Straight From The Heart(land)

Woo hoo!! Christine's husband Michael is on the podcast this week and they're talking about the division of household labor between them. Who handles which chores and why? As well as, how did they come up with this plan, how much does their upbringing influence it, do they want to switch chore assignments, and how come they aren't using the free labor living in their own home more?? Lots of laughs and insights (good or bad?) into the Meggisons! Plus, a bittersweet Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Have you given up hope? Does believing in a good future feel too painful? Then this episode is for you! We wrap up our Belonging series looking at God's heart for us to "be longing" for the good gifts He has in store for us.....and why it's sometimes hard to have hope. Plus, a big birthday in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We continue our series on Belonging taking a look at the one person we're guaranteed to belong to perfectly - God. He chose you to be part of his family, a place you'll always belong, and wants you to relish in your role as a child of the King. Plus, a painting project in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We weren't meant to do life or faith alone. We were created to belong to one another and do life in community. But, what does that mean and how can we make that happen in our own lives? Join Christine in her conversation about belonging in this week's episode. Plus, Marie Kondo in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Kids have so many options for activities these days. It's enough to make your head spin just thinking about it, let alone bust your budget and schedule. In this week's podcast, Christine identifies three messages the world tells us when it comes to this topic and offers a different approach that just might be the solution you've been waiting for! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Ever felt the pressure to perform or be perfect? Tired of trying to gain others approval while losing yourself in the process? In this week's podcast, Christine and Sarah discuss their own struggles with proving their worth and their steps for finding freedom. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Christine interviews Simple Purposeful Living's Erin Port about strategies for kicking off the new year, including goal setting and how to find success by making those resolutions both simple and purposeful. Plus, a New Year's Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Remember that "Grown-Up Christmas List," classic song by Amy Grant? In this week's episode, Christine and Sarah create their own grown-up Christmas lists, including peace on earth and a solution to middle school body odor. Plus, a 2018 recap in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

What's your favorite Christmas treat, song, or movie? Do you have a favorite gift or memory? In the second week of Christmas with the Meggisons, Christine asks her kids these questions and also what they think is the true meaning of the season. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, an Advent challenge in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat.

The Meggison kids are taking over the podcast sharing with Christine all about their Christmas traditions, including the ones they like, the ones they don't (can you say Christmas lights??), and which ones they plan on passing along to their own kids. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Whether you're a Black Friday veteran or a Black Friday rookie, this episode will give you all kinds of tips and tricks for maximizing your shopping experience, including how to stay on budget, get the best deals and have fun. Plus, a Friendsgiving Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Infobesity. Infoxication. Information Overload. Information Anxiety. No matter what you call it, we're living in a world with TMI: too much information! Christine and Sarah discuss how it's affecting them and how they're trying to manage it all. Plus, a Pulse about gratitude and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

In a world filled with evil, death, cancer, natural disasters, abuse, and all manners of darkness, our natural question is: why do bad things happen? Christine takes a crack at answering this common and important question in this week's episode. Plus, a heartfelt Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Losing a child is most people's worst nightmare. And that's exactly what happened to Alexandra Knaub in January 2018. Now, less than 10 months since this tragic event, Alexandra shares with Christine how God carried her through those painful days and how she's finding hope in their family's new normal. This is a powerful story of God's faithfulness and our ability to overcome when we hold tight to Him. Plus, a Halloween Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

In 2006, Sally Drees got the shock of her life. She tested positive for breast cancer and that began her, now, 12-year fight with this disease. For years Sally was angry and afraid. But, two years ago that all began to change. Listen to Christine's interview with Sally and hear her powerful story of overcoming the hopelessness of a terminal diagnosis to finding peace, hope and joy again. Plus, Christine's thoughts on aging in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Abbie Kampman is no stranger to tragedy. After growing up the daughter of an alcohol- and drug-addicted mother, in the summer of 1999 as a soon-to-be-freshman in high school, Abbie's mother and her boyfriend drove drunk, causing a tragic car accident which took their lives, as well as the lives of her two young sisters who were in the car and a man whose car they hit. After years of grief and shame over her mother's actions, Abbie shares with Christine her powerful story of redemption and overcoming, including having God's strength to do the impossible - reach out to the victims of her mother's accident after 17 years. Plus, overcoming the need to impress in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Sarah's back (yay!) and she and Christine are talking all about the new fall TV lineup. Listen in for what shows they're excited about and top recommendations for you to check out! Plus, a fall treat in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 

No better finale to our "Eat Your Heart Out" series than an interview with Iowa Girl Eats' Kristin Porter. Christine and Kristin talk food blogging, being your own boss, changes in blogging and food over the past 10 years, and hacks for making delicious meals for busy people. Plus, a Mary Poppins Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

When did the simple act of eating get so confusing? Keto? Paleo? Whole 30? Gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free? Add in discussions about organics, fats, intermittent fasting and gut health and it's enough to make your stomach churn. Never fear! This week, Christine takes a look at popular nutrition trends and fads so you'll be in the know hanging around the water cooler (oh yeah, water is good for you!). Plus, a call out for cultural change in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 

We're kicking off a new series this week: Eat Your Heart Out! It's all about food, so Christine offers a review of and ideas for the Instant Pot. And, as promised, she shares her thoughts (rant?) about our country's obsession with pumpkin spice in The Pulse. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!