Journals take a myriad of forms these days. For some, their social media posts are their journals. Some prefer handwriting their journal entries, others prefer to type them. I have an elderly friend who can no longer see well enough to write or type, so her grandson set her up to make voice recorded journal entries.
Journaling is a must for those who aspire to be writers—recreationally or professionally.
My dad, a Navy Corpsman attached to the 3rd Marine Division on Iwo Jima and Guam during WWII, kept a journal of names, injuries, scene descriptions, sketches of the islands, and stories that he used as a basis for a book he wrote over 40 years later.
I have kept a journal since my late teens and strongly encourage those I know to journal, particularly when they are in the midst of major changes and/or struggles. We always think we will remember the details, but we don’t. Most of the devotionals and blogs I have written are based on my journal entries.
I was encouraging one of my counselees to journal, she replied, “Journaling isn’t for me! I don’t have the patience, time, or inclination to learn how to do something new!”
I responded,
“Make your own rules! Your unique personality will shine brightly through entries that reflect the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical aspects of your life.”
Writing Prompt: I was at the grocery story and over heard a lady say …
Following are some of the things I shared with my young friend about my current journaling practices.
Recording the following in my journal during my daily morning quiet time:
- Prayers confessing my sin with notations of Scripture referencing an aspect of God’s character.
- My feelings: anxiety, fear, sadness, excitement, happiness, depression, ambivalence.
- At least three things for which I am thankful—these often surface while reading past entries that remind me of God’s mercy, grace, faithfulness, and love that has enabled me to walk through every situation.
- Scripture I read in my quiet time. Any words or phrases that stand out to me and related passages that come to mind. Ideas for further study, teaching, counseling, and writing.
- Prayer requests—my own and for others. Leave a little space to record how and when the request is answered.
- Spiritual, emotional, mental and physical areas in which I need to improve.
Throughout the day as thoughts and ideas come to mind, I may record some of the following:
- All sorts of things that happen.
- I try to record related Scriptures. (Writers, these are good fodder for devotionals, articles, and even books!)
- Ideas for study, teaching, and writing.
- Add to my “want to read” list.
- Names of people and ways to encourage them.
- Decision-making charts.
- Ministry evaluation.
- New people I meet and pertinent facts about them.
- Goals, plans, dreams.
- Brain download of random thoughts, ideas from the day.
Before I go to bed, I pull all the things I have written, emailed and texted to myself into my journal. And, I usually think of things I need to add!
Don’t get bogged down with how you journal or what you put in your journal—just start journaling!
Don’t miss Pt. 2! Find it here tomorrow morning.
I keep a journal about what my kids do every day, so when they are adults they can revisit their childhoods.
That’s a great idea.