I Can Do That!

Gem is on the move... the move to the Unhurried Living Podcast. Have a listen as she explains the reasoning behind this move of podcasts. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

I want what Jim has.This is the phrase 17-year-old Alan, my husband, uttered as he made one of his first moves into the Christian life.I have always loved hearing Alan share about the first time he went forward in a church to receive Christ. I've heard this story multiple times and I'm always struck by how simple and heartfelt Alan's desire was. We'll talk more about this today… ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

It's near the beginning of the calendar year and, for some, it feels like a fresh start. Most of us are long past making resolutions. We've come to see that they don't last and are followed up by shame and guilt. I haven't made resolutions for years. But I thought it might be good to share with you a few simple ways you could plan for some soul care in an ongoing way. These ideas are bottom shelf and that's good. It's always wise to begin small and build habits. I mention a couple resources in this episode. Here are those links:An Unhurried Time with God guideAnnual  Examen guide ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Breathing. It's as natural as, well, breathing. We breathe all day long without giving it a thought. It's just one of the many astounding aspects of our God-given bodies. I'm grateful for all the processes that continue to keep me healthy and alive, aren't you?  Today, using the word BREATHE, I'm going to guide you in a spiritual practice that you can use in the middle of any given day. We'll make the unconscious, conscious and give our souls space to breathe. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Almost everyone I speak with these days is tired or stressed in troubling ways. Not only do we carry our regular burdens and concerns, but we also carry around our knowledge of what is going on in our country and around the globe. While it is true that we cannot psychologically bear up under the weight of all that we see and hear in the information age—we do want to have a basic knowledge of world events. But how do we hold all of this without becoming overwhelmed? How can we be a healthy member of our planet without crumbling beneath the weight? My guest today is radio host, Carmen LaBerge, and she is going to help us make our way. Carmen LaBerge is an author, speaker and host of the Christian talk radio show Mornings with Carmen LaBerge, across the Faith Radio Network. On air, live each weekday morning, Carmen demonstrates civil conversation as she and her guests bring the mind of Christ to bear on the headline news of the day.  Carmen has conducted thousands of interviews with widely respected influencers, reporters, authors, and leaders. She is author of Speak the Truth: Bring God back into every Conversation and blogs at www.carmenlaberge.com ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Many of you have likely heard of a way of engaging scripture called Lectio Divina. It is a kind of “Divine Reading.” What I love about Lectio Divina is that it is a slow and formational way of engaging the bible. It can help us move from our heads to our hearts. Lectio Divina is reflective, meditative, receptive and responsive.  Let's begin with a little Lectio 101, and then I will guide you in the practice as we experience Psalm 73:23-26 together.The four movements of Lectio Divina are: Read (Lectio) Reflect (Meditatio) Respond (Oratio) Rest (Contemplatio) With Lectio Divina, rather than gathering information, we seek to allow God to meet us in our hearts and minds in a spirit of transformation. We allow ourselves to sink into the passage…to linger…to think, yes, but also to feel and to experience.  ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Today I'm talking with Joanna Meyer, the author of the recently released book Women, Work and Calling.  No matter what title you have or don't have, we are all working women. People, tasks, and schedules fill our days and we all have influence in these spheres.  How do you respond to God's calling? How does God grow our soul through our work? How do we tap into our vocational power?  Joanna Meyer is director of public engagement at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, where she leads public events, hosts the Faith & Work Podcast, and founded Women, Work, & Calling, a national initiative that equips Christian women for godly influence in public life. Prior to joining the Institute, she worked in global telecom, nonprofit consulting, and campus ministry with Cru. Joanna served as associate faculty at Denver Seminary and completed a certificate in Women in Leadership through Cornell University. She contributed to Women &  Work and has written for Faith Driven Entrepreneur and various Denver Institute publications.  ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

A few years ago I read Thomas Kelly's A Testament of Devotion. He put into eloquent prose a dynamic that I had experienced, but had not yet found words to describe. There is a way of ordering our mental life on more than one level at once. On one level we may be thinking, discussing, seeing, calculating, meeting all the demands of external affairs. But deep within, behind the scenes, at a profounder level, we may also be in prayer and adoration, song and worship and a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings. . . . In a deeply religious culture people know that the deep level of prayer and of divine attendance is the most important thing in the world. It is at this deep level that the real business of life is determined. . . . Between the two levels is fruitful interplay, but ever the accent must be upon the deeper level, where the soul ever dwells in the presence of the Holy One. Thomas Kelly, A Testament of Devotion (San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1941), 9.  ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Transition. How do you feel when you hear this word?For some, transitions are welcome because it's a movement from one place to another.For others, transitions are unwelcome for the same reason. Change can be disconcerting.But whatever you feel about transitions, that's where we're headed today in our conversation. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Today we're talking about being a mentoring presence, or wise woman, in the lives of others. This really is an encouragement to any woman listening to think of herself as a wise woman in the life of another.The actress, Julia Louis Dreyfus, has a new podcast called “Wiser Than Me.” She is 62 and she interviews women who are older than her. She asks questions so that she can glean life wisdom from other women's life experiences. So our question today is this: how am I living my life so that, over time, I can become a wise woman. And how am I offering myself to others in this way…all along the way. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Are you now, or have you recently been, in a difficult situation? Most of us have at least one circumstance in our lives, at any given point, that isn't going the way we had hoped. Today I'm sharing a personal story of climbing a mountain at high elevation. Together, we'll look at it literally and metaphorically.______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

In preparation for co-leading a pilgrimage for women to Italy last month, I spent some time getting to know St. Catherine of Siena and St. Clare of Assisi. These two female saints were quite formidable in their passion and love for God—and what that meant for their own souls and those around them. In Ilia Delio's book, Clare of Assisi, I found a snippet Clare wrote in a letter to her sister, Agnes.  “O most noble Queen,gaze upon [him].consider [him].contemplate [him].as you desire to imitate [him].” Four words leapt off the page: GazeConsiderContemplateImitate These four dynamics are compelling invitations in my relationship with God. And, if followed, could lead to “much fruit that lasts” spoken of in John 15.  ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

The day this episode releases, I will be in Italy with 15 wonderful women. We will be on a pilgrimage.  People have been engaging pilgrimage for centuries. Yes, it is a physical journey but it's also an inward exploration of the soul. Pilgrimage is a chance to connect with your inner life, your deepest held beliefs, and your relationship with God in a focused and intentional way. So how can you embrace the idea of pilgrimage as an element of your lifestyle?______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

You may have heard me announce here that we now take the month of July each year as a mini sabbatical. I engage no work, no work-related email, and no social media. It is a much-needed way of disengaging that allows body and soul to rest at a deeper level.  One benefit of extended time like that is that I can get in touch with ideas, longings, dynamics and desires that typically stay buried underneath the flurry of activity in my day-to-day life. I'd like to share with you one such “get-in-touch” moment from my time away. Let's dig in to the problem with discontent.______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

A while back I had a conversation with a group of leaders. We were talking about spiritual practices and the need for refreshment and refilling. (As you can imagine, I talk about this a lot). One of the people mentioned that this was all fine and good but what about REAL life. I've heard this comment many times before, and I typically leave it alone. But more recently I've begun to pause the conversation (whether with an individual or a small group) to take a closer look at what “real” means.  ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Growing up on our small six-acre farm in Washington was wonderful. As a child, I enjoyed many hours and days of leisure. This was back in the day before the information age. One phone connected to a wall and five channels on the TV (and I was the remote control). I had a pogo stick, a skateboard, a bike and a horse. What else could you need? One of my favorite memories was rolling down a small hill in our front yard. It was probably only a four-foot incline, but for a young one like me it was a delight. I spent hours lying in the grass, watching butterflies and bees, looking up at tall pine branches hanging overhead, or simply watching the sky.  Today we're going to think about enjoying the little, and sometimes unexpected, aspects of life. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Today I'm sharing a timely replay from the Unhurried Living Podcast. I interviewed K.J. Ramsey on her book This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers. The entire episode will play, including an introduction of K.J., so for now, I'll leave you with this. You are not alone in your suffering and K.J. is an expert on this, having suffered physically for years. Listen and take heart.K.J. Ramsey is a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor and author whose work offers space to see every part of our souls and stories as sacred. She holds degrees from Covenant College and Denver Seminary and is the author of This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers and The Lord is My Courage: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.  

I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend with my friend, teacher and leader, Jodie Niznik. We talked about fruitfulness inspired by God, as compared to productivity inspired by me…which can sometimes lead to over-giving. We often think we need to accomplish things by direct action. But fruitfulness works a little differently. Jodie and I dig into that and I trust you'll find some nuggets to tuck away as well as some new action steps.Jodie Niznik, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, helps people create space for God in their lives through her Scripture meditation podcast entitled "So Much More", and equips them to take another step with Jesus through her Real People, Real Faith Bible studies and teaching. She served in pastoral ministry for over twelve years. Her calling and passion is to equip people to create space for God in their lives and take another step in their journey with Jesus. Jodie is married to Tim. They have two adult daughters and a very poorly trained Yorkie-poo. You can connect with her at jodieniznik.com and on Instagram. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

What is the purpose of a sabbatical and how is it even possible? Great questions that I answer today as Alan and I prepare for our 3rd annual monthly sabbatical in July. Listen in as I share how we plan for, engage in and promote this kind of soulful rest. Our  categories of our engagement include: Rest. Play. Relationships. Reading. Prayer. Unplugging. Beauty. Refilling.

A few months ago a semi-prominent newscaster made a flippant comment about women over 50 not being in their prime. He gave examples from a google search that said women in their twenties and thirties are in their prime. Of course, being a woman over 50, I had some very strong feelings about this dismissive statement. I wanted to say something via social media or email in real time about his comment, but decided not to enter the fray of reactive dialogue. But time passed, and I forgot about the newscaster's comment, until recently when I saw a movie in which a man spoke endearingly to a woman over 50, “You look like you're in your prime to me.” A sweet and heartfelt statement at just the right time in their story. So I thought about the word “prime” again. What does that even mean? I looked it up. This is where we're headed… ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community. 

During the first few months of this year I was in a season that one of my pastor's helped me to name as “reset.” Prior to that I was rumbling along at an accelerated pace and I came to realize it was too much for me. My body and soul spoke loudly at the same time and said, “Enough!” A while back I was sharing with my spiritual director about this reset, a big shift I feel occurring in this, my 59th year of my life. The big 6-0 is looming ahead of me in early 2024 and it's giving me pause.  I still feel young and vibrant inside, and I know that age is just a number, and yet there is no doubt about it--I will be entering the final third of my life. So this week we are talking about the quality of our life. Have we lived how we want to live - both for ourselves and for God. ______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Every once in a while, I like to reflect on all God has taught me over the previous few months or years. In many ways, that‘s what both my books, What Does Your Soul Love? and Hold That Thought are—a gathering of life lessons learned at the feet of Jesus. Recently I journaled my current, central paradigms. I am grateful for the grace of God shining a light on these important areas. Each of these informs how I view God, myself and others. Over time, I long to grow in love in all three of these relationships.______________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community. 

It is easy to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders these days because we can see and hear what is going on in most corners of our planet. Psychologically, emotionally, relationally and even physically, this is too much to bear. Postlethwaite's poetic invitation is to create a clearing inside our own dense forest, and…wait. Wait as a song is given to us (I would add “by God”). Then we will know how to serve. This is an unhurried invitation isn't it? The temptation is always to keep moving forward, mostly at breakneck pace. There is so much to do! There are so many needs! How will it ever get done? But unhurried leadership takes on a different view. Unhurried leadership knows that we must fill up with what we would pour out.  Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

Welcome to this bonus episode of ICDT. Today I'm sharing a conversation I had with my husband, Alan, on the UL Podcast. We are talking about PACE our new certificate in leadership and soul care.We'll share our experience and passion with walking alongside leaders for many years. We care very much about the sustainability of our influence over time…spiritually, relationally and vocationally.I think you'll find lots of encouragement and reminders within our dialogue. Of course, I'm inviting you to consider PACE, but more than that, I'm inviting you to remember what it is to be an unhurried leader. We are on this journey together and I want to inspire you as much as I possibly can. 

Today we are pondering the idea of the heart. And, for this conversation, I'm defining the heart as the inner person, that deepest place within ourselves where we interact on the central aspects of life in connection to God. This is an important idea and I'm so glad you are engaging with me today. I'm Gem Fadling and it's time for ICDT.___________________________________________________________ Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community. 

When it comes to difficult circumstances, we've all heard the platitudes: “No pain, no gain.” “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” But if we spend our lives trying to be “the strong one,” we become exhausted, burned-out, and disconnected from our truest selves.What if it were different? Could there be a different way to be strong? Could strength mean more than pushing on and pushing through pain, bearing every heavy burden on our own? What if, instead, true strength were more like the tide: soft and bold, fierce and gentle, moving together as one powerful force? Today I am talking with Aundi Kolber on her latest book, Strong Like Water as we look at strength and pain and where our strength truly comes from. Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

If we were to only believe the 24-hour news cycle, we would think there is very little peace in the world. Yes, there are dramatic and traumatic things going on around the planet. But right in the middle of all that, many people are simply living their lives--loving their families, working hard and serving others. We can choose to be people of peace right in the middle of a contentious, distracted and overwhelmed culture. And I would argue this is absolutely necessary. Today we're looking at a scripture passage that gives us beautiful counsel for extending peace to everyone, no matter the circumstance. And there's a surprising twist that generously benefits us as we do.  I'm Gem Fadling and it's time for ICDT.________________________________________________Follow Gem on Instagram and grab a copy of her new book Hold That Thought. You can also join her in the Replenish Community.

We begin with a reading from 1 Thes 5:14:“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thes. 5:14) It would be easy to simply gloss over this, ignoring the relational nuances or to turn it into some rigid formula for the control freak within. Rather than either of those, I like to think of this as wise counsel for truly seeing others and responding in ways that might actually help them make their way. We'll simply take each phrase on its face as we move through the verse. Connect with Gem on Instagram or visit her at the Unhurried Living website.

Awhile back, during an overnight retreat, I chose to peruse the notes from my first spiritual direction training. I had two folders with worksheets, practices, and handwritten notes from multiple lectures. My plan was to read through everything, so I could remember and glean from the spiritual wisdom contained in those pages. I made it through only half of one handwritten notebook. I barely scratched the surface. Reading through my notes in a soulful way turned out to be a much slower process than I had anticipated. That time was so rich. I was able to soak in the goodness of God and reflect on how he had used those teachings to carry me through the next ten years. The lessons I reflected on were like a rototiller, cultivating the soil of my soul's garden. I was ready to receive what was offered, and it truly prepared me for all of the work that followed over the decade since then. I thought I would share with you ten seeds of wisdom from my notes. My hope is that one or two of these ideas will connect with you right where you are. Connect with Gem on Instagram or visit her at the Unhurried Living website.

Today I'm talking with Dr. Kristi Gaultiere and we'll be discussing our journey toward emotional and spiritual growth.I've known Kristi for many years. She and her husband have a ministry called Soul Shepherding and their mission is similar to Unhurried Living. They care for and train Christian leaders with a focus on pastors and spiritual directors. Kristi and her husband are both therapists and authors and I'm delighted to share this conversation on transformation over a lifetime.

Gem shares lessons learned from taking a break from Podcast recording and what's in store for I Can Do That! Podcast. 

Most of us have no idea how others see or process their experiences. And that can make relationships difficult.  Understanding the motivations and dynamics of our different personality types can be the key that unlocks sometimes mystifying behavior in others―and in ourselves.   Suzanne Stabile's book, The Path Between Us looks at the nine Enneagram types and how they behave and experience relationships.   Today I'm sharing a portion of my Replenish conversation with Suzanne. We all desire healthier relationships and Suzanne can help point the way. The question I asked Suzanne for this I Can Do That! Podcast episode is this: What is a unique challenge for each Enneagram type in relationships? Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

As was typical of a season long ago, there was a pile of little boys in the back of my red minivan. We were driving down the street toward our home when I noticed some unusual dark grey storm clouds in the sky. Behind the clouds was a glowing blue sky, with splashes of pink and gold.It was the beginning of sunset, and, evidently, my then 4-year-old son had never seen a sky exactly like that before.“I never saw today!” he exclaimed as he peered out the van window, reacting to the sky.The wonder in his voice floored me. The only way he could think of to describe this amazing sky which he had never seen before was, “I never saw today!”What did his exclamation do for my mama's heart? We'll that's where we're headed.I'm Gem Fadling and it's time for ICDT. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

As a part of my living room décor, I have two bowls of rocks. Of course this is lovelier than it sounds. The bowls are glass antiques from my Aunt Ruth's collection and the rocks are all polished and colorful.But these aren't just rocks. They represent a bowlful of treasured memories created with my dad. Markers of time spent together.I'm Gem Fadling and it's time for ICDT.  Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

In our book, What Does Your Soul Love?, I shared a few nuggets of wisdom from one of my mentors, Abbot David Geraets. But there's one nugget I didn't put into the book, and I'd like to offer it to you today.  A nugget about silence. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Today I'm talking with my sweetheart and husband of 37 years, Alan Fadling, and we'll be discussing unhurried spiritual leadership. This is Alan's expertise and I want you to learn from the best.Alan's message has been forming over decades. And I'm sure you'll hear echoes of things I've shared with you before. That's because we've taken this journey together, and I count this as a great grace. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and the Replenish Community.Learn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Connect with Alan and his latest book, A Year of Slowing Down.

I've enjoyed the treat of having many mentor-like people in my life who were ahead of me on the journey. They knew more than me and readily shared their knowledge and wisdom. They believed in me and my potential, and were willing to help draw me into the next season.  Maya Angelou once said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is certainly true that my mentors taught and trained me, but just as Ms. Angelou stated, what I remember the most is how they made me feel. Although there have been many who poured into me throughout my life, today I'm sharing with you three important people who touched and changed my life:Perla WarrenHal ClarkEllyn Cowie Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Here in the states, it's Thanksgiving week. And it's easy to become stressed or overwhelmed during the holidays. Every year we tell ourselves that we won't get caught up in the scurry of the season, but difficult relationships and over-extended schedules press in. Then we find ourselves enduring the season rather than enjoying it.Wrapped up inside all this is another lovely dynamic: decision fatigue.  Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Today I'm talking with Dr. Alison Cook and we'll be discussing how to discover the BEST OF YOU (also the title of her latest book).Dr. Alison delivers life-changing strategies for helping women develop their voices, forge healthy relationships, and embrace the holy, sacred work of becoming their true selves in God. I'm sharing with you a portion of the conversation I had with Alison for our Replenish Community. She shares about the difference between selfishness and selfhood, which leads into a conversation about following the example of Jesus in the area of boundaries. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Have you ever experienced a moment when scripture came to life? More than just words on a page or a passage that you memorized, I'm talking about a time when reality-wisdom bowled you over. Well, today I'm sharing a time when scripture leapt off the page and overwhelmed me with the felt reality of its truth.⁠⁠This week on I Can Do That! Podcast, I share how a reading in church changed how I view and receive scripture.⁠Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

A few years ago I was reading a book by Mary Pipher, entitled, Women Rowing North. In it, a notable epiphany is had by a woman named Sylvia, whose life took some unexpected turns. Pipher writes, “Sylvia in Austin has learned that she is in control not of life, but of the story about her life.“ The same time I was reading this book, I ran into some very unexpected and unwelcome travel issues. And I had to chance to try on this new insight. I have my own story to tell today, one about crafting renewed narratives. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

The voice of the inner critic is another voice from my new book Hold That Thought. The inner critic has an opinion about everything and she will be sure to tell you. The inner chatter produced by this voice leads to thoughts that can feel judgmental and can even lead to resentment. Here are a few of her choice thoughts: Why can't you get this right? Couldn't you have done better than that? Why do you always keep me waiting? Things could be so much better than this. You don't look-sound-smell right. Fix it! Do better. Be more. And it had better be perfect! Today, I'm talking with my friend, Marla Christian. She has a long history with the voice of the inner critic and I'm so glad she's here to share with us today. We can glean a lot from her story. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

The voice of the stressed achiever has much to do. She likes to focus on accomplishments and she cares about the opinions of others. Never allowing a break, the stressed achiever keeps you driving forward. She'll have nothing to do with laziness. But what hums underneath is a fear that she doesn't exist apart from her accomplishments. These are her mantras: Staying busy proves my worth. The more I produce, the more I am. Someone must push this thing up the hill. Let's get going! Today, I'm talking with Morgan Northway. She has a before and after story of dealing with her inner stressed achiever and it is truly inspiring. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads 

Most of the women I connect with have an interesting connection with their bodies. And that's putting it mildly. It seems we either love her, hate her or ignore her. (Notice I didn't call my body an it, but rather her). I know I'm playing around with semantics, but personalizing my body helps me not keep her at arms distance…like an object. Our bodies are God-created and given. Many of us have suffered various forms of trauma over the course of our lives. And our bodies store the memory of these traumas inside. This is why we don't want to ignore her messages. Today I'm talking with Sarah Jackson and we'll be discussing the idea of attuning to our bodies with awareness, understanding and care. The connection between our minds and our bodies is undeniable. And even though the scientific world confirms this, practically speaking, we don't always know how to make the most of this God-designed connection. Sarah is quite skilled at helping us make that connection.  Connect with Sarah on Instagram. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads 

Today I'm sharing with you a very special story. It's actually an excerpt from my new book, Hold That Thought. It's my description of a pivotal scene from the movie Wonder Woman. I know…what can you learn from a superhero movie, right? Well, it turns out you can learn a lot. When you are open, aware and willing, there is no telling from where your next life lesson might emerge. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

On today's podcast episode I'm sharing a little bit about each of the seven unhelpful voices that sometimes take the steering while of our lives.At its core, each voice does not believe it already has what it needs. So, it finds a way to whisper (or yell) in your ear to get your attention. When they feel backed into a corner these voices may lash out. Here's an example from each voice. See if you recognize any of these:Stressed Achiever - You haven't achieved enough yet. You haven't proved yourself. Get on it!Positive Thinker - You can't possibly have everything yet. But I know how to get it. Let's go!Inner Critic - It's not perfect yet. We are going to get this right if it's the last thing we do.Anxious Controller - You don't have enough control. What if things go awry? What will happen then, huh?!Complaining Victim - That other person is keeping you from being happy. If they would just change, then you'd have what you need. Until then you are stuck.Passive Spectator - And you don't know how to get it. You only have so much energy and we've got more important things to do like hide, be scared, and remain unfulfilled. That way you never have to be disappointed.Unsatisfied Heart - How could you possibly fill that giant void in your heart? There is no way to fill up this space, and even if you try there's no way it will happen any time soon.Seeing the voices this starkly can make us either laugh or cry. But when these unhelpful thoughts circle around in our brain, they seem very real—and they feel like the truth.But remember what we said before, you are not your thoughts. These voices come from any number of places inside of us. Past traumas, unhealthy relationships and more cause us to self-protect. And these voices are really trying their best to keep us safe.  Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Today, my guest is Jennifer Dukes Lee. Jennifer's most recent book is entitled, Growing Slow. I placed her here right up front on purpose. Her message is one I deeply believe in. How could I not? We are Unhurried Living after all.The excerpt I chose for you this month is about wintering. If you think about the seasons of the year, most people don't appreciate the view of a leafless tree, standing alone in the frozen tundra. But as you hear Jennifer describe what happens to farmland in winter, I hope you will feel encouraged deep down inside your soul. Even when you think nothing is happening…so much is actually taking place deep within. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Today, I'm sharing with you one of the mentor conversations from the first month of Replenish. You'll get to hear from me, Brenda Renderos and Larissa Marks as we talk about some of the central paradigms of the formational life. This is the kind of content you can expect each month in Replenish. Real life conversations about important and profound matters.Brenda Renderos is a soul care coach, and Larissa is a spiritual director and formation coach. They are both quite wise and gracious and I know you'll hear this shine forth as we move through our conversation. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

I first want to talk to you about the word Replenish and why I love it so much. There are a lot of “R” words that I could have chosen: Rest, receive, recover, refill, or restore.Replenish stands out because within it is the connotation of refilling that which was poured out. It assumes you are giving, serving and working. It is important for us to remember that these dynamics are concurrent. We keep ourselves fresh and replenished as we continue to serve and give.No matter what your age or stage, I know you are engaging lots of output. Friends, family, work responsibilities--there is much to do. But if you've been listening here for long, you know me well enough to know that I believe deeply that you cannot continue to serve from an empty cup.Replenishing is the idea of the pitcher and the cup. Imagine God as a pitcher of cold, refreshing water and he is constantly pouring. We, the cup, remain under that replenishing stream as we live our lives. John 15 would call this abiding.Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads 

Notice, discern and respond (NDR). Three simple words. And yet they take time and intention. Today's I Can Do That! episode is like a mini-workshop. I'm not just going to chatter away at you. Instead, you can take action on a thought right now, as we move through this together. This is about telling ourselves the truth. Critical, shaming or numbing thoughts do not help us mature the way we desire. We are simply becoming more aware of our thoughts so that they don't run the show and keep us from engaging life the way we want to. Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads

Over the last few years I've been consoled many times by this phrase: you already have what you need. It comes straight from 2 Peter 1:3 and the Spirit reminded me of its power during a particularly stressful season. It's now an ongoing life-paradigm for me.I thought it might be nice if we spent a little time in 2 Peter, lingering over these words slowly. Savoring them like a fine chocolate.By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3) . Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living websiteLearn about and pre-order her new book,Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads