Heart Of The Matter Radio

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. 

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.