We often talk about God speaking in a still, small voice—but what if that isn't the whole story? Scripture gives us plenty of examples of God speaking and moving through wind, fire, thunder, earthquakes, and other unexpected ways. In this episode, we'll explore what that means for the way we listen for God today—and how we can become more attentive without putting Him in a box.

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 201: Ways We Ignore God's Leading

· Episode 194: When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers

· Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God?

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>> 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)

What do you reach for when you're still hurting and want some gentle guidance for the journey? In this episode, I'm sharing three books I recommend for walking through suffering, healing with God, and making space to process what you've been through. Each one offers something a little different—and all three invite you to take the next step without rushing the process.

RESOURCES: (affiliate links)

· Depression and Anxiety

· Growing After Trauma

· Respite Retreat

· Gritty Faith Magazine (2026)

· Journal Gently program

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 100: [Book Recommendation] Sensible Shoes Series by Sharon Garlough Brown

· Episode 105: [Book Recommendation] Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

· Episode 114: [Book Recommendation] The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth

· Episode 120: [Book Recommendation] Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Barton

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>> 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)

What if you're not ready to let go? Maybe you're still grieving, still angry, still hoping, or simply not sure what releasing something would mean. In this episode, we'll consider the difference between being invited to let go and being pressured to move on—and what it might look like to bring our unfinished hearts honestly to God.

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 210: God's Grace for the Roads You Regret

· Episode 203: How to Sit with Hard Feelings Without Letting Them Take Over

· Episode 198: How to Tell the Difference Between Healing and Avoiding

______

>> 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)

What if you didn't have to figure anything out today? What if you could simply listen? In this episode, I'm inviting you into a quiet, prayerful time of listening to Scripture. You'll hear the same passage three times, with space between each reading to notice what God might be highlighting—or simply to rest and receive His love.

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 209: [Imaginative Prayer] Hungry for Jesus: The Feeding of the Five Thousand

· Episode 183: [Bible Journal Session] How Do You Need to Be Restored?

· Bonus Episode 19: [Scripture Reading] The Good Shepherd (Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23, John 10)

· Bonus Episode 11: [Imaginative Prayer] Jesus, Have Mercy

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>> 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)

Music by DappyTKeys

What do you do when something feels a little off? It can be tempting to dismiss it, explain it away, or simply move on. But sometimes, paying attention is the first step toward understanding what's really going on.

In this episode, I'm sharing a surprising lesson I learned from my dog about noticing the unusual, getting curious, and bringing our questions to God—especially when we're healing. Plus, I'll share a few journal prompts to help you slow down and listen.

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 191: What Laundry Taught Me About Emotional Overload

· Episode 149: What Are You Feeling Possessive Of?

· Episode 65: Learn to Linger with What Provokes You

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>> 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)

What if we didn't just read beautiful words, but actually carried them with us? In this episode, I'm sharing how my attempt to memorize a poem led me to a simple practice of collecting, lingering over, and memorizing words that speak to our hearts. Plus, I'll share a few journal prompts to help you discover the words God may be inviting you to carry in this season.

>> 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

Book: Every Moment Holy: Volume I (Amazon affiliate link)

RELATED EPISODES:

· Episode 170: 2 Ways to Journal When You Can't Find the Words

· Episode 153: Can 5 Minutes Journaling Really Make a Difference?

· Episode 143: Start Noticing What You Enjoy

______

>> 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)

Healing rarely happens all at once. More often, it comes through small steps we almost miss. In this episode, I share the story of a little gosling that reminded me of God's gentle presence in our own seasons of healing and growth. Together, we'll reflect on where we can see evidence of God's quiet work in our lives—even when we're not yet where we hope to be.

>> 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 205: Participating in Our Healing: A Conversation with Heather O'Brien

· Episode 189: When Healing Takes Longer Than You Hoped

· Episode 178: Exploring Our Stories One Piece at a Time

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>> 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)

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)