Journal Gently: Spiritual Formation for Christian Women
Journal Gently is a podcast focused on spiritual formation for Christian women seeking a deeper, more honest relationship with God. Host Kari Bartkus leads reflective conversations grounded in Scripture and prayer, encouraging spiritual growth amid daily life. The episodes aim to help listeners who feel spiritually restless or overwhelmed to slow down, listen, and remain close to God.
Episodes
[Ep 227] Holding Bible Stories Next to One Another
*A little update, my friend: This will be the last episode of Journal Gently for now. I'm not sure whether this is a pause or a more permanent goodbye, but I'm grateful you've been here, listening and making space to encounter God in His Word. Thank you for being part of this little corner of the world. What happens when we hold similar Bible stories next to each other? In this episode, we'll l
[Ep 226] Journaling Through Hard Feelings
Hard feelings like disappointment, anger, bitterness, and betrayal can be difficult to know what to do with. In this episode, we'll explore how journaling can give those feelings a safe place to be honest before God—without rushing toward resolution or pretending everything is okay. You'll also find a few practical prompts for bringing what hurts into the presence of God with honesty, gentleness,
[ Ep 225] The List You Need to Make
When life gets hard, it can be difficult to remember what brings us comfort. So why not make a list now? In this short episode, I'm inviting you to create your own "comfort list"—simple things, people, and places you can turn to when you're overwhelmed, grieving, anxious, sick, or lonely. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 170: 2 Ways to Journal When You Can't Find the Words · Episode 164
[Ep 224] Sometimes God DOES Speak in the Fire
We often talk about God speaking in a still, small voice—but what if that isn't the whole story? Scripture gives us plenty of examples of God speaking and moving through wind, fire, thunder, earthquakes, and other unexpected ways. In this episode, we'll explore what that means for the way we listen for God today—and how we can become more attentive without putting Him in a box. RELATED EPISODES:
[Ep 223] [Book Recommendations] Three Books for When Life Still Hurts
What do you reach for when you're still hurting and want some gentle guidance for the journey? In this episode, I'm sharing three books I recommend for walking through suffering, healing with God, and making space to process what you've been through. Each one offers something a little different—and all three invite you to take the next step without rushing the process. RESOURCES: (affiliate link
[Ep 222] When You're Not Ready to Let Go
What if you're not ready to let go? Maybe you're still grieving, still angry, still hoping, or simply not sure what releasing something would mean. In this episode, we'll consider the difference between being invited to let go and being pressured to move on—and what it might look like to bring our unfinished hearts honestly to God. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 210: God's Grace for the Road
[Ep 221] The Fruit of Repentance
What if you didn't have to figure anything out today? What if you could simply listen? In this episode, I'm inviting you into a quiet, prayerful time of listening to Scripture. You'll hear the same passage three times, with space between each reading to notice what God might be highlighting—or simply to rest and receive His love. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 209: [Imaginative Prayer] Hungr
[Ep 220] When Something Feels Off, Get Curious
What do you do when something feels a little off? It can be tempting to dismiss it, explain it away, or simply move on. But sometimes, paying attention is the first step toward understanding what's really going on. In this episode, I'm sharing a surprising lesson I learned from my dog about noticing the unusual, getting curious, and bringing our questions to God—especially when we're healing. Plus
[Ep 219] What If You Started Collecting Beautiful Words?
What if we didn't just read beautiful words, but actually carried them with us? In this episode, I'm sharing how my attempt to memorize a poem led me to a simple practice of collecting, lingering over, and memorizing words that speak to our hearts. Plus, I'll share a few journal prompts to help you discover the words God may be inviting you to carry in this season. >> Journal Gently: An 8-week g
[Ep 218] Healing in Small Steps: Noticing God's Quiet Work in Your Life
Healing rarely happens all at once. More often, it comes through small steps we almost miss. In this episode, I share the story of a little gosling that reminded me of God's gentle presence in our own seasons of healing and growth. Together, we'll reflect on where we can see evidence of God's quiet work in our lives—even when we're not yet where we hope to be. >> Journal Gently: An 8-week guided
[Ep 217] When God Took My Books Away
What happens when God invites you to slow down instead of striving? In this first episode back after my summer break, I share a personal story about stepping away, rediscovering the joy of reading, and unexpectedly encountering God through both silence and a fiction series. Along the way, I reflect on how God gently led me into a deeper place of healing—and why that has deepened the direction of t
[Ep 216] Heal with God: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien
I'm taking a brief break from my summer break to share a conversation I didn't want you to miss. Today I'm joined by Heather O'Brien, author of Heal with God, to talk about her story, what led her to write the book, and why healing with God is often much gentler than we expect. Together, we explore the importance of building a strong foundation in our relationship with God before focusing on our h
[Bonus] Summer Break
It's time to practice what I teach and take a break from the podcast to rest and linger together with God. Be sure to stay connected over the summer through my email list. And know there are hundreds of episodes you can go back and listen to in the meantime. Blessings! Kari >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal
[Ep 215] Move Now in My Heart
Have you ever prayed for God to change your heart… and then realized how much that prayer might actually cost? In this episode, we reflect on a simple liturgy from the Every Moment Holy prayer books and explore what it means to invite God to move in us deeply—not just gently, but completely. Every Moment Holy Vol I prayer book (affiliate link) RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 170: 2 Ways to J
[Ep 214] God Cares About the Pace You Set
God cares about the pace we set for ourselves—not just in our healing or growth, but in our everyday lives. In this episode, we look at three examples from Scripture that give us a glimpse of God's heart toward us. It's a beautiful picture of love and care. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 189: When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped · Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me
[Ep 213] Are You Planting What You Want to Harvest?
It's garden season, and a recent experience has me thinking about planting and harvesting in my own life. In this episode, I share a pretty eye-opening realization I had before addressing both the good and the bad fruit we might be harvesting in our lives. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 191: What Laundry Taught Me About Emotional Overload · Episode 149: What Are You Feeling Possessive
[Ep 212] Faithfulness in a Full Season
This season has been full—and it's required me to rethink what faithfulness looks like. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've been learning to simplify, let go of perfection, and focus on what matters most. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 187: Clarity Comes with Action · Episode 182: Keeping Family a Priority with Danielle Roberts · Episode 148: Don't Vacuum While the Dog's Sleepi
[Ep 211] The Pressure to Be a "Good Christian"
Do you ever feel like you're falling behind spiritually? In this episode, we explore how easily faith can turn into something we measure and perform—and why Jesus offers a different invitation. Looking at the story of Martha and Mary, we're reminded that faith was never meant to be something we prove to God, but a relationship we live inside of. If you've been feeling pressure to be a "better Chri
[Ep 210] God's Grace for the Roads You Regret
What if the mistake you regret most hasn't disqualified you from the life God has for you? In this episode, we look at the lie many women quietly believe—that their past means they've missed God's will. If you've been carrying guilt or wondering whether you're allowed to move forward after forgiveness, this reflection offers a different perspective. Your past may shape your story, but it doesn't h
[Ep 209] [Imaginative Prayer] Hungry for Jesus: The Feeding of the Five Thousand
What would it have felt like to be in the crowd when Jesus fed the five thousand? In this episode, we practice Ignatian imaginative prayer by stepping into the Gospel story from the perspective of someone in the crowd—someone who followed Jesus because they were hungry to hear Him speak. If you're new to imaginative prayer, this episode will gently guide you through the process. And if you'd like
[Ep 208] Journaling Through a Spouse's Addiction: A Conversation with Jennifer Shook
What does it look like to follow God when addiction has entered your marriage? In this conversation, coach Jennifer Shook shares about the often invisible struggles women face when their husbands battle addiction—how it impacts safety, identity, trust, and the ability to hear God in the midst of constant stress. Together we talk about why so many women suffer in silence, what kinds of support are
[Ep 207] When Silence is Sacred
Have you ever felt pressure to have something meaningful to say—to prove you belong? In this episode, we talk about the quiet relief of being present without performing and the sacredness of silence with God. If you're weary of striving, this is an invitation to rest, listen, and simply be held. >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedo
[Ep 206] Tangled Thoughts? Use Mind Mapping as Prayerful Journaling
If your thoughts feel scattered and traditional journaling feels hard, this episode is for you. We talk about using mind mapping as a gentle, Spirit-led way to journal through overwhelm, grief, and discernment—creating space for God to meet you right where you are. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 173: [Writte
[Ep 205] Participating in Our Healing: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien
Healing with God is rarely passive—and it's never rushed. In this episode, I'm joined by Heather O'Brien, host of the Heal with God podcast, to talk about what it looks like to participate in healing without striving. We explore hearing God's voice, discerning next steps with wisdom and care, and partnering with God in ways that feel safe, gentle, and grounded. CONNECT WITH HEATHER O'BRIEN: Heat
[Ep 204] How to Journal When You Don't Know What You Feel
Journaling can feel impossible when you don't know what you're feeling. In this episode, we explore biblical and trauma-informed ways to journal through grief, confusion, and emotional numbness. You'll be invited to start with what you do know, use Scripture and creativity, and trust that God meets you right where you are. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/jou
[Ep 203] How to Sit with Hard Feelings Without Letting Them Take Over
Many Christian women feel pressure to suppress hard emotions in the name of faith—but God invites honesty. In this episode, we talk about how to sit with difficult feelings without letting them take control, blending biblical wisdom with trauma-informed care. You don't have to fix your feelings to be faithful. >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listenin
[Ep 202] When We Ignore God's Sacred Nudges
Have you ever felt God quietly prompting you to do something—and chosen not to listen? In this episode, we explore what can happen when we ignore God's gentle invitations. With honesty and compassion, we reflect on how God speaks, why His nudges are easy to dismiss, and what the consequences of not responding can look like over time. You're invited into a moment of reflection, a simple journal pro
[Ep 201] Ways We Ignore God's Leading
Sometimes we know exactly what God is asking us to do—and still struggle to take the next step. In this episode, I share a clip from my session at the Make the Move conference, reflecting on a season when God called me to step away from a ministry role and all the ways I tried to avoid obeying. As you listen, I invite you to consider where you might be hesitating, and to bring that resistance hone
[Bonus 23] A Slower, Steadier Way to Listen to God: Reimagining Written Spiritual Direction
In this episode, I share the heart behind my revamped offering, Written Spiritual Direction: A 12-Week Pathway—and why spiritual formation is such a powerful form of care. We'll talk about spiritual direction as a proactive practice that builds resilience, trust, discernment, and healthier relationships, not just something we turn to in times of crisis. I'll also explain why this twelve-week pathw
[Ep 200] The Grief That Comes From Change
Grief is often associated with death or obvious loss, but many of us are carrying grief that comes from change. In this episode, we explore how transitions, even good or God-led ones, can stir grief beneath the surface, and why naming it matters for our spiritual and emotional health. If you've felt unsettled, heavy, or emotionally off without a clear reason, this conversation offers language, per
[Ep 199] Why Old Wounds Get Loud in Quiet Seasons
Quiet seasons are often supposed to feel peaceful. But sometimes, when life slows down, old memories, emotions, or questions begin to surface—unexpectedly and loudly. In this episode, we talk about why that happens. Not from a place of diagnosis or urgency, but with compassion and curiosity. This is a gentle conversation for anyone who's noticed that when the noise fades, old wounds seem to ask fo
[Ep 198] How to Tell the Difference Between Healing and Avoiding
Have you ever wondered whether you're truly healing, or simply getting better at not thinking about something? In this episode, we explore the subtle, compassionate difference between healing and avoiding—without judgment, pressure, or the assumption that one means failure. If you've ever felt confused by resurfacing emotions, uneasy peace, or resistance to journaling or prayer, this conversation
[Ep 197] When You Fall Into a Pit Pit
Have you ever been in a hard season—and then realized it wasn't just hard, it was stuck? In this episode, we explore the difference between being in a pit and being in a pit pit—those seasons where prayer, journaling, and "doing the right things" don't seem to bring relief the way they once did. This conversation isn't about labeling yourself or rushing toward solutions. It's about noticing what k
[Ep 196] Journaling Through Suicide Loss: A Conversation with Victoria Myers
All grief is hard. Yet suicide loss carries with it a stigma that can make it even more challenging to find the healing you're desperate for. In today's episode, I talk with Victoria Myers about her experience with suicide loss and how God met her as she journaled. She shares things like how she and her husband grieved differently, different tools she used as she grieved her loss, and why suicide
[Ep 195] Noticing God's Movement: A Gentle New Year's Reflection
As a new year begins, there's often pressure to decide: set goals, choose a word, figure out what's next. In this episode, we do something slower. Instead of rushing toward clarity or change, we pause to notice what quietly followed us into this year. Not to analyze it. Not to fix it. Simply to become aware—with kindness, honesty, and God's presence. This episode is an invitation to reflect gently
[Ep 194] When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers
Have you ever begged God for a clear answer… and instead felt Him nudging you toward something slower, quieter, and a little less concrete? In this episode, we talk about the surprising way God often responds when we're desperate for clarity. If you're waiting, longing, or feeling stuck in the in-between, this gentle conversation will help you recognize the invitations God may be offering you righ
[Ep 193] How to Revisit Past Journal Entries Without Shame
Ever flip back through an old journal and immediately cringe? You're not the only one. In this episode, we explore why revisiting past entries can stir up shame—and how to approach those pages with compassion instead of criticism. If you're carrying regret, embarrassment, or old emotions you're not sure what to do with, this gentle conversation will help you see your past self the way God does.
[Ep 192] A Writing Rhythm for Introverts Who Get Overwhelmed
If you're an introvert who wants to journal but feels overwhelmed the minute you face a blank page, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. We'll talk about why the pressure to "do it right" can shut you down—and how a gentler, simpler rhythm can open you back up. You'll walk away with a journal prompt and a practical shift that makes writing feel doable again. RELATED EPISODES: · Epi
[Ep 191] What Laundry Taught Me About Emotional Overload
Ever feel like you're holding more than your heart can handle? In this episode, we explore what happens when life starts to pile up inside us… and the gentle invitation God offers when it does. If you've been feeling stretched, stuffed, or overwhelmed, this quiet conversation will help you pause, breathe, and bring just one honest thing to Jesus. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 103: 6 Strat
[Ep 190] How I Realized My Journaling Was in the Way
Sometimes the things we love most can actually get in the way of connecting with God. In this clip from the Lead Well Conference, I share a personal story about how even journaling—something I teach and cherish—was keeping me from spending time with the Lord the way I really wanted. If you've ever felt like your "good habits" or spiritual routines are keeping you from truly engaging with God, this
[Ep 189] When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped
Two trees. Same kind. Standing side by side—yet one is bare while the other is full of golden leaves. In today's quiet reflection, Kari uses this simple scene from her neighborhood to remind us that healing doesn't happen at the same pace for everyone. It's easy to look at someone else's joy and wonder why we're still struggling. But God tends to each of our hearts with patience and care, layer by
[Ep 188] When Fear Keeps Us Quiet
Have you ever let fear keep you quiet, hesitant to use a gift you know God has placed inside you? In this episode, Kari unpacks a familiar verse, 2 Timothy 1:7, and discovers it means something deeper than we often realize. It's not just about overcoming fear in general—it's about refusing to let fear silence the gifts God has given us. Through Paul's letter to Timothy, we're reminded that God ca
[Ep 187] Clarity Comes from Action
Have you ever felt unsure what step to take next, but also restless just sitting still? In today's episode, Kari shares how God has been guiding her through her own season of uncertainty and reveals what's next for her ministry through Love Does That. You'll hear how one simple phrase from coach Christa Hutchins—"Clarity comes from action"—has reshaped the way she's discerning her next move. This
[Bonus] Announcement: Pausing the Podcast
Hey, friend. Whether you are someone who has been listening to the podcast since the beginning or you just found me through one of the recent conferences I spoke at, I want to say welcome, and I'm glad you're here. It would seem as if God has a funny sense of timing, and He's asking me to pause the podcast for a while. I need to practice what I preach: taking breaks, caring for my family first, an
[Ep 186] The Best Way to Support Someone Who Is Hurting
Imagine this scenario: Someone you dearly love is hurting. Maybe they are grieving the loss of a loved one or battling the depths of depression. Maybe they've lost their sense of purpose or just got a hard diagnosis from the doctor. What is the best thing you can do for them? Is it calling them every day? Making them meals? Being willing to sit with them in the quiet? Should you watch their kids?
[Ep 185] The Power of Companionship: My Conversation with Laura Howe
I have been incredibly blessed over the past several years to connect with other individuals who are doing similar work. Laura Howe is one of those people. Laura and I met as part of a mastermind we were both in. Where I focus on helping individual women come alongside their loved ones who are hurting, she focuses on equipping the church to support those in their congregations and communities. She
[Ep 184] Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God?
"God doesn't talk to me." "I can't hear God's voice." "I don't know what God sounds like." Hearing from God is pivotal to the life of a Christian. Not only do we seek guidance from His Word, but we also ask Him questions about which path to take, what to do, and how He wants us to behave. We want insight into situations we find ourselves in. And we long to receive His words of love and comfort, es
[Ep 183] [Bible Journal Session] How Do You Need to Be Restored?
There are many ways to journal, but one of my favorites is to journal as I read the Bible. I take note of things that grab my attention, I ask questions, and I explore various ideas together with God as a result of the passage I've read. Today, I want to invite you into a Bible journaling session with me. We'll pray and journal through Psalm 23:3 together. And though it is a familiar passage, I pr
[Ep 182] Keeping Family a Priority with Danielle Roberts
As women, as moms, we carry a lot of responsibilities, and sometimes a lot of expectations—from ourselves and from others. Yet one thing is clear: God has called us to keep our families as a top priority. The question is, how do we do that? In this episode, I talk with life and business coach Danielle Roberts and we explore what this might look like, often sharing personal examples from our own li
[Ep 181] Does An Open Door Mean God Approves?
Have you ever prayed for God to open doors for you so it's clear which way you should go, which decision you should make? But, my friend, take a minute and think about the sayings we Christians have: · If God shuts the door, He always opens the window. · God doesn't close one door without getting ready to open another with bigger and greater things. · He will open the doors o
[Ep 180] How to Journal Through a Book (Plus Summer Reading Recommendations)
It's probably no surprise to you that I am an avid reader, averaging about one or two books a week. Not only do I read for fun, but I also get to read for work, editing and proofreading book manuscripts right before they get published. I'm guessing that if you're listening to this episode, you like to read, too. And I've learned that books can often prompt some powerful journaling sessions with G
[Ep 179] Engaging with the Samaritan Woman: A Message on John 4
Deciding on my major in college really wasn't that hard for me. I knew I wanted my studies to focus on the Bible and speech. I wanted to learn more about His Word so that I could communicate it clearly to those around me. So that's what I did: I majored in communication and minored in biblical studies, taking as many classes as I could to understand more about the Bible and spiritual formation. T
[Ep 178] Exploring Our Stories One Piece at a Time
It's funny how pieces of our stories get set down, lost, discovered, or picked up again. Some pieces we hide away, hoping never to look at them again. (We think if we don't acknowledge them, they never really happened, right?) Of course, some pieces always stay with us, regularly in the forefront of our minds. And some, we never really know how they're going to fit in until years down the road.
[Ep 177] Grieving Decisions You Don't Want to Make: A Conversation with Lauren Black
What hard decisions have you had to make? Maybe it regarded your job, like me. Or maybe it focused on which school your kids should go to, or where you live. Maybe someone in your family needed extra care from you, and that meant you had to step away from something else, at least for a little while. There are hard decisions, and then there are decisions you don't want to make—when your heart and y
[Ep 176] My Biggest Tip for Beating Perfectionism in Journaling
In high school, my best friend and I were known as the Perfectionists. We had high standards for ourselves when it came to our school work, our extracurricular activities, and our jobs. If someone asked us to do something, they knew it would be done and be done well. Extremely well. While I have relaxed some over the years, I still have a high standard I hold myself to. Remember that strength of "
[Ep 175] The Superpower of Solitude for Introverts
I'm pretty good at juggling multiple commitments and responsibilities. In fact, my number one strength per StrengthsFinder is "responsible" and my spiritual gifts include the gift of administration. Yet when everybody needs something at the same time, it can get really hard, really fast. And when I start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, I've noticed that I usually end up retreating. In other w
[Ep 174] Entering Into Scripture Through Imaginative Prayer
Have you ever found your Bible reading to be a little dull or lifeless? Is it hard to see the people of the Bible as real individuals who encountered God? There's a practice that can help with this, and it's called imaginative prayer. Now, every time I think about explaining imaginative prayer to others, I can't help but think about my conversation with Eva Kubasiak on her podcast, Bible Study Mad
[Ep 173] [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Dialogue Journaling
Do you ever talk to God—and expect to hear back from Him? Back in episode 109, I shared a little conversation that God and I had as it related to something He was calling me to do during Lent a couple of years ago. It's one of many conversations I've had with Him. Some that I've just sensed in my spirit as I've prayed about something. But some that have taken place on the pages of my journal. That
[Ep 172] Trusting God Through Obedience: A Conversation with Neil Broere
I don't know about you, but I read a lot of books. And there are a lot of good books out there. Many of which I recommend to you. But there are only a few that really stir deeply in my soul. Neil Broere's upcoming book, Obedience, Suffering, & Reward was one of those. When I read it, I knew I wanted to talk to him more about it. And today, you get to hear that conversation. While obedience is a si
[Ep 171] Temptation, Testing, or Fallen World? How to Respond When Life Gets Hard
I don't know what it is, but life has just felt… hard. People misunderstanding one another. Feelings getting hurt. Work to do. Family to care for. Trying to balance it all while also cleaning the house and completing other mundane but necessary tasks. All piled on top of one another and it's hard not to wonder if something deeper is going on. Is this what spiritual warfare looks like in 21st centu
[Ep 170] 2 Ways to Journal When You Can't Find the Words
I can have a difficult time explaining how I feel about something, and when it's incredibly important to me, the words seem even harder to find. But there are other times when words feel hard, too: when you're grieving, when you're busy, when you're depressed, when you're anxious. What do you do then? Today, I want to share with you two ways you can still journal, even when you are struggling to f
[Ep 169] Which One Is Stopping You?
In July of 2021, I ran my first challenge as a ministry. It was the Courageous Care 5-day challenge, and it walked women through five obstacles that prevent us from reaching out to those around us who are hurting. What was a challenge became a masterclass, which became a book. And it features the key principle behind what Love Does That is all about: that God has called every one of us to care for
[Ep 168] [Journal Reviews] Bible Study Journals
Journaling through God's Word is a great way to read, study, and actually engage with what He is saying to you. And since the New Year is just a few weeks away, it's a natural time to recommit ourselves to being in the Bible. Psalm 119:16 (NIV) says, "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Not only are we to not neglect God's Word, we are to take delight in it! Do you delight i
[Ep 167] Why I Trashed My Past Journals--And Deciding If You Should, Too
I remember sitting on my bed, reading through a box of old journals I had tucked away in the closet. At first, it was fun, remembering some of the friendships I had and experiences I had gone through. Laughing at some of my immature moments. But instead of storing them back in the closet, I dumped them all in a trash can. Have you ever done that? Back in episode 55, Elizabeth McCravy and I talked
[Ep 166] God in the Midst of the Storm: A Devotional Reading of Mark 6:45-52
In today's podcast, we are going to dive into the story of Jesus meeting the disciples on the lake during the storm. And through that story, we're going to ask God to show us where He is when it feels we are left alone. Because I know there are times when I—and many of my clients—are wondering where in the world God is at when we are going through a difficult season. And I can't wait to share wit
[Ep 165] When You Rush a Holy Moment
Last year, our family took a trip to the Smoky Mountains. One my "must-dos" was to go into the National Park and get as high as I could to see those breathtaking views. The problem? Too. Many. People. We waited an hour at the top of the mountain to inch toward the parking lot where you could get out of the car and see. And there was nowhere to park. When we realized this, my husband said, "Why don
[Ep 164] 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons
I remember when my kiddos were little. Those months after bringing a baby home just radically change how you do life, don't they? From trying to figure out how to get some sleep to finding time to shower to learning what temperature to warm their bottle and when they can start eating different foods… it's just all so much. Journaling in that season looked a lot different than it did in other, more
[Ep 163] Letting God Use Our Wounds: A Conversation with Russell Joyce
(There are a few technical glitches in here. I apologize in advance!) What wounds do you carry around with you? I have scars on my arm from a childhood disease, places where the skin is darker than the rest. For you, it might be a physical scar from an experience that left you scraped and bleeding. Or it might be something deeper: a fear of close relationships, the ever-present sting of betrayal,
[Ep 162] The Most Important Thing
Do you ever have one of those moments when you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God has laid something on your heart? Maybe it's an idea. Maybe it's a truth from His Word. Maybe it's a calling. It is these things that I often write down in my journal. These words from God that I want to remember and hold onto and keep thinking about. Well, I have experienced this recently, and today I want t
[Ep 161] [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals for Grief
C.S. Lewis wrote, "You can't see anything properly while your eyes are blurred with tears." And tears often come when we lose something or someone that was very important to us. The truth is, grief is something we all experience, especially when we lose someone we love, but even when we experience other loss, like the loss of a job, the death of a dream, and the end of a marriage. Journaling can b
[Ep 160] When Life Changes, Re-evaluate
Isn't it funny how, once you get settled into a good routine, something will change that makes it out of whack? Your child finally starts sleeping through the night, but then they start waking up super early. Or you dedicated nights for your quiet time, but then your teenager decides to use that time to chat with you before bed. Or you theme out your work days, only to have appointments or sports
[Ep 159] Loneliness and Belonging: A Conversation with Sarah Westfall
Something that I have often struggled with as an adult is making new friends. It's easier when you're younger and in school. You see your classmates every day or kids from youth group each week. You're given opportunities to interact and see if there is someone kind of like you that you could be friends with. Talk with. Hang out with. But as an adult, time for friendships seems more limited. While
[Ep 158] Burdens vs. Loads: Discerning When to Help Someone (Re-release)
Several years ago, my family and I got to raise a tiny caterpillar. For weeks, we hunted down milkweed to feed it. We watched it grow. And we saw it create its little chrysalis. We even got the blessing of watching it come out of the chrysalis, and caught most of it on video. It was such a beautiful moment. While our little pet didn't have any major trouble, we've all heard, I'm sure, that i
[Ep 157] A Closer Look at Digital Journaling Apps
A new app popped up on my phone with one of the latest updates, and it's a journaling app! Did you get it, too? Did you try it? What do you think? I confess, even though I do some digital journaling (which I'll talk about later in the episode), I haven't tried any sort of journaling app yet. But I know there are several journaling apps out there. Have you wanted to check them out? Are you worried
[Ep 156] How to Spend the Day in Prayer
In preparation for homeschool next year, I've been pre-reading some missionary biographies that we'll be using for our history curriculum. And in the one on Amy Carmichael, it shared several times when she would spend the day in prayer, seeking the Lord on one question or another. For example, should she build a house for the Bible study she led with the "shawlies"? Should she and her group of chi
[Ep 155] When Talking Doesn't Help
When you are going through something like betrayal, depression, or deep grief, it can be hard to talk about what is going on inside of you. And I dare to say, there are times when talking doesn't actually help the situation. I remember when I struggled with depression in college, and every time I talked about it, it just seemed to make things worse. I felt alone. I felt like no one understood. I f
[Ep 154] [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals for Depression and Anxiety
When you are struggling with depression or anxiety, it can often feel heavy. Overwhelming. Hopeless. The worries and fears you carry around can impact every aspect of your life. The sadness can overshadow every other thing around you. I know, because I've been there. Have you? And in addition to counseling or coaching or seeing a doctor, journaling has also proven quite beneficial for those experi
[Ep 153] Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference?
It wasn't that long ago that I led my Journal Gently Mini Workshop, and during that time, I led women through three different journal prompts that focused on perspective. And here's the kicker: I only offered five minutes for them to write about each one. But you know what? So many of them were surprised at how much they were able to cover in only five minutes. And I want you to discover that, too
[Ep 152] How to Decline an Offer of Help Gracefully (Re-Release)
Have you ever had someone offer some sort of support or help to you that you didn't necessarily want, but you didn't know how to say no without hurting their feelings? When you are hurting or struggling or need some extra help, you do get to have a say in the matter. You can choose which counselor you want to meet with. You can decide which friends to confide in. You can determine which activities
[Ep 151] [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Standing Stones: Stories of God's Faithfulness
Have you ever wondered what it was like to experience a spiritual direction session? What happens? What do you talk about? While some coaches will air live coaching sessions, I can't very well do that, for two different reasons. One, I don't do live spiritual direction sessions, since I focus on written spiritual direction. And two, spiritual direction is often deeply personal, and many women woul
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