Heart Of The Matter Radio

While reading history, I found a story of a Jewish girl trying to leave Germany before the war started. She had to apply various places to get permission. Except for the pandemic, we've never had that problem. in America Patriots died so we could have freedom. This week Carla Wicks was my guest. She lost her son while he served her country. Her story will touch your heart. 

Our theme for July is patriotism. Author and Historian Rebecca Price Janney was my guest this week. She explained how giving your child a sense of history makes them braver and stronger. Plus, those stories instill a love of country and inspire children to overcome problems. Please share this post with your friends!

Congress chose our nation's flag in June 14, 1777, and it represents our country including the freedoms we enjoy. This week my guest was Pam Younkers, whose father was a veteran. She discussed how to handle the colors and to show respect.

We are approaching July 4, the day we celebrate the Declaration of Independence. This month, we'll be covering patriotic stories from history.  Craig von Buseck was my guest this week. He just completed a biography of General Grant. Did you know Grant hated slavery? He didn't get inflated ideas about his own importance despite his lofty position. Plus, Grant and his wife were like love birds. Learn more about this incredible man and the example he set for us. 

Sometimes I wish I was still in school and getting report cards. Good grades meant I measured up.  The Bible says we should be holy as God is holy, and that's a huge assignment.  Author Erica Wiggenhorn doubted herself too and wrote the book, Letting God Be Enough. Erica gave us a glimpse of her journey overcoming her insecurities. 

Do you feel close to God? Are there times when the Lord seems a million miles away?  Lynne Rienstra believed she had to perform to please God, and she often felt alone. She explained her journey to a warm relationship with the Lord and now she helps other women.

In June, we are focusing on a mother's heart. Are you struggling with negative thoughts and fear?  My guest this week was Carole Leathem. She has walked through incredible pain with her husband's illness. However, she found joy in the middle of pain. (God will use all things for the good of those who love him.) We can all learn from Carole.

The theme for June is a Mother's heart, and a mother's heart should be wise. We can gain wisdom from the Bible and from older ladies.  My guest this week was an older woman, Maggie Wallem Rowe. She just completed a book called This Life We Share, which is full of godly wisdom. 

When I step over the line with my grown kids or come on strong with my husband, I often say, "Once a Mom, always a Mom. It ruins you forever." I've learned my spouse responds much better to respect. Author Chris Manion was my guest this week. She has maintained a great marriage for over forty years, and Chris offered how-to wisdom. 

Sioni Rodriquez and her daughter told their story. Sioni tried to raise her daughter well, but her own issues stood in the way. One day she got a phone call that her daughter, Scheila, was in a prison in Seattle. Sioni started praying. Sheila Singley explained how God brought her home. Mother and daughter wrote a book, and now they minister to other hurting women. 

Many mothers found themselves teaching their kids at home during the pandemic, and some may be deciding if they should continue. Other moms see the movement and wonder if they can do it.  This week author and podcaster Catherine Segars explained what made her transition to homeschooling from public school. She also discussed how to handle the workload and still enjoy your family. 

As a seasoned mother with grown children, Carol McLeod looked back over the years and related both the joys and frustrations of mothering her brood. With gentle wisdom she offered both guidance and encouragement from her book, Rooms of a Mother's Heart.

After being abused as a child, Delores Liesner still chose to be her mother's caregiver. In her amazing story, she explained how God showed in tough situations. Delores leaned on God and set boundaries as she cared for a mother who had never been kind.

We protected our children from bad influences when they were young because we care. We are horrified when they make bad choices as adults.  Monica Schmelter, author and television host, was my guest this week. She ministers to mom with prodigals and offers wisdom and hope.

While interviewing, people have told me heartbreaking stories, but I've also heard how God provided and healed. Here's another tale of God's grace.  My guest this week was Nancy Kay Grace, who described her 17 year struggle with cancer. She praises God's grace and explains how she made it through.

Raising five children, I discovered you never know what to expect, and I still find myself surprised at their choices now that they are all grown. However, a disabled child truly dismantles our world, first with the sorrow, and then with coping.  I gathered a couple mothers this week to chat about their challenging children. The first was Sharon Tedford who can do anything except math. (her words, not mine) She writes music, sings and writes. I also had Carol McCracken who works as an author and adult discipleship person in her church. Both shared their stories and wisdom. 

Decorated eggs come to mind when we think of Easter, and today many little ones get their photos made with bunnies. I have a few of my granddaughter with the Easter bunny, and they are darling. But Easter has a message that goes far beyond rabbits. Ray Simmons was my guest this week. He explained the history behind Easter and the truths we celebrate.

Just after I had my first baby, the doctor examined her and told me she was beautiful. "Enjoy her." Those words caught me by surprise, but they've stayed in my memory. When life overwhelms us, however, we can let that joy slip away. Author Jennifer Slattery was my guest this week. She talked about rekindling that joy as we parent. For more information check out her Bible study on the topic here.

All of us love our kids and want them to feel loved and important. How can we be sure our child is developing normally? My guest, Mary Anne Quinn explains attachment and how it develops in your child. She also discussed how to spot inadequate bonding.

Emotions can be tricky things. Before I married, my husband and I decided we wouldn't discipline our children in anger. I blew that one early. When my daughter was about 18 months, she climbed into my lap and bit my shoulder. Hard. I squealed and slapped her, and I felt terrible immediately. My guest today is best-selling author, Linda Evans Shepherd. She wrote Praying Through Every Emotion and shared the story behind the book. Linda wrote extra prayers not in the book, which you can download for free.