Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast

I had a very involved father who was also very flawed. To my mother's dismay, he saved every paper cup he ever got at Starkbucks so he could shoot at them. When I emptied his house, I discovered he kept every scrap he ever wrote on too. He always kept filling his gas tank until the dollars and cents ended on a even number. He tore up Momma's washcloths so he could get his finger in the hem to wash...

We ladies tend to dream about our wedding day all our lives. A beautiful white dress, flowers, an adoring groom, and happy guests make that picture complete. So we want everything to be perfect, but pulling all the details together presents a challenge. With all the people and working parts things can go wrong and family members can cause problems. Everybody prefers to have fun, stress-free weddin...

Father's day has arrived again, and sometimes I wonder if merchants and card companies created these events so in order to promote sales.  My family already celebrates each person's birthday, and Christmas, so another occasion seems excessive.  However, the Bible does tell children to honor their parents.  So early in our marriage, my husband and I decided the children would remember him on Father...

Raising boys. Despite what you hear in the media, boys and girls act differently from birth. My oldest daughter had imaginary friends who lived in the vents, and she talked over her adventures with them. She also lined up her dolls and scolded them or taught them. Pretend cooking also fascinated her and she often offered me her concoctions. My two girls came first, then I had a son. The noises he...

As a girl, I can remember wanting to connect with other children, but I didn't know how. Once I sat down by a girl my age and told her my name. She told me hers, and we began to play. I thought that was easy, just exchange names and then you're friends. However, as you get older the process gets more complex. When I make a friend, I want to stay in touch forever, but time and circumstances change....

As a preteen, I prayed for Mom to get the wall-to-wall carpet she longed for. Later, my parents won a contest and received carpet for their living room and dining room. Mom was thrilled, and both parents considered me an incredible prayer warrior.  I look back now and wonder if that was God's encouragement. As an adult, I've had times prayer frustrated me. I prayed so hard and cared so deeply. Why...

After spending a life time teaching them and guarding them from harm, moms must step aside and allow grown children to make choices. Terri Gillespie, mother, author, and speaker, shares how she built a friendship with her formal prodigal. 

Peggy Sue Wells , mother of seven, offers tips to mothers from her upcoming book. 

Caregiver. Women tend toward nurturing, so we usually end up with the job, but caring for a family member can be tough. Watching a loved one decline hurts, and we all have hot spots and emotional baggage after years of being in the same family.  Veteran caregiver, Deborah Keys shares tips for those considering the job and guidance for those already doing the work. Plus, learn how you can support a...

During the Great Awakening, many Americans took issue with the revivalists for violating the norms of the typical church service. Rebecca Price Janney shares the history of the awakening and talks about how we can avoid deception today.

Easter outranks all holidays on our calendar because we celebrate a living Savior, but bunnies and eggs offer nothing eternal. On the other hand, the Passover Seder shares many valuable insights into Christ and his sacrifice for us.

We all have to live with less-than-perfect even though we sometimes regret our actions. And often we dislike the actions of others. Linda Rondeau talks about dealing with regret.

Michelle Lazurek shares how hospitality changed her life, and she offers tips on how you can help others.

Lindsey Brackett shares from her latest novel, Still Waters. She gives hints on how we can accept our own limitations and forgive ourselves as well as others.

Suicide destroys a life and hurts everyone else. Christina Rose shares from her family's experience and gives tips for hope and prevention.

Carol McLeod shares how we can protect our hearts by watching what we think.

Sharron Cosby's son struggled with addiction for years. She guides mothers how to look after themselves, overcoming guilt and depression.

Carol McLeod shares how she found joy despite blinding heartache, and she shares how you can experience real joy, no matter what life brings. Carolmcleodministries.com

Losing both parents is traumatic even if it happens once you are grown. However, the psalmist wrote, "When my parents forsake me, the Lord will take me up." Kim de Blecourt shares they journey she walked while adopting a child from overseas, and her book shows the parallels of God adopting us into his family.

Did you know mentoring took place in the Bible? You can find several examples. Paul called Timothy his true child in the faith and helped him learn how to lead a church. Jayme Hull shares how mentoring can change your life and others.

You might get the impression Christ solves all your problems once you you believe in Jesus. However, beginning a journey doesn't mean the story ends. Kim Laliberte shares how God offers more when you live close to him.

We can become bored and restless with life's routine and want something more. Heidi McLaughlin shares how to have an abundant life in the Lord. Find her at www.heartconnection.ca

Physician Assistant, Karynthia Phillips offers tips for getting back in shape after the holidays. Find her at www.karynthiaphillips.com

Jane Rubietta shares lessons from her first novel. Even if your background was painful, you can heal and grow. Find Jane at janerubietta.com

Carol McLeod shares from her latest devotional, Let There Be Joy. She offers thoughts for meditation on the birth of the Savior.