Journal Gently: Spiritual Formation for Christian Women

[Ep 217] When God Took My Books Away 04.08.2026 5min

What happens when God invites you to slow down instead of striving? In this first episode back after my summer break, I share a personal story about stepping away, rediscovering the joy of reading, and unexpectedly encountering God through both silence and a fiction series. Along the way, I reflect on how God gently led me into a deeper place of healing—and why that has deepened the direction of this podcast. This marks the beginning of a new season of Journal Gently, where we'll pursue deeper conversations, guided listening prayer, imaginative encounters with Scripture, and gentle journal prompts designed to help you notice God's presence in your everyday life. >> Journal Gently: An 8-week guided journaling experience for women who feel the weight of unspoken grief, lingering hurt, or emotional exhaustion http://karibartkus.com/journalgently RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 180: How to Journal Through a Book (Plus Summer Reading Recommendations) · Episode 194: When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers ______ >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://karibartkus.com/speaking >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://karibartkus.com/journalingworkshop >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon)

[Ep 216] Heal with God: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien 14.07.2026 20min

I'm taking a brief break from my summer break to share a conversation I didn't want you to miss. Today I'm joined by Heather O'Brien, author of Heal with God, to talk about her story, what led her to write the book, and why healing with God is often much gentler than we expect. Together, we explore the importance of building a strong foundation in our relationship with God before focusing on our healing, as well as the step-by-step journey of learning to walk with Him through our pain. Whether you're navigating grief, trauma, or simply longing to experience God's presence in a deeper way, I hope this conversation encourages you to take your next gentle step with Him. CONNECT WITH HEATHER O'BRIEN: Heather O'Brien is a prophetic healing coach, Bible teacher, and host of the Heal with God Podcast, ranked in the top 2.5% globally. She helps Christians who love Jesus but still feel emotionally stuck learn how to hear God clearly and heal with Him deeply. Through her signature Heal With God Roadmap, Heather brings practical, Spirit-led tools that break anxiety, fear, trauma, and confusion—releasing believers into confidence, clarity, and lasting peace. · Heal with God book (affiliate link) · Website · Free Monthly Workshop RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 205: Participating in Our Healing: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien · Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God? · Episode 194: When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Bonus] Summer Break 26.05.2026 1min

It's time to practice what I teach and take a break from the podcast to rest and linger together with God. Be sure to stay connected over the summer through my email list. And know there are hundreds of episodes you can go back and listen to in the meantime. Blessings! Kari >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 215] Move Now in My Heart 19.05.2026 7min

Have you ever prayed for God to change your heart… and then realized how much that prayer might actually cost? In this episode, we reflect on a simple liturgy from the Every Moment Holy prayer books and explore what it means to invite God to move in us deeply—not just gently, but completely. Every Moment Holy Vol I prayer book (affiliate link) RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 170: 2 Ways to Journal When You Can't Find the Words · Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God? · Episode 194: When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 214] God Cares About the Pace You Set 12.05.2026 8min

God cares about the pace we set for ourselves—not just in our healing or growth, but in our everyday lives. In this episode, we look at three examples from Scripture that give us a glimpse of God's heart toward us. It's a beautiful picture of love and care. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 189: When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped · Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief · Episode 166: God in the Midst of the Storm: A Devotional Reading of Mark 6:45-52 ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 213] Are You Planting What You Want to Harvest? 05.05.2026 7min

It's garden season, and a recent experience has me thinking about planting and harvesting in my own life. In this episode, I share a pretty eye-opening realization I had before addressing both the good and the bad fruit we might be harvesting in our lives. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 191: What Laundry Taught Me About Emotional Overload · Episode 149: What Are You Feeling Possessive Of? · Episode 143: Start Noticing What You Enjoy · Episode 65: Learn to Linger with What Provokes You ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 212] Faithfulness in a Full Season 28.04.2026 4min

This season has been full—and it's required me to rethink what faithfulness looks like. In this episode, I'm sharing how I've been learning to simplify, let go of perfection, and focus on what matters most. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 187: Clarity Comes with Action · Episode 182: Keeping Family a Priority with Danielle Roberts · Episode 148: Don't Vacuum While the Dog's Sleeping: A Story About Juggling Responsibilities · Episode 135: Identifying Signs You're Not Doing Well (And What You Can Do About It) ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 211] The Pressure to Be a "Good Christian" 21.04.2026 6min

Do you ever feel like you're falling behind spiritually? In this episode, we explore how easily faith can turn into something we measure and perform—and why Jesus offers a different invitation. Looking at the story of Martha and Mary, we're reminded that faith was never meant to be something we prove to God, but a relationship we live inside of. If you've been feeling pressure to be a "better Christian," this episode offers a gentler way forward. RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 176: My Biggest Tip for Beating Perfectionism in Journaling · Episode 156: How to Spend the Day in Prayer · Episode 109: It's Getting Real: God's Invitation to Me for the Rest of Lent · Episode 56: How to Create a Personal Spiritual Retreat (And Reflections on My Own) ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 210] God's Grace for the Roads You Regret 14.04.2026 4min

What if the mistake you regret most hasn't disqualified you from the life God has for you? In this episode, we look at the lie many women quietly believe—that their past means they've missed God's will. If you've been carrying guilt or wondering whether you're allowed to move forward after forgiveness, this reflection offers a different perspective. Your past may shape your story, but it doesn't have the authority to end it. Recommended resource: The Regret Exchange, by Debbie Birdsall (Amazon affiliate link) RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 193: How to Revisit Past Journal Entries Without Shame · Episode 179: Engaging with the Samaritan Woman: A Message on John 4 · 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 ______ >> Imagine Devotional (Website | Amazon) >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 209] [Imaginative Prayer] Hungry for Jesus: The Feeding of the Five Thousand 07.04.2026 13min

What would it have felt like to be in the crowd when Jesus fed the five thousand? In this episode, we practice Ignatian imaginative prayer by stepping into the Gospel story from the perspective of someone in the crowd—someone who followed Jesus because they were hungry to hear Him speak. If you're new to imaginative prayer, this episode will gently guide you through the process. And if you'd like to continue exploring this way of praying with Scripture, Kari's 15-day devotional Imagine offers daily invitations to step into Gospel scenes and encounter Jesus in fresh ways. >> Imagine Devotional (website | Amazon) RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 174: Entering Into Scripture Through Imaginative Prayer · Bonus Episode 20: [Imaginative Prayer] Coming Back to God in Thanksgiving and Praise: The Grateful Leper · Bonus Episode 11: [Imaginative Prayer] Jesus, Have Mercy · Bonus Episode 10: [Guided Scripture Reading] When You Don't Get Picked · Bonus Episode 4: [Guided Scripture Reading] The Courage to Ask to Be Healed · Bonus Episode 2: [Guided Scripture Reading] When Someone Fights For You ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 208] Journaling Through a Spouse's Addiction: A Conversation with Jennifer Shook 31.03.2026 32min

What does it look like to follow God when addiction has entered your marriage? In this conversation, coach Jennifer Shook shares about the often invisible struggles women face when their husbands battle addiction—how it impacts safety, identity, trust, and the ability to hear God in the midst of constant stress. Together we talk about why so many women suffer in silence, what kinds of support are truly helpful, and what healing can look like for a woman regardless of whether her husband chooses recovery. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER SHOOK: Jennifer is a seasoned Christian life coach with over 20 years of experience in leading and mentoring women into their true identity in Christ. Her personal journey through the pain of her husband's addiction and betrayal has deepened her understanding of heartache and the transformative power of God's love. Through this experience, she found the strength to stop rescuing others and start rescuing herself, embracing the healing and purpose God had planned for her. · Website · Free: Navigating Marital Grief Worksheet RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 197: When You Fall Into a Pit Pit · Episode 166: God in the Midst of the Storm: A Devotional Reading of Mark 6:45-52 · Episode 158: Burdens vs. Loads: Discerning When to Help Someone · 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 >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 207] When Silence is Sacred 24.03.2026 5min

Have you ever felt pressure to have something meaningful to say—to prove you belong? In this episode, we talk about the quiet relief of being present without performing and the sacredness of silence with God. If you're weary of striving, this is an invitation to rest, listen, and simply be held. >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 194: When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers · Episode 155: When Talking Doesn't Help · Episode 111: Meeting God in the Silence: How God Used "The Pause" to Encourage Me ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 206] Tangled Thoughts? Use Mind Mapping as Prayerful Journaling 17.03.2026 5min

If your thoughts feel scattered and traditional journaling feels hard, this episode is for you. We talk about using mind mapping as a gentle, Spirit-led way to journal through overwhelm, grief, and discernment—creating space for God to meet you right where you are. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 173: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Dialogue Journaling · Episode 170: 2 Ways to Journal When You Can't Find the Words · Episode 161: [Journal Reviews] Guided Journals for Grief ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 205] Participating in Our Healing: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien 10.03.2026 22min

Healing with God is rarely passive—and it's never rushed. In this episode, I'm joined by Heather O'Brien, host of the Heal with God podcast, to talk about what it looks like to participate in healing without striving. We explore hearing God's voice, discerning next steps with wisdom and care, and partnering with God in ways that feel safe, gentle, and grounded. CONNECT WITH HEATHER O'BRIEN: Heather O'Brien is a prophetic healing coach, Bible teacher, and host of the Heal with God Podcast, ranked in the top 2.5% globally. She helps Christians who love Jesus but still feel emotionally stuck learn how to hear God clearly and heal with Him deeply. Through her signature Heal With God Roadmap, Heather brings practical, Spirit-led tools that break anxiety, fear, trauma, and confusion—releasing believers into confidence, clarity, and lasting peace. · Website · Free Monthly Workshop RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 131: Healing in Layers: What Art Taught Me About Grief · Episode 199: Why Old Wounds Get Loud in Quiet Seasons · Episode 189: When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 204] How to Journal When You Don't Know What You Feel 03.03.2026 6min

Journaling can feel impossible when you don't know what you're feeling. In this episode, we explore biblical and trauma-informed ways to journal through grief, confusion, and emotional numbness. You'll be invited to start with what you do know, use Scripture and creativity, and trust that God meets you right where you are. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide 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 164: 3 Key Lessons for Journaling in Difficult Seasons ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 203] How to Sit with Hard Feelings Without Letting Them Take Over 24.02.2026 5min

Many Christian women feel pressure to suppress hard emotions in the name of faith—but God invites honesty. In this episode, we talk about how to sit with difficult feelings without letting them take control, blending biblical wisdom with trauma-informed care. You don't have to fix your feelings to be faithful. >> Written Spiritual Direction: A personal rhythm of Scripture, journaling, and listening http://lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 147: The Flip-Out Rule in Journaling · Episode 122: Feeling Anxious? Try This 5-Minute Journaling Session ______ >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event: http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking

[Ep 202] When We Ignore God's Sacred Nudges 17.02.2026 6min

Have you ever felt God quietly prompting you to do something—and chosen not to listen? In this episode, we explore what can happen when we ignore God's gentle invitations. With honesty and compassion, we reflect on how God speaks, why His nudges are easy to dismiss, and what the consequences of not responding can look like over time. You're invited into a moment of reflection, a simple journal prompt, and a closing prayer to help you notice where God may be speaking—and how you might respond. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 201: Ways We Ignore God's Leading · 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 >> 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

[Ep 201] Ways We Ignore God's Leading 10.02.2026 8min

Sometimes we know exactly what God is asking us to do—and still struggle to take the next step. In this episode, I share a clip from my session at the Make the Move conference, reflecting on a season when God called me to step away from a ministry role and all the ways I tried to avoid obeying. As you listen, I invite you to consider where you might be hesitating, and to bring that resistance honestly before the Lord. >> Get Your Personalized Journaling Guide (PDF) http://lovedoesthat.org/journalguide RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 24: An Example in Spiritual Discernment and Decision Making: Going "All In" With Love Does That · Episode 172: Trusting God Through Obedience: A Conversation with Neil Broere · 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 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

[Bonus 23] A Slower, Steadier Way to Listen to God: Reimagining Written Spiritual Direction 05.02.2026 6min

In this episode, I share the heart behind my revamped offering, Written Spiritual Direction: A 12-Week Pathway—and why spiritual formation is such a powerful form of care. We'll talk about spiritual direction as a proactive practice that builds resilience, trust, discernment, and healthier relationships, not just something we turn to in times of crisis. I'll also explain why this twelve-week pathway is such a natural fit for me, weaving together spiritual direction, journaling, and formation into one intentional rhythm. If you've been curious about spiritual direction but unsure where to begin—or if you're longing for more structure, consistency, and support in listening to God—this episode will give you a clear picture of what Written Spiritual Direction offers, and how it might serve you in this season. >> Written Spiritual Direction (A 12-Week Pathway) http://lovedoesthat.org/twelve-week-pathway RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 136: 5 Misconceptions of a Christian Spiritual Director · Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness · Episode 33: Written Spiritual Direction: How Letters and Messages Can Create Space for God ______ >> 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

[Ep 200] The Grief That Comes From Change 03.02.2026 6min

Grief is often associated with death or obvious loss, but many of us are carrying grief that comes from change. In this episode, we explore how transitions, even good or God-led ones, can stir grief beneath the surface, and why naming it matters for our spiritual and emotional health. If you've felt unsettled, heavy, or emotionally off without a clear reason, this conversation offers language, permission, and gentle guidance for the season you're in. >> Journal Prompts: Seasons of Change RELATED EPISODES: · Episode 160: When Life Changes, Re-evaluate · Episode 177: Grieving Decisions You Don't Want to Make: A Conversation with Lauren Black · Episode 103: 6 Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Stress, and Change ______ >> 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

Journal Gently: Spiritual Formation for Christian Women

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