Heart Of The Matter Radio

My mother used to say her children never got into things, and they never did this or that. The list was long. I had five kids, and once I told Mama mine did every one of her taboos. She didn't know what to say. I started off trying to be perfect but soon discovered I couldn't live up to that. Jill Savage was my guest this week, and she showed us ways to be great moms without worrying about perfect.

This morning I heard a senator comment on how crazy this year has been. The corona virus still has many people frightened, but we've also had hurricanes, riots, and political tension. People have wondered if our lives will ever return to normal.  My friend, Julie Gillies, wrote a book, which is perfect for 2020, Prayers to Calm Your Anxious Heart. She was my guest this week, talking about how she has found peace in hard times.

The lady in Proverbs 31 looked well to the ways of her household, and had several businesses. Her children rose up and blessed her, and her husband praised her. My guest lived out that passage by starting her own business and giving away food during the Covid crisis. Tara Royer Steele revealed how she accomplished so much and what she learned.

William Wilberforce, the man who ended slavery in England, met Queen Victoria when she was a child. He got down in the floor to play with her, which differed from the way Victorians treated their offspring. Author Laurie Sargent was my guest this week, and she dipped into letters from her grandmother to illustrate childrearing from the past. Plus, she divulged ways to make learning fun.

Several years ago, I had to clean out my childhood home so we could rent it to pay for my father's care. My parents had lived there over forty years, accumulating furniture, papers, memorabilia, letters, photographs, and books. The job was overwhelming. This unpleasant job made me want to sort through my own home and give away what I didn't need. This week, Cynthia Ruchti was my guest and we discussed letting go of emotions, and attitudes as well as unused possessions.

2020 had been a rough year for our nation. The pandemic, fires out west, riots, Hurricane Sally and unrest have plagued us. We need prayer more than ever.  Author Janet McHenry was my guest this week. She told the story of her prayerwalks and the lives changed as a result. What an encouraging example for us today. 

Moms teach and guide their kids all day long, and that means we talk all day. However, listening to them takes work, but they need that. Life Coach Linda Goldfarb shared her secret formula for listening. I wish I had known this when my kids were little. 

This pandemic taught me I need people. I tend to be shy, so at first the quarantine didn't bother me much. However, as time went on, I missed my friends. Unfortunately, we can be so afraid of what others think that we never let people see who we really are. How sad to miss true friendships Author Gail Porter offered help. She released her newest book explaining how she she overcame perfectionism and her fear of rejection. Freedom feels wonderful. 

Everyday when I get up, I have my to-do list ready to go, and I start marking off completed jobs. How easy to put off prayer and meditation until I'm so tired I can't stand up. Not good! My guest this week was Julie Gorman. She completed the book Gentle Whispers., which explains here amazing walk with God. Her story blessed me, and I hope it blesses you also.

Years ago, Princess Diana said she hoped someone taught her boys to pray. That made me sad because I wondered if she didn't know how either. I can't imagine living without prayer. This week, author Karen Whiting was my guest. She offered creative ways to introduce your kids to prayer. 

Remember the story of the storm on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus slept in the boat? He was peaceful. The disciples, veteran sailors,  were terrified for their lives even though they had seen Jesus heal others. This time they were in danger, and they forgot his power. That's easy for all of us to do. This week my guest, Becky Harling, told about her problem with worry and how she overcame. 

Abby Johnson worked for Planned Parenthood and believed she was helping women until she watched an abortion. In our interview, Abby explained how she changed her mind and revealed the secrets they don't want you to know. 

Do you ever feel lost on the parenting journey? We've got help! Life Coach Linda Goldfarb explained how to parent your child based on his/her personality so you can have happy kids and a pleasant home.

Life can make us uneasy, but today we also have the added stress of Covid 19, social unrest, and calls to defund the police. But there's hope! Author Ginger Harrington told her story about unrelenting anxiety when she suffered from Grave's disease. At times she was so fearful she couldn't drive her kids to school. However, with medication and counseling, she learned to control her emotions. This week, she shared valuable tips with us.

As moms, we realize our children won't stay with us forever. We teach and guide them so they can have a healthy adult life. However, even when they are young, you can search for that special activity that may evolve into a career.  Jenni Stahlmann operates a special ministry teaching moms how to find a child's passion and launch them successfully. Her approach fascinated me and you'll love it too. #fromcradletocalling

Our country celebrated Independence Day, but we live in a time of upheaval when many believe our country is unjust and evil.  Cynthia and her guest, Lisa Worthy Smith, discussed our system of government verses socialism and remembered the heroes in our past. 

As we celebrate Independence Day, let's remember our freedom came with a huge price. Men shed their blood for us. My guest this week was Kris Rystrom Emmert who told about losing her husband and her recovery. Her story provides encouragement and hope. 

God chose marriage to mirror the relationship between Christ and his church, so he places a high priority on it. In the Old Testament, He said he hated divorce. However, once you get past that wonderful newly-wed feeling, you may find problems arise you never expected.  Author Linda Rooks overcame serious problems in her marriage. This week she shared what she learned to help you make the relationship with your spouse better.

Psalm 8 says God made man "...a little lower than angels and crowned him with glory and honor..." At times people don't act like that, but people are valuable because God invested them with His image.  So how should we deal with tough people? Author Judy R Slegh had son who got on drugs, and she gave us tips from what she learned. 

While chatting with friends, one lady asked if we would be married in heaven. A couple of the people in the room said they hoped not, and I noted both of them had difficult marriages. I believe we expect happiness in marriage. Splitting up violates God's design and causes more pain. Rather than get a divorce, we can work toward understanding our spouse and making things better. My guest this week was Linda Rondeau. Her latest novel, Second Helpings, covered a rocky marriage that improved. Linda will share her thoughts on making marriage better.