Mar 10 2025 34 mins
How can journaling help you learn to listen to God? In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome special guests Rebecca and Jay Madden as they share how journaling helped them to connect to God and their life story.
Jay and Rebecca, authors of the book Breathless Haste, share how journaling played a pivotal role in the writing of their book and their spiritual journeys. They offer practical tips and insights on how to start and maintain a journaling practice, overcome common fears, and the transformative impact it can have on your faith. You’ll be inspired not only by their story, but also how journaling–and looking back over what you’ve written–can have a significant impact on your spiritual growth.
00:00 Welcome to the REALIFE Practice Podcast
00:46 Introducing Jay and Rebecca Madden
02:01 The Impact of Journaling on Writing
03:17 Reflecting on Past Journals
05:02 The Emotional Journey of Writing
07:11 Practical Tips for Journaling
09:01 Starting Your Journaling Journey
12:19 Journaling Tools and Techniques
24:28 Addressing Fears and Privacy Concerns
30:56 Connecting with Jay and Rebecca
33:54 Conclusion and Next Steps
CONNECT WITH REBECCA AND JAY MADDEN
Learn more about Rebecca and Jay, plus get their book Breathless Haste: Finding God in Ordinary Life, at www.breathlesshaste.com. They also have a free resource to help you go deeper with God and scripture at www.findinggodtoday.com. Stay connected with the Maddens on Facebook or Instagram!
JOIN THE REALIFE PRACTICE MEMBERSHIP
The REALIFE Practice Membership is designed for those who want to grow spiritually, but feel like REALIFE is getting in the way. We’ll learn how to integrate meaningful spiritual practices and tools into our daily lives through live group calls, group coaching, training videos, downloadable resources, and an interactive community. CLICK HERE to join us today!
JOIN OUR FREE COMMUNITY
CLICK HERE to become part of the FREE REALIFE Process® Community! Connect with Teresa & Lindsay and other podcast listeners, plus find additional content to help you discover your best REALIFE.
LIFE MAPPING TOOLS
Gain clarity at life’s transitions and know yourself and God better through our visual life maps. CLICK HERE to learn more about oneLife Maps.
READ TERESA’S BOOK
Banish busyness and discover a new way of being productive around what truly matters. Learn more at DoWhatMattersBook.com.
About Teresa McCloy:
Teresa McCloy is the founder and creator of the REALIFE Process®, a framework designed to empower individuals and groups with the tools, training, and community needed for personal and professional growth. Through the REALIFE Process®, Teresa is on a mission to help others grow in self-awareness, establish sustainable rhythms, and enhance their influence and impact by integrating faith and work into their everyday lives.
She lives with her husband of 42 years on their 5th generation family farm in central Illinois and enjoys great coffee, growing beautiful flower gardens, and traveling as much as possible. Connect with Teresa on Facebook or Instagram.
About Lindsay Sterchi:
Lindsay Sterchi is the REALIFE Practice Executive Director at the REALIFE Process®, where she leads and guides our REALIFE Practice Membership and Community. She also writes about habits and rhythms for the Mind, Body, and Soul for a holistic approach to spiritual growth and formation at lindsaysterchi.substack.com.
She lives with her husband Tyler and elementary-aged twin daughters. She has an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary, and her background is in church ministry.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, you’re most likely to find her reading a good book. Connect with Lindsay on Facebook or Instagram.