Head to Heart
By Jenny Marcum
Head to HeartJan 01, 2022
S5E10: How To Be a Winsome Witness To The LGBT+ Community
Pieter Valk is a writer, speaker and counselor and founder and executive director of Equip, which trains churches and leaders to make church a place where LGBT+ people can thrive while living out a traditional sexual ethic.
We talk about
- What is the most common roadblock to being a winsome witness you’ve seen & how can we overcome that?
- How do you share Jesus with those who identify as "not straight"?
- Is there a point where you should just stop bringing it up after you’ve had that conversation a certain number of times?
Resources:
Pieter’s Website: https://www.pieterlvalk.com/
Equip Your Community: https://equipyourcommunity.org/
Pieter’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieterlvalk/ Want my FREE training to learn to minister to someone who is same-sex attracted? https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Spring 2024 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1TQscbm4ZyrTwUeLjbADqU
Spring Worship 2024 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/38eXry3aYapOISfhFotV8g
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
BONUS: My Birth Story!
S5E9: Can I Be An Anxious Christian? Mental Health Meets the Gospel
We talk about:
- Is being anxious a sin?
- Is there any type of fear that is good and useful?
- How to live in your God-given identity and not identify with anxiety as the reality you're stuck in
- How to release anxious energy from your body in a healthy way
- How to be curious about your anxiety instead of terrified of when it may strike again
Resources:
The Secret Place Journal - www.amazon.sg/Secret-Place-Journal-Ruth-Hodge/dp/B0CT5KF3WP
The Hidden Half of the Gospel - www.straight2theheart.org/resources/books/hidden-half
Give to She Is Safe:: https://give.sheissafe.org/give/465045/#!/donation/checkout
Danielle Hanlon’s Email: Dmdhanlon@gmail.com
Spring 2024 playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/1TQscbm4ZyrTwUeLjbADqU
Spring Worship 2024 playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/38eXry3aYapOISfhFotV8g
Leave a Review: www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
MINISODE: I've Had Sex With My Ex - Now What?
S5E8: What To Do When God Changes The Plans On You
Your calling is actually more about WHO you are rather than WHAT you do. It is less tied to a circumstance, job or location.
Resources:
Jess Ray
Love Does by Bob Goff
Morgan Harper Nichols' Instagram -
Spring 2024 playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/1TQscbm4ZyrTwUeLjbADqU
Spring Worship 2024 playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/38eXry3aYapOISfhFotV8g
Leave a Review: www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
Want my FREE training to learn to minister to someone who is same-sex attracted?
https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Your Two Best Friends Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourtwobestfriendspodcast/
Your Two Best Friends Podcast:
open.spotify.com/show/4robaAsALwoLy5mVy2eox6
Give to She Is Safe:: https://give.sheissafe.org/give/465045/#!/donation/checkout
Danielle Hanlon’s Email: Dmdhanlon@gmail.com
S5E7: How To Share Your Faith Without Being Weird About It
Micah Brenner is an executive coach & an illustrator. So you could say it’s not “vocational ministry”…but who cares? Micah is thoughtful, intentional & tactful in how he shares the Gospel with people no matter what his day job looks like. And he makes it simple & replicable for others to do that too.
In this episode, we talk about:
- how to stop overthinking sharing the Gospel with people in your life
- how to avoid the ol' bait and switch
- how to change your language so that it is truthful and digestible for your specific audience
Resources:
Give to She Is Safe:: https://give.sheissafe.org/give/465045/#!/donation/checkout
Danielle Hanlon’s Email: Dmdhanlon@gmail.com
Your Two Best Friends Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtwobestfriendspodcast/
Your Two Best Friends Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4robaAsALwoLy5mVy2eox6
The Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren -
https://www.amazon.com/Conspiracy-Kindness-Revised-Updated-Approach/dp/0830745726
Luke 16:1-15 - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016&version=NIV
Spring 2024 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1TQscbm4ZyrTwUeLjbADqU
Spring Worship 2024 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/38eXry3aYapOISfhFotV8g
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
MINISODE: What Is Your Role In Stopping Human Trafficking?
The question is not IF you are called to do something. It is, "WHAT are you called to do?" We bring our small loaves and fish and God multiplies what we offer him.
Throughout history, God often judged entire nations based off how they treated the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed. And we will be judged by what we did or did NOT do to the least of these.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
1. VOLUNTEER
2. PRAY
3. GIVE: https://give.sheissafe.org/give/465045/#!/donation/checkout
Danielle's Email: Dmdhanlon@gmail.com
4. ADVOCACY
S5E6: How To Navigate a New Relationship Like a Pro + Listener Q&A
Danielle Hanlon was brought back on the show for a 2nd time because we weren't going to just leave you hanging! Our 1st episode was all about how to START dating. Now, we're talking about:
- When do I share with my boyfriend about my struggles with porn and masturbation?
- When do I share about my past sexual sin?
- When do I bring up the mental illness I struggle with?
- Around what time frame is it normal to say "I love you"?
- How fast is too fast? Is there such a thing as "too fast"?
- If my boyfriend tells me he has already had sex in previous relationships, should I be concerned?
- How do I start viewing my boyfriend more romantically if we've been platonic friends for a long time beforehand?
Resources:
Danielle & I's first episode, "How To Start Dating Without Being Weird About It + Listener Q&A": https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iuMXsMtx6I82FLWHL0m8e?si=QaiHraGhSVqOp0ckPeCVSA
My husband & I's episode, "Responding To Your Partner's Porn Addiction + Listener Q&A": https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pnk9G0E5XrElAgNB8dmbM?si=IiN5Q2x8T3asu_ggYcN4fw
Your Two Best Friends Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtwobestfriendspodcast/
Your Two Best Friends Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4robaAsALwoLy5mVy2eox6
Loveology by John Mark Comer: https://www.amazon.com/Loveology-Love-Marriage-Never-Ending-Female/dp/0310337267
Love In Every Season by Debra Fileta: https://debrafileta.com/love-in-every-season/
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S5E5: Is Self-Love Biblical? Positive Affirmations vs. True Confidence
MacKenzie Ryder has been set free from self-hatred. As she was discipled throughout high school, she knew in her head that God loved her, but the thoughts she would daily think about herself did not match up with His Truth and His feelings for her. In the process of getting to know God on a deeper level, she realized how badly her thoughts needed to change.
We talk about:
- What is the difference between self-hatred and self-discipline?
- Is self-love Biblical?
- What is the difference between positive affirmations and believing the Truth about yourself? Is there a difference at all?
- How can you overcome self-hatred when it's all you've ever known?
Resources:
MacKenzie's Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4if89g4a5HzRGFjNipu1jN?pi=u-zeiQftevTOSH&fbclid=IwAR00UFqRv1TTAtTXAtA0xVSe8lUbtJ-_c1GtOtZZhIJzVdu9pUJZa3VBXpk Want my FREE training to learn to minister to someone who is same-sex attracted? https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Your Two Best Friends Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtwobestfriendspodcast/
Your Two Best Friends Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4robaAsALwoLy5mVy2eox6
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S5E4: Are My Desires Good, Godly or Selfish? How To Discern Which Ones To Pursue
Is one of your 2024 goals to SLOW DOWN? Get 10% off Maryellen’s new book, Slowliloquies, with the code HEADTOHEART10 here:
https://www.maryellenhacko.com.au/slowliloquies
How do you know if a goal/dream is from God or from yourself? If it is "from yourself", does that mean it's inherently bad?
Maryellen Hacko joined me for a 2nd time on the podcast - she is a BRAVE soul because we tackled such a complicated & layered topic! So many of us overthink our dreams to death because we're so afraid it's not "from God". We may chalk it up to being a selfish desire and give up. We talked about how to discern your desires, where they come from, and which ones to go after.
Resources:
Maryellen's First Episode, Feeling Behind In Life? How To Stop Measuring Your Life By Your Accomplishments:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/63Ykq9WsHDF9i3Duvq4RBo?si=WElN4WVvQL-FOWsnKPr-Zw
Your Two Best Friends Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4robaAsALwoLy5mVy2eox6 Your Two Best Friends Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourtwobestfriendspodcast/ Want my FREE training to learn to minister to someone who is same-sex attracted? https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
S5E3: What Do I Do With My Sex Drive As a Single?
Is one of your 2024 goals to SLOW DOWN? Get 10% off Maryellen’s New Book, Slowliloquies, with the code HEADTOHEART10 here:
https://www.maryellenhacko.com.au/slowliloquies
I need to tell you something. This episode is an absolute dream come true for me!
There are currently very few Biblical resources about sexuality that are targeted towards singles. This issue has been getting better in recent years, but there is still a huge discrepancy in the comparison of resources targeted towards marrieds.
Carlie & I are here to help this problem.
Carlie is known as the Christian Sex Educator (what a cool title!). As a gender & sexuality researcher, she studied desire, arousal, relationships & gender AND guess what? She got that degree while she was still single.
We answer the questions that no one seems to talk about:
- Is it okay for singles to be learning sex ed? How much is okay to learn? Where is the boundary?
- Everyone says 'what not to do', but what are some practical things singles actually CAN do when they feel aroused?
- How can singles eliminate shame & choose to honor how God created their libido?
We also answered every listener question that was sent in, so if you asked it, we answered it!
If I can put it bluntly: If you're horny but want to be holy, this is the episode FOR YOU!
Resources: Carlie's Resources: https://thechristiansexeducator.com/ Want the FREE Burnout Prevention Training? Here it is: https://beautiful-cake-88037.myflodesk.com/fene7ejbus
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S5E2: Unhurry Your Life in 2024: How Busyness Is Killing Your Connection To God
Want 10% off Maryellen Hacko's perspective-shifting book, Slowliloquies? Here's the link: http://maryellenhacko.com.au/slowliloquies Let's be honest: Being busy can feel really good! Your mind is occupied, you're checking items off a to-do list & you feel as if you are self-sufficient. WELL, GET READY FOR A RUDE AWAKENING. Bethany Hall has been sitting at the feet of Jesus for years, seeking His wisdom for how to walk at His pace through life. She has found that EVEN IF you think you're coping well with an overcrowded schedule, the cost is much greater than you realize. We pray you leave the unnecessary stress behind in 2023, reconnect with God in the present & delight in the TODAY He has gifted you with! We cover: - how busyness and sin have the same exact effect on our spiritual lives - the true cost of keeping yourself busy EVEN IF you feel like you're coping pretty well - finding the real reason you keep your mind and body so preoccupied - how to stop viewing exhaustion and self-reliance as a badge of honor - how to Sabbath well on a weekly basis Resources: Want my FREE Burnout Prevention Training? Here it is: https://beautiful-cake-88037.myflodesk.com/fene7ejbus
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund - https://www.daneortlund.com/gentle-lowly
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer - https://johnmarkcomer.com/new Jess Connolly - https://www.jessconnolly.com/link-in-bio The Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster - https://www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0060628391
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S5E1: How Single Life Can Be Your Best Life From a Celibate, Gay Christian
FREE 20 Minute Training: How To Minister Into LGBTQ+ Issues: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to be fulfilled relationally as a single? What if you’re single for life? Do you really, deeply believe God has the very best in mind for you? Art Pereira talks about how to create a beautiful, quality community around you & how to deeply believe that God's plans are for YOUR BEST INTEREST, whether you're same-sex attracted or straight. Fulfillment does not come from marriage. It only comes from Christ. Art's story is rich with insight for every person, no matter what your relationship status is.
We covered so much in this episode like:
- How to trust that whatever God calls you into is actually what is best for you
- How singleness and marriage both have burdens to bear and joys to celebrate
- How "being healed from homosexuality" does not always result in the removal of same-sex attraction
- How to address the normal, human needs beneath longing for marriage
- How to cultivate and fight for a thriving, authentic community
Resources: Revoice 2024 Conference: https://www.revoice.org/conference Revoice - https://www.revoice.org/
Winter 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sGl1tPuQ8jnCx8QkEmjfy?si=9baeffc3e0594cd5
Winter Worship 2023/24 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ndNeErAlbsHlFy98LojFQ?si=f48a531d0af14f9a
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S4E21: How To Respond to Your Partner’s Porn Addiction + Listener Q&A
S4E20: How To Thrive at Home for the Holidays + Listener Q&A
Anna Meyer (DeLoach) and I recorded this holiday episode 2 whole years ago! You’ll even notice how we reference “No Idea” podcast - it is a blast from the past!
We discussed the top 5 most common struggles of going home for the holidays & how to overcome them.
- How do you respond when nosy questions come up?
- What do you do if your family doesn’t understand your faith or decisions?
- What if you’re not able to eat the traditional foods served?
- How can you prevent yourself from falling back into old habits and family drama?
We cover all these questions and more as the guide to actually enjoying the holidays. Enjoy this 2 year old throwback!
Resources:
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
S4E19: How To Heal From Disordered Eating
Trigger Warning: We talk about eating disorders in this episode. Please take the necessary precautions to take care of yourself!
Kristina Garza has been set free from disordered eating & an unhealthy relationship with her body and food. Ultimately, the pattern was not about food, but about not knowing how to cope with emotions well.
We cover a lot on this topic:
- how to identify what you are running from What feels too big to deal with?
- how to stay present, connect with your body & face the root under the addiction?
- how to create a safe community who will hold you accountable
If you’d like a FREE sticker to start having conversations sharing your testimony, there are 2 ways you can get one:
1. You can fill out my feedback survey & let me know you completed it
OR
2. Share an episode of Head to Heart on your Instagram story & tag me!
Resources:
https://instagram.com/danaemercer?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Mikzazon - https://instagram.com/mikzazon?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Happyhealthyhailey - https://www.instagram.com/happyhealthyhailey_/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
S4E18: Answers To All The Sex Questions You’re Too Afraid To Ask
Ashlyn R. Watkins, the host of Spiced Wife podcast, joined me for a 2nd time on the podcast! This time, we answered ALL the anonymous questions about sex sent in by listeners. We covered:
- how God views sex
- what is allowed & not allowed in the bedroom
- how to improve your sex life
- pornography recovery
- healing from the past
- sexuality in singleness
We pray this episode wipes shame off of you and that you will bring every area of your life under the lordship of Christ, including sex.
Episodes Referenced:
Is Masturbation a Sin? Answers for Singles & Marrieds - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pzo48XVmbUUGSCRGTXRkv?si=h0UUrmWpSRa8m7G0E-Mc2g What Type of Sex Is Allowed? - https://open.spotify.com/episode/72ISHEqZoGVhIFi8oseAsE?si=0bYdtWocQkueRhi8ZIyfoA S3E17: Same-Sex Attraction Meets the Gospel: How To Respond, Love & Care For the LGBTQ+ Community https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Fp34yezFLmLEDCEpXrJ50?si=8WA3szFcSyezukpMUsVoUA S4E11: He/She/They: How To Handle Pronouns + Listener Q&A https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QyAzQhanoU6UoRnLzaNH7?si=65jqz2I8Rs-HdB6dtFSt0w
Resources:
Spiced Wife - https://www.spicedwife.com/ Jackie Hill Perry - https://jackiehillperry.com/
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S4E17: How To Start Dating Without Being Weird About It + Listener Q&A
Danielle Hanlon has been set free from several lies that used to hinder her dating experience.
Exhibit A: “Men are sexually weak & I will always be the one fending them off and trying to have integrity.”
WOW, that's far from the Truth!
It is rarely taught HOW to date well, but we have good news for you: We are here for you! You won’t figure this out alone. We want to take away all fear from your mind so that you can stop over-spiritualizing, overthinking, and overanalyzing & have fun while you date! We answer ALL the listener questions that were sent in, so we cover: - some reliable dating podcast & book recommendations - how much do you need to be emotionally or spiritually healed/ready to start dating? - how to start dating when you’ve never dated before - how to date casually as a Christian - good questions to ask on dates - how sure do you need to be about someone before you start dating them? - what does it mean to “go slowly” in dating & what are the pros/cons - how to date within your own friend group - can you date someone who has a different “calling” as you? Resources: She Is Safe - Home - She Is Safe Heart of Dating Podcast - Heart of Dating Podcast Featuring Host Kait Warman | Heart of Dating Love + Relationships with Debra Fileta - Love + Relationships Podcast - True Love Dates Love That Lasts - Love That Lasts: How We Discovered God's Better Way for Love, Dating, Marriage, and Sex by Jefferson Bethke, Alyssa Bethke, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com) Loveology by John Mark Comer - Loveology (John Mark Comer) - Study Gateway
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
Your Two Best Friends Podcast coming soon in January!
BONUS: How To Make New Friends: Start With Hello
Get ready for some Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood vibes!
You may know that you're supposed to "love your neighbor", but so many of us don't even know our neighbor's name. And most of us have friends, but somewhere along the line, we forget how to make friends. We are only forced to remember again when we find ourselves in a season where we "start over".
Shannan Martin is a wife, mom, author, and a neighbor. She knows all about having to move and start over, not knowing anyone at first. The Lord took her on a journey, though, of learning how simple it can be to love your neighbor and she teaches us how to become connected in a very disconnected world.
We talk about:
- how to embrace and ease the awkwardness of meeting new people around us
- how to prevent isolation in the post-grad era
- how the vulnerability of putting yourself out there can bless and benefit others way more than it could embarrass you
If you find yourself in an unfamiliar setting, this episode will save your life!
Resources:
Shannan Martin’s Website & Books: https://www.shannanmartin.com/
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S4E16: Does God Want Me To Be Happy or Holy?
Does God care if you’re happy at all? Is His goal to make you holy or happy? Does He care about your desires? Even the ones that won’t necessarily “sanctify” you? Am I an accidental Buddhist!? SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. Kristina Garza & Mackenzie Ryder interviewed me about asceticism, which I lived in for a very long time. I essentially believed that the more I suffered, the holier I became.
Have you ever heard phrases like, "Don't pray for patience because then God will make you wait." or "God wants to make you holy, not happy."? These and more are phrases that misconstrue the character of God in our minds. It's very difficult to trust the person who you think is both harming and helping you.
And is it possible that your desires were placed in you by God for a reason? We seem to always want a "yes" or "no" answer from Him directly instead of just learning how to adult.
Resources:
Bare Marriage Podcast - Untwisting Toxic Views of Suffering - https://baremarriage.com/2023/09/podcast-untwisting-toxic-views-of-suffering-feat-rebecca-davis/
Verity Podcast - https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/womens-issues-motherhood-and-asceticism/
FREE Resource for You -Grab FREE 20 Minute Training to Minister into LGBTQ+ Issues: view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
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S4E15: How To Define Gender: The Danger of Stereotypes & Unbiblical Assumptions
Are there any gender stereotypes you genuinely believe? Do you ever wrestle with the thought, "Am I woman enough?"
Bonnie Pue & I had an amazing conversation about what God defines as feminine and masculine (and it doesn’t have anything to do with axe-throwing or shopping or cooking). The Bible is actually very broad in defining what masculine and feminine are. David danced and wrote music.
Deborah led a nation as a warrior.
Nehemiah wept for his destroyed city.
Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem under His wing like a mother hen.
Jael drove a tent peg through Sisera's temple.
Junia was an apostle in the early church.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there any gender stereotypes I've been believing that have been informed by hurt or bitterness?
- Repent of that judgement & ask the Holy Spirit to speak His Truth over your mind and heart.
- Do you feel comfortable in the body God has given you? Express your insecurities to Him.
- Ask Jesus how He views your identity in Him. Write down what you sense He is saying.
Resources:
Bonnie Pue & The Union Movement - https://www.theunionmovement.com/
FREE Resource for You -Grab FREE 20 Minute Training to Minister into LGBTQ+ Issues: view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
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S4E14: Why Christians Have Excluded The Undocumented (& How To Change The Narrative)
How do you think the Kingdom of God works? Who do you believe is invited to the table? Is the undocumented asylum seeker welcome too?
Tess Clarke runs a grass-roots organization called We Welcome, which seeks to mobilize and equip women of faith to build and cultivate a welcome movement from their tables at home to the halls of Congress.
In our conversation, we answer questions like:
- is seeking asylum illegal?
- do we have enough resources to go around? Should we open our borders to more people?
- how do we enter into conversation with those who have opposing views on immigration with grace and truth?
- how can each of us discern what our role is in helping refugees?
- how can we prevent ourselves from burning out when surrounded with such difficult stories?
Resources:
We Welcome's Better Conversations Guide: https://www.wechoosewelcome.com/better_conversations_guide
Listen to our first episode about immigration: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lO0QcZ82pHuf9sA4VSLZE?si=BAaQ9ncjT_ajvEeGfJ2FEA Follow We Welcome on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wechoosewelcome/
FREE Resource for You -Grab FREE 20 Minute Training to Minister into LGBTQ+ Issues: view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Autumn 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1yYBAIRftYGNBkpJTLRSXM
Autumn Worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2tL5ECOZQv6yx6HI7GXiCE
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Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S4E13: How To Thrive as a Female in a Male-Dominated & Marriage-Focused Culture
S4E12: How To Break Unhealthy Generational Patterns and Cycles
BONUS: How To Reach Beyond Your Limits
Did you know that the disabled community is among the most unreached people groups in the world?
18 - 25% of the world has a disability, seen or unseen. Craig Spottford is the executive director of Beyond Limits, a residential post-secondary Christian campus experience for qualified young adult students with developmental disabilities.
In our conversation, we cover:
- How people with disabilities are not just able to receive, but to also serve others
- How to view every person as an image-bearer of Christ
- How to make room and include others
So, how is God asking you to serve those around you with disabilities?
Resources for you:
Beyond Limits College - https://beyondlimitscollege.org/
Free Journaling Prompts to Cultivate Contentment: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/644afe08a15cc2e3944db516
Summer 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05R9lmKit27denOSOi26wq
Summer worship 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AGzVnXzivDFsxk3bA7kzV
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S4E11: He/She/They: How To Handle Pronouns + Listener Q&A
S4E10: How To Love The Lord Your God With All Your Mind: Taming Intrusive Thoughts, Lies & Anxiety
I’m back from sabbatical & we’re mixing it up today because I’m not the host here - Liz Dorsch is the host and I was a guest on her recently launched podcast, Reconnect!
How do you get those intrusive thoughts out of your head? Our minds can toss and turn faster than anything else. The good news is while we do not always have control over every thought that pops into our heads, we do have control over which thoughts we dwell on.
I had a beautiful conversation with Liz about how to
- not be controlled by anxious thoughts
- change the narrative and stories you tell yourself
- claim the promises of God for your own life
Liz's Podcast:
FREE Resource for You -Grab FREE 20 Minute Training to Minister into LGBTQ+ Issues: view.flodesk.com/pages/63f55469dfb67d493413dac6
Summer 2023 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05R9lmKit27denOSOi26wq
Summer 2023 worship playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1AGzVnXzivDFsxk3bA7kzV
Leave a Review: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/reviews/new/
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TOP #1: Same-Sex Attraction Meets The Gospel: How To Respond, Love & Care For The LGBTQ+ Community ft. Laurie Kreig
TOP #2: How To Live An Abundant Single Life ft. Christine Ramirez
TOP #3: Is Masturbation a Sin? Answers For Singles & Marrieds ft. Ashlyn R. Watkins
TOP #4: How To Live Life Driven By Love, Not Fear ft. Laura Krause
Are you living in fear of sin?
This may not be easy to pinpoint in your own life right away, so here are some questions to ask yourself:
- are you terrified that your spouse will look at porn?
- does the possibility of your children being exposed to various sins keep you awake at night?
- do you find yourself spending a lot of energy trying to control other people's choices?
Laura Krause is a wife, mom, prayer warrior & church planter who has been set free from fear's grip on her life by the perfect love of Christ. She shares the story of how the Lord completely changed her perspective: Our goal is not to build sin-proof marriages. Our goal is not to prevent our kids from being exposed to anything immoral.
The goal should be to create such safe and loving relationships, that sin will not destroy them.
When we live in anxiety and fear of sin, we elevate sin itself instead of Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. Redemption is better than perfection. When we sin, we have an Advocate in heaven who is abounding in steadfast love, ready to forgive and restore.
1 John 2:1 says, "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous."
Heart of Man movie - http://heartofmanmovie.com/
If Jesus Were a Parent by Hal Perkins - https://discipledbyjesus.org/
S4E9: How To Cultivate Contentment In The In Between Spaces
S4E8: How To Heal From Sexual Trauma
Book your FREE coaching call with Kate today: https://www.katepetry.com/coaching
DISCLAIMER: We talk about sexual assault and the traumatic effects of it. Please use discretion before listening.
When sexual assault happens, whether if it is one incident or repeated over a long time, how do you heal afterwards?
What if you don't know the details of the assault? Do you fear you're 'just being dramatic'?
I have great news for you: You are able to heal from trauma and the lies that may come with it even if you do not know the details of the traumatic event(s). In many ways, healing through trauma can feel unfair. You may feel like it is a debt you've been given and now it is your responsibility to figure out how to heal from it. Jody Goldie (yes, that is her real name) is a therapist who works with people who suffer from complex trauma. She shares her own personal experience and puts language to the confusing messages your body may be telling you after it experiences trauma. Your body remembers what happened to you, even if your brain cannot piece a story together. Your future does not have to look like your past.
Resources: The Body Keeps the Score by Besser van der Kolk - https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
Your Resonant Self by Sarah Peyton - https://www.yourresonantself.com/
Deb Dana - https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/
Dr. Dan Siegel - https://drdansiegel.com/
The Huberman Lab - https://hubermanlab.com/
S4E7: Feeling Behind In Life? How To Stop Measuring Your Life By Your Accomplishments
S4E6: How To Have Better, Healthier, Longer Friendships
S4E5: The Sex Ed You Always Needed, But Never Got
S4E4: Is Jesus a Feminist? Biblical Femininity Vs. Toxic Feminism
S4E3: How To Live An Abundant Single Life
If Jesus truly does promise abundant life for all who love Him, then you do not have to wait until you’re married to enjoy it! Christine Ramirez is 39, single & loving it. She’s been set free from having to know if she’ll be married one day or not. The mystery is beautiful and not something to be feared. Marriage is not the goal of life; Jesus is. So, what will you do with your one wild & precious life?
We also answered all the questions that listeners sent in about this topic, so if you asked one, it’s in here!
If you want more tips on how to enjoy your single life, here is another episode about it: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bwFvAPrkFxRt0ekxdt5tw?si=63GUFhJiT1KOgI8WnvAk4A
Follow Head to Heart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headtoheart_podcast/
Here's our website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
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S4E2: How To Become a Strong & Free Leader: Grow in Your Confidence & Identity in Christ
S4E1: How To Live a Life Driven By Love, Not Fear
Are you living in fear of sin?
This may not be easy to pinpoint in your own life right away, so here are some questions to ask yourself:
- are you terrified that your spouse will look at porn?
- does the possibility of your children being exposed to various sins keep you awake at night?
- do you find yourself spending a lot of energy trying to control other people's choices?
Laura Krause is a wife, mom, prayer warrior & church planter who has been set free from fear's grip on her life by the perfect love of Christ. She shares the story of how the Lord completely changed her perspective: Our goal is not to build sin-proof marriages. Our goal is not to prevent our kids from being exposed to anything immoral.
The goal should be to create such safe and loving relationships, that sin will not destroy them.
When we live in anxiety and fear of sin, we elevate sin itself instead of Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. Redemption is better than perfection. When we sin, we have an Advocate in heaven who is abounding in steadfast love, ready to forgive and restore.
1 John 2:1 says, "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous."
Heart of Man movie - http://heartofmanmovie.com/
If Jesus Were a Parent by Hal Perkins - https://discipledbyjesus.org/
Welcome to season 4, dear listeners!
S3E26: How To Thrive In a Waiting Season
Are you where you thought you'd be at this point in your life?
Do you ever fear that you are unworthy of receiving good gifts from God?
Carissa Krey shares her story of miscarriage, and has been in a waiting season for 5 years. She wrestled with fears, wondering if she was good enough to receive an answer to her prayers, but realized that is a lie the enemy uses to deceive people. She now lives her life to the fullest, even though her prayer hasn't been answered yet. She teaches that your identity in Christ cannot be changed no matter what you have or don't have. If you're waiting on graduating, a career, a spouse, or a baby, you can still enjoy your life right now, knowing that God is not cruel, but kind.
Whatever you may find yourself waiting for in life, God is not holding out on you! He is not keeping good things from you in order to "teach you a lesson". Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly."
Our sponsor:
Life In Order - https://bit.ly/lifeinorder
S3E25: How To Gain Clarity & Confidence In Your Calling
Do you know what's next for you?
Do you wrestle with feeling unsure if you're discerning God's voice or leading correctly?
Do you suffer from analysis paralysis? In a world where you could do anything, it can be difficult to just choose 1 thing as a next step.
Bailey Stone is a certified life coach who specializes in helping women discover what God has created them to do and become confident in pursuing it. She has a gift of bringing clarity and diffusing the temptation to overthink, which can stop us in our tracks from choosing anything or truly going after the passions the Lord has placed in our hearts. If you need more direction or confidence in your calling, Bailey is the most encouraging and inspiring person to learn from.
I highly recommend this episode for all seniors and anyone going through a life transition. Life is too short to be anyone other than who God has called you to be.
This is not the FULL episode! If you'd like to hear the rest of the episode, become a subscriber for $2 a month to unlock it: https://anchor.fm/jenny-marcum/subscribe
Here's where you can find Bailey:
Website - https://baileystonecoaching.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baileystonecoaching/
BONUS: Your Personal Gift Giving Guide ft. Jennifer Albright
S3E24: How To Ditch Comparison & Cultivate A Healthy Body Image
How can you maintain a healthy body image when your body goes through some changes? How do you stop comparing yourself to how you looked before? How can you start to feel at home in your own body? Our culture is starting to step away from advertising only one type of body, but it also sends out the message that "You're perfect. Love yourself!" Without fail, though, this ideology doesn't withstand the difficult circumstances or life's seasons when our bodies confirm to us that we live in a fallen world. We cannot even begin to appreciate our bodies without God's perspective of us first. Rebekah Olson is a wife, mother & lingerie designer who is dedicated to encouraging women to ditch the comparison game. She owns Ginger & Peach Lingerie, which is a model-free lingerie company, so that you only ever see the pieces on yourself. She teaches us how to see our bodies as the Lord sees them, that they are wonderfully made, and that they are God's gift to us. All of life's changes will inevitably take a toll on our outward appearance, but God doe snot want us to see ourselves with disgust or discontentment.
Executive Coaching: - Chad-Richards.com - novus.global.com
Ginger & Peach Lingerie: - https://www.gingerandpeachlingerie.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/gingerandpeach_lingerie/
Life in Order - https://bit.ly/lifeinorder
S3E23: Can I Trust My Emotions? How To Recognize & Change The Stories You Tell Yourself
S3E22: Why You Can't Change You: How To Cultivate Your Prayer Life No Matter What Season You're In
Do you feel like the verse to "pray without ceasing" is unattainable? Or just sounds exhausting? Do you fear God is disappointed in the cobwebs in your prayer closet? Or maybe you feel a lack of faith when you pray? Erica Renaud is a wife, mom, author, and speaker who gives us such practical steps to cultivate an active prayer life, take the pressure off, and teaches us to not overthink it. She encourages you for moments when you're wondering: - What to do in dry seasons where your faith is struggling or you're filled with doubts - How to look back and remember God's care and faithfulness - What to do when you don't have the emotional or mental capacity to make space for prayer Resources: Pray With Me by Erica Renaud- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pray-with-me-erica-renaud/1142143633 The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence - https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/1614279683 Prayer by Timothy Keller - https://timothykeller.com/books/prayer The Power of a Praying Woman - https://www.stormieomartian.com/product/the-power-of-the-praying-wife-paperback/ Praying Through the Bible by Donald Whitney - https://www.christianbook.com/praying-the-bible-donald-whitney/9781433547843/pd/547843 Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henderson - https://store.strategicrenewal.com/products/transforming-prayer Find Erica Here: Website - https://www.ericarenaud.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erica.renaud/
Our Sponsor:
Life In Order - https://bit.ly/lifeinorder
S3E21: How To Break Free From Lies & Ungodly Beliefs
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Do you have trouble believing that the promises in the Bible apply to you? Maybe you believe it for everyone else, but not yourself.
Do you find yourself stuck in the same, destructive thought patterns, but don't know how to change them?
This solo episode is one of my personal favorites because I share my testimony of how the Lord taught me to discern and break partnership with lies that had been eating at me for a long time. And now, I get to teach others how to do this through this podcast about connecting the Truth from our heads into our everyday lives. This is such an essential skill that we need to use to make sure we are not taking the bait the enemy throws at us.
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Website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
S3E20: Is Masturbation a Sin? Answers For Singles & Marrieds
Since masturbation is not directly mentioned in the Bible, is it sin or not?
What if you're able to masturbate without lusting?
Ashlyn R. Watkins, the host of Spiced Wife Podcast, joined me to discuss this topic. It would be so much easier if this was just a simple yes or no, but it's actually a lot more complex than that. The Word does not directly mention masturbation, but it does give us a roadmap for how to evaluate our own hearts and James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God and He will give it to us. Ashlyn walked us through questions like:
- Is masturbation wrong if I'm single?
- Is masturbation wrong if I'm married & I have my spouse's consent?
- how do I get out of the habit/addiction to masturbation?
All of our discussion was rooted in the Word, not just in our own opinions and experiences.
Find me on Instagram: @headtoheart_podcast
Here's our website: https://www.podpage.com/head-to-heart/
Ashlyn's corner of the Internet:
Spiced Wife: https://www.spicedwife.com/
S3E19: Will You Be Eternally Rewarded or Suffer Loss?: How To Steward Your Life Well
S3E18: How To Not Care What People Think (Without Becoming a Sociopath)
Is it possible to truly not care what other people think of you? How do you overcome shame if you’ve lived with it your whole life? Victoria Hedger is on the show for a 2nd time & we talked about something pretty much everyone wants to achieve in life - not caring what others think. That’s a nice phrase, but we also don’t want to live in complete disregard of how you affect others. What we really mean is how to not live in fear of man. Victoria defined what the fear of man is, shared her process of overcoming shame in huge ways, and how Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a simple and timeless way to replace anxious thoughts with truth. Only one thing gets to sit on the throne of your heart, so it is either God or people’s perceptions of you. There’s also an immense amount of laughter in this episode as well, so if you’re opposed to giggling - BEWARE
Our Sponsor:
Life in Order - https://bit.ly/lifeinorder