I have two questions for you. Do you journal? and What prompts you to journal? There have been certain times in my life that I have been really good about journaling, and for me it is usually prayer journaling. Sometimes when I have not been good at journaling, I stop and ask myself why I am not journaling.
When I am really seeking God's face about something, there is usually some form of prayer journaling involved. Recently, I THINK the only reason I have not been journaling is a lack of time. However, somehow, I have still had time for other things… I have been on overload with finishing grad school, teaching, and preparing for the World Race. However, all the more reason for me to be disciplined in taking time out to commune with God!
God has been doing so many amazing things, that I do not want to let the opportunity pass to document them and allow the process of journaling to help me reflect and soak in His goodness…. Journaling is like having a conversation with God. As we write down prayers, thoughts, and events that have been happening: He speaks to us and teaches us…
One of my friends does a positive or thankful journal where she records the blessings of that day. I love that idea because it helps end the day on a positive note, and there is always something to be thankful for! Having a thankful heart helps fight against worry, selfishness, discontentment, pride, and bitterness: all things that the enemy uses to rob us of joy! (I am speaking from experience, this is a current lesson I am learning:))
My mom kept a journal about me when I was a baby and as I grew up. I am so glad she did because after having three kids, it would be difficult for her to remember so many things that happened so many years ago. It all starts to run together! For one of my grad school projects, my mom shared information with me from my baby journal. No surprise that I was an early talker, but one thing that I found really interesting is that I was already pretending to write and writing cards and praying for people when I was like 1 and 2 years old. I would never have known that if she hadn't written it down.
Pictures can also serve as a way to help us remember! I cherish all my pictures of my students I have taught over the years! I just can't delete any of them:) They make me smile!!!:) My camera is broken right now, and I feel like part of me is missing because I LOVE taking pictures!
Everytime I take time out for God (not just incorporating him into my day, but taking time out for Him alone): I am immensely blessed. However, it is difficult for me to put Him first with my time. I am so easily drawn to people first! Seeing/ encouraging people, writing cards, talking/texting on my cellphone….facebook… I know that being involved with people is apart of my calling, but a higher calling is to be involved with the Lord first and foremost. Once the Lord has filled me up, then I can turn and allow his love to pour out onto those He places in my life. So, on that note, I am off to journal!
"Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced." (Psalm 105:1-5)
(I love the Message version too!)
"
Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered—
O seed of Abraham, his servant,
O child of Jacob, his chosen." Psalm 105:1-6
