Slice of Life

The week before Thanksgiving  years ago, I made a trip to Ardmore, PA to attend my first UNBOUND conference with Neal and Janet Lozano. I was by myself – something that was a rarity to say the least. Life was feeling quite overwhelming going into the holidays for numerous reasons and this conference was a welcome respite from all the mountains needing moved in front of me.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but to be honest I was really excited to just have a night alone in a hotel. Hot shower, TV, glass of red wine…and no-one calling “Mom…” (Fill in the blank with whatever you hear the most at home…) To be honest I have no idea how I afforded the hotel and the conference, but someone must have gifted it to me.

The hotel was lovely, the bed was comfy, the wine was tasty…but the conference was life-changing! Two things stick out for me from that first conference – two things that will stay with me always, and are the reasons why I am so passionate about sharing UNBOUND, and did the leadership training this Summer.

First – hearing Neal give his talk on the Father’s Blessing was deeply profound for me. I had an amazing earthly father, but my children suffered greatly from having an amazing father who became unavailable in every way a father should be available, and for many heartbreaking reasons. He had adored his children but became unable to be a father the way they needed him to be.

Hearing the Fathers Blessing from Neal was something I wanted to share with my children. Knowing that no matter what losses we suffer here on this earth, we can always rest easy in the knowledge that God our Father loves us more than our earthly fathers ever could. We are his sons and daughters, and UNBOUND helps us recognize and reclaim our place in His Kingdom.

Second – Having one-on-one prayer with Neal and his team was so utterly profound, and began a journey of forgiveness for myself and others that is ever deepening. When it came time for Neal to give me the Father’s Blessing I had already cried buckets as I found freedom from many of the chains that were binding me. When he shared that the Holy Spirit put on his heart that God called me His “Little Faithful” I cried buckets more.

My children can attest to the fact that I have always had faith, and through all of our trials never once have doubted that God was in our lives protecting us. When their faith has been challenged they have heard me say – “It’s ok - I have faith enough for all of us…”

If there is anything I can share about surviving trauma, chaos, heartache, and despair, it’s that you must never give up faith that even in the worst of times God is by your side and He will see you through. Just keep your eyes on the cross!

Love, Hope & Healing in 2021,

And a Very Happy New Year!

~Karen~

Interview with Janet Lozano,

Co-Founder of Heart of the Father Ministries and UNBOUND

#3 Janet’s Experience with leading others to Freedom In Christ

Interview #3 Recording:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/CruBgM8VB0hWqCA1Dv_1BawP1UHUGds9za25XBQij59RHwr7Yi2Xtjsg0vDfm7uA.YgVYVnFbNgXlRhST

Access Passcode: Mc@pJJ9@

Prayer Story and Savings Tip:

One of the many years there was next to nothing in my bank account, and Christmas was around the corner, I prayed for God to show me what I might give to my three children to show them what gifts they were to me.

While the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Christ, and that is all that matters, a mom's heart is always to give to her children something to make the day extra special.

This particular year I worked for the public school system as a para-professional for a child living with Autism. This meant I supported him in all of his classes, including Art class.

After watching him and other students create both a book and a picture using specific techniques, I created the same at home for each of my children. The book for each of my children I titled 

"A Mama's Love Letter," and the picture was of my three children together with their beautiful smiles - each a little different.

In years past I would buy little things throughout the year to be prepared, but that Christmas I had failed to do so. The Art projects allowed me to put love into something that might be a treasure for my children in years to come.

For next year, consider making one gift per month for your family from now until next Christmas - treasures that you can store-up for those precious moments of giving. Also consider taking advantage of all the after Christmas sales, and put away a few special items for under the tree next year.

~Karen~

“An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said,

'Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'

And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours."

~ Luke 2:9-14 ~