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

Ever flip back through an old journal and immediately cringe? You're not the only one.  In this episode, we explore why revisiting past entries can stir up shame—and how to approach those pages with compassion instead of criticism.  If you're carrying regret, embarrassment, or old emotions you're not sure what to do with, this gentle conversation will help you see your past self the way God does. As always, a simple journal prompt is waiting for you at the end.   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 167: Why I Trashed My Past Journals--And Deciding If You Should, Too ·       Episode 163: Letting God Use Our Wounds: A Conversation with Russell Joyce ·       Episode 155: When Talking Doesn't Help ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

If you're an introvert who wants to journal but feels overwhelmed the minute you face a blank page, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.  We'll talk about why the pressure to "do it right" can shut you down—and how a gentler, simpler rhythm can open you back up. You'll walk away with a journal prompt and a practical shift that makes writing feel doable again.   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 176: My Biggest Tip for Beating Perfectionism in Journaling ·       Episode 146: Introduction to Journaling: Creating Your Own Journaling Routine ·       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 Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

Ever feel like you're holding more than your heart can handle? In this episode, we explore what happens when life starts to pile up inside us… and the gentle invitation God offers when it does.  If you've been feeling stretched, stuffed, or overwhelmed, this quiet conversation will help you pause, breathe, and bring just one honest thing to Jesus.    RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ·       Episode 122: Feeling Anxious? Try This 5-Minute Journaling Session ·       Episode 139: 3 Truths to Remember During a Difficult Holiday Season ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently  >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

Sometimes the things we love most can actually get in the way of connecting with God. In this clip from the Lead Well Conference, I share a personal story about how even journaling—something I teach and cherish—was keeping me from spending time with the Lord the way I really wanted. If you've ever felt like your "good habits" or spiritual routines are keeping you from truly engaging with God, this episode is for you. I'll walk you through a small shift I made that helped me listen to God more authentically throughout my day—and how you can do the same.   >> Book Kari for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 176: My Biggest Tip for Beating Perfectionism in Journaling ·       Episode 144: How to Create Both a Short and Long Journaling Routine ·       Episode 76: Have a Hard Time Sensing God's Presence? Go Outside! ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Journal Gently Program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently

Two trees. Same kind. Standing side by side—yet one is bare while the other is full of golden leaves. In today's quiet reflection, Kari uses this simple scene from her neighborhood to remind us that healing doesn't happen at the same pace for everyone. It's easy to look at someone else's joy and wonder why we're still struggling. But God tends to each of our hearts with patience and care, layer by layer. This episode is a gentle invitation to release comparison, trust the pace of your healing, and bring your broken pieces to the One who knows how to restore them.   >> Journal Gently Program http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently   RELATED EPISODES: ·       Episode 117: Running Away From God: A Devotional Bible Study on Jonah 1 ·       Episode 122: Feeling Anxious? Try This 5-Minute Journaling Session ·       Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God? ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Speaking http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking