Journaling Tools

Here’s a list of my favorite journaling tools and resources.

• Bible – I prefer a good old-fashioned paper Bible so I can highlight, underline and take notes in the margins. You can also do this in digital Bibles, but when we put pen to paper, our minds slow down to the speed of our hands, and that helps us connect deeper with God’s Word. Many people have objections to writing in their Bibles, and that’s ok. Let me recommend some editions designed specifically for note taking, available in several translations:
  • Text Book Edition of the Bible – I believe this one is out of print, but you can still find them on the market.
  • Journaling Bible – These Bibles are printed on thicker paper with ruled lines in the margin so you can write, highlight, and underline with minimal to no bleedthrough or ghosting.
  • Wide-Margin Bible – These Bibles are similar to Journaling Bibles, except the publishers leave a blank wide margin around the printed text (no lines).
• Paper – A notepad or notebook in which to journal. You don’t need to get fancy here, but I would recommend something that is bound and durable. You want your notes to last. Here are some of my favorites:
  • Leuchtturm 1917 Ruled notebook, Rhodia WebNotebook lined, or Moleskine Classic Hardcover Ruled notebook are among my favorites. In my experience, they all manage fountain pen ink quite well, and each has its advantages and quirks. Even though you can use a $1 notebook, I like these because they are durable and the paper is high quality, and they will make wonderful heirlooms that will outlive you. What a gift to your loved ones!
• Highlighters – For highlighting, I use Sharpie Gel Highlighters, and they come in a variety of colors. A search for similar products reveals several brands, but I have tried and continue to use these because they do not bleed through on almost all Bible papers. Whenever you use a highlighter, test it in the back of your Bible on a concordance page or something just to make sure you are safe.
• Marking Pens – For underlining and writing in the margins, I use Sakura Pigma Micron pens. I prefer the blue 005 (0.20mm point). These are also available in several colors and widths.
• Pen or Pencil – When I use a pen, I use a fountain pen for writing in my journal because they move effortlessly and smoothly across the paper, and I can change ink colors on a whim. An incredibly wide choice of pens, nibs, and inks are available, and I encourage you to check out Goulet Pens for information and purchasing your supplies. Some of my favorites are
  • Platinum Preppy – a great starter pen for about $5.
  • Pilot Metropolitan – an incredible value for about $20.
  • Pilot Prera – This is my go-to pen. This pen writes smoother than any other pen I own, making it feel as though it were floating across the paper. It amazingly light weight, and it is easy to maintain. It is a bit pricier at $60, though.
  • #2 Pencil – Now this is really “old school” but I consider it the original word processor! They are everywhere, easy to use, and almost all of them come with a “delete key” on top. I always keep a few pencils in my desk and in my bag.