Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast

Have you ever felt you were in a season of "steeping" while you waited? In this special Mother's Day episode, Cynthia L Simmons invites you to grab a cup of hot tea and step back 1700 years into history to discover the life of one of the most resilient mothers who ever lived: St Monica. The world remembers her son, Augustine of Hippo, yet few people realize the thirty years of tears she shed before she saw the harvest of her prayers. Maybe you are navigating a storm of your own or have a prodigal you long to see return. Just like a good cup of tea, the most profound impact takes time to develop. You'll enjoy the encouragement and comfort as you listen.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. I'm your hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, and I have been reflecting on navigating the storms of life. Sometimes the best lessons in resilience and trust come from the most unexpected places. Today, that comes from the deck of a World War II battleship. I delight in finding fun stories, and I love this one. Can you imagine a cat caught in a shipwreck? Cats hate water, yet this sturdy cat survived three.  If you love history (like I do) or maybe you need a reminder about holding on during a storm, you will find this story fascinating. Let's look at the story told by sailors and find that anchor we all need.

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. 

Before I became a parent, I determined I wouldn't make the mistakes I'd seen others make. I had a long list of criteria that would dazzle any child. However, soon after I had my first child, I discovered parenting challenged me. I had several more, and that feeling grew. Kids aren't alike so what worked for one didn't work with the rest. I discovered prayer and good counsel helped. My guest this week was Counselor Gwyn McCaslin and she works at Hope Creek Counseling in Sugar Creek, Ohio. I've known her for years and watched as she finished her counseling degree. Her advice awes me every time.

When I grew up, we passed out valentines to everyone in our classroom and ate candy with cute quotes. I always saved the prettiest valentines for my friends, but no one talked about love. However, moms can use the celebration to teach their children that love if more than a feeling, it's a choice to act.  Author Peggy Sue Wells offered ways to educate and have fun at the same time.

Years ago, while teaching my kids at home, we watched at the window while two birds landed on our bird feeder. One bird, (I assumed it was the mother bird) grabbed a beakful of seeds and stuffed them down the other bird. I was shocked. The 'baby' bird appeared full grown to me, especially since he flew to the feeder himself. After mom gave him several servings, both birds flew away.  What a terrific image for moms. As your children near their teens, you start equipping them to leave the nest and survive on their own. Counselor Brenda L. Yoder shares ways we can help our kids (and ourselves) through that tough transition.