Journal Gently: Healing with God through quiet reflection, honest conversations, and gentle journaling

[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 honestly before the Lord.   >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 24: An Example in Spiritual Discernment and Decision Making: Going "All In" With Love Does That ·       Episode 172: Trusting God Through Obedience: A Conversation with Neil Broere ·       Episode 44: Why is Change So Hard? Understanding the Change Process and What That Means for Being Healed and Helping Others ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[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 pathway is such a natural fit for me, weaving together spiritual direction, journaling, and formation into one intentional rhythm. If you've been curious about spiritual direction but unsure where to begin—or if you're longing for more structure, consistency, and support in listening to God—this episode will give you a clear picture of what Written Spiritual Direction offers, and how it might serve you in this season.   >> Written Spiritual Direction (A 12-Week Pathway) http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 136: 5 Misconceptions of a Christian Spiritual Director ·       Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness ·       Episode 33: Written Spiritual Direction: How Letters and Messages Can Create Space for God ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[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, permission, and gentle guidance for the season you're in. >> Journal Prompts: Seasons of Change   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 160: When Life Changes, Re-evaluate ·       Episode 177: Grieving Decisions You Don't Want to Make: A Conversation with Lauren Black ·       Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[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 for attention. >> Is This Still Affecting Me?: A Gentle Reflection Guide   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief ·       Episode 178: Exploring Our Stories One Piece at a Time ·       Episode 94: Entering the Silence and Stillness with God: A Conversation with Blogger and Writer Celia Miller ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[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 offers clarity, permission, and kindness toward the ways you've learned to protect yourself. >> Is This Still Affecting Me?: A Gentle Reflection Guide   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief ·       Episode 147: The Flip-Out Rule in Journaling ·       Episode 178: Exploring Our Stories One Piece at a Time ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking