Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.

                                                ~Christina Baldwin

 

I am always grateful for feedback on Perspective. I’ve journaled sporadically throughout life, and wish I’d been more consistent. It helps me center, sometimes with a written prayer, at other times with ideas, random thoughts, or bittersweet memories that awaken me in the night. Journaling is an underlying basis for the “life threads” you find in Perspective. The threads of our lives can be funny, sad, frustrating, beautiful. I attempt to write about things that matter, questions at the core of my own life, insights I receive from the Scriptures, from friends, and from other followers of Jesus. And, of course, from my dog, Gage.

 

Here are some feedbacks on the “Discipline of Journaling,” (July 9, 2018). Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me (may be edited for length).

 

Hello Ward. I met you at the CASA conference, Nov 6-8, 2013, in Dallas. I loved all that the conference had to offer; reimagining a senior such as I at 68 was in the right position to minister to seniors! I was the recipient of a signed copy of your book, “Without Warning”. 

I enjoyed today’s topic on journaling. I have filled a lot of journals in my lifetime and look back periodically to find how God has led and inspired me in various ways, books, media and people.

In recent years I’ve changed the format to writing a synopsis at year end month by month so I can easily look up any given event. I take notes at conferences, journal consolations and desolations, points to ponder in Daily examens and my datebook  to refer to at year end.

I highly endorse the importance of journaling. I believe it’s another way to notice what God is doing in my life preparing us for what’s ahead in this life and in the next. Thanks for your inspiring emails.

~Tina P. White Rock, BC (Vancouver) Canada

 

Thanks for the emails. Your input ( or rather output 🙂 I have always found useful. You’re very much appreciated!

~Art B. Kirkland, WA

 

With journaling I have the desire, but struggle with implementation. I keep my journal under my Bible so that as I read, research, meditate, I can sometimes record points of interest, applications and commentary that I want to remember. I want to express myself about these items to remember, but this is where I struggle to find words. I seem to want the words to be “right” before I put them to paper. Right now I’m thinking that I need to find someone in my sphere of influence that is a journalist, and ask them to mentor me. Thank you for stimulating my thinking over the years!

(Put a note in the church bulletin, Mike. You may be pleasantly surprised.)

~Mike K. Katy TX

 

Thanks for this share, Ward. Encouraged me to get the pen out again…I have been slack in this discipline.

~LaJuana M-B. Branson MO

 

Thank you so much for this article! It spoke to my heart 💗. I have used journaling in many different ways. As a young child, I used it as a way to draw myself closer to God and gain understanding of the abuse I was enduring. Now I use journaling to draw myself closer to my Lord, and to inspire my own writings. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is now teaching others how journaling can help in their lives. Teaching this process and how to make it a practice versus a habit is one of those greatest keys to success.

~Michelle V de S. Denver CO

 

Thank you for jotting the wisdom GOD gave you. God bless you and keep up the good work which will not go in vain.

~Paul Pulla. Hyderabad India

 

Thanks for your feedback. With your comments, encouragements, and critiques, we experience life together in honest sharing, unselfish love and Christian service.