Journal Gently: Healing with God through quiet reflection, honest conversations, and gentle journaling
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/journalgently
Episodes
Have you ever wondered whether you're truly healing, or simply getting better at not thinking about something?
In this episode, we explore the subtle, compassionate difference between healing and avoiding—without judgment, pressure, or the assumption that one means failure.
Have you ever been in a hard season—and then realized it wasn't just hard, it was stuck?
In this episode, we explore the difference between being in a pit and being in a pit pit—those seasons where prayer, journaling, and "doing the rig...
As a new year begins, there's often pressure to decide: set goals, choose a word, figure out what's next. In this episode, we do something slower.
Instead of rushing toward clarity or change, we pause to notice what quietly followed us into this year. Not to analyze it. Not to fix it...
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 st...
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.
Read more
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 awa...
Ever feel like you're holding more than your heart can handle? In this episode, we explore what happens when life starts to pile up inside us… and the gentle invitation God offers when it does.
If you've been feeling stretched, stuffed, or overwhelmed, this quiet conversation will h...
Sometimes the things we love most can actually get in the way of connecting with God. In this clip from the Lead Well Conference, I share a personal story about how even journaling—something I teach and cherish—was keeping me from spending time with the Lord the way I really wanted.
...
Two trees. Same kind. Standing side by side—yet one is bare while the other is full of golden leaves. In today's quiet reflection, Kari uses this simple scene from her neighborhood to remind us that healing doesn't happen at the same pace for everyone.
It's easy to look at someone el...
Have you ever let fear keep you quiet, hesitant to use a gift you know God has placed inside you?
In this episode, Kari unpacks a familiar verse, 2 Timothy 1:7, and discovers it means something deeper than we often realize. It's not just about overcoming fear in general—it's about r...
Have you ever felt unsure what step to take next, but also restless just sitting still?
In today's episode, Kari shares how God has been guiding her through her own season of uncertainty and reveals what's next for her ministry through Love Does That. You'll hear how one simple phra...
Hey, friend. Whether you are someone who has been listening to the podcast since the beginning or you just found me through one of the recent conferences I spoke at, I want to say welcome, and I'm glad you're here.
It would seem as if God has a funny sense of timing, and He's asking ...
I have been incredibly blessed over the past several years to connect with other individuals who are doing similar work. Laura Howe is one of those people.
Laura and I met as part of a mastermind we were both in. Where I focus on helping individual women come alongside their loved on...
"God doesn't talk to me."
"I can't hear God's voice."
"I don't know what God sounds like."
Hearing from God is pivotal to the ...
There are many ways to journal, but one of my favorites is to journal as I read the Bible. I take note of things that grab my attention, I ask questions, and I explore various ideas together with God as a result of the passage I've read.
Today, I want to invite you into a Bible journ...
As women, as moms, we carry a lot of responsibilities, and sometimes a lot of expectations—from ourselves and from others. Yet one thing is clear: God has called us to keep our families as a top priority.
The question is, how do we do that?
Have you ever prayed for God to open doors for you so it's clear which way you should go, which decision you should make?
But, my friend, take a minute and think about the sayings we Christians have:
Read more
It's probably no surprise to you that I am an avid reader, averaging about one or two books a week. Not only do I read for fun, but I also get to read for work, editing and proofreading book manuscripts right before they get published.
I'm guessing th...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.