Keep the Heart

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 2 01.06.2026 5min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes. Proverbs are wisdom-building tools given to us by God so that we would know how to handle the issues of life. We don't have to make things up as we go along. We've got a spiritual GPS: "God's Positioning System" found in His Word. Proverbs 2:6 is an inspiring verse for your week, proving that God gives us wisdom: "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:) NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Vitamins for the Soul: A Study on Maintaining Spiritual Health by Kathy Ashley NEW: Crossbody Sling Bag for Beverage Bottles Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Peace Beyond Panic-Interview with Dr. John Vaprezsan 25.05.2026 32min

Welcome to this special interview episode with Dr John Vaprezsan, author of “Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression.” Dr. Vaprezsan shares the story of his own experiences with both panic attacks and depression, along with helpful insights and observations. When Dr. Vaprezsan heard the words, “You’ve had a panic attack,” it shocked him, but he didn’t let that stop him. God used it as a vehicle to learn more about this and other related conditions associated with anxiety and depression. These studies, along with years of preaching and teaching on the topics, led to the ministry called “Journey to Freedom.,” which is a 40-day course biblically addressing the mind, body, emotions, spirit, and forgiveness in a way that produces sustainable change. If you or someone you love has been trapped in a prison of anxiety or depression, this episode may be the beginning of your journey to freedom. Dr. Vaprezsan’s book, “Peace Beyond Panic” is in the shop at keeptheheart.com, as well as on Dr. Vaprezsan’s website, journeytofreedom.online. You’ll find a link to this ministry, along with a special listener's discount code in the notes below. NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan Journey to Freedom 40-Day Online Course: Use coupon code SAVE50NOW for 50% off this valuable course Journey to Freedom Ministry Website Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 19 18.05.2026 5min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. There is no substitute for the wisdom we gain from the Word of God. When we don't know what to do or how to handle a situation, God knows and He can direct us through scripture. Biblical principles are not just for reading. They are meant to be applied to daily living. Here's a great verse to apply for this week: "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good." (Proverbs 19:8) Get wisdom. It's the way to love your own soul. Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Teachback Tuesday-Contentious Relationships 11.05.2026 10min

Welcome to TEACHBACK TUESDAY! This episode had thousands of downloads in Season One. There must be a reason for that! Perhaps it's partly because we all have this human tendency to be argumentative, challenging, and even quarrelsome at times. If you had a chance to catch Contentious Relationships in 2021, this will be a refresher, but if you're new to Keep the Heart, this will give you some things to carefully consider in how you're interacting with others. Are there certain things that just easily set you off? If so, you'll find that these irritants often lead to disagreements in your relationships. We will never argue our way to happiness, and the only satisfaction in winning an argument is proving that you can be contentious to the finish line. What can we do about this human tendency to be contentious? The Bible has a lot to say about this subject, but we’ll just examine a few verses in this episode, leaving room for you to continue this important topical study on your own. Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Support this podcast HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 5 04.05.2026 5min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes while gaining valuable wisdom and understanding. This chapter opens with an instruction that could be summed up in a word: LISTEN. The next portion of the chapter includes warnings about the pitfalls of immorality, which always takes more than it gives and costs more than anyone wants to pay. The chapter continues with instructions for husbands to take to heart. Having a loving relationship is a priceless treasure. Even though this is a "couples" chapter, the wisdom is good for all of us to heed. It boils down to contentment. "Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well." (Proverbs 5:15) Apply: Living What We Learn-A 31-Day Devotional Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor NEW: Peace Beyond Panic: A Heavenly Perspective on Anxiety and Depression by Dr. John W. Vaprezsan FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Teachback Tuesday-Are We Anything Like Judas? 27.04.2026 12min

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This episode, "Are We Anything Like Judas" requires us to do some soul searching. When you study the lives of people from the Bible, you’ll notice common characteristics that we may not admit to having in ourselves. It’s so much easier to point out the faults of others than it is to recognize the flaws in ourselves. Judas had certain traits that are common to those who are disregarding God. This episode examines four things about Judas that may be going on in our lives as well. "Be Like Jesus" T-Shirt in a variety of sizes Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Rose Gold LeatherTouch KJV Bible 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 Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 21 20.04.2026 4min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit! By listening to a daily chapter from Proverbs, you growing in wisdom and understanding as you immerse your soul in the Word of God. Life has so many issues. Gratefully, the Bible has the answers. Our job is to apply them. Here's a verse for the week: "A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath." (Proverbs 21:14) Apply it: There are times when we have run-ins with people, and often these times are accidental. When you know that someone has been hurt or offended by something that you did or said, apologize sincerely and give them a "gift in secret." It could be a gift card to the grocery store, or a bag of their favorite coffee beans. The "gift in secret" principle is not a bribe. It's a bridge to reconciliation. Try it. "Be Like Jesus" T-Shirt in a variety of sizes Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Rose Gold LeatherTouch KJV Bible 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 Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Biblical Counseling Is Not Instant Oatmeal 13.04.2026 10min

Have you ever referred someone for biblical counseling and they said, “Oh I tried that and it didn’t work for me”? They may have had a counselor who was new, or who was untrained, or didn’t know how to apply scripture appropriately. This happens, but it is not always the case. If the person seeking counseling is expecting an “instant oatmeal” solution, they will be disappointed. Biblical counseling uses the Bible to bring solutions to the issues of life. Life has so many issues, and fortunately, the Bible has the answers. What biblical counseling does is it points a person to the all-sufficient Word of God to solve problems. This episode examines things that make biblical counseling less effective, along with suggestions to turn that around. Let’s consider four reasons why biblical counseling may not work, with a goal of improving the outcome. "Be Like Jesus" T-Shirt in a variety of sizes Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Rose Gold LeatherTouch KJV Bible 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 Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 7 06.04.2026 5min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter of Proverbs in under five minutes. Chapter seven is a tough one. If you're a daily Proverb reader, you already know this. The first four verses sound like "walk the talk" instructions, but then the chapter pivots to a very dark story about a young man "void of understanding" (he lacked wisdom) and the "strange woman" (she was not this young man's wife). Did you ever wonder about the life of the woman in this chapter? I often do, as every life has a history. Listen to Proverbs 7 with a heart devoted to avoiding the snares outlined in this chapter. Whether you are a man or a woman, the warnings are for everyone. "Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth." (Proverbs 7:24) "Be Like Jesus" T-Shirt in a variety of sizes Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Rose Gold LeatherTouch KJV Bible 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 Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Teachback Tuesday-Backsliding Looks Like This 30.03.2026 12min

Welcome to Teachback Tuesday, where we play the most popular episodes from previous seasons. This week's episode is another one that had thousands of downloads. People were and are concerned with what looks like another silent pandemic: the virus of backsliding. To backslide is to turn back or to "apostasize," which is the act of turning away from one's faith. It's not a good plan. Whether you're experiencing this yourself or you are concerned for someone who appears to be struggling with their faith, this episode examines symptoms and provides suggestions for restoration. Previously aired in 2021 as we were coming through the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of people struggled when church was closed or limited to live streaming. Some of that damage still lingers today. "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself." (Proverbs 14:14) 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

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 24 23.03.2026 4min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can build wisdom, develop a deeper closeness with God through His Word, and feed your soul all within less than five minutes! The word "wisdom" appears 234 times in the Bible, and three of those verses are in Proverbs chapter 24. Here's a wisdom passage for your week: "My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off." (Proverbs 24:13-14) 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

When Someone You Love is Dying 16.03.2026 20min

When someone you love is dying, it is a complicated and often emotional time, and yet we aren’t always fully aware that the person is really leaving us until those final hours. Whether we’re holding onto hope for a miracle or we’re just too wrapped up in caregiving to recognize where we are, there are mingled and sometimes confusing things going on in our hearts and minds. What can we do when it seems that someone we love is dying? These five points are based on personal experience, and while these are not a complete list of things to do or say, this episode will provide practical and hopefully helpful suggestions. 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

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 10 09.03.2026 4min

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

Teachback Tuesday-Born Again Later in Life 02.03.2026 9min

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

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 24 23.02.2026 4min

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

Three Ways to Stop Disturbing Your Own Peace 16.02.2026 13min

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

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 10 09.02.2026 5min

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

Teachback Tuesday: A Treasure Worth Keeping by Guest Host Janice Wolfe 02.02.2026 18min

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

Build Your Bible Habit-Proverbs Chapter 27 26.01.2026 5min

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. This is a habit that you'll never want to break. The practical wisdom from daily Proverbs equips us to walk in wisdom, making us better in handling the multiple decisions and interactions that come our way. God left us a GOLD MINE in His Word, and all we need to do is read it and apply it to our lives. The peace of God is not related to our circumstances. It is a result of walking with Him. Friendship is one of many areas touched on in Proverbs 27, and verse 17 gives us a chance to consider friendship from two angles: the kind of friends we choose and the kind of friend that we are to others. God meant for us to keep each other spiritually sharp. Here's a great reminder verse for the week: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17) 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

When You Can't Find the Bed of Roses 19.01.2026 15min

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