Keep the Heart

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. Listening to a daily Proverb is a practice that will increase your Bible reading and your wisdom. God uses Proverbs to teach us practical skills for daily living. Here's a verse from Proverbs 10, reminding us that love is willing to overlook offenses: "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins." (Proverbs 10:12) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a daily chapter from the book of Proverbs in under five minutes! You will notice a difference as you start applying what you're learning to your daily situations. When we have more wisdom, we make fewer messes. That doesn't mean we'll have trouble-free lives. It just means that we'll be better at handling the issues as they arise.  God has a way that He wants us to live, and it brings us strength.  "The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 10:29) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART For Daily Proverb Readers: Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. We went into the Wayback Machine of our first season for this episode! Were you born again later in life as I was? This episode will be relatable, but even if that's not your story, you may find some helpful observations that you can share with someone you know who became a believer in their late teens or adult years. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART For Daily Proverb Readers: Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! Chapter 24 is a "wisdom walk." In fact, Proverbs 24:5 tells us that a wise man has strength: "A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength." Building your Bible habit is also building your strength through increased wisdom! A Proverbs-based tool for building your Bible habit: Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

You have a new roommate named “Anxiety” and you never invited her to live with you. If one more thing goes wrong, you don’t think you can take it. The circumstances in your life seem to be ganging up on you. But wait a minute. Is it the circumstances or is it something or someone else? Circumstances get way too much credit for the lack of peace. The real problem is often closer to home. It’s the person in the mirror. And we all have a person in the mirror, so this episode isn’t pointing fingers or playing the blame game. I am included in the list of suspects! We all tend to do things that rob our lives of peace, and it is often unintended. Busy people have the tendency to make mistakes faster! We’re flying through life, trying to cram as much into each day as possible before going to bed. And then we wake up, lather, rinse, and repeat. Disturbing our own peace is a habit worth losing. This is a practical episode looking into three common areas where we tend to cause personal disturbances. You already know these things, but reminders often spark changes that were waiting to happen. Let’s consider three things we can check and change to restore and protect the peace that God wants us to have. Book Mentioned in this episode: Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode from Season Two was recorded by my favorite stand-in, radio host Janice Wolfe from eleven2one. You will want your Bible for this episode, and hopefully you will treasure your Bible to a greater degree after listening to this inspiring time with Janice. Special music by the gifted Jennifer Skaw at the end, and links below. "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." (Psalm 119:16) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe eleven2one with Janice Wolfe & Faith Music Radio "As the Deer/His Name is Wonderful--Jennifer Skaw on iTunes Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram

Welcome to an unusual episode on Keep the Heart. This episode, "When You Can't Find the Bed of Roses," was inspired by an email from a disillusioned letter writer.  This young woman who wrote the email made this statement: “I feel like I was told before marriage, growing up, in my teens, and as a young adult, that living the Christian life is wonderful, and a bed of roses.” The key phrase in her statement is this: “I feel like…” Feelings are not the same as facts, and there are times when what we hear and how we perceive it are not the same. I am grateful that this writer did not say, “Someone told me that the Christian life would be a bed of roses.” Still, somehow this young woman got a faulty impression. This episode is dedicated to the young woman who sent the email, and anyone else who has discovered that the Christian life is not what you thought it would be. You may want to grab your journal to jot some notes. The email is being used as the basis for this episode with permission, and the letter writer remains anonymous. You may hear some things that you've been wondering about as well.  VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Support this podcast with a donation HERE Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes! The practical book of Proverbs is an excellent way to draw closer to God while learning how to walk in wisdom. God uses the wisdom of His Word to guide and instruct us. This is especially helpful when we face situations that are puzzling or unexpected. Here's a verse from today's chapter reminding us of the importance of having spiritually wise friends: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Support this podcast with a donation HERE Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to the podcast at Keep the Heart! We're so glad that you're a listener, and we're prayerfully preparing new episodes for 2026. This Trailer gives the details. Watch for new episodes monthly, rotating with Teachback Tuesdays and Build Your Bible Habit. Here's a great theme verse for the year: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Support this podcast with a donation HERE Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes! We've been hearing from listeners who have kept up this habit, and are seeing God transform their lives. It's by design. God's Word is transformative when we read and apply the principles. Keep this habit up, and you will experience the blessings and benefits of handling life's matters wisely. Daily Proverbs is a habit that increases your wisdom and understanding, making life calm even in the midst of storms.  "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." (Proverbs 30:5) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to the Christmas week edition of Keep the Heart. This reading of Luke chapter two is a long-held tradition in many homes, and it is a wonderful way to place the focus on the Christ of Christmas.  The birth of Jesus marked the birth of our Saviour. He came into this world as the Sinless One on a mission, and because He died, we have the gift of eternal life. Do your children know that the tradition of gift-giving is related to the greatest gift ever given? Christmas is not celebrating us. It’s honoring Christ. We could say that Jesus is the most ignored Birthday Guest of Honor ever to walk this earth! Let’s overrule the commercial focus on getting and turn the focus on being sacrificial givers, just like Jesus. After Christmas when so many things go on sale, this would be a great time to purchase items to donate to local food banks, clothing closets, homeless shelters, and other charitable organizations. Include gospel tracts with the donations. You never know who may read that tract and receive the ultimate gift of salvation. Here’s a great closing verse reminding us why Jesus came to this earth. It’s in Luke 19:10, which says this: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones. Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter from the practical and life-improving book of Proverbs in under five minutes. People tend to start cutting things out of their lives when overly busy. One of the worst things to cut is your time in the Bible. God gave us instructions for navigating the issues of life, but if we aren't reading His Word, we won't know what He said. You probably have a lot to do, but even if you don't, it is still a good idea to commit your plans to God and ask Him to establish your thoughts. Here's a related reminder verse to consider: "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to TEACHBACK TUESDAY! When "Self-Control Exercises" first aired back in Season One/March 2021, the timing was "accidentally on purpose." March is right about that time when many are abandoning their 3-month-old New Year's Resolutions. Now we're replaying it in December, when almost all temperance has been tossed out the car window while going through the drive-through to grab a jumbo meal after spending too much money shopping! Temperance, AKA "self-control" is unnatural for us. We want what we want and fast. This impatience leads to indulgences that end up costing us in ways we don't want to pay. If you need to work on ruling over the toddler in your adult body, this episode has ideas to help you to gain victories. God wants us to master temperance, and so He trains us through the everyday "pop quizzes" that he allows into our lives. This episode covers three self-control exercises we can practice to cultivate the vital fruit of temperance.  Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, your audio Proverbs series! Scientists disagree about how long it takes to build a good habit, with estimates ranging from 21 days to months! What that really means is this: they don't know the answer. God knows this: If we continue to read and eventually study His Word, applying what we learn as we grow, we will be transformed and improved habits will follow. God's key tool of transformation is missing when we're not in His Word. You renew your mind through the renewing power of the Bible. If you are tired of making messes in your life and dealing with the cleanup, it's time for change. Building your Bible habit will help! "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "The Empty Chair and Other Firsts of Grief" is one that we replay every couple of years to make it easier to find in the podcast library. Every year, someone is going through the shock and disorientation of having a loved one pass away. Life on this side of Heaven is changed and our souls are marked by these losses in ways that words fail to describe. If you or someone you know is going through their "firsts" after the passing of a loved one, we hope that this episode will help.  "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:18) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes. Reading along as you listen is also a great habit. The Word of God is instructional, and the book of Proverbs is practical enough to apply to everyday situations. Here's an example: Suppose a friend comes to you and asks what you think of taking medication for depression. Do you just jump in and answer according to your personal opinion, or do you ask enough questions to understand the "why" behind the problem? When we attempt to help people solve surface issues rather than root problems, we are not helping. Proverbs 18: 13 is a great reminder verse, guiding us to ask more questions rather than just blurting out an opinion: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." (Proverbs 18:13)  God makes life make sense. Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "Food Won't Fix That Problem," was a chart-topper and I think I may know why. A lot of people struggle with unhealthy food habits, but they're not sure what to do about it. Whether you are a stress eater or you are eating for other reasons unrelated to hunger or health, this episode will help you examine your habits. As mentioned when this podcast first aired, if we learn recognize the times when we’re eating for reasons other than hunger, we can make changes. Let's explore three common reasons why we eat when we’re not hungry, and what we can do instead. Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook  

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! The entire book of Proverbs can be read in a month, since it has 31 chapters. After three months, you will find that you are drawn to Bible reading, which leads to deeper Bible study. The practical applications found in Proverbs make it a very effective for inspiring spiritual growth. Life is better when we live it God's way. Here's a verse for your week from Proverbs Chapter 4: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) You will never have too much wisdom.  Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where you'll hear the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode deals with a common problem: the controlling person. The desire to control the outcomes and people in our lives is a very common temptation. It’s a flawed thread that runs throughout the fabric of our lives, making us tense and anxious.  We can trick ourselves into believing that if we manipulate situations just right, things will turn out according to our desires. The problem with this plot is that we’re out of line. People with control issues also have major trust issues, and the lack of trust starts with God and then works its way down into other relationships. This episode examines three signs of a controlling person, and follows with a few suggestions on ways to give up this draining habit. Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in less than five minutes. If you are new at this, expect to increase in wisdom and understanding of how to handle the "issues of life." If you've been reading along for a while, you've probably already noticed how God uses the practical teachings of Proverbs to guide and instruct us for daily living. Here's a great verse reminding us that our motives matter:  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook