Let's Encourage One Another

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 God. But how do you know which books to journal about and what to write?  Today, I've got 8 ideas to get you started, plus 10 book recommendations you might want to check out for yourself. Kari   See list of book recommendations here.   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·       Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference? ·       Episode 61: Perceiving God's Presence and Love with Spiritual Director and Author Sharon Garlough Brown ·       Episode 172: Trusting God Through Obedience: A Conversation with Neil Broere ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking >> Editing http://karibartkus.com   Music by DappyTKeys

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.  The truth is, as much as I love supporting women as they seek healing in God and as they journal together with Him, one of my biggest passions is teaching God's Word. You can see how the two go hand-in-hand, yet they are also distinct. Separate. Teaching His Word has looked different for me over the years. Sometimes I was teaching children, sometimes youth, sometimes adults. Sometimes in small group settings, other times in large group ones. Always teaching in my local church, yet also sometimes teaching as a guest in places like retreats and conferences. And today, you get a special treat. Because I'm sharing a message I gave titled “Love Does That,” which is where my business name comes from. I originally gave this message in 2016. I started Love Does That in 2018. Which means I am now 7 years into this thing. Though there have been a few twists and turns along the way as I continue to discern how God wants me to use this space for Him, it is always an absolute honor and a privilege for me to use His Word to stir up the faith of others. So I invite you to join me as we go back and listen to the message that started it all.  Kari   >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 106: Leading As An Introvert ·       Episode 57: A Heart to Heart with Women's Ministries Leaders: You've Got to Reach Out to Those in Your Church Who Are Hurting ·       Episode 12: Caring for Hurting Kids at Your Church: 3 Powerful But Simple Things You Can Do ·       Bonus Episode: Dry Bones: A Resurrection Story ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   Music by DappyTKeys

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. But they're all pieces of us. They're not good, necessarily. They're not bad, either. They just... are. Today, I want to talk about what healing might look like as we explore our stories one piece at a time. Then, I have a special invitation for you for this summer. Kari   >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons ·       Episode 147: The Flip-Out Rule in Journaling ·       Episode 98: Grief Has A Way Of… Well, Getting In The Way: A Personal Letter From Me To You ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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 your head are telling you two different things. Lauren Black had a decision like this. And she has had to lay down her dream and move forward in surrender. Lauren is a Decision Coach, as she'll talk more about in our first moments together. And she has been able to develop some frameworks that have helped her—and others—discern what choices to make.  We also talk about how to grieve these hard decisions and if you should ever reconsider decisions later down the road. Is it okay to change your mind? Or is that too flakey? And after this conversation, be sure to catch our episode over on Lauren's podcast, Anchored Decisions. Kari   CONNECT WITH LAUREN BLACK: ·       Anchored Decisions website ·       Instagram ·       Free Decision Compass   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 77: Three Prayers for Discernment: Making Difficult Choices in Difficult Seasons ·       Episode 160: When Life Changes, Re-evaluate ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking     Music by DappyTKeys

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 “responsibility” I mentioned last time? I tend to beat myself up if I don't meet a deadline or forget to follow up with someone. I feel horrible about it and do everything I can to make it up to the other person. This perfectionism can show up in many areas of life, including our journaling. In fact, I dare say it's one of the biggest obstacles I see women facing as they start a journaling practice of their own. But it's tricky. It doesn't always look like perfectionism. So today, we'll talk about the disguises perfectionism can wear in your journaling and what you can do to overcome it. Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       20 Ways to Journal with God (PDF) ·       Episode 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons ·       Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference? ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking     Music by DappyTKeys

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 words, I hide away.  Can you relate? We can't just ignore these seasons altogether. They are just a part of life. But by creating regular times of intentional solitude, we not only prepare ourselves for these overwhelming seasons, but we also give ourselves moments of peace and calm during them. Why is that? Why is solitude such a big superpower for introverts? Stick around and we'll explore that together. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 173: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Dialogue Journaling ·       Episode 166: God in the Midst of the Storm: A Devotional Reading of Mark 6:45-52 ·       Episode 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons ·       Episode 159: Loneliness and Belonging: A Conversation with Sarah Westfall ·       Episode 118: Tips for Journaling In Front of Others ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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 Made Simple.  When I was talking with her, I shared with her this idea about imaginative prayer. With her permission, I want to share part of that conversation with you. I not only explain what imaginative prayer is, but I also walk us through an example so you can see what it might look like in real life. Kari   >> GROUP JOURNAL COACHING CALL RECORDING http://lovedoesthat.org/store   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Eva Kubasiak's YouTube channel ·       Episode 32 Bible Study Made Simple podcast: Imaginative Prayer with Kari Bartkus ·       Episode 64: Approaching God Even In Your Anxiety with Your Bible Study Best Friend Eva Kubasiak ·       Bonus Episode 2: [Guided Scripture Reading] When Someone Fights For You ·       Bonus Episode 4: [Guided Scripture Reading] The Courage to Ask to Be Healed ·       Bonus Episode 10: [Guided Scripture Reading] When You Don't Get Picked ·       Bonus Episode 11: [Imaginative Prayer] Jesus, Have Mercy ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> JOURNAL COACHING: A 1:1 call to talk about journaling http://lovedoesthat.org/journalcoaching  >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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's right. Sometimes these conversations happen in writing in something called dialogue journaling. Today, we're going to take a closer look at what dialogue journaling is and what it can look like as it relates to your relationship with God. Kari   LENT JOURNALING RETREAT http://lovedoesthat.org/lent2025   JOURNAL COACHING http://lovedoesthat.org/journalcoaching   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 109: It's Getting Real: God's Invitation to Me for the Rest of Lent ·       Episode 82: Posturing Your Heart to Hear from God, Part 1: Ready ·       Episode 83: Posturing Your Heart to Hear from God, Part 2: Recognize ·       Episode 84: Posturing Your Heart to Hear from God, Part 3: Receive ·       Episode 85: Posturing Your Heart to Hear from God, Part 4: Respond ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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 simple concept to understand, it can be hard to live out. Especially when there are questions or doubts weighing on your mind. What might it be like to obey Jesus with everything we have? What does that kind of a life look like?  I can't wait for you to hear what he has to share about this. And when his book is released, I highly encourage you to grab a copy.  Plus, stay tuned to the end, where I'll share about my upcoming Lent Journaling Retreat. I'd love for you to join me. Kari   LENT JOURNALING RETREAT http://lovedoesthat.org/lent2025   CONNECT WITH NEIL BROERE: ·       Instagram ·       The Table California   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 163: Letting God Use Our Wounds: A Conversation with Russell Joyce ·       Episode 109: It's Getting Real: God's Invitation to Me for the Rest of Lent ·       Episode 62: Questions to Ask When You Doubt a Decision You've Made ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Coaching: A 1:1 call to talk about journaling http://lovedoesthat.org/coaching >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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 century America? Is the enemy trying to just wear us out with all the compounded grief and piled-up hardships that we can never escape from? Or is God trying to test us, refine us in this season? Is there something in us that needs to be removed, and He is using this situation to do a spiritual surgery within us? What do we do in the face of hardship and trial? How does God want us to respond? That's what we're going to talk about on today's episode. I want to review some of the common reasons we experience hard times in this life and then share with you how I believe God is calling us to respond to each of them. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons ·       Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ·       Episode 108: Just Because Something's Hard Doesn't Mean It's Wrong ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop  >> Journal Coaching: A 1:1 call to talk about journaling http://lovedoesthat.org/coaching  >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief and trauma journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   Music by DappyTKeys

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 find the words to do so. Both of these can be incredibly powerful, and I can't wait to see what happens when you try them. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·       Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference? ·       Episode 118: Tips for Journaling In Front of Others   ______   >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Coaching: A 1:1 call to talk about journaling http://lovedoesthat.org/coaching >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking >> Support the work of Love Does That http://PayPal.Me/LoveDoesThat     Music by DappyTKeys

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 those around us who are going through difficult seasons. To walk alongside them. To love them. To support them. Because, as Michael Slater said, “To hurt is bad enough, but to hurt alone destroys people physically, mentally, and spiritually.” Courageous Care is all about discovering how God has designed you to do this, to care for others. And last summer, I had the chance to teach about the CARE framework to a group of pastor's wives. Today, I want to share that opening part of that message with you. And I lovingly and gently ask you, what is stopping you from caring for others? Which of the five obstacles hits closest to home? Take a few minutes to journal about it once the episode is over and see what God might have to say to that. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 2: Discerning Who to Encourage ·       Episode 31: Why You Can't Let Failure Stop You From Reaching Out ·       Episode 69: The Problem with "What Not to Say" Lists and What You Need to Know Instead ·       Episode 158: Burdens vs. Loads: Discerning When to Help Someone   ______   >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop  >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care  >> Support the work of Love Does That http://PayPal.Me/LoveDoesThat   Music by DappyTKeys

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 in it? Or has it gotten dreary and dull?  Wherever you are in your Bible study journey, I want to support you. So today, I want to share with you some different ways to journal through God's Word. And then I'll offer you some specific guided journals that you might want to consider as a tool to use in your Bible study. As you listen, I really invite you to pay attention to if God is inviting you to try one of these. My hope and prayer is that He would kindle a hunger for His Word within you.  Kari   RESOURCES MENTIONED (some are Amazon affiliate links) The 5-Minute Bible Study Journal for Women, by Emily Biggers Bible Study Journal, by Faith Maslo Simple Bible Study Journal, by Eva Kubasiak Scripture Writing Journal, by Emily Fontes Love God Greatly Journal: A SOAP Method Journal for Bible Study, from Love God Greatly Verse Mapping Journal, by Courtney Jenson Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal, by Kristi Cambron Christian Women's Sermon Notes Journal, by Christian Faith Gifts Daily Grace Co Horatio Printing SOAP Bible Studies   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 47: 10 Ways to Encounter God Through His Word ·       Episode 64: Approaching God Even In Your Anxiety with Your Bible Study Best Friend Eva Kubasiak ·       Episode 72: Tending Your Soul with Bible Teacher Mariel Davenport ·       Episode 127: How to Choose a Bible You'll Actually Use ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care  >> Support the work of Love Does That http://PayPal.Me/LoveDoesThat   Music by DappyTKeys

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 a bit about how there are times when you just need to throw your old journals away. And we're going to explore that a little more today. Because I've got to tell you, I don't have any of my journals except the ones from the past few years. Everything else, I threw away. Why? I'll share with you my reasons why and also help you discern if you need to throw yours away, too.  Please note, throwing away your journals is not for everyone. It's actually not for most of you. But how do you know if and when it's time? I hope today's episode will help you determine that for yourself. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 55: Reflection and Journaling as a Lifelong Practice with Business Strategist Elizabeth McCravy ·       Episode 123: A Conversation with Marla Beech: Journaling as a Daily Practice ·       Episode 163: Letting God Use Our Wounds: A Conversation with Russell Joyce ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care  >> Support the work of Love Does That http://PayPal.Me/LoveDoesThat   Music by DappyTKeys

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 with you what I've learned. Let's dive in. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 91: When God is Silent: Experiencing His Presence in New Ways ·       Episode 94: Entering the Silence and Stillness with God: A Conversation with Blogger and Writer Celia Miller ·       Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief ·       Episode 135: Identifying Signs You're Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It) ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week grief journaling program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care  >> Support the work of Love Does That http://PayPal.Me/LoveDoesThat   Music by DappyTKeys

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't you jump out and get a few pictures and catch up with us?" It was NOT what I had planned. But it was what I had. So I did. I jumped out, snapped some pictures, and caught back up with them. Someday, we'll go back when they aren't so busy so we can linger and enjoy the moment more fully. But it reminds me of this upcoming season, when things are often so busy, and we miss these opportunities to linger, to pause, to be. I don't want us to miss those sacred moments. I don't want us to rush through them, either. So what can we do? We'll explore that together today. Kari   >> Pen Your Way to Peace: Planning tips and journaling prompts for an overwhelming holiday season http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayworkshop   >> Pre-Holiday Journaling Challenge: From “Over It” to Overjoyed http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayjournal   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 92: Practicing the Holy Hush Instead of the Holiday Hustle: Intentionally Inviting Moments of Deep Silence ·       Episode 138: Holy Hush or Holiday Hustle: Which Will You Choose? ·       Episode 139: 3 Truths to Remember During a Difficult Holiday Season (Re-Release) ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care     Music by DappyTKeys

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 ordinary life seasons. And then there are situations where you stop journaling altogether, like Elizabeth McCravy shared back in episode 55. When her dad died, it was about a year before she picked up her journal again. The choice is up to you, whether you journal during difficult seasons or not. You'll know what's right for you. God will guide you in that.  But if you're finding yourself wanting to journal during this time and aren't sure how to, I want to offer you 3 tips so that you can still reap the benefits from journaling and also stay close to God. Kari   >> Pen Your Way to Peace: Planning tips and journaling prompts for an overwhelming holiday season http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayworkshop   >> Pre-Holiday Journaling Challenge: From “Over It” to Overjoyed http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayjournal   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 55: Reflection and Journaling as a Lifelong Practice with Business Strategist Elizabeth McCravy ·       Episode 54: 4 Simple Ways to Start (or Keep) Journaling ·       Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·       Episode 144: How to Create Both a Short and Long Journaling Routine ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

(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, the feeling like you don't belong. On today's episode I speak with Russell Joyce about how God can use these wounds in our lives to bring both freedom and healing. Russell is the national director of church planting for The Foursquare Church and senior pastor of Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon. He's also the co-host of the Same Jesus podcast. But today I chat with him as the author of his book, His Face Like Mine.  The foundational story of the book has to do with the fact that Russell was born with a rare craniofacial disorder where the left side of his face was not formed. And as he works through the scars from that—physical, emotional, and spiritual—he discovers how God meets us in our wounds and sets us free.  Russell and I talk about the gift of repentance, how journaling has played a role for him and how it can play a role in your own healing journey, and at the end, he shares some words to those who are walking alongside people who are healing. This is a sacred conversation, my friends. So settle in and ask God what He has to say to you through this episode today.  Kari   RELATED RESOURCES: ·       Russell's book, His Face Like Mine (Amazon affiliate link) ·       Russell's website (access his monthly meditation) ·       Russell's Instagram ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 to share with you about the most important thing in my life right now. This episode will be a bit more reflective than usual as I share some of my own thoughts and ideas about what is stirring in my heart right now. And if you're willing, I'd love for you to email me and let me know what God has placed on your heart in this season. Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 31: Why You Can't Let Failure Stop You From Reaching Out ·       Episode 35: Job the Encourager: Strengthening Those Who are Weak ·       Episode 46: Run to Win: Encouragement As We Enter the New Year ·       Episode 108: Just Because Something's Hard Doesn't Mean It's Wrong ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   Music by DappyTKeys

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 be such a helpful way to process some of these complex thoughts and feelings that often come after such a loss. Because of that, I want to review five guided journals designed specifically for those experiencing grief.  Like last time, when we looked at guided journals for depression and anxiety, I'll share more about each one and how it is created so you can discern if it might be a good fit for you or a friend of yours. And along the way, you'll glean some tips and advice for journaling through grief. Kari   >> Grief Journal Prompts http://lovedoesthat.org/griefjournal   >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   RESOURCES MENTIONED: (Amazon affiliate links) Grief Journal: Navigating Difficulty After Loss, by Amanda McNeil Grieving the Write Way, by Gary Roe Even in Darkness, by Morgan Cheek 52-Week Devotional Journal for Grief, by Debbra Sell Bronstad How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed: A Journal for Grief, by Megan Devine   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 50: Gritty Faith in the Midst of Grief with Prayer Artist Jessy Paulson ·       Episode 55: Reflection and Journaling as a Lifelong Practice with Business Strategist Elizabeth McCravy ·       Episode 102: Sitting with Others in their Grief and Loss with Grief Coach Julie Lynn Ashley ·       Episode 142: [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals and Devotionals for Advent ·       Episode 154: [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals for Depression and Anxiety ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 or something interfere. And so you go back to the drawing board to modify your routine and make it work for you. Not everything in life requires a major change. Sometimes it's just changing something simple, something small. But sometimes it is, indeed, bigger than you anticipated, and you have to adjust what you are doing. We've been going through some more life changes recently, and today I wanted to share a few of those with you, as well as how I've been re-evaluating what that means for me. Kari   >> Join the Courageous Care Book Club Call http://lovedoesthat.org/bookclub   RELATED RESOURCES + EPISODES: ·      Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ·      Episode 60: When Seasons Change and You Have to Make Adjustments ·      Episode 24: An Example in Spiritual Discernment and Decision Making: Going "All In" With Love Does That ·      Episode 77: Three Prayers for Discernment: Making Difficult Choices in Difficult Seasons ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 we, of course, have others at church or Bible study we can turn to for fellowship and prayer, it still feels hard sometimes to find those to simply do life with. And so we feel lonely. Left out. Like we don't belong. And that is part of what drew me to Sarah Westfall's book, The Way of Belonging. Sarah has so beautifully written about this feeling of loneliness and how to find a way to belong—or, rather, to make space for others to feel welcome and safe. Imagine you're sitting down with us as we ask some honest questions about what it looks like to live in community with others. Kari   RELATED RESOURCES + EPISODES: ·       Sarah Westfall's website ·       Sarah's book, The Way of Belonging (Amazon affiliate link) ·       Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care  Music by DappyTKeys

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 if you try to help a struggling butterfly out of its chrysalis, its wings will never be strong enough to fly. Well, there are times when that happens for us humans, too. When we see someone who is struggling, our first instinct is often to jump in and help, but sometimes we do this to the other person's detriment. It seems only a seasoned encourager knows when NOT to help. In other words, they know when to let the person do it for themselves. While it appears heartless, selfish, or insensitive, it is really a deeper love than one might imagine. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” It's followed by several examples. Perhaps the most relevant verses here are: “A time to embrace and a time to turn away… A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” These things are all good–in their own time. So, when is it a time to help and when is it a time to refrain from helping? Let's explore that together here on the podcast today. Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   RELATED RESOURCES + EPISODES: ·       Jay Holland article/episode: Boulders, Backpacks, and Boundaries ·       Book: Being There, by Dave Furman (Amazon affiliate link) ·       Episode 43: When Helping Hurts: Establishing Boundaries When Caring for Others with Counselor Nicole Fryling ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   Music by DappyTKeys

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 about the confidentiality of any of these apps? Do you think it might be cool to categorize your journal entries so you can find connected topics? Let's take a look at some questions you can ask yourself to discern if a digital journaling app might be a good fit for you, and if so, which one you might want to try. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·       Episode 146: Introduction to Journaling: Creating Your Own Journaling Routine ·       Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference? ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 children move to this city or stay where they were? Was it time to build a nursery for the babies?  There are times when we might feel called to spend the day in prayer, too—seeking an answer for a specific question, like Amy Carmichael did, or interceding for a friend of ours, or even just wanting to be in God's presence in preparation for a difficult season ahead. But what does it really mean to spend the day of prayer? How do you go about it? Where do you go? What do you do? What does it look like? It is my hope to offer you some practical tips and suggestions today so that you, too, might spend a day in prayer with the Lord. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 56: How to Create a Personal Spiritual Retreat (And Reflections on My Own) ·       Episode 83: Posturing Your Heart to Hear from God, Part 2: Recognize ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 felt like I should be able snap out of it and move on. Talking was not helpful to me. Have you been there? There are times when, for some of us, talking about an experience we've been through just doesn't seem to help. And it is to those specific situations that I will speak to today. What might cause this? And what can we do in situations like those?  So please keep the context in mind, and let's ask God to guide us through this conversation and lead us to what we need to know.  Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       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 ·       Episode 133: Can You Just Sit With Me? A Conversation About Grief with Natasha Smith ·       Episode 154: [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals for Depression and Anxiety ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 experiencing depression or anxiety. There's just something about getting things down on paper that allows you to express what's stirring inside of you, to release some of the heaviness, or to adopt a more playful or curious attitude about something that feels very serious and heavy.  So today, I want to review five guided journals designed specifically for those experiencing depression and anxiety. I'll share more about each one and how it is created so you can discern if it might be a good fit for you or a friend of yours.  Kari   >> 5-Minute Journaling Session for Anxiety http://lovedoesthat.org/anxietyjournal   RESOURCES MENTIONED: (Amazon affiliate links) Depression Relief Journal, by Maggie C. Vaughan No Worries, from Bella Mente Press My Anxiety Journal, by Sophia Joyce Put Your Worries Here, by Lisa Schab 21-Day Prayer Journal for Anxiety and Depression, by Dr. Garrett Nogan   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 122: Feeling Anxious? Try This 5-Minute Journaling Session ·       Episode 123: A Conversation with Marla Beech: Journaling as a Daily Practice ·       Episode 135: Identifying Signs You're Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It) ·       Episode 142: [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals and Devotionals for Advent ·       Episode 147: The Flip-Out Rule in Journaling ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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. Today, I want to address the myth that we have to journal for twenty or thirty minutes for it to have any impact on our lives. The truth is, five minutes can make a huge difference. Let's talk about why, and then let's explore some ways to get that five minutes to write, even when life is hectic. Kari   >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 118: Tips for Journaling In Front of Others ·       Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·       Episode 146: Introduction to Journaling: Creating Your Own Journaling Routine ______ >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

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 are healthy for you and which ones are not. You look at what's available to you and make a choice. In short, you have the power to choose. Not everyone is going to understand your choices, and that's okay. The important thing is that you are letting God lead you in those decisions and that you are staying close to Him. You don't want to make decisions out of guilt or fear or because you're mad at someone. But you do want to make smart, healthy, God-honoring decisions when you are hurting. And sometimes that means saying no to someone else. Today, I want to help you learn how to politely decline an offer of help—especially when it comes from someone you love.  Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Episode 11: How to Ask for Help When You Need It ·       Episode 49: Finding Your Stretcher Bearers: The People Who Can Help Carry You Through a Difficult Season ·       Episode 70: What to Do When You Don't Have Anyone to Encourage You, When It Seems No One Cares ·       Episode 78: Tips for When You're Afraid of Being Misunderstood ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   Music by DappyTKeys

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 would hesitate to air that in front of an audience. But I still want to help you get a glimpse of what written spiritual direction can look like. So today, I am going to share with you some letters that a client and I have written to each other.  Cindy has graciously given me permission to share these, and to use her real name, because she has experienced the power of spiritual direction in written form, and she is passionate about helping others experience that, too. I invite you to pay attention to anything that it stirs up in you: any questions, any desires, any beliefs. Write those down in your journal and talk about them with God.  Kari   >> Sign up for Written Spiritual Direction http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection    RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Episode 33: Written Spiritual Direction: How Letters and Messages Can Create Space for God ·       Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness ·       Episode 87: [Written Spiritual Direction] When Temptation Comes Your Way ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

A few weeks ago, I led the first Journal Gently Mini Workshop. During this time, I took one piece of the Journal Gently program and expanded it to an hour of teaching and writing exercises. We focused on perspective and the role it plays not just in our journaling but in our healing, as well.  And today, I'm going to play a short section from the mini workshop where I talked about one very specific requirement of our journaling practice. A lot of things about journaling are flexible and personal, but this is one thing you can't do without. If you found this part of the workshop helpful and are interested in joining the full 8-week Journal Gently program, you can do so at lovedoesthat.org/journalgently. Without further ado, here's your behind-the-scenes look into the Journal Gently Mini Workshop.  Kari     RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 54: 4 Simple Ways to Start (or Keep) Journaling ·      Episode 144: How to Create Both a Short and Long Journaling Routine ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys  

“Mom, I need a tank top!”  “Okay, borrow one of mine.” “Mom, I'm out of body wash.” “You can use my soap until we get you some more.” “Mom, I can't find my brush.” “Go ahead and use mine.” My daughter is now at the age where she is starting to share and borrow some of my things. And most of the time, it's completely okay. But I will admit that there are some things she asks to use that I am a lot more reluctant to say “yes” to. Like some of my art supplies. Or my favorite chocolate. Or my seat on the couch. Why is it that I hold these things more closely than the others? It's a question I've been thinking about a lot lately. And I've been paying more attention to other places where I might be feeling possessive, too. So I thought I might explore this idea together with you today. What are you feeling possessive of—and why? And what might God be inviting us to do with it?  Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 130: Is Your Hurt Preventing You From Loving Others Well? ·      Episode 135: Identifying Signs You're Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It) ·      Episode 98: Grief Has A Way Of… Well, Getting In The Way: A Personal Letter From Me To You ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

It's almost a If You Give a Mouse a Cookie type story. You know the one? If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to want a glass of milk. If you give him a glass of milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw.” And so on. Well, if you vacuum while the dog's sleeping, then you're going to wake him up. If you wake him up, he's going to need to go outside. If he goes outside, he might get all muddy from digging in the dirt. If he gets all muddy, he's going to need a bath. If you give the dog a bath, you're going to get all wet. If you get all wet, you'll need to change your clothes. And on and on it can go. There are a lot of responsibilities we juggle as women, and while maybe a bit silly, I think my example shows that we can have some guidelines to keep us focused on what matters most and taking advantage of opportunities that come our way. Let me share a few more examples of how we might prioritize our tasks and still finish what needs to get done by keeping things in their proper order. Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 32: Using Pockets of Time in Your Schedule to Encourage Others ·      Episode 48: The Power of Pre-Deciding in Difficult Seasons ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

“I don't want to face that again. It feels like too much.”  Many of my clients have experienced tremendous grief or trauma in their lives, and as we seek God together through our writing back and forth, there is often a pressure they are feeling—whether from themselves or family members or friends—to use journaling to write about their deepest wounds. And friend, you already know I believe in the power of journaling. It is a great practice that can help us process difficult experiences and emotions and be more aware of how God is moving in our lives. And yet… we do have to use some wisdom in what we write about. We have to pay attention to how our journaling is impacting us. Because there are times when you might fear that journaling about a specific experience will be too much, that it will bring back memories or feelings that you have no desire to re-live. What do you do in that situation? Today, I want to teach you about the Flip-Out Rule and what it means for both your journaling practice and your journey of healing. I think it will be a great guideline as you discern what you should—and should not—write about. Are you ready? Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Journal Gently Mini Workshop: http://lovedoesthat.org/jgworkshop ·      John 16:12-13 (NLT): “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” ·      Bonus Episode 15: I Will Not Be Afraid ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

When I say the word journal, the image that might very well pop into your mind is that of a woman sitting with a notebook at a quiet desk, writing for 20 or 30 minutes about her deepest thoughts and fears. Or maybe you think back to your teenage self, when you recorded the day's events and poured out your heart on paper. Or your grandmother, keeping a diary of the prices of eggs and what birthday cards she sent out. The truth is, journaling takes a lot of different forms, and I believe it's important enough for everyone to practice it in some way. So today, I'm going to give you a crash course in journaling—including what it is, why it's important, and some of the benefits of journaling—along with some things to consider as you create your own journaling routine. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Kari     RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Lightworks Lenten Retreat: http://lovedoesthat.org/lightworks ·      Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·      Episode 118: Tips for Journaling In Front of Others ·      Episode 54: 4 Simple Ways to Start (or Keep) Journaling ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

Diligent. Rooted. Ask. Unhurried. Those are some of the words I've held through the past four years as a way to set an intention for the year, a focus or theme to keep me moving in a particular direction.  Diligent and rooted were for those first years of business, doing what I needed to do to build a strong foundation and get things started right, in a way that was honoring to God. Ask represented not just a mindset of curiosity—ask lots of questions—but also a challenge to stretch out of my comfort zone and extend what seemed to be impossible invitations to others. And unhurried demonstrated what I hope to be our lifestyle of homeschooling and being together as a family and being fully present. I could say that I chose the words, or it might be more accurate to say the words chose me, or that God invited me to step into that word as a way to draw closer to Him. There is no doubt that having a word for the year can provide direction, focus, vision, even hope. It can offer encouragement when life feels hard, and it can help you make decisions based on your priorities and season of life. But once you have your word, what do you do? How can you be intentional to hold it close throughout the entire year and not just let it fall by the wayside? Today, it is my hope to offer you some ways to hold your word of the year close all year long. To do so, I'll share my word for 2024 and specific ways I am intentional with keeping that word in front of me. As you listen, see what might work well for you and put that into practice here as we begin the new year—and even later on, if you happen to be listening to this months later.  Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Book | One Word Journal, by Jon Gordon and Dan Britton ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book http://lovedoesthat.org/care   Music by DappyTKeys

One of the things my clients often ask about is how to journal while they are on vacation, or if family is staying over, or even now, over the holiday season, when schedules and routines are different than the norm. And I think that is such a great question. Something that has really helped me—and them—is creating two different journaling routines. One is the normal, perhaps longer journaling session, and the other is a shorter, more focused session. Both help us get our thoughts and feelings down on paper, but we're structuring them in a way that fits our season. Today, I want to help you create both a long journaling routine and a short one, so that you remain consistent in your journaling practice and stay close to God, even when life looks a little different.  Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book: http://lovedoesthat.org/care    RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 138: Holy Hush or Holiday Hustle: Which Will You Choose? ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

"Start noticing what you enjoy." That was my journal entry for September 10, 2023. And to be honest, it wasn't even handwritten in a journal. It was on the Notes app on my phone. I had been reading an article online by a mixed media/abstract artist, and her words gave me pause. What do I enjoy? Today's conversation is short and sweet, but it's also a powerful invitation to notice how God is moving in your life. I can't wait to share this idea with you. Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book: http://lovedoesthat.org/care    RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 137: 3 Easy Ways to Journal When You Don't Know What to Write About ·      Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

How are you getting ready for the mystery of Christmas?  That is a question I learned to hold when I served as a children's ministries director. Our curriculum described Advent as the time to get ready for the mystery of Christmas, and Lent as the time to get ready for the mystery of Easter. A mystery, indeed. For why would God become flesh? Why would He choose to live among His people? How did it all happen? It truly is a wondrous season, full of curiosity, joy, and delight. And that's why I want to help you to get ready, to prepare your heart for the mystery of Christmas.   To do that, we're going to look at three guided journals and devotionals for the Advent season. Each one invites you to slow down and enter into this special time of year more intentionally, preparing your heart to worship and commune with God.  Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book: http://lovedoesthat.org/care    RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·      Episode 138: Holy Hush or Holiday Hustle: Which Will You Choose? ·      Adore: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation, by Fr. John Burns ·       Be Still & Know: Seeking Still Moments in God's Presence This Advent Season, by Celia A. Miller ·       When Your Silence Night Feels Empty: An Advent Resource, by Kari A. Bartkus ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

There are times when people come to us and end up interrupting something we were already doing.  Like when our kids need help filling up their water bottles. Or when a dear friend is having an especially tough day and just needs to be with someone. Or when a family member calls and needs to figure out how to handle a situation they're in. How would you respond in these situations? I think there are a lot of times I used to resent being interrupted. It distracted me from getting things done or it got in the way of my own quiet time. But thankfully, God has been changing my heart in that. And that's why today, I want to talk about offering the gift of your presence, especially over the holiday season. And specifically, doing this by being interruptible.  We'll talk about what being interruptible means, three signs that indicate if you are interruptible or not, and some of the challenges of being fully present.   Kari   >> Grab your copy of my Courageous Care book: http://lovedoesthat.org/care   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Jeff Goins article: The Key to Success: Being Interruptible ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

I have an announcement for you: I wrote a book. An actual book that you will be able to buy in paperback form that I plan to launch this book later this month, right as we're going into the holiday season.  Because holidays can be hard, and I know you. You want to find ways to serve and care for those who are struggling this holiday season. And this book will help you do just that. It's called Courageous Care: Helping Others Even When You're Afraid. Throughout the book, I teach my C.A.R.E. framework for discerning how to support loved ones who are struggling, with C.A.R.E. being an acronym for each part.  We explore those obstacles that often get in the way of taking the first step, we discover how God has divinely designed each one of us with specific skills and personality traits to care for others, we practice listening for God's guidance in each situation, and we end by looking specifically at our friend and what she needs. One of my early readers said this about it: “The C.A.R.E. concept is such a creative and impactful way to invite us to be more intentional about reaching out to the hurting people in our lives. I, myself, felt very convicted and encouraged as I read through it.” And so today, I wanted to share with you a chapter from my book, one that focuses on recognizing those sacred nudges from God to reach out. You know the ones. That thought inside you to send a card, to stop and say hi, to bring over some groceries. Be sure to stay around until the end of today's episode to find out how you can join the launch team and share the book with those looking for this kind of practical support and training. Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Pen Your Way to Peace Holiday Workshop: http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayworkshop ·       Imagine Devotional: http://lovedoesthat.org/imagine ·       Episode 5: Discerning How to Help a Grieving Friend ·       Episode 43: When Helping Hurts: Establishing Boundaries When Caring for Others with Counselor Nicole Fryling ·       Episode 81: Encouraging and Caring for Others as an Introvert ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection  Music by DappyTKeys

It is now November, and that simple change in month means that so many of us are starting to think about the holidays—planning and buying gifts and decorating. But for some of us, holidays also bring along a bit of sadness or stress. Holidays can be hard for numerous reasons. It could be that a loved one has passed during the year, and so it's our first time celebrating without them. It could be that we are unable to gather with our family or friends, and being alone doesn't really feel like much of a reason to celebrate. But the question is, is it even possible to celebrate and give thanks when you are grieving? I believe you can. And that's why I want to offer you three truths today that I want you to remember as we head into this holiday season. Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Pen Your Way to Peace Holiday Workshop on November 9: http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayworkshop ·       Episode 95: Blue Christmas Mini Service: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Suffering and Loss ·       Episode 42: Offering a Blue Christmas Service to Honor the Loss and Cling to the Hope ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

Can I confess something to you? I don't always look forward to the holiday season. Perhaps it's my previous years in ministry, planning ahead for the events and programs and using every last ounce of energy to pull it off, only to fall exhausted on the couch when all was said and done. Sometimes when you're in ministry or volunteer roles, you get busy leading the programs and don't necessarily take the time to celebrate the holiday yourself. But this year, I am actually looking forward to it. Want to know what has changed? I've decided to embrace the holy hush instead of the holiday hustle. And that, my friend, has made all the difference in the world. Today, I'm going to invite you to join me in embracing the holy hush. And at the end of the episode, there is a special offer for you to put your pen to paper and be intentional about what this holiday season will look like for you, too.  Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Pen Your Way to Peace Workshop: Planning Tips and Journaling Prompts for an Overwhelming Holiday Season: http://lovedoesthat.org/holidayworkshop ·       Episode 92: Practicing the Holy Hush Instead of the Holiday Hustle: Intentionally Inviting Moments of Deep Silence ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

“I want to journal; I just don't know what to write about.”  Is that you? Do you want to journal and reflect on life and maybe record some important experiences that you've had, but once you sit down, you have no idea what to say? Today, I'm going to share three easy ways to journal when you don't know what to write about. This is great for those who are new to journaling as well as those who have been journaling for years.  As you listen, be sure to think about which one might be the best fit for you. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 118: Tips for Journaling In Front of Others ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

I was reading a book a few weeks ago about a Christian woman who lost her husband to melanoma. While hard to read at times, it was also very enlightening and inspiring. But then I got to a part where she talked to her spiritual guide for encouragement and insight about what to do next. A spirit guide who used tarot cards and spoke to the lady's husband after he passed. And it hit me—oh no, is that what people think I do? I serve as a Christian spiritual director, and I know that term is new for a lot of people. I also know there are a lot of misconceptions about what I actually do. So today, we are going to tackle those ideas head on and separate fact from fiction. Then, not only can you decide if working with a spiritual director is right for you in this season of your life, you'll also be able to clarify it for your friends when they start bringing up all the rumors they've heard. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 25: What is Spiritual Direction, How Do I Know If I Need It, and Other Frequently Asked Questions ·       Episode 33: Written Spiritual Direction: How Letters and Messages Can Create Space for God ·       Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

We're all familiar with symptoms that let us know we are not feeling well physically. A fever, cough, or runny nose sends us running for medicine to help us feel better. But I've noticed that we each have symptoms that tell us we're not doing well on a more personal level. Today, I am going to help you identify those signs in your own life so you can take a more proactive approach to your health emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ·       Episode 65: Learn to Linger with What Provokes You ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

Have you ever tried to grow stronger by lifting weights? I'm not much of a weight-lifter myself, but I know the drill. Start with a low weight and slowly increase it, making it a bit heavier each time. With each successive uplevel, you build more muscle. Or what about running a marathon? Most of us don't start out running an entire mile. We start with a block. Maybe we even just walk that block. And we slowly build the endurance we need to go longer, to go faster. The same thing happens with us personally. As we try to eat healthier or we try to grow in our cooking skills, the best way to grow is bit by bit. But it does take pushing yourself. Doing something uncomfortable. Maybe even a little scary. And that's what this episode is all about: how God has invited me to push myself a little bit to grow and reach more people. This has been happening in a lot of different ways, but we're going to focus on just one today: changing the name of the podcast. Kari   RELATED EPISODES: ·       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: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection   Music by DappyTKeys

Grief impacts all of us in different ways. And today, I want to share a special conversation I had with Natasha Smith. Natasha has a book that is releasing today called Can You Just Sit With Me? And, my friend, it is such a lovely book. She shares her grief story and then she writes about some of the things you'll hear us talk about today: ·       Types of grief ·       Iterations of healing ·       Feelings of grief and loss ·       Telling our stories ·       Collective grief ·       And how to handle grief when it feels overwhelming I know that grief isn't always a fun topic. But I dare say that what Natasha shares is both encouraging and hopeful. Be sure to reach out to her after the episode ends to thank her for sharing with us today, and be sure to grab a copy of her book, as well. Kari   MEET NATASHA: Natasha Smith is a wife, mom, and NC native. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who shares stories on faith, family, and grief. She has inspired others through her writing for over 12 years. Her work has appeared in Guideposts and Focus on the Family print publications. And Her View From Home, TODAY Parents, Pray with Confidence, and other e-publications.   CONNECT WITH NATASHA: ·       Website ·       Book: Can You Just Sit With Me?   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episodes 9 + 10: Supporting a Friend Through Grief (And Walking Through It Yourself) with Karen Altizer ·       Episode 50: Gritty Faith in the Midst of Grief with Prayer Artist Jessy Paulson ·       Episode 93: After the Flowers Die: An Honest Talk About Grief with Author Renee Leonard Kennedy ·       Episode 102: Sitting with Others in their Grief and Loss with Grief Coach Julie Lynn Ashley ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 Ways to Encounter God on the Pages of Your Journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection

I'm not sure where you live, but it seems like every location these days is experiencing some sort of disaster: wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods. It's one thing to experience that on a personal level—let's say your basement floods after a heavy rain. But it's another thing to experience that as a community or entire region. I've learned that I often have no idea of either the short-term or long-term impact of such a disaster. Not until I had this conversation with Jamie Aten. Jamie is the co-founder of Spiritual First Aid. He also provides leadership in several programs for humanitarian and disaster relief, including the Trauma Certificate Program at Wheaton College. On a personal level, though, he has experienced disaster and trauma of his own as a Hurricane Katrina and late-stage early onset cancer survivor. So Jamie has not only done the research, he has experienced it for himself. And what he has to share is enlightening and encouraging. If you or your church have been praying about ways to support those experiencing the impact of disaster, I can't wait for you to hear what he has to share. We start by defining disaster and then move into the impact disaster can have on someone's life and how we can support them. He isn't just generous with his knowledge; Jamie has a ton of examples to share along the way.  Kari   MEET JAMIE:  JAMIE ATEN, P H . D . , is Co-Founder of Spiritual First Aid. He is also the Founder and Co-Director of Humanitarian Disaster Institute, Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership, and Co-Coordinator of the Trauma Certificate Program at Wheaton College. Personally, he is both a Hurricane Katrina and late-stage early onset cancer survivor. Professionally, as a disaster psychologist he has responded to and researched disasters and mass traumas around the globe. He is cohost of The Better Samaritan Blog and Podcast at Christianity Today. You can follow Jamie on Twitter at @drjamieaten.   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES: ·       Church Mental Health Summit: http://lovedoesthat.org/mentalhealth23 ·       Spiritual First Aid: An 8-session certification course on responding to trauma ·       Episode 16: Trauma-Informed Care: Being the Cover for Those Who are Hurting with Kristen Brock ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 Ways to Encounter God on the Pages of Your Journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection

Healing has layers. No, not in the physical sense, like you can pile one layer on top of the other. But we heal from different parts of grief at different times, and sometimes even revisit some areas we thought we had processed already.  But instead of using the famous onion example of peeling back one layer at a time, I'm choosing to make it a little more personal and look at healing in layers like my art is done in layers. I'm guessing you, too, have some sort of creative streak in you, whether that's baking or knitting or decorating. And you can translate this metaphor to the art that you love. But let's take a look at the practical example of how art or other creative endeavors take place in layers and then see how this might illustrate our own journey with grief. Kari   RELATED EPISODES + RESOURCES:  ·       Episodes 9 and 10: Supporting a Friend Through Grief (And Walking Through It Yourself) with Karen Altizer ·       Episode 50: Gritty Faith in the Midst of Grief with Prayer Artist Jessy Paulson ·       Episode 102: Sitting with Others in their Grief and Loss with Grief Coach Julie Lynn Ashley ·       Journal Gently: 8-week Grief Journaling Program ·       Hospice Foundation ·       GriefShare: Grief Support Groups ·       Julie Lynn Ashley: Grief Coaching ·       Not My Story Podcast, Episode 34: “Grief and Joy Can Coexist” ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 Ways to Encounter God on the Pages of Your Journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection

Today's conversation is going to be a bit of a heart-to-heart. Because I've seen something in my own life that I'm guessing might be happening in yours. It's something that is hurting a lot of my relationships. It's hurting people that I love. And I certainly don't intend for that to be happening. Yet all too often, I don't do what it takes to change, to fix it, to do what it takes to make things better. What I'm talking about is letting hurt from my past preventing me from loving those around me well. I know that many of you are here because you have someone you love who is hurting, and you want to do everything you can to support them through it. But you, too, are hurting. You're carrying grief or trauma or abuse or illness or depression or uncertainty or fear around. And it's not just hurting you, it's hurting those around you. Today, I'm going to share some examples of how I see it playing out, and I just invite you to consider if there is some way that hurt from your past is hurting those you love without you even realizing it.  Kari  ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 Ways to Encounter God on the Pages of Your Journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently: An 8-week program designed to help you process grief and trauma with God http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently >> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection