Heart Of The Matter Radio

I remember reading, Tapestry, by Edith Schaeffer, which covered details of her husband's final illness. She commented we would all have heartache and we should prepare for it. I'm thankful for her words because when life knocked me down, I wasn't surprised. However, how should we live and how should we die? My friend, Heather Corhan, chatted with me this week. Unless the Lord heals her, she's dying, but she discussed how to live those final days. Her hope invigorated me, and you'll be blessed. 

Nothing feels better than a new outfit that brings compliments from friends. However, this pandemic has cut into our income, so many of us must cut back on our clothing budget. Image consultant Jill Swanson chatted with me this week. A tenacious Christian, Jill overcame birth defects and became a stunning lady inside and out. You'll love her terrific ideas on inexpensive make up and clothing.

Do you ever look for your phone and discover you are holding it in your hand? Anytime that happens, I scold myself as if I've done something terrible. That means I'm human, and I believe God has more compassion for us than we do for ourselves. Counselor Debbie Wilson chatted with me this week on how God sees his children, and she gave a lovely picture of God caring for us as we grow. She has a terrific blog and even answers questions readers ask, so visit her website.

Our world has changed so dramatically in the last few weeks with the Covid 19 virus. Unfortunately, life brings these unexpected events to us, and some drop us into painful circumstances. But we have hope. I hosted author Cheri Swalwell this week, and she shared how God walked her through a terrible loss. Her story can guide us as we face the unpleasantness of life.  

I remember when my fifth child started to babble, and friends said he'd soon be calling me, "Mommy." The other four called me already, so I wasn't anxious for him to talk too. Later, I learned he was autistic spectrum. After that, I felt terrible about wanting him to be quiet.  Being a mom is tough and brings lots of conflicting feelings. Sometimes we feel exhausted. Michelle Medlock Adams , who is a mom and author, offered help and encouragement this week. 

When I was young, I liked to stay up at night, so Mother couldn't wake me up the next morning. I'd complain that my breakfast was cold, and she'd say it was because I stayed in bed too long.   Mornings don't have to be tough. My guest this week was Life Coach Linda Goldfarb. She taught how to motivate your child based on his personality. 

Prodigal: One lady told me she wished she had raised fish instead of being a parent. She worked so hard raising her children only to be disappointed when they became adults. A prodigal brings blinding heartache and a lot of problems. For moms who navigate this, I brought author Lori Wildenberg to give advice. She wrote: Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home. You can find Lori on Facebook where she sponsors a group and podcast called Moms Together.

While our nation pauses for this nasty virus, we'll still be celebrating Easter, which is the most important holiday of the year. Praise God, we serve a risen Savior, not one made of wood or stone.  Author Terri Gillespie offered wonderful images from Passover to share with your family.  He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

With Covid-19 racing across our nation, homeschool moms need a plan to teach if they get sick. My guest this week, Judy R Slegh, offered great ideas to keep your kids learning when you aren't 100%.

Whether you face Covid 19, poor health, money problems, homeschooling, or just raising your children, you can overcome fear. Author and speaker, Jennifer Slattery shared how God used tough times to teach her and her daughter. 

Our nation faces an unprecedented crisis. This microscopic corona virus has halted our entire nation, and other nations have closed their borders. Churches, gyms, schools and other social gatherings closed to protect us from contagion. And there's no toilet paper.  How can we cope? Historian Rebecca Price Janney shared stories from history to help us get a perspective on today's problems. 

Before I became a parent, I determined I wouldn't make the mistakes I'd seen others make. I had a long list of criteria that would dazzle any child. However, soon after I had my first child, I discovered parenting challenged me. I had several more, and that feeling grew. Kids aren't alike so what worked for one didn't work with the rest. I discovered prayer and good counsel helped. My guest this week was Counselor Gwyn McCaslin and she works at Hope Creek Counseling in Sugar Creek, Ohio. I've known her for years and watched as she finished her counseling degree. Her advice awes me every time.

Cynthia L Simmons and her guest Edna Ellison shared stories of how God shines his love through us in every day life and especially in hard times.  Listen and enjoy the encouragement.

Have you ever been embarrassed by a toddler? They throw tantrums in public places and present a challenge for new moms or homeschool moms. Here's help! Author and Life Coach Linda Goldfarb describes ways to bring calm and lead your child toward healthy choices.

Women don't like conflict. I'd rather hide than tackle a difficult topic, but I had to learn when I directed writing conferences. Otherwise, I wouldn't get anything accomplished. The Bible says to speak the truth in love, and my guest this week offers ways to do that. Lori Roeleveld wrote The Art of Hard Conversations. 

When I grew up, we passed out valentines to everyone in our classroom and ate candy with cute quotes. I always saved the prettiest valentines for my friends, but no one talked about love. However, moms can use the celebration to teach their children that love if more than a feeling, it's a choice to act.  Author Peggy Sue Wells offered ways to educate and have fun at the same time.

Sometimes I wonder when God will respond to our prayers for this crazy world. How can your faith remain strong? Rebecca Price Janney, was my guest this week. She told a wonderful story about riots in the 1960s and a revival that God gave during that time. Listen to her tips for keeping your faith strong when times are hard.

As mothers, we want our nest safe and secure, and we worry easily. I discovered I would fret without realizing it, and that's not good for you. Doctors tell us we release cortisol when we worry and in the long run it can damage our bodies. God gives a few directions on replacing worry with prayer from Philippians. "Be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God." My guest this week was Elaine Helms. She wrote Prayer 101.People call her the prayer lady. She will talk about how we can pray for ourselves and others and how prayer changes us. 

I have a sensitive stomach, so I'm very sympathetic to anyone with digestive issues. Nothing can ruin your day faster than an upset stomach. We've all heard about gluten, but the messages we hear can be confusing. Susan Neal was my guest this week. She has written Solving the Gluten Puzzle and offers a quiz on her website for those who suspect gluten issues.  

When I discovered I carried my fifth child, I decided I wouldn't appear dead. After all, men care what their wives look like. In a crowded of couple, they will rate all the men by how pretty their wives are.  However getting ready for the day can take up a lot of time when you have a young family or if you homeschool. My guest this week was Jill Swanson, an image consultant. She wrote Out the Door in Fifteen Minutes.