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Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast: Women set free

Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast: Women set free

By Karen Cruess, MA, LPC

Podcast host, Karen Cruess, is a devoted wife, mom of 6 and licensed counselor who is passionate about seeing women set free, as they are healed, equipped and released in to their God-given identity and purpose. The truth is that we are in a war, and the battle plan of our enemy is to wound us in such a way that we miss out on the fullness of God’s vision for our lives. In this podcast, Karen will walk with you and lead you to an experience of God’s healing that will renew your mind, reignite your spirit and set you free to joyfully fulfill the unique mission God has placed on your life.
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49. Practice Rest Instead of Stress this Advent Season

Heal, Equip, and Release Podcast: Women set free Nov 20, 2023

00:00
36:42
49. Practice Rest Instead of Stress this Advent Season

49. Practice Rest Instead of Stress this Advent Season

It's that time of year again.... We are preparing for Christmas and there is so much temptation to lose our focus and see the Advent season zoom by with more memories of stress than peace and rest. Check out today's episode and consider joining me and hundreds of other women this Advent in the 2023 Enter His Rest Immanuel Advent Prayer Experience. This totally FREE prayer 28 day prayer challenge includes daily audio or written meditations to help you practice BEing with God this season in prayer. Let prayer become a way to practice BEING instead of DOING this season!

Click here to sign up!


Also, be sure to follow @twoheartsforher on Instagram to get daily support on your journey of faith and transformation.

Nov 20, 202336:42
48. Journey of Transformation with Jacie Jimenez
Nov 09, 202325:25
47. Four Keys to Deeper Transformation

47. Four Keys to Deeper Transformation

Check out today's episode to receive four ACTIONABLE KEYS to deeper transformation in your life!
FREE Download of notes and prayers mentioned in this episode here.
Check out HER Transformation Membership and get your 14 day FREE TRIAL here.
Follow me on instagram @TwoHeartsforHER
Oct 17, 202347:29
46. When I felt like a failure...

46. When I felt like a failure...

It was in a season of perceived failure, when I would usually respond by hustling and working harder to PROVE MY WORTH, the Lord taught me how to REST. This season became a springboard for the inner healing prayer work that I now incorporate into my counseling practice and healing ministry. I hope this episode inspires you to look for the blessing on the other side of each trial the Lord allows you to experience in your life.


FREE Truths Vs. Lies pdf download, created by Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski.

Be sure to check out the other episodes # 29 and #30 that Fr. Ignatius and I did together on healing and forgiveness. =)


Dont forget to follow me on Instagram @TwoHeartsforHER

Oct 02, 202324:00
45. Defeating Shame, Fear, and Control in Your Story

45. Defeating Shame, Fear, and Control in Your Story

FIRST FALL HER Transformation group FREE! Register here!

From the Garden of Eden to your own life today, this battle with shame, fear, and control is one we ALL FACE! We tend to be more aware of a particular struggle with one of these 3 beasts, but they are all connected. God has a plan to set you free in all these areas if you will invite Him into that process. He knows you and loves you unconditionally in the midst of your often messy story! Invite Him in! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! Sign up for the FREE HER Transformation Weekend Challenge Webinar and check out this fall's online HER Transformation group and individual coaching opportunities here: https://linktr.ee/twoheartsforher


Sep 15, 202324:39
44. When the Miracle You Prayed for Doesn't Come....
Mar 10, 202346:50
43. Creative & Inspiring Ideas to Support Your Children During the Lenten Season

43. Creative & Inspiring Ideas to Support Your Children During the Lenten Season

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 https://www.catholic.org/saints/sofd.php Fig and Thimble – Lent Map https://www.instagram.com/thefigandthimble/ Pam Barnhill – AM Time Plans (Poetry, Art, Saint, Books To Read) https://plus.pambarnhill.com/product/lenten-morning-time-plans/ LikeMotherLikeDaughter https://likemotherlikedaughter.org/ Little Oratory https://www.amazon.com/Little-Oratory-Beginners-Guide-Praying/dp/1622821769/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J6BG4OFKMSUC&keywords=little+oratory&qid=1677546686&sprefix=little+oratory%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1 Catholic Icing https://www.catholicicing.com/
Mar 01, 202334:03
42. Experience the Power of PRAYER THAT MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE This Lent

42. Experience the Power of PRAYER THAT MATCHES YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE This Lent

Do you long to feel more connected to God during prayer? Do you ever find yourself comparing your prayer experience to someone else's and wonder why you didn't get as much out of the very prayer that seemed to blow them away? Do you ever feel GUILTY or like there is something wrong with you because you "didn't get anything out of it"? Knowing this can help you feel freedom from this guilt! This episode is based on the blog by Meg Hunger Kilmer that explores the book Prayer and Temperament by Michael and Norrissey. The book helps you learn how your natural prayer style is connected to your personality type. You can take an awesome free Myers Briggs Personality Type assessment here!! You will get a lot out of the assessment itself, so it's worth your time! TRUST ME! Your personality type will match to one of the following spirituality types: SP (Franciscan), NT (Thomistic), SJ (Ignatian), and NF (Augustinian).
We also share some other tips to help you grow closer to the Lord, including some ideas from our own past Lenten experiences. Katie shares THIS AUDIO ROSARY link here, if you want to check it out.
Disclaimer: This is not us saying that the quality of prayer is about "how it makes you feel". I also am not advocating that you only ever pray prayers that match your personality type. But this knowledge can help you know where to focus your time/effort when growing in your intimacy with God in prayer. Katie and I are NF personality types and so prayers like the rosary and other memorized/routine prayers are not our natural bent, but this DOESN'T MEAN we should stop praying the rosary or night prayer , for example.
Feb 20, 202341:47
41. Mexico, Marriage, and Messy/Beautiful Family Life Tips & Takeaways

41. Mexico, Marriage, and Messy/Beautiful Family Life Tips & Takeaways

In this episode join Katie and Karen in a lively discussion of Karen's recent trip to Cozumel, MX with her husband on the Messy Family Marriage Getaway. Karen shares some of the powerful and practically helpful tips she received from the trip and gives you encouragement in how to get focused and grow in your own marriage in the new year.
Messy Family Project Family Board meeting download
Messy Family Project Cana 90 program
Messy Family Project FREE Resources (other awesome free resources)
Messy Family Podcast
The Temperament God gave you book
The Temperament free online quiz
RESTORE Marriage self-study (Open all the time) and Group experience (Closes Sunday, February 5th at midnight)
Feb 04, 202333:29
40. How to REFLECT the Life You Want with Tim Howard & Maria Spears
Jan 26, 202349:49
39. Simple Mindset & Nutrition Changes that will Set You Up for a Great New Year!
Jan 19, 202339:20
38. Body-related New Year Resolutions that Care for the WHOLE PERSON
Jan 12, 202347:29
37. Kick Off the New Year from a Place of Rest and Peace with NEW Co-host Katie Holder, RD

37. Kick Off the New Year from a Place of Rest and Peace with NEW Co-host Katie Holder, RD

Tune in for today's episode and meet the podcast's brand new co-host Katie Holder. Katie is a registered dietician who specializes in treating individuals who struggle with eating disorders. She is also a home-schooling mom of 7 kiddos. She will be joining the podcast and bringing her real life experience as a wife, mom and professional who has a deep understanding of the mind-body connection! You can learn more about Katie at her website: holdernutrition.com
In this episode we will discuss how you can begin 2023 from a place of deeper rest and peace. Learn how you can also join the Enter His Rest 28 day prayer challenge and kick off your year by linking arms with the Holy Spirit in a regular routine of prayer and meditation -delivered daily right to you inbox in either audio or written format =) Register for the Enter His Rest challenge here.
You can also learn more about and register for the Restore Marriage online group experience led by Karen Cruess, MA, LPC and Patrick Metts MA, LPC starting in February here!
Jan 05, 202338:37
36. Strengthen and RESTORE Your Marriage in 2023
Dec 28, 202243:21
35. One new habit that can change you life: Intentional Awareness!
Sep 07, 202225:38
Day 9: Holy Spirit Novena with Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski

Day 9: Holy Spirit Novena with Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski

Welcome to Day 9 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy today's interview with Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski from the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona. Father Ignatius graduated with a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Meinrad School of Theology in 2004. He attended seminary at The Catholic University of America and was ordained in 2011. He completed his doctorate in Moral Theology from Santa Croce, Rome, Italy, in 2016.

Father Mazanowski has extensive training and experience in healing ministry. He is on the board for Restore Dignity, which sponsors 6-day Grief to Grace retreats in the Diocese of Phoenix. He is also partnering with Witness to Love counseling center in Phoenix, Arizona, to pioneer the Spiritual Healing Program. Additionally, Father Mazanowski completed a three-year (2018-2020) spiritual direction program through the Institute of Priestly Formation.

As of May 1, 2022, Father Mazanowski serves as the Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, both are located in Sedona, Arizona. He is also the Director of Medical Ethics and the Chaplain to the Catholic Medical Association in the Diocese of Phoenix.

In today's episode Father helps us explore the common misunderstandings and misconceptions within the charismatic movement of the Catholic Church.  We hope to encourage you to realize that passion for the Holy Spirit is meant to be central to life in the Church.

You can check out Father's new book:  The Virtue of Mercy and Forgiveness: Keys to Healing a Broken Heart here - https://www.mercyforgivenesshealing.com/

To download the Holy Spirit Healing Prayer from today's episode, click here. 


Jun 04, 202242:15
Day 8: Holy Spirit Novena with Karen Cruess

Day 8: Holy Spirit Novena with Karen Cruess

Welcome to Day 8 of the Holy Spirit Novena! So today is a little different because instead of an interview, I will be sharing a bit about my own story and journey with the Holy Spirit. The originally scheduled interview was thwarted by technical difficulties, and in the midst of that hiccup, I felt the Lord calling me to share with you from my heart about what led to this podcast series and why I think we must respond with hungry anticipation for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in all of our lives.  I hope you enjoy!

If you want to learn more about the work of Two Hearts for H.E.R., check out our website here.

You can read along with the novena prayers at PrayMoreNovenas.com.

Jun 03, 202220:32
Day 7: Holy Spirit Novena with Melissa Grace Tablada

Day 7: Holy Spirit Novena with Melissa Grace Tablada

Welcome to Day 7 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy this interview with Catholic wife, mother, licensed marriage and family therapist, and social media influencer, Melissa Grace Tablada. Melissa shares about her own journey with the Holy Spirit and specifically how she recognizes His GENTLE movements in her marriage and family life. She shares specific examples of how she noticed His presence and guidance during their struggle with infertility and felt reassured that God's hand was guiding every step. You don't want to miss out on the powerful and practical nuggets of wisdom in this episode!

To learn more about Melissa's work, be sure to check out her website www.melissagracetablada.com and follow her on Instagram for all the latest updates and news about what she is offering.

If you want to learn more about the work of Two Hearts for H.E.R., check out our website here.

You can read along with the novena prayers at PrayMoreNovenas.com.

Jun 02, 202228:59
Day 6: Holy Spirit Novena with Courtney Leong
Jun 01, 202235:58
Day 5: Holy Spirit Novena with Stephanie Clarisse

Day 5: Holy Spirit Novena with Stephanie Clarisse

Welcome to Day 5 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy today's interview with Stephanie Clarisse, Catholic wife, mother, and host of the 500 Seconds to Joy Podcast. In today's show Stephanie shares how she has experienced the Holy Spirit as her helper and guide, especially in the trenches of motherhood.  She calls us to remember how apart from God, we can do nothing; and so we must cling to Him through His gift of the Holy Spirit in order to bear fruit in our lives.

If you want to learn more about the work of Two Hearts for H.E.R., check out our website here.

You can also read along with the novena prayers atPrayMoreNovenas.com.

May 31, 202231:26
Day 4: Holy Spirit Novena with Terry Riggins

Day 4: Holy Spirit Novena with Terry Riggins

Welcome to Day 4 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy today's interview with Terry Riggins, Catholic wife, mother, and parish liaison for the Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Arlington, VA.  Terry also works closely with Unbound deliverance ministry through personal prayer ministry and also helping to coordinate Unbound prayer meetings and conferences. Her work is changing so many lives!

I know you will be deeply touched as you listen to her share stories of how the Holy Spirit has worked and continues to move and work in her own life and ministry.  She bears witness to how you come to know God on an intimate and personal level through the power of the Holy Spirit. May her words grow a holy hunger for more of God in your heart!

You can read along with the novena prayers at PrayMoreNovenas.com.
If you want to learn more about the work of Two Hearts for H.E.R., check out our website here.

May 30, 202235:27
Day 3: Holy Spirit Novena with Megan Mohan

Day 3: Holy Spirit Novena with Megan Mohan

Welcome to Day 3 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy this interview with Catholic wife, mother, speaker, and coach, Megan Mohan. Megan is such gifted and INSPIRATIONAL speaker. Listen to this vulnerable and honest interview that will help you to seek the Holy Spirit as the ONE who leads you to deep repentance and conversion of heart in the midst of the messiness and struggle of your life and vocation. Have you been longing to walk in passionate living in the gifts God has given you?  Listen to Megan share with you how to partner with the Holy Spirit to discover your unique charisms and mission in the world.  You can learn more about Megan here.

You can read along with the novena prayers at PrayMoreNovenas.com.

If you want to learn more about the work of Two Hearts for H.E.R., check out our website here.

May 29, 202242:18
Day 2: Holy Spirit Novena with Carrie Gress, PhD

Day 2: Holy Spirit Novena with Carrie Gress, PhD

Welcome to Day 2 of the Holy Spirit Novena! I hope you enjoy this interview with Catholic wife, mother, scholar, author and entrepreneur, Carrie Gress, PhD.  Carrie is most known for her latest popular book series and online mercantile, Theology of Home, as well as her popular books The Marian Option and Anti-Mary Exposed.  Her story is living example of the ADVENTUROUS nature of the Holy Spirit. Listen today and be reminded that God wants to lead you to the desires of your heart for which you are often too afraid (or too embarrassed) to ask...  I hope you enjoy!

Click here to get email reminders for each day's episode!


May 28, 202228:56
Day 1: Holy Spirit Novena with Victoria Harris
May 27, 202245:06
34. Holy Spirit inside you OR Jesus right next to you?
May 25, 202211:22
33. Encountering God's love from Your Head to Your Heart with Megan Stark
Mar 29, 202242:17
32. Disney's Encanto, Dysfunctional Family Roles, & Your Healing Journey with Brya Hanan, LMFT
Feb 25, 202240:09
31. From Pressure to Peace with Deb Rojas, MA

31. From Pressure to Peace with Deb Rojas, MA

You can learn more about Deb Rojas and her counseling offerings here.  Click here to learn more about H.E.R. Transformation Online Community & Groups  H.E.R. Transformation Community and Groups webinar recording.  Check out all of Karen's offerings and information at www.twoheartsforher.com 
Feb 17, 202248:28
30. Healing is a process with Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski
Feb 04, 202201:15:43
29. The Healing Power of Forgiveness with Fr. Ignatius Mazanowski
Jan 17, 202246:12
Enter His Rest Day 27: The Fruit of Abiding with Christ
Dec 24, 202113:33
Enter His Rest Day 26: Remain on the Vine

Enter His Rest Day 26: Remain on the Vine

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:1-8

Today’s meditation points to our ultimate goal on this earth: learning to “abide” in Christ and bear much fruit for the kingdom of God. This is what I found in the dictionary when I looked up the word:
Abide (v) : 1. to remain; continue; stay 2. to have one's abode; dwell; reside
This definition alone creates a good place to begin meditating on this passage today. How can we remain with Jesus, continue and stay with him? How can we make our abode with him and dwell with him? To get full access to all the meditations and the ability to ask questions and interact with our community, be sure to sign up for FREE at
twoheartsforher.newzenler.com/courses/enterhisrest
Dec 23, 202115:07
Enter His Rest Day 25: Alive in Christ
Dec 22, 202113:17
Enter His Rest Day 24: Make God Your Shelter
Dec 21, 202111:18
Enter His Rest Day 23: Obey His Commands to Abide in His Peace
Dec 20, 202113:02
Enter His Rest Day 22: Recipe for Abiding with Christ
Dec 19, 202113:18
Enter His Rest Day 21: Going on an Adventure With God

Enter His Rest Day 21: Going on an Adventure With God

Dec 18, 202113:51
Enter His Rest Day 20: Recognizing the Spiritual Battle We Face
Dec 17, 202112:11
Enter His Rest Day 19: Seek First the Kingdom

Enter His Rest Day 19: Seek First the Kingdom

“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...

To get the full access to all the mediations and the ability to ask questions and interact with our community, be sure to sign up for FREE at https://twoheartsforher.newzenler.com/courses/enterhisrest

Dec 16, 202111:09
Enter His Rest Day 18: He Is Calling Out for YOU!
Dec 15, 202111:01
Enter His Rest Day 17: Trials, Testing, and Joy

Enter His Rest Day 17: Trials, Testing, and Joy

Dec 14, 202113:55
Enter His Rest Day 16: Giving God the Desires of Your Heart
Dec 13, 202115:42
Enter His Rest Day 15: Are You Desperate for God?
Dec 12, 202109:25
Enter His Rest Day 14: Will You Let God Hold Your Hand?
Dec 11, 202113:48
Enter His Rest Day 13: Prodigal Son or Elder Brother
Dec 10, 202114:40
Enter His Rest Day 12: Perfectly Known & Perfectly Loved
Dec 09, 202110:58
Enter His Rest Day 11: Allow Your Weakness to Become a Bridge to God's Love

Enter His Rest Day 11: Allow Your Weakness to Become a Bridge to God's Love

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,* in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 2 Cor 12:9

Please do not allow your times of brokenness and weakness be an obstacles to you receiving my love. They aren’t an obstacle for me, so don’t allow them to be an obstacle for you… Consider times in your life where you have felt truly loved. Were they not times when you were weak or broken, and someone was there beside you... times when you failed but someone stood by your side saying they believed in you and wanted to stand with you? Do you not feel the most loved when you are weak or sick and someone comes to be with you, even though you are too weak to offer them anything in return? See that in these moments of weakness are opportunities to receive a depth of love this IS NOT POSSIBLE IN MOMENTS OF STRENGTH...

To get the full meditation, don't forget to sign up for the complete challenge experience at https://twoheartsforher.newzenler.com/courses/enterhisrest

Dec 08, 202111:33
Enter His Rest Day 10: Contemplating the Kindness of God
Dec 07, 202110:52
Enter His Rest Day 9: You Are Precious and Protected
Dec 06, 202112:35
Enter His Rest Day 8: You Are God's Beloved
Dec 05, 202112:05