Journal Gently: Spiritual Formation for Christian Women

I'm wondering if you are doing something that is really, really hard right now.

Maybe you are raising little ones.

Maybe you are caring for an aging parent.

Maybe you have a friend who is in a season of grief.

Maybe you are working extra hours to pay off debt.

Maybe you are getting a degree or certification in your so-called free time.

Maybe you are leading a small group or Bible study or ministry.

There are times when I get so incredibly discouraged, and maybe you do, too, because you are striving to do a good job or doing your best to care for someone else or just trying to keep up with what life has thrown at you.

And you're tired.

And you're weary.

And some days you just feel like giving up.

And we begin to question, "Is God really asking me to do this? Where are all my open doors? Where is God making the path easy for me? Why does my burden feel so heavy? This doesn't feel easy or light."

And today, I want to speak a word of encouragement with you:

Just because something is hard doesn't mean that it's wrong.

Kari

BIBLE VERSES + RESOURCES:

· Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change

· "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 NRSVA)

· "You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36 NCV)

______

>> 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

God designed us each so differently. And we want to use those characteristics to love others well, right?

But what I've experienced, and maybe you have, too, is that it is so easy for us to get this idea in our heads that we don't fit the right mold.

I'm not outgoing.

I don't know what to say.

I'm not like so-and-so… she always knows what to do.

I don't really know her that well, so how can I try to comfort her?

What if what I say comes out wrong and hurts her?

People think I'm so detached; how am I supposed to comfort them?

I get so nervous at hospitals or funeral homes.

What is it for you? What thoughts pop into your head when you think about providing comfort and care to others?

What I want to show you today is that you can use the characteristics God gave you to bring comfort to others. You don't have to try to be someone else. And really, comforting others isn't so much a personality type as it is the act of being present.

Listen in to find out more…

Kari

RESOURCES:

· Book: The Art of Comforting, Val Walker

· Courageous Care Masterclass: http://lovedoesthat.org/care

______

>> 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

If you are an introvert, you have probably found yourself questioning why God designed you that way and how you can possibly do what He has called you to do. You're not outgoing. You're not fond of being in front of others. Maybe you don't like small talk or ice breakers or things of that sort.

Perhaps you've found yourself looking for ways to serve God and impact others in spite of your introversion.

But I am here to tell you that God designed you that way on purpose. It was not a mistake.

And you don't have to serve others in spite of your introversion; you can actually serve them out of your introversion.

Listen in to my session at the Small Church Women's Ministries Conference. I hope and pray it will be a blessing to you.

Kari

RESOURCES:

· Book: The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth

______

>> 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

This year, I started a monthly series where I share some of the books have been so very meaningful and transformative to me. Ones that will either invite you to step closer to the Lord or ones that equip you to better care for those around you who are hurting.

This month, I would like to offer you a prayer book. Written prayers can help us discover words stirring within us when we can't find the words on our own, and they also unite us with other believers throughout time and space.

There are many prayer books available, and I definitely encourage you to find one that resonates with your heart and soul—not just the concepts that are presented, but the language that is used.

The one I turn to most often in this season has been Every Moment Holy, by Douglas Kaine McKelvey.

Tune in to find out why this is my book recommendation for February.

Kari

RESOURCES:

• Website: Every Moment Holy
• Bonus Episode 13: A Liturgy for Returning to Daily Life After a Loss
• Episode 100: [Book Recommendation] Sensible Shoes Series by Sharon Garlough Brown
• Bonus Episode 16: [Written Prayer] In the Quiet

______

>> 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 have a special treat for you today. Now, if you remember, I spoke recently about leading as an introvert at the Small Church Women's Ministries Conference. And guys, it was so much fun.

If you are here, listening to the podcast because you heard me there, then welcome. I am so glad you found me here. And if you weren't at the conference but want to hear the message I gave, then email me and let me know and I'll try to get it up on the podcast for you, okay?

But speaking about leading as an introvert reminded me of some other teaching I offer through the Courageous Care Masterclass.

You see, the Courageous Care Masterclass is a 4-session audio class created for those who feel God calling you to reach out to those who are hurting, but who are facing some obstacle to doing so. And it walks you through the CARE framework, learning how to break through those obstacles and reach out in a way that is reliant on God and helpful for the other person.

The second session of this Courageous Care class is focused on reaching out to others in a way that is authentic to you… much like I spoke about leading in a way that is authentic to you as an introvert.

Today, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes experience into that class by letting you listen in to the introductory session of the Courageous Care class. I pray that it encourages you and invites you to pay attention to those around you who are hurting and what you might do to help.

Kari

>> Courageous Care Masterclass: Breaking Through the Fear and Uncertainty So You Can Reach Out with Care and Compassion

http://lovedoesthat.org/care

______

>> 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

Raise your hand if you are experiencing one of these situations:

• Child returning to college after a lengthy Christmas break
• Recently diagnosed with a disease or illness
• Caring for an aging parent or child with disabilities
• Transitioning from one job to another—within the same company or to a different one altogether
• Moving to a new home
• Retiring from a job
• Saying goodbye to a friend
• Starting a business
• Having another child
• Facing high pressure deadlines at work
• Appliances or vehicles breaking down or needing replaced
• Getting a promotion
• Volunteering for a leadership position at church

Now, not all of those are necessarily negative situations, are they? Some can be quite good! But a change is a change, and stress is stress, and each one impacts our daily lives—our thoughts, emotions, energy level, and so on.

I'm guessing that most of you can identify with at least one of those situations, if not two or three or even four. What are we supposed to do when facing so many things? How can we deal with these things in a healthy, God-honoring way?

Recently, I shared two strategies with those on my email list and asked them what they did in these types of situations. And today, I've compiled them into six strategies for dealing with overwhelm, stress, and change. Plus, within each of those six strategies, I'm going to offer you some very practical ideas.

Which ones do you think will work well for you? What have you tried before? What is something new you'd like to try?

Kari

RELATED EPISODES & RESOURCES:

• Free Resource: Journal Prompts for Seasons of Change
• Content Magazine: A digital magazine to encourage caregivers (I have a 3-month Bible reading plan in Quarter 1 of 2023!)
• Episode 49: Finding Your Stretcher Bearers: The People Who Can Help Carry You Through a Difficult Season

______

>> 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

In school right now, my daughter has been tasked with writing a hymn. How would you feel if I invited you to do the same?

What would you write about? What aspect of God would you want to focus on? How has He been revealing Himself to you lately? How are you longing for Him to reveal Himself to you?

In this bonus episode, I'm going to share an original poem I wrote years ago that focuses on God's love for me in spite of all my sin.

Kari

BIBLE VERSES + RESOURCES:

• Episode 52: The Power of Music to Grieve and Believe
• Psalm 29:3-9
• Psalm 119:62, 148
• Song of Solomon 8:6-7
• Jeremiah 2:13
• Jeremiah 17:10
• Hosea 6:4
• Luke 8:43-48
• John 4:1-10
• John 7:37-39
• John 8:1-11
• John 18:15-18
• John 18:25-27

------

>> 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

How do you support a friend or family member—or even "just" an acquaintance—who has just lost someone they love? Are you willing to step into that sacred space of grief with them? Or, if they need additional support, can you point them toward someone who can be there in that more professional role?

Let me introduce you to Grief Coach Julie Lynn Ashley. Julie Lynn offers 1:1 coaching services to individuals who are in the midst of grief, specific to the death of a loved one.

Julie Lynn shares how God has called her into this work, and then we dive into some really practical questions about how to support others who are grieving. It's a conversation you won't want to miss.

Kari

>> GET YOUR TICKET

Small Church Women's Ministries Conference Saturday, January 28, 2023

http://lovedoesthat.org/women23 (affiliate link)

MEET JULIE LYNN:

Julie Lynn holds a Master's of Science in Thanatology (death, grief, and bereavement), is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, mom to Landon and Kyle (both in college), and wife to her very best friend of 27 years, Doug, who is a lead pastor in Texas. Julie Lynn has worked and volunteered in the hospice industry for years and there developed a God-given passion to support grieving people. She loves watching sports of all kinds, traveling with Doug, and a long conversation with a good friend over a cup of coffee.

CONNECT WITH JULIE LYNN:

• Website
• Grief Resource List

RELATED EPISODES & MENTIONED RESOURCES:

• Episode 7: 5 Things to Say When You Don't Know What to Say with Laura Howe
• Episodes 9 + 10: Supporting a Friend Through Grief (And Walking Through It Yourself) with Karen Altizer
• Episode 18: Finding Joy in the Hard and Heavy with Kristen Joy
• Episode 42: Offering a Blue Christmas Service to Honor the Loss and Cling to the Hope
• 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 95: Blue Christmas Mini Service: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Suffering and Loss
• Bonus Episode 13: A Liturgy for Returning to Daily Life After a Loss
• Tear Bottle (Sympathy Gift)

______

>> 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

Do you have a friend who parents a child with disabilities? Perhaps there's a family in your church who has a kid with special needs?

I've discovered that what is unfamiliar is often scary to us, and so we shy away or keep our distance from the situation.

But these families need our care and support.

This week, I am excited to introduce you to Kristin Faith Evans, a mental health counselor who also has two children with rare genetic diseases. Kristin and her husband Todd are the founders of Disability Parenting, and they use both their knowledge and their experience to support other parents of children with disabilities.

We begin by talking about Kristin's experience discovering her children's disabilities and how that impacted her life and marriage. And then we dive into some practical questions, such as how can we help, what we can do if we think our friend needs to talk with a counselor, and so much more.

Kari

MEET KRISTIN:

Kristin Faith Evans is a Christian author, a speaker, a mental health therapist, and a mother of two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs. She loves walking with others on their journeys to deeper faith and mental health wholeness. She has a special place in her heart for empowering other parents of children with special needs or disabilities. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her MA in Christian Education, Kristin has served in church, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling.

CONNECT WITH KRISTIN:

• Author Website
• Author Instagram
• Disability Parenting Website
• Disability Parenting 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

>> Written Spiritual Direction: Recognize God's presence in your pain

http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection

As an avid reader and someone who loves to learn, I enjoy passing on ideas to others who want to grow in specific areas. These authors have been mentors to me in many ways, and I hope they become the same to you.

(And I promise that none of the book recommendations will include spoilers. I would be so disappointed to ruin a book for you.)

My first book recommendation is really the first book I recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about the spiritual life and different spiritual practices—and spiritual direction in particular.

It's called Sensible Shoes, written by Sharon Garlough Brown.

Listen in to find out why this is my top pick.

Kari

RESOURCES:

• Episode 61: Perceiving God's Presence and Love with Spiritual Director and Author Sharon Garlough Brown
• Sharon's Website: Abiding Way Ministries
• Get Your Ticket: Small Church Summit's Women's Ministries Conference on January 28, 2023 (http://lovedoesthat.org/women23)

______

>> 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