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

[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

[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 kind of support your heart may be asking for, and releasing the pressure to navigate everything on your own. >> Is This Still Affecting Me?: A Gentle Reflection Guide   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 189: When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped ·       Episode 135: Identifying Signs You're Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It) ·       Episode 49: Finding Your Stretcher Bearers: The People Who Can Help Carry You Through a Difficult Season ·       Episode 51: Who Can I Trust? Distinguishing Between Safe and Unsafe People When You Need Help ______ >> 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 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 loss can be extra challenging (though not impossible) to heal from. Plus, she offers three journaling prompts for anyone experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one.   CONNECT WITH VICTORIA ·       Website ·       Book: God, You're Fired (Amazon affiliate link) ·       Free Curated Resource Booklet  _____ RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episodes 9 and 10: Supporting a Friend Through Grief (And Walking Through It Yourself) with Karen Altizer ·       Episode 61: Perceiving God's Presence and Love with Spiritual Director and Author Sharon Garlough Brown ·       Episode 102: Sitting with Others in their Grief and Loss with Grief Coach Julie Lynn Ashley ______ >> Grief Journal Prompts http://lovedoesthat.org/griefjournal  >> 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

[Episode 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 on the past year and to listen for what may still be asking for care as you move forward. >> Is This Still Affecting Me?: A Gentle Reflection Guide   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief ·       Episode 65: Learn to Linger with What Provokes You ·       Episode 149: What Are You Feeling Possessive Of? ______ >> 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 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 right now.   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 187: Clarity Comes with Action ·       Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God? ·       Episode 181: Does An Open Door Mean God Approves? ______ >> 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