Journal Gently: Healing with God through quiet reflection, honest conversations, and gentle journaling cover art

Journal Gently: Healing with God through quiet reflection, honest conversations, and gentle journaling

Journal Gently: Healing with God through quiet reflection, honest conversations, and gentle journaling

By: Kari Bartkus Spiritual Director for Christian Women
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About this listen

 Journal Gently is a Christian podcast for introverted women seeking emotional healing, spiritual growth, and God-centered support after grief, trauma, or hard seasons. Here, you'll find a soft place to land—a sacred, unhurried space to journal with God, process your experiences, and take gentle steps toward wholeness. Healing doesn't have to be loud or fast… just intentional and rooted in God's presence. ------ Kari Bartkus is a spiritual director who walks with women who are hurting to help them recognize God's presence in the midst of their pain—specifically through writing and journaling. She has served in children's ministry, youth ministry, adult Bible studies, and small groups, and her greatest passion is bringing Scripture to life in ways that are relatable, gentle, and deeply rooted in God's heart. Book Kari as a Speaker: https://lovedoesthat.org/speaking Personalized Journaling Session: https://lovedoesthat.org/journalcoaching Journal Gently Writing Program: https://lovedoesthat.org/journalgentlyLove Does That Christianity Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Spirituality
Episodes
  • [Ep 194] When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers

    [Ep 194] When God Gives Invitations Instead of Answers
    Dec 23 2025

    Have you ever begged God for a clear answer… and instead felt Him nudging you toward something slower, quieter, and a little less concrete?

    In this episode, we talk about the surprising way God often responds when we're desperate for clarity. If you're waiting, longing, or feeling stuck in the in-between, this gentle conversation will help you recognize the invitations God may be offering you right now.

    RELATED EPISODES:

    · Episode 187: Clarity Comes with Action

    · Episode 184: Could This Be Why You're Not Hearing from God?

    · Episode 181: Does An Open Door Mean God Approves?

    ______

    >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop

    >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently

    >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event:

    http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • [Ep 193] How to Revisit Past Journal Entries Without Shame

    [Ep 193] How to Revisit Past Journal Entries Without Shame
    Dec 16 2025

    Ever flip back through an old journal and immediately cringe? You're not the only one.

    In this episode, we explore why revisiting past entries can stir up shame—and how to approach those pages with compassion instead of criticism.

    If you're carrying regret, embarrassment, or old emotions you're not sure what to do with, this gentle conversation will help you see your past self the way God does. As always, a simple journal prompt is waiting for you at the end.

    RELATED EPISODES:

    · Episode 167: Why I Trashed My Past Journals--And Deciding If You Should, Too

    · Episode 163: Letting God Use Our Wounds: A Conversation with Russell Joyce

    · Episode 155: When Talking Doesn't Help

    ______

    >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop

    >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently

    >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event:

    http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • [Ep 192] A Writing Rhythm for Introverts Who Get Overwhelmed

    [Ep 192] A Writing Rhythm for Introverts Who Get Overwhelmed
    Dec 9 2025

    If you're an introvert who wants to journal but feels overwhelmed the minute you face a blank page, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

    We'll talk about why the pressure to "do it right" can shut you down—and how a gentler, simpler rhythm can open you back up. You'll walk away with a journal prompt and a practical shift that makes writing feel doable again.

    RELATED EPISODES:

    · Episode 176: My Biggest Tip for Beating Perfectionism in Journaling

    · Episode 146: Introduction to Journaling: Creating Your Own Journaling Routine

    · Episode 144: How to Create Both a Short and Long Journaling Routine

    ______

    >> Free Journaling Workshop: 3 ways to encounter God on the pages of your journal

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalingworkshop

    >> Journal Gently Program: 8 week writing program to start healing from grief and trauma

    http://lovedoesthat.org/journalgently

    >> Book Kari as a speaker for your next event:

    http://lovedoesthat.org/speaking
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
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