I am an introvert all the way–I love quiet things–I never thought of myself as a “writer” but I suppose in a basic, unprofessional sort of way, I must be. I’ve been writing in diaries since I was 12 years old. When Rich and I were in our early years as a married couple I started writing in a journal just to keep track of my devotions and prayers.
My current journal I call my “Spiritual Journal” and Rich bought it for me for Christmas 4 years ago. It’s only about half full–which is important–if you start a journal don’t ever feel guilty if a month goes by without any new entries. About this particular one, I like it because it lays flat on the table when I write in it.
Why do I write in my journal? I write in it because it forces me to concentrate on what matters most: the lessons God is teaching me through life. I try to take any situation and learn something about God with it. “All things work for good for them that love God”–sometimes we don’t see that happening because we forget things! If I write them down, I will look back and remember. I will see the path that God is leading me on and be filled with gratitude and thankfulness.
What do I write about? I write all sorts of things. I record my own pain. . .and, when I go through another valley, I look back and read that I’ve been there before and God got me through. . and, He will get me through it again.
I do word studies. There are certain spiritual words that really touch my soul, like GRACE, MERCY, LOVE, WATER, HOPE, etc. If I find a verse in my Bible that has to do with one of those words, I write it down in my journal.
I write out prayers.
I write out poems, hymns, Bible verses, book reviews, quotes, and “ah-ha” moments (when something finally “clicks” and makes sense–don’t you love it when that happens?)
I have no rules for myself when it comes to form (how to do it)–only that my journal be a true reflection of what God is doing in my heart. My heart. MINE. “Guard your heart” is other verse from the Bible, well, how can I do that if I’m not even searching it?
My journal has made me look deeper into my soul. And, after looking, I always, always come to the same conclusion: I NEED CHRIST. . .I AM NOTHING WITHOUT HIM. “I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord” (from a hymn). . .
Here is a peak into my journal:
Names for Christ:
Confess sin:
write out verses:
Sometimes I write out a verses and insert my own name into them. Don’t be afraid to draw pictures in your journal. God is a creative God, and so I try to be creative, too.
I have this letter from my Dad tucked away in my journal. Everything he writes to me makes me cry.
Hymns, questions:
words study:
Just writing things down. . . .
Prayers:
The last page (so far) is filled with a poem from a xanga blog!
I hope that maybe if you don’t have a journal of your own, you will think about starting one. It’s been a rewarding experience for me.
Good to be Home 
I have boxes kept from high school on — as a testimony to the Lord’s ongoing, ever-faithful work in me – or ‘on’ me 🙂 Blessings, Laurie
Thank you so much for sharing your journal. I am constantly trying to build the habit of journaling…I have one that has many lengths of time between entries! Maybe i’ll pick it up this afternoon!
Thank you…..such open sharing! So good to see how God is working each day. I too keep journals…and write from studies I am doing, verses, quotes,and sometimes drawings. I am not much of a writer …but I find I remember more when I write it, see it , think it….kind of cements it in Lord bless you, Jenny
I am another with boxes in the closet. Journaling has been an important part of my life. I can always tell when I am not writing enough. I like the page where you wrote of a problem, but then also had a section for Godly Response. I will have to keep this in mind.
Thank you for sharing something so personal with all of us. It is a great idea to journal. You have been such a support for me in my journey & I really appreciate it!
I am ole journaler from way way back. I have been discipling our ladies in journaling right now and they are loving it. It is a powerful tool, like an old friend, tactile, something familiar to hold everyday and pour your heart into.Thank you for sharing yours with us. Like you, it is brilliantly beautiful. blessings and love, m
Oh Ms. Shanda, thank you so much for sharing and being so open! What a blessing and encouragment!
I have a small leather journal that I have had for several years now. I write down favorite verses and quotes in it, and I like to use pretty stickers as well. I also have another journal that I have been trying to write in every evening about this that and eveything that comes to mind… my hopes, dreams, frusterations, joy, longings, lessons, and daily events. You post was such an encouragment, because I have struggled over the years in keeping a regular “spiritual journal,” even though it has been something that I wanted to do, and this year one of my goals is to try to be more consistant in writting.
I need Thee, Oh I need TheeEvery hour I need Thee.
a beautiful post ~
I have a file cabinet full of journals!
You and I are so much alike!! One day we have got to meet for sure. Thank you for sharing your journal with us, it is very inspirational.
Thanks for sharing. I try to journal but I find I end up doing it in spurts. I enjoy reading it years later though so I am glad I do it even though it isn’t regularly. You are and inspiration to so many. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you for being so open and transparent. You are such an inspiration to me! My journaling has been sporadic at best. You have challenged me to get back at it. You are so sweet and encouraging- thank you!
That is a good idea I think I might just go out, and by one for me tomorrow! I really like your idea!
Comment back,
Veronica
Regarding your second to the last picture, entitled “Prayers” . . . I have been praying (for weeks, now) that God would cover you with His wings and shelter you from all that comes against you in the way of discouragement and defeat! I prayed for His hand of protection on you and your family. I can’t believe you wrote that very thing!
Not many of us would be as transparent as you have been with us. I love it when others are real…I am learning. The first picture quoting “More Love to Thee” takes me back nearly 31 years. My father-in-law sung that at our wedding. I wish I had been more faithful to keep up my journaling…but I just pick up where I left off. Thanks for the encouragement.
thank you for sharing your heart. =)
thanks for sharing this post!! A really great idea~
I used to journal all the time. I actually still have the notebooks I write in…not even close to being full. I need to get back into the journaling and reading of my Bible. I was less stressed during the day when I was journaling. I tended not to overreact about the little annoyances when I journaled…even if I was just running my train of thought down on paper (which tends to happen more often than not)Thank you. You have definitely encouraged me to get back to what used to help me calm down and keep me in a Godly mindset.I give you a mirror for the self-reflection…
Thank you for sharing. I always want to journal but I don’t know what to say! I’m going to try again! You are an inspiration!!!
Thanks for sharing your journal with us…you reminded me that I need a new one for the year. I loved that last quarter in Sunday School, we talked about getting prayer journals, and I’d already been keeping one. 🙂 It made me so happy to know that it was something that could be used in a special way for the Lord. Have a great night, I’ll see you Sunday. Love, Trish
I sat here reading your words and everyone comments and the smile on my face grew bigger and bigger. i have journaled since i was a teen, and my style is very similar to yours. I was trying to pack light for my trip to Georgia, so didn’t bring my study bible along, but I did bring my jouranl. Little did I know I’d be stranded in the atlanta due to snow and ice and spent the night in the airport terminal. Tried and fatiqued at 7am, I pulled out my journal and started reading from the begining, God’s word was fresh and new, I saw where prayers have been answered, and insight given. After 30 minutes I flet refreshed and peaceful!
This was so encouraging to me! I use to do this…but it has been a very long time…and I miss it! It always made me not only think through things…but be able to see it down on paper just seemed to take it a bit deeper in my heart and soul. It is also encouraging to be able to go back and see how God worked in your life. Thank you for sharing and for being an encourager towards things of the Lord !! I needed this! If you see what time I am writing this you will think I am losing it! Or have lost it!! Well, pretty much! I am up sick with a head cold so I figured I may as well be doing something while it is keeping me away right? Hmmm…
Your journals are very neat! Mine are always messy so doing it all on-line woks for me. I’ve just recently started to write about God and my spirituality in my writing- that’s kept in my private journal much like yours- I guess moving away from the family has turned my interest from the social to the journal. Beautiful family BTW. ;DCharsis
Thank you for sharing this, it has blessed me to read this.
Not only are your thoughts and words beautiful but your hand writing is very pretty.
Thank you for being very transparent…sharing yourself in this post.I have been reading Stepping Heavenward..again….that wonderful journal-style book by Elizabeth Prentiss, who is also the writer of More Love To Thee.
I just started journaling after Christmas for the first time since highschool and I can’t wait to look back and see how God has got me through. I know I always can look back in my mind but it will be nice to look back in what I’ve written. Thank you for sharing Shan. You are always and encouragment and inspiration to me. Love, Lish
I don’t keep a journal but I do keep a file of interesting articles, poems, etc. Lovely post!
I love journals… and have many about different things… I love to write each and everyday… a way to mark time in this fast paced world we find ourselves an often unwilling part of.Thanks for sharing your’s…Blessings and Hugs, Mary
Beautiful journal. I always start a journal but never finish it. My Aunt keeps a diary that she writes in nearly every day. I like the idea of a spiritual journal. Thank you for sharing that. BlessingsP.S. Your handwriting is beautiful. 🙂
Hi! I just wanted to thank you for your very nice blog. I found your page through “Homemadejoys” whom I had visited before. I like the way you take pictures, they are so nice… I appreciate the devotions, inspirational thoughts about God or nature you add on your page. This truly is a place of encouragement! I have noticed your journal has the name of “Provence” on the cover. Did you know that Provence is a very nice Southern region in France? I live in Paris but I have been in Provence once and this is a nice place to go if you ever come to France. Lots of blessings from a French and Christian young woman. Delphine.
Wow, I’m so encouraged to (re)start a journal! Your blog is so beautiful and encouraging. It’s a pleasure to read it.