Soul Talks With Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

The average person spends four and a half hours on their smartphone every day! Between text and email notifications, social media, sports news, and “trending” videos — there’s a lot fighting for our attention. Maybe it’s time to pause and ask an important question: What are the spiritual consequences of this constant distraction?Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere discuss the pros and cons of smartphones on your growth in Christlikeness. You’ll learn the valuable role that attention plays in spiritual formation and feel inspired to seek God’s wisdom on how you and your family can best use phones in apprenticeship to Jesus.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Sorting through grief is never fast or easy! All the “what ifs” and messy emotions feel unsettling and challenging to engage. Thankfully, we don’t grieve without hope. Because Jesus’ tomb is empty, we can trust in God’s goodness as we process times of complicated change and painful loss with him. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi interviews Steve Carter — teaching pastor and author of Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold Us. Drawing from Steve’s journey through the desert of grief, you will be empowered to take heart from Jesus in every season and embrace the healing work he wants to do inside your soul. Resources for this Episode:Grieve, Breathe, Receive: Finding a Faith Strong Enough to Hold UsMore Resources From Steve CarterAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us are in a relationship with somebody who is a highly sensitive person. Sensitivity comes with both unique needs and gifts in marriage, friendship, etc. Whether you are highly sensitive or know somebody who is — you can help support the journey toward spiritual and emotional health.  Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere break down the distinct path to Jesus’ wholeness and purpose for highly sensitive people. If you’re highly sensitive, you’ll learn how to establish routines, set boundaries, and engage community in a way that cultivates growth. If you’re not, you’ll learn how you can give Jesus’ gift of understanding, safety, and respect to those who are. Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionBreath Prayer GuidesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Highly sensitive people often relate to the world differently than others. They might be more easily overwhelmed by their environment, the emotions of others, and distressing movies or TV shows. If you are highly sensitive, this experience can present challenges! But embracing your sensitivity helps you care for your soul and unlock your unique giftings. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gaultiere uncover the unique path to emotional and spiritual growth as a highly sensitive person. You will feel encouraged to make room for life-giving spiritual disciplines and empowered to draw boundaries that will help you love Jesus, yourself, and others well.Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatThe Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World OverwhelmDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Does it feel like you are more sensitive to your environment, the subtleties of your surroundings, and the emotional climate around you more than others? It can feel confusing or disheartening when you feel different from those you love. But high sensitivity (or understanding someone who experiences this) can be a gift in your relationship with Jesus and others!Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Kristi and Briana Gautiere share their stories of learning and embracing life as highly sensitive persons. They define the traits of high sensitivity, talk openly about the difficulties, and help reframe how you think about sensitive experiences.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorThe Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms YouDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Personality affects the dynamics in all of our closest relationships—including our relationships with our kids. Unsurprisingly, we face relational challenges when caring for our dear children who are "different" from us. But we can learn to move toward them with the same understanding, empathy, and compassion Jesus has for us.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks for a conversation between Kristi and Beth McCord—author of The Enneagram for Moms: See the True Colors of Yourself and Your Children as God Intends. You will be moved to grow by Jesus’ grace in your unique personality so you can more lovingly embrace and nurture your children in their exceptional design. Resources for this Episode:The Enneagram for Moms: See the True Colors of Yourself and Your Children as God IntendsHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramSoul Shepherding Enneagram ResourcesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

God is good in ALL things! But seeing his goodness can be challenging when we experience suffering, unjustness, or seasons of spiritual dryness. All of us need help to trust our Father’s loving care at times. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to see your circumstances through the lens of Jesus’ goodness and love. During times of doubt, the Good Shepherd wants to minister to you in unique and powerful ways—you can take heart from soul friends, heroes of our faith who have persevered, and practices like healing prayer.Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual DirectorAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the Enneagram

Resolving to “try harder” doesn’t make us look more like Jesus. But the flip side of the coin is also true—falling into passivity doesn’t form us in Christlikeness. Yet Jesus casts a vision about living as whole-souled apprentices of love because he intends to help us become like him. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss praying the Apprentice Prayer with the intention of living like Jesus. This practice will enthrall you with the vision of his life in the Gospels and help you become like him little by little through the power of the Spirit.Resources for this Episode:Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us experience intrusive thoughts that invade our minds and disturb our peace. The emotions attached to these thoughts can feel alarming and leave us looking for answers. But should we pray against spiritual warfare or seek inner healing and emotional care?Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach you how to pursue freedom as a fully integrated disciple of Jesus. You will learn how to overcome lies by applying the powerful truth of the Bible in a spiritually, emotionally, and relationally healthy way. Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talk

Keeping a Sabbath is one of the most talked about commandments in the Bible, but it might be the most overlooked. Many people shy away from this practice—they fear it's a legalistic rule or too heavy a burden. Yet the Sabbath is a discipline of delight designed to nourish your soul!Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi explore Abba's heart for the Sabbath. They envision you with simple practices that will help you start where you are, partner with Jesus' grace, and cultivate his Sabbath rest in your life and work.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatYour Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredSabbatical GuideDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us long for the rest and rhythm of Sabbath. But setting aside an entire day can feel overwhelming and unattainable—especially if you are a parent with young kids. Yet Abba’s heart is that Sabbath would bring blessing into your life instead of adding more burden. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share how they started small and learned to practice Sabbath as a family. Regardless of your season of life, these practical steps will help you train with Jesus and start enjoying the gift of praying and playing with your Best Friend!  Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us have experienced times when serving Jesus feels like a burdensome duty instead of a joyful delight. This realization feels confusing and concerning—often leading us to rely more heavily on our own abilities and become irritable or exhausted. But Jesus uses the "walls" we hit to invite us to pause, slow down, and surrender to the deep and beautiful he is doing inside our soul!Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi explain what's happening when spiritual disciplines and serving others become obligations you should do instead of practices you want to do. You can be renewed by engaging in an inner journey of deeper honesty and life-giving intimacy with Jesus. Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul CHRIST Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthDonate to Support Soul Shepherdi

A growing apprentice of Jesus walks through many stages in their journey with him. Following our Good Shepherd through change is necessary to know Jesus deeply and become more like him. But wanting to move forward doesn’t always help us get there—it can be unclear where we need to go or how to move ahead!Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi help bring awareness and language to your current stage of faith. You can learn how to embrace the unique needs of your season, continue to grow in spiritual and emotional health, and trust your Guide to move deeper into Jesus’ heart.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionEarn a Certificate in CoachingJourney of the Soul CHRIST Stages Assessment

We don’t sign up to go through trials or crises in our faith, life, or leadership—they just happen! This can leave us feeling dry, worn out, and stuck. Hitting this kind of wall can be dangerous, but it’s also an opportunity to go deeper with Jesus in emotional health and loving leadership.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share part one of an insightful teaching on resilient leadership. You will be encouraged to learn that times of great renewal in Jesus often start by becoming emotionally honest and finding support during seasons of discouragement, disorientation, and doubt.Resources for this Episode:Journey of the Soul CHRIST Stages AssessmentJourney of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual GrowthAttend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us neglect to receive the love and care we need from Jesus because our picture of self-love has been distorted. The Bible’s teachings about selflessness can be easily misunderstood and misapplied. Plus, culture promotes a type of self-love that is detached from Jesus and leads to a fractured soul. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach about biblically sound and psychologically healthy self-love. The true way to love others like Jesus is to fully embrace his love for you and agree with the song of grace he is singing over your life!Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionHealing Prayer: For Emotional & Physical WholenessDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Jesus freely forgives our sins and instructs us not to limit the forgiveness we give others. But forgiveness can turn into a codependent relationship when we neglect to express how we really feel and overfunction to help others. This is why learning to handle relational conflict wisely is an important part of our apprenticeship to Christ.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi show you how Jesus modeled both forgiveness and limits. You can also grow to love yourself and others well by communicating your hurts and needs, setting necessary boundaries, and entrusting the care of others to the Good Shepherd.  Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatEmotional Intelligence: 5 Steps with Jesus to Living & Leading EbookSoul Shepherding Enneagram ResourcesDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

It is confusing to hear "shame on you" after doing something wrong. Agreeing with shame seems like it will motivate us in the battle against sin, but it only reinforces the lie that we are "bad people" and leads to more temptation. Thankfully, Jesus forms us to be and act more loving by "taking shame off" instead of putting it on! Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how to get free of shame by relying on Jesus' all-sufficient sacrifice, agreeing with his grace, and training with him. He equips you to resist sin the healthy way—by drawing empathy, support, and strength from him and his ambassadors during times of discouragement and temptation.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Those dealing with addiction can get categorized as bad people. Addiction certainly leads to sinful behavior, but to say those struggling are “just sinners” is a gross oversimplification. It is more accurate to call addiction a disease because most people don’t want to be addicted—they are formed with deep, habitual responses they can no longer control. Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how those dealing with addiction can heal from the hurts and unmet needs underlying their behavior through long apprenticeship to Jesus. Plus, we can all rally around those struggling, learn about their unique challenges, and love them with the compassion of Jesus.Resources for this Episode:Attend a Soul Shepherding Institute RetreatMeet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorEarn a Certificate in Spiritual DirectionDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Depression makes us feel like we are walking around in a heavy darkness that will never get better. Judging our faith—or receiving criticism from others—only worsens the suffocating pit of sadness and grief. Thankfully, our Good Shepherd knows how to lead us through the darkest valleys.Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpackage the true meaning of faith—authentic trust in Jesus that grows as you persevere through trials by walking with him. You’ll learn how tools like honesty, empathy, spiritual friendship, and sometimes therapy help you work through depression and renew your confidence in Christ. Resources for this Episode:Meet with a Soul Shepherding Sr. Spiritual DirectorHealthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Many of us are familiar with the “control disease”  called anxiety. Some of us attempt to rule over outcomes while others try to manage their image. But anxiety isn’t a conscious choice—it happens when we deny our emotions brewing under the surface and get overloaded. Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpackage the sources and symptoms of anxiety. They turn to the Psalms as a model to show you how to process repressed emotions and access the best remedy for anxiousness—trusting Jesus with all your soul!Resources for this Episode:Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith: Growing Emotionally and Spiritually Through the EnneagramEnneagram & Emotions CourseYour Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live EmpoweredDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks