Podcast by Eric & Gena Boggs

Don't miss this episode! Eric and Gena hosted a conversation with Pastor Chase and Meagan Cleveland. The Clevelands pastor at Union Baptist Church in Iva, SC and they have 3 children. The conversation included candid talk about parenting, navigating schedules and travel ball, marriage and ministry. This is a new setting for HomeMatters, but a great time together—full of encouragement and real life things!

This episode is for married couples—husbands and wives in a Christian marriage relationship. Here are the questions today: Could your sex life be better? Does God intend for it to be better? The Boggs lead today in a test of sorts—and evaluation. The conversation will push you to evaluate where you are and where you may need to go in your intimate relationship. God has a plan for our intimate life together as a Christian couple, and sometimes we need to stop and evaluate where we are. Don't shy away. What you discover may lead you to the intimate life God intended for you and that you thought never existed for you!

From the title of a 19th century poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, this episode of HomeMatters examines and gives insight into how we can actually love—like God intends for us to love, when it comes to day to day living. The focus here, being our ability to truly love family members and others who are not always easy to love. There are clear answers here! So, if you ever seem to run out of love or the capacity to love, tune in! You are not alone and you are not without help!

This line from Ecclesiastes in the Bible is not just meant in regards to a marriage. However, marriage is definitely a place where we should be able to realize the truth, two being better than one. Culture can be very cynical today towards marriage. Even married couples can get caught up in seasons of life where they question if two are really better than one. The Boggs encourage and challenge listeners in this episode to live into all that God's Word teaches us in the passage—-that two are better! Marriage is a good thing; a blessing from the Lord and our opportunity to show the world the value of the beautiful partnership of marriage!

This episode continues from podcast #217 where the Boggs openly share about their challenges in navigating through the days and weeks following Eric's accident. They share the source of their strength and God's goodness in all the challenges of this season in their life.

The Boggs share today from their own personal real life experiences. What was intended to be a quick 20 minute bike ride, by Eric, went array. Eric and Gena are very open and vulnerable about the challenges of a crisis situation they recently lived through. This is part 1 of a 2-part podcast.

This episode is one for the married folk! Eric and Gena have a candid discussion about the importance of the intimate sexual relationship between a husband and a wife. They discuss the value, importance, and benefits. There are many reasons that couples lose the fire—the flame of romance; but we can't negate the importance of the sexual relationship. And, if the fires have dwindled, the responsibility is yours to make sure you get it refueled and HOT again! Don't miss out on what God intended for you, as a married couple to enjoy! Tune in to this episode and take away some tips on keeping it HOT!

God's people have always been a celebratory people! From the Old Testament through the New Testament, we see God's people celebrating with song and dance. They celebrated victories, certain days, and often—just the fact that God had been so good to them! Join Eric and Gena in this episode as they point out the importance, in family life, of the celebration! Times that we stop to celebrate bring fun, togetherness, and many lifelong memories. In the rush of life, we can't overlook all the reasons we have to celebrate—and to celebrate BIG!

Do you never have an issue with loving your family? Do you never run out of patience with your family? Do your family members ever frustrate you, aggravate you, disappoint you, or challenge you? More than likely, if you're honest, the answer to all of these questions would be, YES! As hard as we try and as much as we do care and love, we fall short sometimes! We don't have the capacity to love through every season, circumstance, and issue. That is why we are so totally dependent on God! He pours His love out in our hearts (Romans 5:5) and that is ENOUGH! Tune in and be encouraged to know that your relationship with God will always affect your family relationships! He's enough to help you love like He loves—-even when people are difficult!

Don't skip this episode! The whole world is talking about sex—--maybe you don't hear the word used, but movies, TV shows, advertisements, music—-sex is wrapped up in it all. If you are not talking about it, you are behind. And, be sure to know, someone is influencing your kids thoughts, ideas, and understanding of sex. So, we must make sure we are influencing and saying what needs to be said about the whole topic. Join Eric and Gena in this honest, yet respectful conversation on sex and the need to lead your kids in the Biblical view of what God created and said was “good”!

Have you lowered your expectations just because life has happened? It is easy to get in the habit of expecting more of what we've been getting. However, we must not give up on what we've believed would happen, or what we've thought would happen in our lives. As God's children, He has made so much available to us and no matter what we have gone through or what we are going through now, He is still all about seeing His plan through for you and your family! You must never stop expecting….a lot!

Today's episode is intended and believed to bring encouragement! Don't miss this one! If you don't think you need it today, there will be a day when you do need it! We all get there some time. We all need someone to remind us that life consists of seasons; some enjoyable and some not-so-much. Whether it is your family life, your kids, your spouse, your finances, or whatever else…..the intent in this podcast is to inspire, to push, to give you confidence to know that God is not done yet! There are brighter days ahead and you are making a difference right now! God has not deserted you and He has not given up on His plan for you and your family!

Most of us know that our company, friends, and associates matter and that they impact our lives. But, we don't always grasp the vastness of the influence we are receiving from those with which we surround ourselves. It's important to find people who make decisions we respect, who are grounded in Jesus, and who are intentional. Listen in as Eric and Gena examine the impact of the company we keep—on us as individuals, on our kids, and on our family.

Since its conception, the HomeMatters ministry has been based on this psalm that we find in God's Word. It's always important to revisit God's Word, promise, and instruction in this passage. The Boggs have held tightly to this passage in leading this ministry, in teaching at marriage conferences and events, and in leading conferences on parenting. The word here never gets old and it always brings direction and a path to follow when leading a home and family!

The responsibility of raising children is heavy—-if we take it seriously. The Bible is clear, stating that children are a blessing. It's also clear that the “blessing” requires our attention, affection, direction, diligence in disciplining, and so much more! The shaping and molding of children is no small task, but neither is it one that we're left to do alone! Join in this discussion with Eric and Gena about the Bible's direction in all of this!

Family life can be difficult, just in the day to day. But, we must not forget that we are waging war! We are in a fight—for family, for kids, for relationships, and for so much more! The enemy does not want you to be successful in family life. Unfortunately, we often fall prey to the enemy's tactics of busyness, exhaustion, and sometimes apathy. When found in these places, we are often overtaken and ineffective in the things God has purposed and planned for us. Join in today and Eric and Gena talk about practical ways you can stay on guard, and moving forward in the war against your family and household.

Are you teachable? Are you willing to lead and teach others who may be younger or less experienced than you? This podcast episode takes from Titus, chapter 2. There we see the examples of Christian manhood and womanhood described. The Bible teaches both the younger and older men and women to find a place where they can be used to lead and teach others—--and a place to receive instruction as well. The roles we find ourselves in within a household are not easy or simple. But, God gives us instruction in His Word and in other people that can help us grow and mature into productive men and women of God. Our job—-stop, listen, and be willing to grow—and then to share what you've received!

What does the language of intimacy look like? What does it sound like, and why is it even important? We know that marriage creates a place for intimacy, but the Bible teaches sensual and even erotic communication as a part of the marriage relationship. The conversations we witness in scripture are both mutual and intentional. They are invitational and without hesitancy—-open and honest, revealing desires and feelings. Join Eric and Gena today in this conversation about the importance of the intimate language shared by a husband and wife.

As we arrive at the summer months, traditionally “vacation” time—--don't miss an opportunity to spend focused time with your family in an out-of-the-routine way and setting. You need this! And, your family does as well! You need a break. They need a break. And, lasting memories are necessary as made in times where all the distractions of everyday life are taken away. Listen in as the Boggs talk about the value of time away as a family! And, after you listen—-Take A Vacation!

What a blessing! What an opportunity we are given in parenting! Psalm 127: 3 says children are a reward! But—do we as parents ever idolize our children? Do we put them in a place God never intended them to be in our lives? This may seem like a hard conversation today, but one that is necessary in making sure we correctly lead and position our children as God intended—-realizing they are ultimately His!

Ep. 202 - What Is Your "More Than Anything"? by Eric & Gena Boggs

For many, the two words of this episode's title just don't go together. However, the Bible teaches differently from what many have accepted. Sex is absolutely something that God and the Bible hold as a sacred act. It's to be treated as holy and honorable (Hebrews 13:4). There is a great premium that God places on the sexual relationship between a husband and a wife. In fact, God says that is the only place that this act should be experienced. Listen in as the Boggs discuss the sacredness of sex and the investment that a married couple should be making in this important, intimate part of their marriage.

Money is constantly moving through your home! Some people have more money moving than others, but nonetheless, money is a resource we all have to steward and navigate. The amount of money that you do or do not have does not change the need to navigate this resource. The Bible says so much about money, and money has been proven to be a source of much tension in homes. Therefore, knowing how to steward and to handle this resource is essential! We have a responsibility to teach, lead, and model as well as we do to live a disciplined life that makes the most of what we have been given. Join Eric and Gena today as they share some tips on making the most of what you do have and in managing your “moving money”!

The Boggs love sports! They have always been a part of their family's life! It's great for kids to be involved in sports and with a team. Sports build discipline and character. Being a part of a team is also a great place to learn life lessons and work ethic. The benefits list could go on and on. So, what is the problem? There's often a problem with knowing how to balance all the practices, games, matches, etc. etc. with the rest of life, with involvement in a local church, and with schedules of other family members. Join the conversation today as the Boggs share their thoughts and experiences on parenting kids through sports.

So, you're probably wondering what the Big MO is! It is……..MOMENTUM! So, what does that have to do with home, family, kids, and marriage? Simply—everything! Life brings trials, hardships, disappointments, let-downs…..so on and so on. As a result, we're often tripped up; discouraged and set off course for days, weeks, and even years. Positive momentum in your life, relationships, and family can keep you moving in the right direction! Instead of having setbacks and being thrown off course, you will see yourself crushing right through things that normally would have stalled you out. Get momentum working for you in your house! Join Eric and Gena today as they help us identify what momentum looks like and how to maintain momentum in our day to day lives.

This podcast drops on April Fools Day, so we thought it only appropriate to talk about wisdom! In building anything, it matters what tools and materials you use. In building a productive, successful home, the Bible is clear that wisdom is an essential tool. It's important where we seek wisdom, and from whom we accept it. As Christians, we turn to God's Word for our instruction and there, we find all we need to build a home! In fact, if you want to build a home that will stand the test of time and that will be effective in this world, you must follow God's prescribed way; build on His foundation; and lean on the wisdom that comes from Him alone! Wisdom isn't hard to find. Tune in today and learn where wisdom comes from and how to apply it in your home!

These letters spell out a line in a great little rhyme that you may be familiar with from your childhood! The rhyme goes on to say, “...first comes love, then comes marriage. Here comes (someone) with a baby carriage”! Does anyone remember!? It may be a cute little rhyme, but kissing is actually biblical! Yes–we said it! Kissing, according to the Bible, is a passionate, physical expression of love between lovers. Now, it can be less passionate, and used as a greeting in some cultures. But, it is also a very intimate exchange in a marriage; and it should be happening on the regular! Be challenged as you listen to this HomeMatters episode—-to liven up your kissing, to revive the kiss, and to experience the power of this expression of love in your marriage!

Aren't we all guilty of thinking life, marriage, and family will be easier than it really is? Our “drive-through” culture has taught us to expect things quickly, without undo stress, and to be just as we like it! But, life just isn't that way! Deep down, we understand that there will be challenges. However, it's easy to think that we may be able to get away with less effort than is actually required in building a home and good relationships. Tune in to this episode! You will be encouraged as you listen! The challenges, the sacrifices made, and even the disappointments are worth our efforts! We have all the help we need in Jesus!

Don't disregard this episode of HomeMatters just because you aren't a grandparent! This one is for all of us! To all those out there that are grandparents, you'll be encouraged to know that your influence and experience is much needed in the lives of your kids and grandchildren (regardless of your temptation to feel ill-equipped or irrelevant)!. And, if you are still in the role of parenting, you'll be encouraged to see the value of and the need to add godly grandparents in the mix of your family life! God is a generational God and He values all generations; and He teaches us to honor and learn from those who are a little further along than we are. Join the Boggs as they talk about the need and wealth found in godly grandparents!

There is a leader in every home. Is that your calling and job? Have you taken the responsibility necessary to lead well? Are you a leader worth following; steadfast, not wishy-washy? Do you have strong convictions and do you stick to them? Being the leader calls for living a life of example—an example of love, forgiveness, and patience. If it's your role to lead, step into that and be the true “leader of the pack” at your house. Listen in to be encouraged in this leadership role that God has called you to!

Parents, welcome to the most exhausting, rewarding, often confusing, many times frustrating, but often fun job you will ever have! Parenting isn't for cowards (as James Dobson said decades ago). It is absolutely overwhelming on many days, but you must know that you are not alone! God gives instruction and encouragement in His word. If you are a parent, a grandparent, or if you just deal with children—this podcast episode is for you! You'll be encouraged as you listen to know that in the midst of all the overwhelming things you face, you can find the strength and help you need in Christ!

Is sex in marriage really that important? Should we even discuss it or talk about it in the church? Sex is God's idea and creation; not that of our culture or of humanity. Sex is God-ordained and part of His plan—for procreation, but also intended for intimacy and enjoyment between a husband and wife. The Bible has a lot to say about sex, so yes—-it is important! Additionally, our culture has a lot to say about it so why are we afraid to speak of it in church? Join this hot topic, in this episode, as Eric and Gena answer…. “Is sex important?”

If we are talking about the feeling and emotion of love, it does have something to do with marriage and family. However, the action and essence of all that love is, has way more to do with our intimate relationships than the feeling of love! Emotions and feelings are ever changing, but true love weathers the emotions and continues to act out of love whether the feeling is present or not. Join Eric and Gena in this episode as they discuss the God kind of love that takes home life to another level!

Have you developed a hardened heart towards your spouse, your children, or anyone in your life? There are true signs and there are godly answers about how we can have our hardened hearts softened towards God and towards others. Don't live in the danger of a hardened heart! Be willing to confront it and willing to start the journey back to tenderness—first with God and then with others. God will help you and He can replace the heart you have now with a heart that is pliable, forgiving, kind, and full of mercy. Give God a chance!

Shame will cause you to hide. It will paralyze you. It will keep you from living your life with purpose and will hold you back from all the amazing things that God has planned for you! Shame isolates and convinces you that you are the only one in your situation. Eric and Gena challenge us all in this episode to seek the help needed—-in every area of life; whether it's in marriage, parenting, or just navigating the challenges of home and family life. Be intentional about seeking help when you know it's needed!

True intimacy will always cost. There's the cost of selflessness, of time, of vulnerability. There's the cost that can come financially and emotionally. Most of us crave true intimacy, and at certain times in our life, we are more than willing to pay the costs to experience and enjoy intimacy. This episode will challenge you. If you once paid the price of intimacy, what happened? If you're married, it's time to evaluate and start putting in the work once again!

Ep. 185 - The Fight Of Your Life by Eric & Gena Boggs

In this new year, are there changes you've needed to make at home? Should you have already done some things differently—-maybe last year—-to move your relationship along, to do better in your parenting role, or to mature in your spiritual life? Whether it's your marriage, your parenting, your individual self—-just start somewhere. Today. THIS year! Don't put off today what needs to be done. Take a step, now, towards building the life God intended you to have all along!

Ep. 182 - Merry Christmas! by Eric & Gena Boggs

Christmas comes so very quickly! The hustle and bustle of all the things going on this time of year can usher Christmas right past us. Eric and Gena challenge all of us to pause; to be intentional about directing our focus towards the manger and the birth of the Christ child. We cannot lose sight of the reason for our Christmas celebration! As families, we must stop. We must visit the manger. We must be intentional about our celebrations and about the story of Christmas!

Christmas brings the greatest love story ever! Jesus, born in a manger—what a story! Christmas is the beginning of His journey to Calvary and in His “love gift” of providing salvation for all of us! In this episode, Eric and Gena examine the great love story of Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus. What did their relationship look like? What was their life like as Jesus' parents? They had a great love story—full of faith, intimacy, and deep love!

What do you think needs to happen for you? What are you waiting on? We seek out so many avenues that supposedly lead us to happiness, thinking that “happy” is what we're after. We believe the lie that situations, things, and the “perfect” life would make us happy. What we really need is to find Jesus—and a place of contentment in the life He has given us. This isn't to say that we settle or just accept whatever we're given, but we need to find the purposes of God being fulfilled in our lives. With that, true contentment—an overwhelming happiness” may be closer than you think.

Thanksgiving is upon us! This is the official kick-off to the holiday season! With this season, many experience fun and excitement, but many deal with stress, anxiety, worry, and even depression. This episode keys in on Philippians 4:4-8 and pushes you to choose joy! Do not let the craziness of the season still the joy that is supposed to accompany the season! This is a Thanksgiving edition that will prepare you for what is ahead!

Parenting can be such an overwhelming responsibility, and any given day you can feel like a failure. It's easy in our culture to question your parenting—am I doing enough; what about discipline; how can I protect my children; how can I afford my children? In addition to all the questions, we often feel out of touch with younger generations. We don't understand what they deal with daily and we don't even understand their language! Is that you? Do you ever wonder what in the world your kids are saying, thinking, or doing? Because of all of these things, we can parent from a fearful, overwhelmed place rather than the powerful place God has called us to. Tune in as Eric and Gena encourage you to parent fearlessly!

As Christians, living a spirit-led life at home is something that can be mistakenly assumed. Too often, we think that the things we do, or the religious acts we carry out make us “spirit-led”. In contrast, the Bible says that life in the Spirit is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Actions and conduct are important, but are you experiencing “rightness”, peace, and joy in your home? If not, maybe we need to reevaluate how well we are doing at letting God lead us daily in our home life. Listen in today and be encouraged and challenged as well. A Spirit-led home IS attainable, and profitable, and possible at your house!

No one enters marriage with the hopes of “just surviving”! We all enter that relationship with big hopes, lots of dreams, and never expecting to fall out of love or arrive at the “merely existing” place. This podcast will challenge and encourage you at the same time. Eric and Gena want you to know—survival mode is not what God intended for you! God desires that all of your life flourish; that you live with passion; and that you live with significance and purpose on the daily. This episode will inspire you to make decisions today and to create habits today that will lead you to a more successful life and a mode of living that you dreamed of, but that has eluded you to this point. You are not meant for survival mode only!

This is a PG topic today, but not one that the Bible doesn't speak to. Scripture leads us in healthy sexuality, and it outlines the boundaries of the sexual relationship. God created us as sexual beings, and it's important to know what He says about sex and that we align our lives to all that He says. In this episode, Eric and Gena share God's directives, His desire for the sexual relationship in marriage, and the fact that what God has created in our sexuality is good! Marriage flourishes when sex and intimacy are good. Don't miss this conversation! God probably has more for you than you've realized!

The Bible has so much to say about how we use our words! It also tells us that we will give an account of all the words we use, and how we use them. Home is a place where we can sometimes be careless with our words, and we may not understand the power of our encouraging words or of our negative language. Words have a huge impact on our home and family. Tune in to this episode and be challenged in making sure you speak wisely, with compassion, and always to bring encouragement.

The passage in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 offers 4 principles that we can't afford to ignore. What is offered there works in any relationship, and is most often applied to friendships. However, in this episode, Eric and Gena apply it to the marriage relationship. If couples will adopt these 4 principles, and live them out daily in their home and marriage, they'll make an instant difference! In this episode, you'll be encouraged to attend to “the other”----to make a difference in “the others'” life, and to serve as Christ has so perfectly exemplified. With a heart dedicated to these principles, any of us will find our relationships enhanced!