Heart Of The Matter Radio

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.

Years ago, I a friend and I taught a Bible study for ladies. When it was my turn to teach, I battled negative thoughts, which I saw as spiritual attacks. In Philippians 4, the Bible tells us to think about things that are good, pure, and excellent. How can we do that when life is crazy? Michelle Nietert was my guest this week. She's a licensed counselor and gave a roadmap to keeping our thoughts on track.

This pandemic has lasted almost a year now, and we see no end in sight. Medical folk are now saying we have to wear masks even if we receive the vaccination. The CDC keeps giving different guidelines that contradict each other. We sense a loss of freedom and wonder what's happening to our nation. It's easy to be fearful. My guest this week was Cheri Swalwell. Fear dominated her life for years, and she told how she overcame fear with faith.

I used to watch the Waltons on TV, and I enjoyed the warm relationships between the family. They went through hard times, yet everyone loved each other. How can we create that warmth in our families when our lives are so complex? My guest this week was Tina Yeager. She's a licensed counselor and life coach. Tina and I discussed ways to communicate love and connect with our children. 

Red roses and chocolates fill the stores as Valentine's Day approaches. What a great time to talk about keeping love in marriage. Our marriages portray the love of Christ for the church. God intended husbands and wives to enjoy each other, so let's consider ways to do that. Jasmine Smith was my guest this week, and her new shop carries intimate clothing for married women. We discussed roadblocks to staying close. 

Mavian Arocha-Rowe, editor of Chispa Magazine, and Cynthia L Simmons do weekly #momlife chats on topics women are thinking about. The topic this week was on how to teach Leviticus. Do all those laws relate to us? Should we oversimplify? Check Youtube, Rumble, and Bitchute for more #momlife chats.

I recall my first visit to England. The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like I didn't belong. We spoke the same language, sort of.  I experienced culture shock. Mabel Ninan joined me this week to talk about immigrating from India. She felt displaced and uncomfortable, but she explained how that strengthened her faith.

I've always loved history. First, there's so much to learn. Second, you discover wonderful stories of people who lived by faith. Plus, you can see how God works all things for good for his children.  Jonita Miller was my guest this week,, and she told about Alice Johnston, the firsts lady elected to Congress. You'll find her choices inspiring.