The Matriarch Mindset Podcast

We’re talking about prayer journaling—or what I like to call conversations with God on paper.

We’ll look at how journaling can deepen your spiritual life, why it’s such a beautiful way to connect with God, and I’ll share some practical ways you can use your journal as a sacred space to pray, reflect, and listen.

So if your soul’s been craving some quiet, or if your prayer life feels a little dry or distracted lately, this episode is for you.

“Pray when you feel like praying. Pray when you don't feel like praying. Pray until you do feel like praying.” Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer Journaling Sentence Starters:

- Praises – “God, thank You for…”

- Confession – “Lord, forgive me for…”

- Requests – “Please help me with…”

- Questions – “God, what should I do about…”

- Listening – “Here’s what I feel You might be saying to me today…”

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today, we’re talking about a simple but powerful journaling tool that I absolutely love. It’s one I come back to again and again, especially on the days when my brain feels like a browser with 27 tabs open.

It’s called the brain dump—and in this episode, we’re diving into why it works, how it helps reduce stress and overwhelm, and how you can do it in just a few easy steps.

So grab your favorite notebook, your favorite pen, maybe even your favorite warm drink, and let’s get into it.

Step 1: Set the scene

Step 2: Let it all out

Step 3: Look at what you wrote: What's taking up the most space? What feels heavy? What feels urgent? What's just mental clutter? What's in my control here and what isn't?

Step 4: Sort it if you want to

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today’s episode is going to be a little different because we’re doing a guided journaling exercise – a chance to reflect on how God sees us and to embrace the powerful identity He has given us.

As we dive into this, I want to take just a moment to reflect on what the Bible says about our identity. The world often tries to tell us who we are based on our accomplishments, relationships, or appearances, but as believers, we know that our true identity is rooted in who God says we are. Scripture tells us that we are His beloved children, His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

When we truly embrace how God sees us, it transforms the way we live, the way we think, and the way we show up in the world. Today, I want to guide you through a journaling exercise that helps you focus on how God sees you and challenges you to align your thoughts with His truth. So, if you’re not already, I want you to grab your journal and a pen, find a quiet space, and let’s get started.

Prompt #1: How does God see me?

If you need help, try reflecting on verses like Ephesians 1:4-5:

"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will."

Prompt #2: How do I see myself?

If you need a reminder of your worth, look at Psalm 139:14:

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Prompt #3: How does the gap between these views (God’s vs. mine) affect my life?

A verse that helps me reflect on this is Romans 8:1:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Prompt #4: What truth about myself can I hold on to today?

One of my favorites is 2 Corinthians 5:17:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Prompt #5: What’s one way I can start to align how I see myself with how God sees me?

Philippians 4:8 is a great reminder:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

If you’d like to dive deeper into your identity in Christ, I encourage you to spend some extra time in the Word this week, reflecting on passages like 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 2:10, and Romans 8:38-39. Let those truths sink in and remind you of who you are in Him.

More resources from Elisabeth Elliot: https://elisabethelliot.org/resources/

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

I’m your host Kendall, and today, we’re diving into something a little fun – and maybe even a little quirky. Today, we’re talking about my favorite journaling supplies right now.

I’m sure a lot of you out there are like me, always on the lookout for the perfect tools to help you journal, track your thoughts, and keep your goals in check. So I’m going to share my current go-to supplies with you – and trust me, there’s a little bit of everything in here, from pens to planners and even some quirky habits I’ve picked up along the way.

Kendall’s Favorite Journaling Supplies:

Mr. Pen Retractable Gel Pens

https://a.co/d/aHYvoQV

Top Spiral Notebooks

https://a.co/d/5zX2IyE

Dr. Edie Wadsworth’s Life Mentoring School

https://www.ediewadsworthcoaching.com

Full Focus Planner

https://fullfocusstore.com/pages/planner?tw_source=google&tw_adid=659687838448&tw_campaign=20190968809&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAApotfKRC3CF-fsGW_6Km_CsVGmTCV&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm7q-BhDRARIsACD6-fWIyBZ1a6zZTlT2O5-LcB-WEtF-IINPtQIZcUWLWzGyiCt4zj3TSKQaApAvEALw_wcB

SouthBound Coffee

https://www.southboundcoffee.com

Around the Neck Light

https://a.co/d/4nAIrkN

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Welcome back to The Journaling Room! I’m Kendall Snyder your host and today, we’re diving into the topic of journaling through life transitions—how to process the emotions that come with change and how writing can provide comfort and clarity during uncertain times.

Change is inevitable. Whether it’s a new job, a move, a relationship shift, or kids growing up, life constantly evolves. And while change often brings excitement, it can also bring sadness, grief, and uncertainty. One of the most powerful tools we have to navigate these transitions is journaling. Writing about our emotions gives us a safe space to process, to sit with what we’re feeling, and to move through change with a sense of peace.

If you’re going through a transition—whether joyful or difficult—here are some journaling prompts to help you process:

1. What emotions am I feeling about this transition? Name them without judgment.

2. What am I grieving in this change? What am I afraid of losing?

3. What are some beautiful memories from this season of life?

4. In what ways might this change be an opportunity for growth?

5. How can I create new rhythms or traditions that honor both the past and look towards the future?

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today, we’re talking about The Joy of Collecting Moments—how to create a journal full of memories, snapshots, and the little joys of life.

One of the most treasured parts of journaling is reading back through old entries after time has passed. Collecting moments allows you to relive them—to step back into the emotions, the lessons, and the beauty of those experiences. Even more, it gives you the gift of seeing God’s faithfulness thread throughout your story. Sometimes, we don’t recognize the significance of a moment until we look back and see how it shaped us. Journaling helps us capture those moments, ensuring they aren’t lost in the rush of life.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like life is slipping by unnoticed. But what if we could slow down, capture the beauty of the present, and create a journal that becomes a treasure trove of memories? That’s what we’re diving into today. So grab your journal, get cozy, and let’s explore how to make everyday life more meaningful."

Journal Prompts:

1. Describe a small moment from today that made you smile. Why did it matter to you?

2. Write about a time when something simple felt extraordinary—a conversation, a walk, a quiet moment alone.

3. If you could bottle up one feeling from this season of life, what would it be? Describe it in detail.

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today, we’re diving into why that happens and how journaling can help you shift your perspective, and design your God-given life on purpose.

We’ll be looking at a concept called The Hero’s Journey, and I’ll be sharing three powerful journaling prompts to help you move forward when life feels dull. So grab your journal, get comfortable, and let’s get started." I first heard of this concept through my coach Dr. Edie Wadsworth in her program Life Mentoring School and she studied the concept from Joseph Campbell and Donald Miller. Many of the thoughts from today’s episode are from the work of those three authors and teachers.

Here are three journaling prompts to help you move from feeling uninspired to stepping into your hero’s journey:

1. Rewriting Your Story: Think about a challenge or disappointment in your life. If you were writing this as a movie script, what would happen next to turn this into a hero’s story? What lesson or breakthrough would your main character (you!) experience?

2. Turning Pain into Purpose: Reflect on a painful moment from your past. What strengths, insights, or qualities did you gain from going through it? How can you use that experience to help yourself or others?

3. Choosing Your Role: If you had to categorize your current mindset as either ‘victim,’ ‘villain,’ ‘hero,’ or ‘guide,’ which would you say you’ve been operating in most? If it’s not the hero, what thoughts would you need to change to step into that role?

Bonus Propmpt: Write about an obstacle you’re currently facing, and list three potential ways you could reframe it as a lesson rather than a limitation. What is this challenge teaching you? How might this experience shape you into a stronger, wiser person?"

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

If you’ve ever thought, I can’t do this. Who do I think I am? What if I mess it all up?, then friend, you are in the right place. Because today, we’re talking about journaling through those big, scary moments so that fear doesn’t stop you from showing up.

So today, I’m sharing four journaling strategies that will help you keep going even when your big project or goal feels overwhelming. Grab your journal, your favorite drink, and let’s dive in!

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today, we’re doing a little “journaling refresh” with The Ins and Outs of Journaling for 2025.

I’ll be breaking down five "ins"—new trends to embrace—and five "outs"—old habits to leave behind, so whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just getting started, you’ll walk away with fresh inspiration.

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Today, I want to take you on a journey inside my own journal—a journey that started with a single sentence: I can recover from this. And now, I can say with confidence: I am recovered from this.

How did I get from there to here? Let’s dive in.

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay