The Spacious Place, with Kari Levang

Latest Episodes:

Formation, why it matters. Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

Spiritual people are not those who engage in certain spiritual practices; they are those who draw their life from God. Dallas Willard

Last week we talked about spiritual formation and a little bit about what it is—-this week we'll explore together why it matters. What it is that would move us to engage with God in His formation processes. I think you might be surprised to hear some of the things that I've discovered along the way as to why we might consider formation.

What's shaping you? Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

"The most important discover you will ever make is the love the Father has for you. Your power in prayer will flow from the certainty the the one who made you likes you, he is not scowling at you, he is on your side. Unless our mission and our acts of mercy, our intercession, petition, confession, and spiritual warfare begin and end in the knowledge of the Father's love, we will act and pray out of desperation, determination, and duty instead of revelation, expectation, and joy." -Pete Grieg

Today is the beginning of a new series together, as we begin to explore what's shaping us. If we are spiritual beings who belong to God, then what does it mean to allow Him to shape our ways of being. Hopefully you'll discover afresh today that God is totally in love with you and is delighted every time you choose to come to Him!

Join me as we begin the conversation around Spiritual Formation!

Discovering a few handles to hold while experiencing change Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

I think all of us can relate to feeling like we've been in a long season of lots of change.—-some more than others, of course. In today's episode I'll talk through a few of the things that I'm clinging to as I get ready to enter into a major change for Mike and I. Join me as I share how I'm planning to navigate this next season with God, myself and with others.

Welcome to the New Year! Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I think it's safe to say that the last couple of years have been anything but easy. In this first episode of 2022, I will share some of the intentions that I plan to carry with me into this new year, things that will better equip me to live well. And, I'm also going to let you in on a few of the things that I'm asking God and others to help me to leave behind…things that haven't served me well and aren't worth the trouble of dragging into 2022. We'll take a look together at how we can welcome the new year, without making happiness alone our goal.

100th Episode!!! Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you."

― Barbara Sher

In this episode, my 100th episode I'll share a few of the things I've learned along the way as I've stayed in this process of trying something new, trusting God with the obedience of what He's invited me into, with Him and others. I am so grateful for all of you who have listened and supported this journey I've been on and today is a BIG thank you to all of you and a prayer of encouragement as we enter into 2022 with expectancy and hope!

It's Christmas!!! Dec 21, 2021

Show notes

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will. James Stevens

In this episode I wanted to take a look at the Christmas story through the lense of Mary and share a couple of the things that stood out to me. This middle age woman has so much to learn from the faith of a teenager who lived a couple of thousand years ago and I think you may just find some things you've got to receive as well. Join me as we take a walk through the story together just before we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Conversation with Karin Peabody Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Proverbs 18:24

"Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin."

The Message: True friends will be with you through life's most soul-shaking changes.

Well friends, this episode is a little longer than normal because I sat down with my dear friend Karin Peabody. I've shared before that God gave me a team of 4 amazing people as He led me through the wonderful, painful process of working through the trauma in my story. Karin was a vital friend along the way and today we are talking all things friendship and coming alongside one another, as we navigate story together. Not only will she share some tools that might be helpful if you're walking alongside another, but you'll also get a peek into what some of our times together were like along the way.

Clinging to what is good! Pt 4 Dec 07, 2021

Show notes

It is in the context of relational intimacy that real life change takes place. Ruth Haley Barton

It seems simple, but in this episode I'll share how I've found that practicing this with others, makes this not only possible, but delightful at the same time. As I've invited others to come along over and over again, I'm finding that two really are better than one! Today we talk about how realizing that God's mercies are new every morning as I blow it and come back again and again, not only gives tremendous hope to begin again, but it's also an enormous relief that we don't have to do it alone!

Clinging to what is good! Pt 3 Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

To pray with soul and body means praying with all of who we are: our physicality, our emotions, our intuitions, our imaginations, our minds, and all of our experiences. Therefore, when we pray with body and soul, or love with body and soul, we are believing, responding, surrendering with all of who we are. Jan Vennard

In this episode, we'll talk about the next two rhythms that I've found to help me flourish in my desire say yes to clinging to what is good. Working at actually bringing our whole selves to the table has had major implications for me and my relationships as I pursue this practice. Presence, bringing our real self, can sometimes be hard, but is almost always, worth the effort! And prayer, really is an extension of this presence, just with Jesus. Join me as we talk more about it together in this episode!

Holiday Heart Prep Nov 23, 2021

Show notes

Today's episode is all about preparing our own hearts as we prepare to go and be with those we will celebrate with over the holiday season. There are a few practices that I have been using that I've found helpful, so I thought I'd share them with you! Some simple ways to pay compassionate attention to yourself, as you get ready to step into a room with people who it may, for some reason, be hard, or ignite fear, or frustration or a whole span of other potentially difficult emotions.