Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast

I recently heard a pastor say we live in extra-ordinary times, and I agree. Our nation has been through a lot, and we hear bad news every time we turn on the news. Can we find hope for 2022? My guest was Lori Wildenberg who just finished a book on messy hope for depressed or anxious children. She gave a realistic look at overcoming and helping our families do the same.

We want to have a family, a degree, homeschool, and have a business or ministry. Maybe you want to write a book. Doing all that takes organization. My guest this week was Sharon Norris Elliott . Her guidelines will help you get a great start. She raised kids, taught school, and earned an advanced degree. Great information!

Author Peggy Sue Wells was my guest this week, and she shared tons of information. As a single mom of seven grown children, she made up her mind about what she will NO longer do. You'll learn and chuckle!

Dear Father, we come into your presence at the end of a difficult year and throw ourselves on your mercy and grace. We are dependent on you. Life is more than food and the body more than clothing. We cannot live on bread alone...

C. S. Lewis encouraged people to read from different time periods. He said that practice helped people understand the thought in your own time. This week, author Rebecca Price Janney looked back at Christmas after the American Revolution. She pointed out lessons for our troubled Christmastime.

I met a little boy recently who didn't realize Christmas was the birth of Jesus. How sad. However, we can get so busy and leave him out. This week my guest was author Pam Farrell. She gave lots of fun ideas on keeping Jesus in mind while we celebrate. Go here to find her "baker's dozen" tips.

The pandemic kept us away from friends and family members last year, which makes us long for a joy-filled Christmas this year. Author Christine Trimpe shared how to be a joy-finder in the book of Luke.

Cynthia and her assistant, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, record a #momlife chat weekly to talk over issues mothers care about. This week they discussed the difference in guilt and condemnation.

Christmastime has arrived. After the pandemic last year, we hoped for less stress. However, we have terrible inflation and problems with shipping. My guest this week was Joan C Benson. Her book related a true story: her mother lived through the crash of the stock market as the depression started. She learned many lessons we need today.

Mary Lincoln "speaks" about her husband making Thanksgiving a national holiday.

In 2009, a comedian assisted by atheist Richard Dawkins posted signs on British Buses that said; "There probably is no God, so enjoy your life." Obviously, the message didn't encourage morality. Many parents today in the U.S. hesitate to send their children to college because of the atheism and naturalism taught there. However, my guest, Stephen Meyer, asserts science gives evidence of a creator, and he listed those in his newest book, Return of the God Hypothesis.

Once a week, Cynthia does #momlife chats with her assistant, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, who is editor of Chispa Magazine. Mothers offer questions about raising their children. This week a lady needed help with a fearful child who can't stand conflict even in stories.

As moms, we focus on the day to day details. For example: Did Megan leave a mess in her bedroom again? Is Anna's rash clearing up. That job is vital, however, we also need to think long-term. What gifts does my child have? Has he or she established their core values? My guests this week are Greg and Beth Langston. They have a ministry helping kids prepare for college. Kids need to be self aware and know their strengths and weaknesses to attract a good college.

All month, we've covered hard questions kids ask. This week we have a "special guest" to answer the question. "Katherine von Bora, " the wife of Martin Luther talked about God working in the 1500s. Of course her husband nailed the 95 thesis to the castle church on Oct 31, 1517.

This month we are tackling tough questions so you are prepared when you kids ask them. Author Lee Ann Mancini was my guest this week. She teaches at South Florida Bible College and earned several advanced degrees in theology.

This month, we are discussing tough questions kids ask, and this week we cover how to talk to kids about sickness and death. My guest this week was Tina Yeager, Counselor and Author. She answered the question and explained how children grieve.

This month, we'll be covering tough questions kids ask. This week, Sarah Keeling, who has a podcast on prayer, answered our tough question. We also chatted about teaching our kids to pray, God's power, and the spiritual world.

I often hear people say history bores them, and I tell them to study the people. How much do you know about the men who put the Constitution on paper? Historian Craig von Buseck gave a fantastic account of those men. Don't miss this story!

As member of DAR, I'll be covering the Constitution for the month of September. I can recall having a strong sense of justice, even as a child. I knew when I was wronged. The Constitution actually lists many of our rights in the Bill of Rights. My guest this week was Tammy Largin, a history teacher. She explained the history behind the bill of rights and explained what each one means.

We celebrate the signing of the Constitution in September. This week Rick Green of Patriot's Academy was my guest. He explained why our Constitution has made us great.

I'm a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, and September is Constitution month. The Founding Fathers signed the Constitution 234 years ago on Sept 17, 1787. Tim Barton, President of Wallbuilders, gave interesting facts about the writing of the Constitution that you probably don't know. In fact, the Constitution has lasted longer than any form of government in the world. It's unique. Let's teach our families about it.

As a homeschool mother, I always felt a little overwhelmed at the thought of starting back to school. How would I get everything done? Jennifer Henn taught her kids at home for 19 years. Now she works as a homeschool consultant. She explained how she got organized.

It matters what our children learn and believe. With all the chaos in our society, we need to get below the surface and explain what other people believe. Catherine Segars was my guest this week. She offered guidance on a Biblical worldview verses a naturalistic worldview. You'll also find a podcast on her website for further information.

Our theme this month continues with Back-to-School Patriotism, and speaker and theologian, Ray Simmons continues on Part II: Refuting Critical Race Theory. He explained why it doesn't work. Please share this podcast with your friends!

Our theme this month is Back-to-School Patriotism. Right now forces among us want to destroy our nation, and they are trampling on our kids, daily. Speaker and theologian, Ray Simmons chatted with me this week, and is helping us understand truth and Truth within Critical Race Theory Please share this podcast with your friends!

Our theme this month is patriotism, and we've covered a number of topics from the past. However, right now forces among us want to destroy our nation. For instance, during this pandemic, we've seen massive government oppression against churches. Author and speaker, Pamela Christian chatted with me this week. She offered simple things we can do to make a difference. One of them is a bumper sticker that says, "Make America Godly Again." Please share this podcast with your friends!

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.

We all want to collapse, and we need to. Here's some ideas to consider before you let go. Cynthia L Simmons, a former homeschool mom, reaches out to women in the trenches.

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.

Cynthia and her husband celebrated their forty-third anniversary. Cynthia and Mavian Arocha-Rowe discussed ways to have a good marriage and stay in love.

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.

Here's a lovely story from history about being the bright spot in someone's day. ..Thanks be to God who always leads us in his triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the fragrance of Christ in every place. I Cor. 2:14

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.

#Momlife Chat: we all adore our snuggly babies and their sweet smiles, but children aren't always easy to deal with. They learn how to push your buttons or disobey at the worst moments. Cynthia and her assistant, Mavian Arocha-Rowe discuss what to do at such moments.