Mornings with Carmen

Bible teacher Carol McLeod shares her weekly prayer strategy:  how she prayer for what and who God call us to prayer for and praying God's word.  Then, Carmen answers some of her listener's questions, including helping to know the difference between a translation fo the Bible and a paraphrase.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist and Johnny Cash fan Mark Caleb Smith talks about the powerful spiritual imagery in some of the Man in Black's music.  He also addresses changes in how the military is organizing the chaplaincy and what religions are supported through it.  The Dad Whisper, Michelle Watson Canfield, offers help for dads in understanding and and communicating better with their daughters.  She's author of many books, including "Dad, Here's What I Really Need from You" and "Let's Talk."  She also addresses healing from father wounds.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Cynthia Scott, author of "Celebrating God, Our Founder," helps us reflect on the people of faith and the Biblically-infused understanding of liberty that were essential to the founding of the United States.  Licensed counselor Debra Fileta, author of "People Skills," reminds us of all God's says over us: His affirmations of us. From there, we can graciously engage others around us.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge talks about the concerns of AI-empowered warfare.  Will we allow artificial intelligence made decisions about targeting and strikes?  Congress is now considering the Human Authority in Lethal Operations (HALO) Bill.  How do we make sure humans and ethical frameworks are in place?  Carmen also talks about a new trend called silent book clubs.  Ruth Kramer of Mission Network News highlights efforts by Christian organizations to bring relief after this past Monday's earthquake in the Philippines, as well updates on what the Church is enduring in India and Iran.  She also highlights effort to reach fans and players during this year's World Cup competitions.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Kathy Koch, author of "Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children," talks about some of the things that cause relational breakdown with adult children, how you're no longing parenting (verb), but still are a parent (noun.)  What steps can you take to heal the broken relationship?  Robert Dayton, author of "100XLife," asks us how well do we listen to Jesus and His Word.  Have you spent time really chewing it?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here    

As we celebration the 250th birthday of the US this year, politcal scientist Adam Carrington takes us back to June 1789 when the first Congress heard the first proposal of the 12 articles of a bill of rights.  This was the basis of our Constitution's Bill of Rights.  Plus, as the latest session of the Supreme Court is winding down, Adam addresses what big cases remain to be decided.  Researcher George Barna of the Cultural Research Center offers insights from the 2026 American Worldview Inventory regarding the spiritual state of our nation's GenZ citizens.  While it's hard to see solid evidence of a true revival of Christian faith, they are asking lots of questions around God and faith.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Security analyst Elizabeth Neumann, author of "Kingdom of Rage," talks about our nation's semiquincentennial, our contentious, divided culture, and outside threats.  Could extremists disrupt our celebrations?  Acton Institute's Dylan Pahman, co-editor of the "Christian Roots of American Liberty," talks about the concepts around liberty that the Founders learned from the Bible and Christian thought through the centuries.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Lionshare's Dave Buehring continues talking with Carmen around "your season, your calling."  Looking at mid-life--your 40's and 50's--they talks about how you have more clarity of your nature abilities, acquired skills, and your spiritual gifts.  You see your purpose more clearly.  Then, with both Pride Month and the pride we might have as our nation celebrates it's 250th birthday, what does the Bible say about the attitude of pride?  Carmen talks about this.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Adam Holz outlines the impact of "digital dementia" when it comes to kids' habits with screens and why our choices don't just affect our biological standing, but our spiritual habits as well. Kevin Burrell, author of "Considering Sparrows," shares why from the very beginning we're encouraged not to fear and how to trust God's work in the midst of our relationships. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Zachary Wagner, author of "Men of Virtue," shares about the great outline that Galatians 5 provides for Christians and the willingness to embrace suffering and even weakness, seeing how Jesus modeled this perfectly. Lana Silk of Transform Iran unpacks the reason why the church in Iran is still growing even amidst far from ideal circumstances and the practice of praying for one another, while teaching others how to pray. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Doug Hankins, author of "Still Single, Still Called," shares about the process of becoming a church for everyone, because that's often times where singles find their place and feel welcomed. Steve DeWitt, host of The Journey and author of "Enjoying God in Everything," outlines how we can turn all of our experiences we're apart of into praise to God and why giving Him worship for the beauty around us is our ultimate purpose in the end. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley of the What Would Jesus Tech podcast shares his main takeaways from Pope Leo XI's stance on AI in our world today and why AI will always be a pale imitation of what humans are and how they operate. Kathy Branzell of the National Day of Prayer Taskforce outlines not falling behind or getting ahead of Him, believing in God and submitting to Him above all else. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching shares how the "always-on digital culture" operates and what it looks like to love our enemies well- following the lead of the Holy Spirit, while setting good boundaries. Dr. Brad Littlejohn of American Compass talks about The Economics of Vice and what a free market really boils down to. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Everyone's Wilson's Daryl Crouch talks about being willing to say no when neccessary, why everything we decide to say yes to is going to cost something, and the danger of losing our first love, for Jesus. Alexander Salter shares about "Religious Freedom Before Locke," outlining the need to respect people's right to disagree- not letting things cloud our perceived level of faith. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Tiffany Schatz of The Christian Medical and Dental Association outlines the protocols that are worth following when it comes to the threat of ticks and why orphines, new synthetic drugs, when presented to certain people can be very dangerous. Vaneetha Risner, author of "This Was Never the Plan," shares about showing up for those who are walking through themselves or are impacted in some way by divorce and how to graciously speak to those who are in the wrong. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

The Briefing's Nick Pitts outlines why the way we view our work matters, especially the belief in being an instrumental part of a greater picture. Luke Moon of 2 Hammers and Generation Zion shares an update on the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the complications of what's taking place in Lebanon, and the continued persecution of Jews taking place, even as labels are attempting to be changed. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Pastor Harrison Perkins, author of "Created for Communion with God," shares how God brought us into existence in His own unique way and why demonstrating our obedience to God often is often not as easy as it should be on the surface. J. Budziszewski, author of "Pandemic of Lunacy," outlines what it looks like to build up a herd immunity as a group of Christians and how to appeal to our appropriate feelings. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Nadya Williams, author of "Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic," talks about identifying the fruit that comes from our lifestyle and the connection between the mental health epidemic in our society with the low view of marriage many have. Political scientist Daniel Bennett shares about the deeper meaning behind Jeremiah 29 and the cost followers of Jesus may be faced with for the decision to daily pursue faithful living. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Plugged In's Paul Asay talks about their new technology blog that hopes to help us stay on top of the quickly changing world of AI and technology to help parents navigate them well with their kids.  Plus, he addresses the loudness, but deceptiveness of AI algorithms.  Slugs and Bugs' Randall Goodgame, author of "Sing the Bible," talks about helping your kids internalize some of the most transformative verse in the Bible through song.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

We often say, "not my circus, not my monkeys."  We are reluctant to get involved with others.  Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and radio show challenges us that estrangement from others and their needs isn't good either.  God shows us how to get entangled with others. From a pastor jailed for preaching near an Irish hospital to a mass baptism, Billy Hallowell of CBN News and Faith Wire helps us see what God is doing in the world.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Edna Blake talks about her years of discipling people organically:  a life-on-life walk with others where both sides grow, leading people to Jesus through His word, and how it applies to where they're at.  Daniel Darling, author of "Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life," talks about how to apply Biblical principles to some of the many confusing issues of modern life that aren't directly mentioned in Bible, or are complicated by our modern contexts.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith addresses a new Department of Education policy that would effectively limit student loans to religious-based institutions of higher education based on how much on average a person with certain degrees (including degrees in theology) make.  He also talks about the political pickle we're in with the gerrymandering fight.  Dave Boden, author of "Raising Gen Alpha," seeks to help us to understand the various influences that shape the way Generation Alpha (those born between 2010-2024) process the world around them.  That way we can relate with them better, help them thrive, and point them to Jesus better.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Pastor Chris Brauns, author of "The Way of Repentance," challenges us to see repentance not as just a remorse for getting caught, but really is a turning to Christ and to His ways that really bring joy.  Musician and worship leader Ginny Owens reflects on the music of her new EP "Different Kind of Water," as well as moving from Nashville to New York City to be a worship minister.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Matthew Soerens of World Relief and the Evangelical Immigration Table, co-author of the revised "Seeking Refuge," addresses the recent changes being made by the Federal government regarding legal immigration policies.  He also talks about how the global immigration crisis has changed over the last 10 years, policy changes in those 10 years, and the Bible call for us to love those in need of refuge. Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer talks about how the Church is still reaching out amid the Iran war and the crackdown in that country.  Also, with outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo how ministries are responding.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Gale Kragt, author of the "Heart of Healing:  6-Week Dovotional & Healing Journey," addresses the many lies we believe about God and ourselves and how that affects our lives and behaviors.  Replacing these false identities with your real identity in Christ:  "you are loved, you are treasured, you are a child of God!" can change your life!  John Plake of the American Bible Society opens up another chapter of this year's State of the Bible Report, looks at the challenges many parents have in helping their kids engage with the Bible.  While the main reason may be "finding the time," there are ways building time as a family to engage Scripture.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

As we get ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, political scientist Adam Carrington helps us look at not just the theological beliefs of the Founding Fathers, but the citizenry of country.  How did they understand this issue of Church-State relations?  Then, Carmen seeks to answer a question about about someone inviting a listener to a her funeral even though the person is still alive.  Is that appropriate?  Is there a liturgy for such a concept?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

The sexual revolution is over.  We lost.  In this Reconnect Revisited, Carmen turns her attention to the sexual brokeness.  How do we get back to God's loving and life-giving design for our sexuality.  How do we help our kids not fall for what our generations did?  Laurie Krieg, author of "Raising Kids in a Sexually Broken World," offers helpful ideas for helping kids embrace God's good design.  Kyla Gillespie, author of "Transformed," shares her story of gender dysphoria and lived as a transgendered man, only to find her true identity in Christ, rediscovering her femininity.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In this special The Reconnect Revisited, Carmen addresses the issue of abortion.  Abortion is the ending of a human life!  Full stop!  Even with overturning of Roe v. Wade, the number of abortion continues to grow, mostly due to chemical abortion. But what if a mom starts an abortion, then changes her mind and wants her child to live?  Dr. George Delgado, author of "Abortion Pill Reversal," talks about the hope such a mom has, if caught in time.  But for moms who regret their abortions, Brittany Poppe of the Abortion Recovery for Christian Women podcast give you permission to grieve.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us, Plugged In's Adam Holz helps us look at some impactful movies that help us think well of the sacrifice of our service members in defense of our freedoms.  He also looks ahead at some of the big movies of the Summer.  Plus, with this weekend also being the celebration of Pentecost, Rob Phillips, author of "What Every Christian Should Know About the Trinity," begins a series of conversations with Carmen about the Trinity.  How can God be three in one?  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dietician Rebecca Corwin, author of "Arise and Eat," talks about the foods around the ancient celebration of Pentecost and what they tell us about God and our relationship with Him.  Chris Martin, author of "Terms of Service," talks about our worklife and the pressure to not just perform, but to look like you're performing.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Feeling stuck in your emotional pain?  Peace Amadi, author of "The Wholehearted Way," offer help for breaking out of the cycles of heartbreak and internalizing your pain, pointing to a framework to see the bigger, better, broader story of your suffering in Christ.  Jason Romano of Sports Spectrum helps us looks at lives and faith of NHL players Josh Manson and Jaccob Slavin, as well as the NBA's Josh Hart.  He also talks about softball coach Patty Gasso of the Oklahoma Sooners and how she genuinely sees herself as God's ambassador to her players.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Austin Gravley of the What Would Jesus Tech podcast talks how Google is majorly changing its search function, totally integrating AI into the search.  He also address Alexa+ now offering AI generated podcasts.  Plus, he addresses a recent article written by a technology columnist who created an AI boyfriend.  She was aware it was fake, but she really got sucked in.   Pastor Bob Castro helps us look at the worldviews behind entertainment offerings like the Avatar franchise and KPOP Demon Hunters.  Where do these worldviews conflict with a Biblical worldview? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching talks about the 5 skills that healthy people do to have healthy relationships.  These are skills that can be learned!  He also addresses the exodus of teachers from the classroom due to stress and emotional exhaustion.  What are they experiencing, and how do we support them?   Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek of the University of Northwestern - St. Paul and Dan Stoltz of Blaze Credit Union talk about the new Stoltz School of Business at UNW, and about applying the Jeremiah 29 call to work for the welfare of the city God has sent you through the marketplace.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen LaBerge responds to a listener question regarding astrology.  Many Americans, especially younger females, are actively following some sort of astrological practice, even if for fun.  Is it harmless, or is there something more concerning?  Alfonso Espinosa, author of "Contending for Christ Through the Creed," talks about the Church, Jesus' body here on earth.  How do we best understand the big "C" Church and your little "c" local church, and their relationship with each other? The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Dr. Brick Lantz of the Christian Medical and Dental Association addresses the fears around both the Ebola and Hantavirus outbreaks.  What do we need to know?  Plus, he addresses how the issue of death is being discussed in the culture today. So call assisted suicide "death with dignity."  How to we die well?  How do we die with real dignity?  Rick Lawrence, author of "The Suicide Solution," addresses our mental and physical hardware and software, and the ways Jesus show us how to debug our systems and live more whole.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

The Briefing's Nick Pitts helps us look at the Rededicate 250 event and the different types of Christians.  He also talks about a commencement address given by musical artist Eric Church where he uses the six strings on the guitar, how they are facets of your life and how get them to work together beautifully.  Luke Moon of 2 Hammers and Generation Zion addresses the allegations leveled by a New York Times opinion piece of sexual violence by IDF soldiers against Palestinians.  The piece was released before another report regarding the violence, including sexual, by Hamas fighters against Israelis on Oct. 7th.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Pastor Mark Moore, co-author of "The Missing Messiah," talks about what it really means to bear the cross of Christ in our lives.  Are you minimizing what Jesus meant by bearing His cross?  Is Jesus just an accessory in your life, or the one ends your life so His life can live in you? Brianna Lambert, author of "Created to Play," talks about how the "creed of utility" has corrupted our creativity and enjoyment.  She helps us understand our creative roles, their benefits and their shadow-sides.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Carmen opens the Monday Mailbag to answer a question from a listener who is tired and confused from all the technological and cultural changes around her.  How do you keep from being overwhelmed?  She also comments on the yesterdays Rededicate 250 event in Washington.  Political scientist Daniel Bennett looks at our nation's fatigue and meloncholy even though we have such abundance.  He reflects on what Alexis de Tocqueville observed when he visited the US back in the 1800's.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Thann Bennett of The Equipped Newsletter and host of The Equipped radio show has finally been reading Tolkien's "The Hobbit."  He was struck by Bilbo Baggin's battle fought in the tunnel.  He also talks about the release by the US Government of documents and footage of UFO's.  What can we make of it as Christians?  Apologist Daniel DeWitt talks about how when some deconstruct their faith, they often leave one type of fundamentalism for another.  Plus, he helps us reflect on a common pattern in the Psalms where the lamenting psalmist joins his song with God and His perspective.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

With the re-releases of Top Gun and Shek, Plugged In's Adam Holz reflects on nostalgia and the blind spots it has. Plus, he addresses AI chatbots in toys and how sports betting and other predictive markets are hurting us and our families.  In the Friday Farm Report, Carmen talks about what's happening on her farm, but also a farm in Ukraine dealing with the war.  Plus, Carmen talks about the importance of behaving well. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Bible teacher Carol McLeod offer encouragement from Isaiah 57:10 for those who feel that there is not hope or a future for them.  She also talks about how to have those loving, but hard, conversations with those you deeply care for but are not following Jesus.  Rick Hamlin, author of "Everlasting Jesus," talks about a severe health scare and the need for Jesus' love and wisdom to navigate not just that, but much of our confusing modern life.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political scientist Mark Caleb Smith reflects those graduating this year.  It's a hard time and AI and other factors changing the job market and culture, as a whole.  How do you help graduates answer the question, "What am I suppose to do?"  Also, how do you respond to someone who sees his political opponents as Satan?  Kathy Branzell of the National Day of Prayer Taskforce looks back at this year's National Day of Prayer and shares "glory stories."  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Worship leader Laura Story, author of "Stand in Awe," talks about the importance in awe and reverence for God, trusting in Him as He writes our lives, and allowing that to transform us into His image.  Licensed counselor Debra Fileta, author of "People Skills," talks about our body language, which communicates as much, if not more, than the words we use.  How do cultivate an open body language style.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Adriel Booker, author of "Tethered to Hope," talks about the liminal space we are in after a tragedy, trauma, or crisis in your life.  You're not where you were ,but not at your destination.  Where is God and how does He show up after the crisis and before the new normal?  Mission Network News' Ruth Kramer helps draw more attention to the situation in Nigeria with the killing of Christians by the Fulani, and why there is a concerted effort to cover up the situation.  She also addresses how the recent election in India could make matters worse for Christians in that country.  The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here