawing on personal experience, songs like Bless God, Waymaker, and The Desert Song, and a series of scriptures that speak of praise in both plenty and pain, this episode is a gentle invitation to keep anchoring ourselves in who God is. If...

In this quarterly When Seasons Change episode, I’m inviting you to pause as we step into winter and reflect on the journey so far. Together we look back with gratitude and honesty — noticing where God has been present, what has grown in us, and what this past season has held. Winter can invite us to slow down, pay attention, and make space for what matters most. This episode offers gentle reflecti...

This week, Sarah is reflecting on what it means to make space to hear in a noisy world. Looking at 1 Samuel 3:1–10 and James 1:19, We explore how listening is more than a skill — it’s a posture of attentiveness to God, to others, and to what is going on in our own hearts. This episode is a gentle invitation to slow down, notice the noise within and around us, and become the kind of people who list...

This week, Sarah reflects on Ephesians 4:3–5, a waiata called Me whai kia mau , and a beautiful guitar metaphor that points to Christ as the one we are tuned to. As we head toward Pentecost, this episode explores what it means to protect the unity of the Spirit, live in peace with one another, and remember that the Church is one body held together by one Spirit. If you’ve ever wondered what unity...

When life feels like it’s coming from all angles, the storm can reveal what our lives are really built on. In this episode, Sarah reflects on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24–29 and the invitation to build on bedrock—listening to His teaching and putting it into practice. You’ll hear practical questions to help you notice the strong spots and weak spots in your leadership, parenting, and daily rhythms...

This week, Sarah reflects on Mother’s Day in Aotearoa through the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42) inspired by Faye Molen’s Bible Study from the Raise Your Voice Bible study resource. We are invited us to follow Jesus by making room—honouring the women in our lives, listening well, and choosing Christ-centred ways to challenge assumptions that silence or sideline women. Reflection Question...

This week, a reflection on ANZAC Day. I’m thinking about the stories we carry—how we remember God’s faithfulness, and how we pass it on. Reflection Questions When you hear the phrase “Lest we forget,” what (or who) comes to mind for you—and why? What is one story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you don’t want to lose to time or busyness? Who is part of your “next generation” (kids, whānau,...

This week, Sarah reflects on how tension can build up in our bodies, minds, and spirits—often without us noticing—until something invites release. Through the experience of an intense massage, she explores God’s gentle invitation toreset, release, and realign through regular practices (not one-off fixes). A reminder to ask God what you need in this season, and to choose rhythms that are kind, sust...

This week Sarah reflects on what it looks like to love our neighbours in the season we’re in—without striving, guilt, or trying to do it all. Drawing on The Art of Neighbouring and Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36–40, she invites us to askGod who He’s placed closest to us, and to take small, Spirit-led steps of presence, hospitality, and consistent kindness—one relationship at a time. Reflection ques...

Episode 90 is for anyone who wants to be prepared without slipping into striving—learning preparedness that’s love-led, not fear-driven. Scripture shows three kinds of preparedness: watchfulness for Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:42–44), steadiness for everyday life and trials (Proverbs 16:3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17), and wisdom for planning and stewardship (Proverbs 6:6–8). We also share a few practical “an...

This week, Sarah explores what it means to grow a strong private life with Jesus—because the front stage is meant to be an overflow of what’s been formed backstage. With Matthew 6:1–9 (MSG) as our grounding, we reflect on a faith that isn’t performed for applause but practiced in the hidden place with the Father who sees. Sarah shares eight simple “backstage” rhythms and a few reflection questions...

As summer turns to autumn, this is your gentle check-in—an invitation to slow down, notice what God’s been doing, and reset your rhythms for what’s ahead. In this quarterly When Seasons Change episode of In the Dust , I share the simple reflection questions I’m using, the practical habits that have helped lately, and a few ways I’m making space for margin as the days get darker. Come as you are, f...

This week, Sarah reflects on the growing insight that constant, effortless pleasure doesn’t lead to the joy we long for, but often leaves us restless, numb, and unsatisfied. Drawing on ideas from Dopamine Nation and The DOSE Effect, alongside Scripture and the wisdom of the desert mothers and fathers, this episode explores the pain–pleasure balance and what it reveals about spiritual formation. Ra...

This week, Sarah reflects on the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6 and the way fear can narrow our vision when life feels overwhelming. Through a simple, gentle practice—pause and pray, look up, look in, look out—she invites listeners to ask God to open their eyes and learn to see what He sees. Reflection Questions: Where am I being invited to follow Jesus more closely right now? What have I been fixed...

Today’s episode is simple and unhurried. Sarah reads Psalm 145 and offers a few gentle reflection questions, creating space to listen, notice, and rest in who God is. Reflection Questions: What words or phrases about God stood out to you as the psalm was read? What do these verses suggest about what God is like — especially toward people? “One generation commends your works to another…” (v.4) Wher...

In a tender week marked by loss, Sarah reflects on the hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus and what it means to hold grief and worship together. She names the honest tension of praying with full faith for healing while accepting that some answers may not come this side of heaven. Rather than rushing to explain pain, this episode offers a gentle invitation to re‑order our perspective—letting what feels...

In this first episode of 2026, we explore the image of a rising tide — how God’s work in one part of our life can gently lift the rest. Together we reflect on growth, testimony, and the invitations Jesus is extending to us this year. From choosing a “word for the year” to noticing what’s shaping us, this episode is a gentle reminder that as God grows us, He also grows what surrounds us. Reflection...

In this quarterly reflection episode, Sarah invites listeners to pause and look back over Spring—what worked, what didn’t, and what God has been cultivating in their lives. Drawing from John 15:1–8, she explores the tension between fruitfulness and pruning, reminding us that true growth comes from staying connected to Jesus, the Vine. Sarah shares her own reflections on pace, priorities, and the i...

This week, we’re doing something new— our very first interview! I’m joined by Kelly, who recently led a workshop on cultivating an intentional and joyful Christmas season. Together, we explore practical ways to prepare for Christmas with peace and purpose, from choosing commitments and setting budgets to creating traditions that truly matter. We also talk about showing goodwill to others—and to ou...

When was the last time you felt awe and wonder? Creative rest is more than taking a break—it’s an invitation to reconnect with the Creator through beauty, nature, and play. In this episode, we talk about why creative rest matters, practical ways to embrace it, and how it can refresh your soul and deepen your walk with Jesus. Miramar Salvation Army Message Archies: Messages Archives | The Salvation...

What if your word for the year still has something to teach you before December ends? In this episode, Sarah reflects on her words— contentment and hope —and shares practical ways to finish the year with purpose. You’ll find reflection prompts, tips for staying focused, and encouragement to listen for what God might be saying for the next season. 🎧 Listen now and take 10–15 minutes to journal you...

This week, Sarah reflects on the worship song Nothing Else by Cody Carnes—a song born from conviction and a longing to return to the heart of worship. Through scripture, personal experience, and theological insight, we’re invited to strip away distractions and rediscover the beauty of simply being with Jesus. Featuring: The story behind the song Key scriptures: Philippians 3, Luke 10, Revelation 2...