Journaling – To the Glory of God

I recently read this article by Jeannie Fulbright on journaling.

Once again I was reminded of the importance of journaling.

I’ve kept a journal since I became a Christian. I had never prayed before, I didn’t really know how to, but I loved writing so I decided to write letters to the Lord as a way to express myself. In it I poured out my heart to the Lord, telling Him all about my failures, successes, needs, desires, hopes, and dreams.

Being very frugal, I began by using very inexpensive little notebooks to write in.

When I married I asked my husband to burn them when I died, since they were so personal.

Several years later an older woman at our church passed away from cancer. At her funeral several of her children shared excerpts from her journal. They reflected her wonderful walk with the Lord and her hopes for spending eternity with Him.

Then my mother-in-law died and I inherited her journals. At first it seemed strange to read her very personal thoughts. She started journaling as a young woman in her teens, so I learned many things about her that I didn’t know. From an early age she was a believer and as I read I saw how her faith both wavered and grew over the years. Her journals have become some of my most precious possessions.

Over the years the Lord has changed my mind in a couple of ways.

First, I now purchase, or put on my wish list for birthdays and Christmas, nice journals. Since I’m writing to my Lord and Savior I’ve decided I should use the best journals I can afford. I ask for one with encouraging quote or Scripture on each page. During the time I use them I often grow to enjoy them so much that I hate to move on to a new one because it’s like leaving a friend.

Second, I’ve told my husband he no longer needs to keep his word to burn my journals. Now I see them as part of the legacy that I will leave my children. Yes, they will see my struggles and doubts, but they will also see how my faith grew as I determined to follow the Lord in spite of circumstances, trials, and difficulties.

And third, I forget! “The main problem with mental notes is that the ink fades so fast.” Unknown

Since I journal daily, I can look back to see where I’ve been and where my thoughts and feelings have been. I’ve found this extremely helpful in conquering negative thought patterns, fearfulness, or doubts.

I also keep a prayer list at the back of my journal to remind me who I’m praying for and to record answered prayer.

“Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. “Psalm 30:4

Finding Joy in the Journey,

Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather

Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at: http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com

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