The Beautiful Return of a Wandering Heart

The Beautiful Return of a Wandering Heart

Growing up in the church, Michelle Tart always knew who she was supposed to be. Faith wasn’t just something she practiced—it surrounded every part of her life. But when a single moment planted seeds of doubt, everything she thought she knew began to unravel. In this deeply honest episode of Before the Last Petal Falls – Stories of Redemption, Michelle shares her journey through confusion, wandering, and spiritual darkness as she wrestled with questions that shook her identity and faith. What followed was a painful season of drifting—but also a powerful reminder that God never abandons His children. Even in the middle of uncertainty, the Great I AM remained faithful. And when the enemy tried to convince Michelle she had gone too far, God gently reminded her: “My arms are still open—waiting for you to come home.” Michelle’s story is a beautiful testimony of mercy, grace, and redemption. No matter how lost someone may feel, God’s love still reaches them. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned, wandered, doubted, or wondered if they could still find their way back home. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39 Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe [https://nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

1776 to 2026

America is closing in on its 250th birthday, but instead of fireworks and nostalgia, maybe it’s time for some honesty. What kind of country are we becoming? How much freedom have we already traded away without realizing it? And how much further are we willing to go? Twila Brase from Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom [https://www.cchfreedom.org] joins me today to discuss the upcoming event, Then and Now: 1776–2026 [https://www.semoevents.com/events/29321], a conversation centered on where America started, where we are now, and where we’re headed if people continue to disengage from the process. We also dive deep into REAL ID — what it actually does, why so many Americans misunderstand it, and why Twila believes it represents a much larger shift toward tracking, control, and federal standardization. If you think REAL ID is “just about flying,” this episode may completely change your perspective. But this conversation isn’t just about problems. It’s about responsibility. Too many people are waiting for politicians, courts, or “someone else” to step in and save the country. Meanwhile, freedoms disappear quietly — one policy, one compromise, one moment of public apathy at a time. If future generations lose the liberties Americans once took for granted, they won’t ask what the government did.They’ll ask why the people allowed it to happen. Refuse REAL ID website [https://www.cchfreedom.org/national-id/]Connect with Twila on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cchfreedom], X [https://x.com/cchfreedom], YouTube [http://www.youtube.com/@CitizensCouncilHC], Rumble [https://rumble.com/user/CCHF]Animated video explaining REAL ID [https://youtu.be/Fk3578rJcjc]Citizens Council for Health Freedom website [https://www.cchfreedom.org]Register [https://www.semoevents.com/events/29321] to attend “Then and Now 1776-2026” in Cape Girardeau next month!Catch Alex Newman [https://face.net/alex-newman/] on Nadine@9 June 12th! Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe [https://nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

I Like Ike

The race for Missouri Senate District 6 is heating up. With the current seat holder terming out, the field is filled with candidates eager to claim the spot. But while many are talking about freedom, constitutional values, and fighting government overreach, only one candidate has already proven he’s willing to act when it matters most: Ike Skelton [https://www.ikeskelton.com]. I sit down with Ike to discuss why he’s entering the race, what leadership should actually look like, and why Missouri voters are hungry for representatives who are willing to do more than make campaign promises. As presiding commissioner over the last three+ years, Ike faced a direct challenge when his county became entangled in concerns surrounding mass surveillance through Flock camera systems. Rather than ignore the issue or hide behind bureaucracy, he helped LEAD the charge against what many viewed as intrusion. After an ordinance was passed requiring the cameras to be removed — and the company failed to comply — Ike personally stepped in and removed the camera himself.*Read more about that here [https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/crime/camden-commissioner-ike-skelton-strikes-plea-deal-over-license-plate-reader-camera-charges/article_962d1da1-5e2f-4791-97ea-43003ed2c17f.html]. That moment became symbolic of something larger: leadership rooted in conviction, not convenience. A longtime activist dating back to the Tea Party movement, Ike understands the importance of constitutional limits, honest government, and transparency at every level. He believes elected officials should know the Constitution, follow it, and remember that government exists to serve the people — not control them. We also discuss the growing push for massive data center expansion across Missouri and why Ike believes communities should be cautious whenever government begins artificially forcing “growth” into an area. To Ike, real prosperity happens organically — through strong communities, local businesses, and citizens shaping their own future. When government and corporate interests begin aggressively steering development from the top down, history shows that trouble usually follows close behind. As the campaign trail heats up, voters are going to hear a lot of polished speeches, slogans, and promises from candidates trying to separate themselves from the pack. But amid all the noise, there’s one thing worth remembering: when the pressure came, when government intrusion became real, and when leadership actually mattered — Ike was the one who led. Lots of candidates can talk about courage. Ike already showed Missouri what it looks like. Ike’s website and donation page [https://www.ikeskelton.com]Ike’s fb page [https://www.facebook.com/skeltonforcommissioner] Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe [https://nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The Left Hand No One’s Watching

What is the proper role of government—and who are we really loyal to? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Martz [https://substack.com/@lunaticfringe1776] (Locke & Smith Foundation [https://legiscore.us]) for a conversation that cuts through party lines and goes straight to the heart of responsibility, truth, and accountability. We dig into a pattern that feels all too familiar: when one party is in power, outrage is loud—but when the other takes over, the questions suddenly disappear. So what’s really going on? Is it ignorance… or intentional blindness? Using the analogy of the oldest trick in the book—watch the shiny thing in one hand while the other hides the truth—we explore how easily distraction replaces discernment in today’s political climate. Truth doesn’t shift based on who holds office. If we only demand accountability when it’s convenient—or when it’s the “other side”—then we’re not standing for truth… we’re standing for preference. Are you holding leaders to a consistent standard…or just the ones you already disagree with? Allegiance to God means truth comes first—even (and I would argue, especially!) when it challenges your own side. Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe [https://nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Educate. Activate. Engage.

Listen in as I talk with Michael Compton and Amy Castro of Act for Missouri [https://new-site.act4mo.org], a grassroots organization focused on one mission: Educate. Activate. Engage. Together, we break down what Missouri voters are being asked to consider with HJR 173 & 174 [https://new-site.act4mo.org/bills/2026/HJR174.html]—a proposed constitutional amendment framed as a path to eliminating the state income tax. But as we dig into the details… the reality is far less clear. What We Talk About Here’s what you need to know before you vote: * This is a framework—not a plan.The proposal does not eliminate the income tax. Instead, it gives future legislatures the ability to attempt changes under a broad, undefined structure. * “Right to try” isn’t a guarantee.One of the most telling moments? Lawmakers describing this as giving themselves the “right to try.”Not a roadmap. Not a timeline. Just permission. * Any real change would take years.Even in the best-case scenario, Missourians wouldn’t see meaningful income tax relief anytime soon. This would be a long, gradual process—if it happens at all. * No plan to cut spending.There is no serious conversation about cutting the budget. * “Trust us” isn’t a strategy.Voters are being asked to approve a constitutional amendment based largely on confidence in future decisions—without specifics, safeguards, or accountability. Why This Matters Amending the Constitution is a big deal. It should come with clarity, transparency, and a clearly defined path forward. This proposal raises an important question: Are we voting on real change—or just the idea of change? Learn More / Read the Bill You can read the full text of the proposal here:👉 HJR173/174 [https://legiscan.com/MO/text/HJR173/2026] About Act for Missouri Act for Missouri is committed to helping Missourians stay informed and engaged in the legislative process—encouraging everyday citizens to take an active role in shaping their state’s future.You can listen to my last interview with them to hear more of their backstory! Listen, Share, Engage If this episode helped clarify something for you, share it with someone who’s still trying to make sense of what’s on the ballot. Because informed voters make better decisions. And blind trust shouldn’t be the standard. Don’t miss out! Make sure to purchase your raffle tickets for your chance to win the beautiful quilt made by our caller, Brenda! 1/$10 or 3/$20. Email guardiansinfo1@gmail.com [guardiansinfo1@gmail.com] for more info!And make plans to attend the upcoming “Then and Now” event on June 30th, in Cape Girardeau, with guest speakers Alex Newman and Twila Brase! Thanks for reading Nadine@9’s Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe [https://nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]