Journal Gently: Spiritual Formation for Christian Women

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

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>> 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

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>> 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)

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>> 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)

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>> 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

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>> 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

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>> 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

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>> 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

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>> 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