The holidays are a time to celebrate the countless ways God has blessed us. They're also when we might feel the pain of loss more deeply. From seeing the empty chair of a loved one to feeling emotional distance at a family gathering to supporting a spouse with unmet longings in their heart — grief touches all of us this time of year. How can we celebrate Jesus and enjoy others while also making adequate space for grief?

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi look to Joseph's story for help dealing with loss during the holidays. He teaches that sadness is an important part of cultivating a vibrant, strong faith in God. You can follow his example this holiday season and receive the empathy you need to cultivate a heartfelt hope in Jesus and appreciation for others.

• Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for Advent
• Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

The holiday season is often idealized as the best time of the year. Yet many of us get triggered by seeing Christmas decorations or spending time with family. Why? The trauma that you or your friends have experienced in the past can get activated in situations that cause similar pain or feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the biblical record of the first Christmas offers a roadmap for navigating emotional distress and trauma.

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi draw on the Christmas story as a real-life account of enduring trauma. You’ll take heart from Mary’s story of taking courage from God when she was vulnerable and in danger. Whatever emotions surface for you this holiday season, you can follow in her footsteps of faith and trust God to provide the care and strength you need.

• Surprising Joy: A Journey with Jesus for Advent
• Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You
• Meet with a Soul Shepherding Spiritual Director
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

You gather with other believers each week — but is it helping you grow as a disciple of Jesus? All of us experience times when we feel disconnected at church. These moments might tempt us to critique the pastor or service as a whole. Yet Jesus' vision for church is less about an inspiring sermon or powerful worship and more about how you respond to God in your heart.

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share a weekly practice that will transform how you interact with God at church. Regardless of how church feels right now, you can take responsibility for showing up with an attitude of faith and prayerfulness for others. This will not only help you grow with Jesus, but also bless your pastor and those around you.

• Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks