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

Everyone gets a turn in the rotation of painful situations, but there are varying degrees of trouble, big and small. When we haven’t been through the fire, we may have a hard time understanding the painful burns of extreme loss. When the trouble is not in our lives, it takes intentional effort to have compassion, empathy, and true concern. This episode considers three ways that God increases our compassion for others, with the goal of becoming better about caring about others. "But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies." (Lamentations 3:32) 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 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 Mentioned in the Episode: "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom 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 of Proverbs in about five minutes. The seventh chapter of Proverbs is a hard one. If you've developed the habit of reading or listening to a daily Proverb, you already know what's coming: the chapter about "the strange woman." The word "strange" in this context refers to a prostitute or a harlot. It also carries the meaning "to commit adultery." The "strange woman" is immoral and enticing. This chapter should be read slowly, and yet it may be painful reading. Have you ever wondered how the "strange woman" ended up on that path of humiliation and destruction? And what about the man who accepted the invitation? They were both selfish. Taking advantage of people to satisfy the flesh never ends well. Here's how chapter seven closes: "For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death." (Proverbs 7:26-27) That's not a happy ending, it's a dark warning. 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 Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week’s episode, “Escaping the Envy Trap” received thousands of downloads when we first aired it in 2021 and it made me wonder: How many people are stuck in this trap of studying other people’s lives and wanting to be where they are, or to have what they have, or to look like they look? A hyperfocus on other people's lives is a shortcut to envy, and envy is rotten for the soul. This episode will give you several things to consider, as well as pointing the way out of this consuming trap.  "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) 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 back to Build Your Bible Habit. This is something you can do. In less than five minutes, you will have listened to a chapter of Proverbs, gaining valuable wisdom for the day. If you've been struggling to develop a daily Bible reading habit, the simple change of a daily Proverb will end the struggle. The daily Proverb system has worked for decades, leading people into a closer relationship with God and a deeper study of His Word. By starting small with Proverbs, you will expand your habit over time. Soon, you are reading the entire Bible repeatedly, finding new treasures while applying what you're learning. Here's a great verse for the week, reminding us to live what we're learning from Scripture: "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12) HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS 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 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

Did you know that a leading cause of drowning is exhaustion? This happens when a swimmer gets too far from shore and they are unable to make it safely back. Walking away from God is like drifting away from the safety of the shoreline. When a person drifts too far for too long, they soon find themselves so far away that they give up trying to turn back. Soon, they are drowning in a sea of rebellion, believing lies, and rejecting the truth. How can a person find their way back to God? This episode offers four suggestions, and then you can spend some time in prayer after this episode, asking God for even greater direction. This is just a starter list. By the way, if you know someone who has drifted away from God, do not assume that they will want to listen to this episode. Ask their permission first before sharing.  HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART SMALL GROUP FAVORITE: 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! If you are new to these episodes, set a goal to listen for the next three months without missing a chapter. By the end of three months, you will have a habit that helps you to handle the daily issues of life wisely. A chapter of Proverbs takes about 4-5 minutes to read, but gives us so much more in life instructions and guidance. Chapter nine includes this classic verse: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) There is a direct connection between the fear of the Lord and wisdom.  Do you have a healthy fear of God? The way you live answers that question.  HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: 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 Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode, "Developing a Daily Bible Study Habit" is for anyone who has been struggling to simply read your Bible daily.  Trying to live the Christian life without the Bible is a bad habit worth changing. Listen to this episode, and then accept the challenge to read your Bible daily for the next three months. At the end of three months, your relationship with God will be deeper than ever, and your wisdom and understanding will increase by the day. You can do this, and it will take you less than 10 minutes per day. Isn't God worth more than that? Bible reading is the introduction to Bible study. Once you begin reading, you can move into studying and applying what you learn. "Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12) HELPFUL STUDY TOOLS AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: 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 gain valuable wisdom for daily living. Each chapter has life applications that are like having the answers to a pop quiz! Here's an example: Two people are in a quarrel that has nothing to do with you, but you make the mistake of deciding you will be the referee. The Bible has simple advice for this: DON'T. "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears." (Proverbs 26:17) Here's what Bible commentator Matthew Henry wrote about Proverbs 26:17: "He that has got a dog by the ears, if he lets him go he flies at him, if he keeps his hold, he has his hands full, and can do nothing else." (So it's better not to take the dog by the ears!) Take five. Build your Bible habit. VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART BOOK CLUB FAVORITE: Apply: Living What We Learn--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