Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

Research shows that only 36% of people can identify their emotions as they're experiencing them. Yet learning to feel and share authentically is the path to closeness and connection. This means your emotions and experiences (even the painful ones) are actually invitations to be deeply loved by God and others. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks to celebrate the launch of Bill and Kristi's new book, Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. They share wisdom on empathy that will help your relationships grow in intimacy, depth, and health. Plus you'll hear how you can enter to win a free copy of Deeply Loved.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouEnter to win a free copy of Deeply LovedMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Some Christians are skeptical about empathy, mistakenly assuming that it coddles others and reinforces sinful behavior. Yet genuine empathy (even when we sin) helps us understand our struggles and strengthens us to grow in Christlikeness. Thankfully, loving and healthy empathy is modeled all over the Bible and not only comforts us but leads us toward truth and responsibility.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi address concerns you might hear about empathy in some Christian circles. You'll discover fresh insights from the empathy scriptures they teach in their new book, Deeply Loved, and learn the importance of holding others in God's empathy while the Spirit draws them toward transformation.Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many people are "thinkers" and "doers" whose natural tendency is to analyze their emotions and those of others. It's certainly true that reason and action are valuable parts of being human. But getting stuck in your head leaves you detached and lonely. Thankfully you can learn to feel and heal with Jesus and others.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the importance of empathy for everybody as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. Your connection with Jesus and others will grow as you discover that you can feel and share your emotions instead of judging them. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorWatch Soul Talks on YoutubeDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Are your big feelings misunderstood by others? All of us have tender parts of ourselves that long for a safe place to call home. Sadly, it's easy for sensitivity to get rejected as "too emotional" or "unbiblical." Yet Jesus the Feeler welcomes our emotions and cares for us in his empathetic love.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi affirm the God-given need to be seen, known, and understood as they discuss their new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You. You'll experience freedom from the shame placed on emotions as you learn how your feelings actually draw you deeper into Jesus’ heart. Resources for this Episode:Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual Direction

All of us can fall asleep to the reality of God's trinitarian presence and slip into making life happen on our own. Yet the Three-Person God shows us how deeply relational he is and invites us to fully immerse ourselves in intimate friendship with him.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help you wake up to the spiritual truth that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit surround you and are with you always. You'll be enthralled by their powerful vision of the Kingdom and equipped with disciplines to help you rest in the Loving Community of God during all your daily activities and endeavors. Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredBreath Prayer GuidesDeeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Most Christians know the importance of taking their faith seriously. But getting too serious when it comes to spiritual disciplines or ministry responsibilities can miss God's heart for relationship. Thankfully, our loving and joyful Papa wants to help us move from duty into sharing his delight.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi invite you to glorify God by enjoying the radiance of Jesus all around you! You'll learn to enjoy God through simple practices like sitting and relaxing, appreciating nature, and savoring time with friends. Resources for this Episode:Breath Prayer GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many Christians share Jesus' big heart for others and desire to love people like him. But all of us can fall prey to caring for others in a way that's fueled by our own unrecognized needs or wounds. Even good intentions can drain our souls and leave us feeling resentful towards ministry and people. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the tension between loving sacrifice and codependency. You'll learn how to search your own soul with Jesus and cultivate an emotionally healthy attachment to Abba so you can discern who to serve and how to partner with God for greater fruitfulness.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's easy for all of us to get swept away by the powerful current of "doing more." Although too many responsibilities stress us out, we often don't realize that unconscious emotions and unmet needs drive us toward giving too much of ourselves. Thankfully we can learn to care for our souls with Jesus and approach life in God's Kingdom with a full tank. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi dive into the psychology behind busyness. You'll become aware of the unique factors that keep you from prioritizing soul care so you can establish new rhythms with the Good Shepherd and serve others in freedom. Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramSoul Shepherding Enneagram ResourcesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It can feel impossible to attune to Jesus' presence and hear his voice when so many stressors fight for our attention. Factors like health issues, relational tension, and the busyness of life and work make it challenging to genuinely sense Christ with us. Even still, Jesus speaks to the deepest desire of our hearts when he invites us to abide in him through all of life (John 15:5; 16:33).Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the necessity of inner stillness in your relationship with Jesus. You'll be equipped with surprising ways to cultivate a centeredness with Jesus that integrate practicing spiritual disciplines with biblically-based psychology. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

What are you most passionate about? Most Christians would respond by saying something like "loving Jesus" or "doing God's work." These are genuine expressions of devotion and warm Abba's heart. Yet it's true that all of us have hidden ruling passions (like loneliness, control, etc.) that can become the primary drivers of our motivation. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill talks with Dave Wiedis — founder of Serving Leaders Ministries and author of the new book The Spiritually Healthy Leader: Finding Freedom from Self-Sabotage. You'll learn how to grow in self-awareness and abandon yourself to God's care so that King Jesus becomes the supreme ruler of your heart and life. Resources for this Episode:The Spiritually Healthy Leader: Finding Freedom from Self-SabotageLearn More About Dave and Serving Leaders MinistriesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It's likely you have memories that you wish you could forget. Remembering times of suffering or trauma can feel uncomfortable and often triggers distressing emotions like fear, shame, or grief. But inviting Jesus into your memories can transform places of pain into precious moments of healing with our Redeemer.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about how memory can nourish your faith and help you flourish with Jesus. You'll be surprised to learn how powerful reflecting on your journey — both the peaks and the pits — is to your spiritual and emotional growth in Christlikeness. Resources for this Episode:Healing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical WholenessAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatVisual Devotion Card Bundle

All of us have left conversations feeling hurt because somebody hopped to a quick judgment or attempted to fix us instead of genuinely listening. This is not only damaging to your mental health but also opposes your formation in Christlikeness. Thankfully, learning to receive and give empathy helps you agree with grace so you can know you are deeply loved by God and overflow with his affection when caring for others. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share from years of experience how they've seen God's powerful empathy heal and transform the lives of his children. You also don't want to miss the exciting news they share at the end of their conversation.Resources for this Episode:Preorder Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for YouAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Where is God when nothing makes sense? It's easy to dance around tensions like this instead of getting honest about the disorientation and desolation we all experience in our relationship with Jesus. But questions aren't opposed to authentic faith — they're one of the most valuable pieces of our formation. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi talks to Aubrey Sampson — teaching pastor and author of a new book titled What We Find in the Dark: Loss, Hope, and God's Presence in Grief. Her wrestle through grief and a dark night of the soul will help you grow with Jesus through the ups and downs of your own journey. Resources for this Episode:Purchase What We Find in the Dark: Loss, Hope, and God’s Presence in GriefFollow Aubrey on Instagram (@aubsamp)Follow Soul Shepherding on instagram (@soulshepherding)Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Grieving the loss of a beloved person in your life is one of the most disorienting journeys you'll ever walk through. You deeply desire to support your children and loved ones but feel fragile and empty. It's okay to feel and heal with Jesus so you can lovingly hold others in their pain and loss. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi chats with Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague — authors of When Grief Comes Home: A Gentle Guide for Living Through Loss While Supporting Your Child. You'll learn how valuable it is to be vulnerable while finding the support you need and leaning into honest conversations with those who need you. Resources for this Episode:When Grief Comes Home Book and PodcastMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us know that courage is a virtuous quality and desire to live and love boldly like King Jesus. But it's easy to assume the path to operating more courageously looks like suppressing our fears and forcing ourselves into action.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to break free from your comfort zone and experience the security, peace, and joy of courageous living. Getting honest about your feelings of inadequacy with God and others creates space for you to draw from Jesus' strength. Then, more and more, you can courageously embrace every day as a God-adventure.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

"Acceptance of reality" isn't an attitude often supported in Christian circles. In fact, being oriented around your physical reality can sometimes be viewed as "unspiritual" or "lacking faith." But the truth is that a healthy and mature acceptance of reality leads to authentic and vibrant faith. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss something challenging for all of us — cultivating the humility required to be honest about your limitations while keeping your eyes fixed on our all-powerful God. You'll be refreshed by Jesus' willingness to take on humanity and live out an extremely relational faith with Abba and others.Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Do you have trust issues? All of us have experienced the pain of broken trust from people who were supposed to be safe — parents, coaches, pastors, siblings, or friends. Sadly, learning to live in mistrust of others leads to us distrusting God and erodes our mental health.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi get honest about the risk of choosing trust. You'll be encouraged to take heart with Jesus and grow in security by getting vulnerable in safe relationships with his ambassadors. Praying the healing of Jesus flows to your inner child and establishes you in loving trust.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Hope is more than wishful thinking — it’s the anticipation of good things from a good God who has redeemed us, loves us, and cares for us. This is why Jesus' followers have the most reason to be hopeful humans.  Even still, all of us experience times when feelings of shame and depression drain our hopefulness and crush our spirit.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about cultivating hope to become healthy in your apprenticeship to Jesus. You will learn about the causes of depression, the dynamics of shame, and how powerful the presence of a safe friend can be when you find yourself spiraling. Praying that you overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit (Romans 15:13). Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

A common misunderstanding in Christianity is that you won’t struggle with mental health issues if you read the Bible and pray. The reality is that we’re all human and factors like trauma, stress, and genetics can lead to wrestling with anxiety or depression. Part of apprenticeship to Jesus is engaging difficult yet valuable inner work to become healthy and loving like him. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss cultivating a resilient faith that will strengthen your emotional resolve and deepen your soul. You’ll learn how to return to joy after experiencing distress by attending to your heart, getting honest with safe friends, and taking courage from Jesus to do hard things. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Are you feeling bored or restless in your current season with the Lord? It's natural to pursue transition when you feel the itch for something new. Yet all of us know that changing our circumstances doesn't automatically change us. There's often a deeper work of formation and preparation that Jesus desires to accomplish in our lives when he asks us to remain planted.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach why moving forward in the Kingdom often looks like staying put. You'll learn how to engage the mundane in a way that cultivates spiritual growth, a healthy soul, and a larger capacity to love Jesus and others. Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthIgnatian Meditation GuidesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks