Heart Of The Matter Radio

Welcome! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Kristen Hatton, to discuss her book, Parenting Ahead. Parenting is a lifelong journey, and it's crucial to start planning for the teen years and beyond. Kristen shares insightful tips on proactive parenting, measuring success, and how parents can mature as individuals. We delve into the differences between proactive and reactive parenting styles, as  well as the influence idols have on our parenting decisions. Join us as we explore the challenges and joys of parenting and gain valuable insights from Kristen's wisdom and experience. Stay tuned for an engaging and thought provoking conversation.  

Welcome to another exciting episode of Heart of the Matter Radio. We delve into the fascinating topic of the Constitution just in time to celebrate its signing which occurred on Sept 17, 1787. Laura Key joined Cynthia today. She is doctoral student at Liberty University and a teacher at Colorado Christian. Together they explore the significance of the Consitution, its evolution from the Articless of Confederation, and its relationship to a democracy and a republic. Join us as we travel through history and unravel the connections between our country and its British roots. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with insights and revelations about the longest lasting set of laws in history. Celebrate Constitution Day with Cynthia and Laura!

Hey everyone! I just finished an amazing podcast with DeAnna Kane on the power of hospitality. We talked about how hospitality is not just fancy decor or big events. It is about genuine connections and creativity. DeAnna and her business partner started an online magazine called The Heart of Hospitality where they share tips on having the best parties and events. The even introduced the idea of "fast food hospitality" which is a quick and easy way to stay connected in our fast paced world. So if you're looking to create meaningful connections and celebrate women, you have got to check out their magazine. Remember: hospitality before pride. I also offered a few ideas of my own about hospitality here. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes and click that follow button so you never miss out. Cheers to creating connections and celebrating together.

We all want a bright future for our children, and it's tough when we learn a child is less than perfect. What can a parent do? Annie Yortie had a beautiful baby girl who had Down's Syndrome. She was heartbroken. However, she grew closer to God and learned to educate her daughter. Annie's book, From Ignorance to Bliss, unfolds her secrets to success. 

I can recall questioning the existance of Santa Claus. How could he visit every household in just one night? How did he get inside my house since we had no fireplace? Did he really know everything I had done? Your children will question what you have taught them about God.  As Francis Schaeffer pointed out, Christianity can handle their questions.  Mike McGarry just published Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith.  He joined me this week, and we discussed common issues kids wonder about.

Traditional marriage vows say '...till death do us part...', and that's God's ideal. However, when trouble or grief attacks, what can you do? Todd and Kristin Evans fell in love and married. They wanted to have a ministry together. However, their son became very sick and then  they had a daughter with a severe illness. They almost lost their marriage. However, they overcame. Todd and Kristin shared ways they learned to still enjoy each other and work together as a team. And they are doing ministry together to people who struggle with disabled children. They would love to help you!

Last week we started on the topic of marriage to honor my parent's relationship. They married 71 years ago on August 24th. This is week 2. Of course, we were 'in love' when we married, but how can we make romance laslt? My guests this week were Greg and Julie Gorman.  I recorded them several years ago, but their message is still resonates. They experienced tough times early in their relationship, and they worried they might not make it.  Both share how the Lord helped them break through. Now they offer marriage coaching and so much more.

August is a special month. Mom and Dad married on August 24th. This year they would have been married 71 years.  In their memory, I am going to highlight keeping love in marriage for several weeks.  Mom died a couple months shy of their 56th wedding anniversary. Later, I found a box in the bottom of her cedar chest. She had wrapped up her wedding suit and her night gown in tissue papeer for protection.  Obviously, she treasured that memory, just like she treasured my father and his love. I share some of their history this week. Cynthia

When I was a little girl, I found a magazine in our yard with inappropriate pictures, and the photos upset me.  Today children can find pornography much more easily when they are on the internet or phone. Author Kristen Jenson was my guest this week. She said we need to give our children a plan in case they do come across offensive pictures. In addition, she suggested teaching them how to put aside the photos they might have seen, replacing them with pleasant images. You'll find lots of useful information on her website too.

A couple weeks ago, author John Girolamo spoke with us about dangers from online predators. Today, we have the second segment of that interview.    Mr. Girolamo gave suggestions for protecting our children from his new book It's All About the Predator. For instance, he warned us about passing out personal information online, and he suggested we give our kids dumb phones that only do calls. We should also examine our children's phones from time to time to see what apps they might have added. He said parents need to active and involved with their childrent to protect them.

We have just celebrated the birth of our country on July 4. Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence 247 years ago, and men fought for our freedom. But that was a long time ago. Who were these patriots who risked their lives? This week, Cynthia shared about two patriots from her family. Daniel McKinney's father had immigrated from Scotland but died when Daniel was nine years old.  Daniel owned land and worked as a farmer and carpenter. He signed up to fight., but he didn't serve long since there was no mention of a pension. His son, William, substituted for him in 1782 and went to Charleston South, Carolina. He occupied the city the day the British left. They left fires burning as the pulled out. When he returned home, he married and had nine children. He applied for a pension and the government granted him $36.66 for serving.

We live in a fantastic country, and we need to share our incredible heritage with our family. Not only can we glean lessons from history, but we can also learn about the men who gave their lives for our freedom. This week award-winning author Author Rebecca Price Janney was my guest. She has written the Easton series about her patriot ancestor. The latest book, which just came out, is Easton at Sunset. Rebecca offered wonderful suggestions, like look up your ancestry. You may discover you have a patriot who fought in the war too. That would make July 4th extra special. 

Technology has made our lives easier but has also brought serious risks. Today predators attempt to get to your children and entice them into hurtful relationships. How can we protect our children? Parents need to be informed. John DiGirolamo has researched internet safety and has published several books.  He gave information from his book, It is Not About the Predator.

Whenever I need to get my husband's attention, I have to call his name. Otherwise, I can talk all day and he won't hear. A man tends to focus on one thing whereas, I can juggle lots of jobs. One way to  improve your marriage is to understand how God made your spouse. My guests this week were Bill and Pam Farrell, and they wrote the best-selling book, Men are Like Waffles and Women are Like Spaghetti. We enjoyed lots of laughter as we discussed male and female differences, but we also demonstrated how God intended for us to work together.  And... Women, for Father's day, you can wow your husband. 

How do you meld two very different lives and stay happy in marriage? That can be difficult, especially if you marry late in life. Author and publisher, Athena Dean Holz married a busy pastor. She shared tips on how they managed the transition and how they keep the relationship strong.

We all long for a rich relationship with our family, however, we have to compete with technology. Movies, social media and chat rooms can steal your family's time. There's hope! My guest this week was author and coach Linda Goldfarb. She offered new and exciting ideas for interacing with your children. Make some memories you'll treasure!

When I had my first child, I had a list of things I would not do. I certainly would not make the same mistakes as my mother. However, I discovered I tended to lecture when I should listen and get angry when I should be patient. How can you overcome mom guilt? Author Jennifer Slattery spoke from her experiences as a mother and foster mother. 

Our children tend to misbehave in uncomfortable situations, like the grocery store. What are the best ways to handle a wayward child? My guest this week was Linda Goldfarb who is an author and coach. She gave great tactics for staying engaged rather than coming unglued.   You might want to check out her podcast or her Facebook group on parenting. You can also access Cynthia L Simmons' tips on creating a peaceful home here.  

Mother's Day can be very fun. I can remember when my kids were little, and they planned surprises for me. I would hear mumbling and whispers around me. However, Mother's Day isn't always happy. If you just lost your mom or if you have a prodigal the day can be so painful. Author Angela Breidenbach was my guest this week, and her mother was mentally ill, making it difficult to have a relationship. She shared about her past and offered ideas for mothers who are grieving.

Mother's Day isn't always happy. Today we remember those ladies who would like to be mothers but cannot get pregnant. Author Betsy Hermon told her story and offered encouragment to women in the same situation. She wrote When Infertility Books Are Not Enough. Let's be senstive to that childless mother this year.