Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast: Women set free

Why does it feel like God answers some prayers for miracles and not others? Sometimes it feels like some people have a life full of suffering, while others “seem” to escape major suffering in their lives. Being that I (Karen) am someone who works in healing ministry and believes that God longs to heal the brokenness in his children’s lives, I also struggle when I see faithful people praying for a miracle that doesn’t end up coming. I know God is not some sort of genie that answers our wishes, but we know that a big part of Jesus’ ministry on earth was geared toward healing. So there is a lot of mystery in this age old question so many of us face. In today’s episode we talk about this struggle and how we can continue to press into the goodness of God in the midst of suffering and recognize how much of God’s most beautiful work is accomplished through the suffering He allows in our lives.

Amber VanVickle’s published articles:

Lent is a beautiful season that calls each of us to strengthen the hearts and minds of ourselves and our children by equipping them with tools to go out and live the beautiful story God has written for each of their lives. Join us as we discuss ideas and resources to help focus your family life around this beautiful Liturgical Season.

Saint of the Day

Tune in today for an awesome interview with Maria Spears and Tim Howard, co-authors of the brand new book The Mirror.  In this episode we will discuss the 7 steps outlined in the book that will help you to REFLECT the life you want.  You don't want to miss it!! 

REFLECT=

Recognize that you have the power to change your life.

Each day reflect on what you are grateful for already.

Feel the happiness now that you imagine it will be when…

Love yourself and let others know you love them.

Energize your thoughts towards what you intend to be.

Clarify your inner circle.

Thoughts are key. Think it—Create it!

Check out our the discussion today about simple steps you can take to direct your mind and attention in a way that will set you up for more of what you want in your life this year.  We often underestimate the power we have over our minds and attention.  Scripture tells that we can "be transformed by the renewing of our minds" and our minds are also under the influence of what we put into our bodies.  Today we also talk about some simple ways to make sure you are caring for your body to allow for your mind to function as well as possible!   

Supplements mentioned in the episode: Megafood and New Chapter multivitamins as well as Nordic Naturals and Nature Made Omega 3.  

We live in a culture obsessed with body-image.  And often this time of year we can get sucked into making resolutions to "care" for our bodies that are not entirely balanced or focused on what is best for the WHOLE person.   Tune in to today's episode and hear from this seasons new co-host Katie Holder, who is a registered dietician and eating disorder treatment specialist (as well as a homeschooling mom of 7!), as she shares with us some tips for making resolutions that not only help your body, but also help heal the WHOLE person... You don't want to miss it!

Do you pay attention to what you're paying attention to?  Where we choose to focus our attention moment to moment plays a huge factor in how we feel each day.  The battlefield for our attention is honestly more and more becoming the battlefield for our souls.  If we can't learn to focus our attention, we can't focus on God: on His goodness, truth and beauty.  And we become to a great what we focus on.  Our brains are shaped and formed through focus, so learning to intentionally focus our mind a an enormous part of transformation!  Listen to today's episode for more on this topic and how you can win on the battlefield of your mind.

 Welcome to Day 6 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy today's interview with Courtney Leong. I honestly don't have words to express my gratitude and awe at Courtney's bravery in sharing her story on the podcast today. As Courtney says herself in the show, she has experienced the horrors of hell on earth through the trafficking industry, and God has rescued and restored her. She shares how the power of the Holy Spirit can change and transform even the darkest of circumstances. You don't want to miss this interview! 

Welcome to Day 1 of the Holy Spirit Novena!  I hope you enjoy this interview with Catholic author, singer, songwriter, speaker, wife and mother: Victoria Harris!  As she unpacks a bit of her own journey with the Holy Spirit, we are inspired and reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us into the TRUTH that sets us free.  May you grow in hunger for a deeper revelation of God's truth in your life as you listen.

In this episode Karen and Father Ignatius discuss the process of healing and how you can embrace the process, and experience the fruit of transformation.  Please check out the link below to print your own free pdf with all the prayers and guides that Father Ignatius has created to help you on your journey.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come." Daniel 10:12-14

Today’s passage is from the book of Daniel, one of the prophets from the Old Testament. I encourage you to read the entire passage from chapter 10 in the book of Daniel.  There are so many things we could ponder from this book of the Bible, but today I want to encourage you to take some time to recognize the reality of the spiritual war that rages around you and your response in times of trial.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides."Matthew  6:25-33

Today’s passage was one of the first scriptures that I memorized when going through a season of emotional stress and anxiety during my graduate school years.  I found it so powerful to really deeply ponder the freedom of the birds who are perfectly provided for and the beauty of creation that delights the eye and brings such joy to our hearts.  When we stop and contemplate God provision and extravagance in nature, it truly does give us pause to consider how we are relating to God in our own lives...

And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”  And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”  Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.”  He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.  Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”  Jesus told him,“Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. James 1:2-4

As we continue this week’s topic of surrendering our desires to God, we must also come face to face with the reality of the heartache we experience in the trials of life. Times when it feels like God isn’t hearing or giving us the desires of our hearts. The space “in between” the promise and the fulfillment. The place where we are tempted to give up and bury our desires. Today I want to encourage you to take a different perspective to these times of life, one that St. James calls us to in today’s reading. There are honestly so many points to ponder in this short passage, but I want to point out two that I think will help you as you face the various trials in your own life...

“Lord you have probed me you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me….” Ps 139:1-6

Today’s scripture calls us to contemplate being known and loved in ALL THINGS. We all desire to be known and loved, but often there are places in our hearts and minds that we hope that no one will ever know, places of shame and embarrassment, thoughts and desires we wish we didn’t have. We keep these places locked up and hidden, and thus there is a place deep inside where many of us think, “If you really knew me, you wouldn’t love me…”

Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Rom 2:4

Over these past 10 days we have been meditating on God’s kindness, his goodness, his unchanging and unfailing love because this is an ESSENTIAL foundation that will enable us to embrace vulnerability with God, receive his love and experience true and deep repentance.  Our hearts need that firm resting place in God’s love in order for the walls of defense to come down and for us to recognize where and how we need to repent.  As we realize God's kindness toward us, we are able to reach out to Him for help because we truly can't become holy without him.

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you... You are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you. (Is 43:1-2, 4)

Imagine for a moment these words being spoken to you. If you put them in more modern language maybe it would sound more like this: “I love you more than you can know. You are so precious to me. You don’t have to be afraid of anything because I am here with you, and I will protect you.” Are these not the words of a parent to his child? These are the words of your Father to you... 

Today’s meditation leads us into an encounter with the love of God, who speaks our identity over us in the same way he did over Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan River. Even before there was ever a recorded miracle, sign, or eloquent preaching from Jesus, God spoke His love and pleasure over Him. Jesus began His ministry FROM the place of security in His Father’s love. He didn’t go out trying to earn that love or pleasure. Jesus knew God loved Him and was pleased with Him and allowed this knowledge to propel Him forward.

Get into a quiet and comfortable place to listen to today's mediation via the links below. It will take about 15 minutes from beginning to end. It's a bit longer than usual, but I wanted to help you dive a little deeper as we wrap up week 1 of this challenge. I know that you will be blessed as you set aside this time to commune with the Lord.  In the meditation you will be guided into an encounter with the Lord in Matthew's Gospel Chapter 11, verses 28-30. Close your eyes and allow yourself to enter into the secret place with the Lord today.  Jesus wants to take your burdens and offer you his deep peace and rest. Won't you accept His invitation?...

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

My child, I see the fear and hesitation that have been rising up in your heart lately. Do you not remember that I am with you? I see you moving toward hopes, dreams and goals in your life that you long for, and I watch you pause and hesitate instead of moving toward them with full confidence. I am with you and have also placed those dreams and desires in your heart. Do not be afraid. Do you not know that I am your loving Father who will walk with you and protect you?

Tune in to explore with Karen and Erin why you should choose to PURSUE vulnerability (with the right people!) as a KEY PATH to transformation and healing.  We can't become the person God made us to be without allowing ourselves to be truly seen. 

When the just cry out, the Lord hears and rescues them from all distress. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the just, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Ps 34:18-20

As you read this scripture, close your eyes and envision yourself bringing those places of brokenness in your heart before the Lord. Name the places where you feel your spirit has been crushed. What are the troubles from which you are wanting the Lord to deliver you? Name them and picture them and bring them to the Lord today.... 

God is calling you to present your life to Him and receive the words of truth and freedom He speaks over you. He accepts you where you are, and it is His kindness that leads you to repentance (Rom 2:4). You don’t have to “fix yourself up” for God to come and meet you. Present yourself to Him AS YOU ARE…

Today's verse for meditation: I waited, waited for the Lord; who bent down and heard my cry, drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp, set my feet upon rock, steadied my steps, and put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God. Many shall look on in awe and they shall trust in the Lord. Ps 40:1-4

Meditate on this verse. Repeat it softly to yourself over and over. Try to see if you can memorize it and say it to yourself with your eyes closed. Allow a picture of this verse to form in your mind. Sit and soak in this verse and whatever senses and pictures come over you as you meditate on it.

The first step in the healing journey is quite simply awareness. It is about paying attention to what we are paying attention to. The deepest reality that you can choose to turn your attention to is the very presence of God with you at every moment. Frequently we get so caught up in our day that the awareness of God’s presence is lost to us.  In this episode learn some tips for connecting with God throughout your day and meditate on Ps 139: 5.  

Are you a woman looking for a plan to help you experience the transformative power of prayer this Advent season?  Do you long to feel closer to God and receive more of His joy and peace in your heart? In this episode Karen invites you to consider how you might journey into deeper intimacy and communion with God during this holy season.

Join Jenny and Karen in a discussion about how you can take the first steps to winning the spiritual battle that is waging all around you. You are not powerless. You do not have to be passive. God is calling you to pay attention and take action!  Dont miss it!

In this episode I interview my dear friend and fellow counselor, Jessie Mejias, who played a major part in my own journey of healing.  It was through her that I first discovered the tools for integrating healing prayer into my counseling practice.  You don't want to miss this episode where we explore how to break free of some of the obstacles that block your ability to live in the freedom of the children of God.  

Are you someone who has felt like God is distant or uninterested in your life? Do you feel like your problems are too small for God to really notice?  Do you feel like God is often mad or annoyed with you? Do you imagine him up in heaven just waiting for you to mess up?  Do you sometimes feel like he's close and helping you and other times feel like he's distant and aloof?  Have  you witnessed other people's intimacy and friendship with God and wished that you could have a relationship with him like that?  If you've answered yes to any of these questions and have ever hoped for a deeper friendship and experience of God's love for you, in this episode I want to help you consider how your family dynamics and early relationship experiences might be unconsciously influencing how you relate to God.  Unhealed and unaddressed wounds from our formative relationships can have a major impact not only on how we relate to others but also on how we relate to God.  Tune in to this episode to see how addressing these relational wounds can open up a whole new level of intimacy and friendship between you and God! 

Are you a woman who has a difficult time loving her body?  Do you struggle with falling into obsessions about food, body image or diet?  Is this time of year a challenge for you as our bodies are more "on display" during the summer than any other time of year?  If any of these questions resonate with you, this episode with Katie Holder, registered dietitian and nutritionist, will be so helpful for you. Together we discuss what it means to "love" the body God gave you and help you redefine what healthy looks like.  So much of what our culture sells us as healthy or ideal is not attainable or rooted in truth.  Check out this episode and gain some real tools and insight to help you on your journey of healing and wholeness!

In this episode, listen to how Nicole Abisinio encountered the love of God in the middle of the darkness of Hollywood.  Her journey of faith has led her to a deep love of Jesus and her Catholic faith.  Nicole shares about her experience of the healing and transformative power of the Eucharist and how we, like Nicole, must learn to contend with the  powers of darkness that wish to pull us away from the love of God by using own woundedness to keep us in bondange.  You will surely be inspired to deeper faith and hunger for the Lord through this epsidode! Don't miss it!  

I believe that we are living in the midst of a time where God is calling us to shift our focus, and become a people of hope during a time of great fear.  This can be difficult when we ourselves perhaps struggle to trust God in the midst of uncertainty or suffering.  This is a human and normal struggle, but one of the biggest shields against begin taken out emotionally during a time like this, is to guard our minds and notice what we are focusing on.   The truth is that as Christians we are called to be a people of  peace and joy that surpasses understanding, and as such we have an unprecedented opportunity to be a light on a hill in the midst of dark season of fear.  Without our often realizing it, our attention is being pulled in so many directions and often times our attention is not on what will help nourish peace and joy in our souls.  So let's unite together in beginning to take an inventory of our attention and determine if its time to hit the reset button and begin to fix our eyes, hearts, and minds in a new direction - in the direction of the Prince of Peace who can make a way in the midst of the wilderness.

Reach out to me with comments or equations at karen@twoheartsforher.com

Let's be honest... While marriage is beautiful and holy, marriage can also be hard! Children are always a blessing, but sometimes being a mom in the trenches can feel really lonely and overwhelming.  In this episode Jenny and I discuss marriage, openness to life, and  the challenges women face as they navigate the issue of intimacy while using NFP.   If you are looking for some hope and help in this arena of your marriage, this is the episode for you!  

This is part 2 of my interview with Jacie Jimenez about the healing and restoration of her marriage.  Jacie bravely shares her own journey of self-acceptance, inner healing and how she began to find her true worth and identity in God.  I pray her story will give hope to women in hurting marriages, that the restoration of their marriage begins as the pursue the deep healing of their own hearts.  We can't fix our spouse or make things better on our own effort or power, but we can take responsibility for our own story and journey by deeply surrendering to God.  We all have wounds in our hearts that God wants to speak to and heal.  Listen to this two part series and be inspired to begin your own healing journey on the path to receive the fullness of life that God has for you too!

This episode is part one the I interview I had with my dear friend Jacie Jimenez as she shares with us how God powerfully met her in the storm of a marriage on the brink of destruction.   Jacie vulnerably shares her heart-felt  journey back into agreement with her identity in Christ and how this journey of deepening intimacy with her Eternal Lover led her to witness the healing of a marriage that appeared to be beyond hope.  This is a story of the power of prayer, surrender and the unshakable love of God.  Nothing, absolutely NOTHING is beyond the reach of the healing mercy of God!  You don't want to miss it! 

In this episode Melissa and I share with you a few tips , ideas, and stories to help you open your heart to God's plan for your future spouse and marriage.  Even if you are already married, in this episdode, the tips we share can help you deepen your intimacy with God which will surely strengthen your marriage relationship.  Truly your love story is never fully complete on this side of eternity, but if you are called to the vocation of  marriage, there are certain things to be aware of that will help prepare your heart to receive this beautiful gift that is meant to help us grow and lead us to heaven.  

Do we truly recognize the power of having a Mass offered for a special intention?  If so, why do we typically only take advantage of this incredible gift when someone is seriously ill or has passed away?  Today we chat about the power of this most Holy Sacrament and why we might want to have Masses offered on a more regular basis, as well as other topics around prayer and worship.  Come join us!

During this episode I explore with you how we have an opportunity, in the midst of all the struggles we are facing with COVID-19, to receive a deeper level of healing and transformation than would have been possible had this pandemic never occurred.  All of our "stuff" is exposed when we are under pressure, and this is not meant to shame us, but to show us all that God wants to heal that has been hidden in the depths of our hearts.  If you choose to allow it, this time of trial can become a time of deep transformation...  

In today’s show you will hear an interview I had with my friend Stephanie from the 500 Seconds to Joy Podcast. We discuss how important it is for us to take a look at our own stories in order to begin to understand the hows and whys of our interactions with our spouse, which can lead to pain and conflict. The more we can understand and communicate our stories and what triggers our responses, the more we can grow in compassion and understanding with our spouse. As we reconnect with each other, a new path of transformation opens up, our marriage begins to heal, and love can grow.

In this episode we explore the reality that at the core, the journey of holiness is a journey of healing, not one of will power or a list of dos and don’ts that we have to figure out how to follow. Transformative holiness requires that we consent to deep vulnerability with Christ, where we allow him into the deepest places of our hearts, so he can restore and renew us… As we unpack our story with Christ we gain insights and begin to recognize the lies that hold us back from receiving the fullness of life Christ died to give us.  If we can embrace vulnerability with the Lord, we can begin to move along the path where our crosses, sin, and suffering lead us to resurrection and new life.