Open Doors: Conversations with Heart of the Father

In this episode, Jenn Lozano and board member Ann Stevens explore the art of listening in an Unbound session or simply to a friend or someone in need.

Ann describes three overall ways one can respond when listening to hard things shared. Responses of fear or pride may be human responses, but God will give us grace to respond in humility, extending compassion to the individual receiving prayer. 

Join them as Ann shares the importance of taking personal time prior to an Unbound ministry session to seek the Lord and meditate, even briefly, on a passage from Matthew 7. She reminds us about the depth and unlimited nature of God’s forgiveness.

There is the “small story,” and the “big story.” The small story being the details of a prayer recipient’s account and the big story of God’s power forgiveness and the ability to move into the bigger place of what God is doing.

Ann speaks about the importance of staying present in the moment and being aware of one’s own body language so the recipient feels heard.

The idea of redirecting within an Unbound session is discussed, with Jenn giving an example of a time when she was leading and a recipient withdrew because they felt unheard in the moment. Listening is an art and tips are provided to be compassionate without getting stuck rehashing the hard things someone has been through. 

Ann shares a personal example of a time that she received compassion during a therapy session and describes how the empathy shown by the therapist helped her feel heard in the moment. 

The biblical account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is explored, showing how Jesus came alongside the disciples and, after listening to their story, helped draw them out of their small story into the bigger picture of what God was doing. 

Ann concludes with the reminder that as we remember God’s unlimited compassion and mercy for each of us personally, we can through the Holy Spirit not judge and can help a prayer recipient step into recognizing God’s big story.

Find a great talk by Fr. Boniface Hicks that also teaches on listening.

Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences

Support our mission and donate today!

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: November 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

In this  episode, Janet, Jenn, and Jacqueline offer a beautiful exploration of grief,  examining some of its deepest challenges.  As they share personal stories, you'll hear about the growth, grace, and gratitude that can emerge from loss.

Join them as they look at Jesus and Mary for inspiration. 

In this conversation they also touch on the  importance of companionship and support in the grieving process, and discuss how giving God our grief can open us up to receive powerful blessings and tangible grace. Listen and be blessed. 

Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences

Support our mission and donate today!

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: October 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Join Rachel, Jenn, and Jacqueline as they dig deeper into the impacts of trauma and loss. Together, they explore how to identify specific instances of pain, opportunities for forgiveness, and the processing of grief. In this episode, we "piggyback" on last week's conversartion with traumatologist Margaret Vasquez. We hope our reflections, insights, and anecdotes will allow you to go deeper with the Lord in healing and freedom!

You'll also learn how to better identify trauma in someone else, provide compassionate support to them, and create a safe space for someone to share their story. We know that it is Jesus who can heal all wounds, so as we lead people to Him amid their pain, we can have hope for healing.

Listen and share with a friend!

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly Conference
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences
 
Check out Margaret's online workshop on Human & Spiritual Integration Nov 6-9. Spots are limited.

Support our mission and donate today!

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: October 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Have you ever wondered why some of us get stuck, as in really stuck?

Did you know that sometimes we are held back from living our best selves, the person we were made to be, by our past hurts and traumatic experiences?

Back in the spring, our Heart of the Father team had the opportunity to attend a workshop on trauma informed care in ministry, hosted by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of the New Evangelization.

This two day workshop was led by the brilliant professional counselor and trauma therapist Margaret Vasquez, who shared her insight and depth of understanding on this complex subject in a way that was both accessible and hopeful.

We know you'll be blessed by this conversation where Margaret  beautifully explains the shaping influences of our past experiences,  her own transformative journey, and her passion for human and spiritual integration.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18 

Find Margaret's books and other resources:

Human & Spiritual Integration Self-Inventory
More Than Words: The Freedom to Thrive After Trauma
Fearless: Life Through Infinite Love
Wholeness and Holiness podcast
Sacred Heart Ministries

Check out Margaret's online workshop on Human & Spiritual Integration Nov 6-9. Spots are limited.

Support our mission and donate today!

Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly Conference
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: October 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Join Matt as he and our dear friend Miriam Wright recount their recent mission to Cameroon in this episode packed with tales of faith, forgiveness, and freedom during their 9-day adventure.

Miriam has been an active part of our ministry here at Heart of the Father as she travels around the globe with us, teaches several of our ecourses, leads an Unbound Ministry team, and serves on our board. Now she's  also fondly called "Mama Miriam" by her new Cameroonian friends!

Walk with Matt and Miriam through the highs (and some lows) of this powerful mission. Hear about incredible moments of grace and power despite physical exhaustion, lost luggage, and even serious illness. God showed up!

Be prepared to be moved!

Support our mission and donate today!

Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly Conference
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: October 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders?

Ever want to fix a problem for someone else and struggle to know what is yours and not yours to carry?

Sometimes, life can seem like a never-ending battle, and it's tough to remember to give God our burdens, even the struggles of our friends and family members, instead of trying to deal with them on our own.

In this episode, Janet joins Rachel and lends her wisdom on surrendering and giving our grief to the Lord as they recognize that in surrendering, we can discover a peace that goes beyond our understanding.

"He bore His burdens alone so we wouldn't have to."

Be encouraged as they share personal experiences and walk you through practical ways to let go.

Listen in and be comforted in your journey!

Support our mission and donate today!

Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly Conference
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: September 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Have you missed us? We are so excited to be back for Season 3 and can't wait for you to hear all the special episodes we've lined up for you!

Today we kick off this season "Swinging for the Fences" as Matt and Jenn take a deep dive into the heart of surrender.

Surrender, though often so challenging, is a central expression of faith to give the Lord our "Yes",  let go of the things that we tend to hold on to, and embrace Him as Lord. We're not just surrendering for the sake of ourselves; we're surrendering to God and for God and for His will and for His purposes.  It's for His sake.

"In order for Him to be our Savior, we have to stop trying to save ourselves.
In order for Him to be our deliverer, we have to stop trying to deliver ourselves."

Surrendering to God isn't a one-time act, but a daily process. Reflecting on their own walk with God, Matt and Jenn share personal stories and challenges, but reveal the truth that giving Him an open hand allows the Lord to satisfy our deepest desires! 

Discover how letting go can lead to a transformative spiritual renewal. 

Tune in and invite a friend!

 
Philippians 2:5-8
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Support our mission and donate today!
Open Doors listeners use opendoors15 for discount at our Philly Conference
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: September 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Have you ever thought, "This wasn't the life I expected?"

You thought you'd be farther along in your career by now. You thought you'd be married by now. You thought you'd have more money saved by now. You didn't think that your children would be going in these different directions that you don't believe are healthy for them. You didn't think that your kids wouldn't want to come back and see you.

There are all different kinds of ways that we can be disappointed with life, and the question that this powerful episode offers is- are we willing to set aside those things, those expectations that we had, and accept what is, or will we continue to try to white knuckle our way through life, holding on to control everywhere that we can?

Join Rachel as she interviews Bonnie O'Neil on her life-changing book Chronic Hope.

Bonnie is a spiritual director and the executive director of Alpha Mid Atlantic, a faith-based nonprofit, and part of the board here at Heart of the Father Ministries. Bonnie is also a hope hunter. Join them today and bring your tissues. 

Find Bonnie's book Chronic Hope
Learn about  Alpha Mid Atlantic

Support our mission and donate today!
Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: July 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Today Neal hosts a dear friend John Doman. Neal has known John and his beautiful wife Michele for over 35 years. Together they have 10 children and 56 grandchildren. WOW!

These superheroes have led an amazing life, bringing their family up to know the Lord and to know the truth. Among their children (who are all grown) are worship leaders, Christian authors, ministry leaders and more, but most of all they're moms and dads committed to Jesus and committed to raising their families for Him.

Some of you met their daughter Alicia Hernon from Messy Family Project through last week's podcast with her husband Mike. They mentioned John, and we knew you'd be blessed to meet him!

John and Michele have a beautiful life together, but John shares with Neal just how hard life can be, filled with incredible joy and unbelievable sorrow. 

From the minefields of the Vietnam War to the realities of tragic accidents, we are reminded to trust the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

God has good plans for each of us. The truth is God is good.

Whether you are struggling today to believe that, or you just want to hear some powerful, life-changing stories, listen in. You won't be disappointed!

Support our mission and donate today!
Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: July 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S

Matt and Jenn have two special guests joining them today, good friends Michael and Alicia Hernon. The Hernons are on a mission to empower parents to embrace their sacred calling, which they believe is the key to the renewal of the Church and our society. Learn how Unbound has greatly impacted them both personally and as a family. 

Their ministry The Messy Family Project began as a podcast just like ours and has grown into a multimedia platform that provides free resources to couples to help them nurture their marriage, as well as build a Catholic culture within their home.

The podcast reaches roughly 50,000 families every month, the Hernons also travel throughout the US inspiring husbands and wives to have deeper conversions and giving them the insight, inspiration, and practical tools to do that. They live in Steubenville, Ohio. They have ten kids and five grandkids with one more on the way.

You can learn more about them and their ministry @messyfamilyproject.org.

You'll love this conversation filled with candid humor and godly insight-one of the best episodes out there!

Enjoy and invite a friend to listen!

Support our mission and donate today!
Join us at one of our Freedom in Christ conferences

Check out Unbound and find other resources

Release: July 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S