Journal-love.

I wanted to share a little something about one of my favorite things. Almost every day I write in my journal. I have been doing this for years now and I look forward to picking out a new journal (or planner) as much as most girls like picking out a new pair of shoes.... they are equal in my book. To be honest, sometimes the journal even ranks over the shoes :)

I take my time picking out the journal and there are a few requirements:

Must have small spaces between lines, or no lines at all.
Must be able to open up all the way, so my hand doesn't run into the other side of the page
Must not be too small... that's just annoying
Must not be too big... as equally annoying because then the time between journals is too far apart!
Must be simple not bulky.

I am sure there are more, but I will spare you those, you get the gist. The journal does not separate itself from my Bible. They are a pair. I think I have finally found journal-love with a red 8x5-ish Moleskin journal (they come in black too). These can be found at Barnes and Noble and are a fair price for the awesomeness they bring :)

I write because it helps me reflect. I write what I am afraid to say outloud. I write to organize, to prioritize. I write these letters to God because it helps me to connect to Him. They are my prayers, thoughts, hopes, desires, hurts, confusions... you name it, it's in there.  I write to remember. When my hands put a verse on paper, it sinks in just a little deeper. Sometimes, I write something that I didn't even realize I was feeling or thinking. Sometimes I write about a situation and the answer seems so clear once it's on the page.

Proverbs 20:5 says

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Journaling helps me draw out my own heart. Each journal entry starts off with the date and each one is a letter to God. A real letter. It doesn't sound over spiritual. It sounds like a conversation that I would have with any other person. The only difference is, it is me, completely as I am. When I am writing these prayers on paper to the Lord , there is no shame, or judgement, or worry that I can't confide in him. He has become my best friend, I have complete trust and confidence in Him and I can be completely myself because I know His love for me. No one has read my journals except for the Lord or on rare occassions, me reading it to someone else.

Journaling helps me figure out the deep waters. When there is so much on my mind that I am no good to any conversation, I get away and put it all on paper and talk to God. The verse says that a person's heart is deep waters and that a person of insight draws them out. Journaling is an intentional act that brings clarity to the deep waters of my heart.

Romans 12: 2 says:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My quiet time with the Lord, happens most frequently with me sitting down with my Bible and my journal. It is transforming me. I truly believe that a person who spends time with God will be transformed. They will be different. Writing my prayers and the scriptures that God gives me helps me dig out the water and transform.

In teaching, we say writing something, is like reading it five times... I don't know who made that up or the statistics! But I like it :) In a technology age where everything is computerized I still find it comforting to write out my words and thoughts on paper. I have tried switching to journaling on the computer and it's just not the same! If God speaks to me in the middle of my day, sure I might put it onto my notes section on my phone, but when I get home I pull up that note section and put it in my journal!

As I said earlier, this is one of my favorite things. I am not sure it is for everyone, I am not saying it is an absolute must have to change or grow in your walk with God. To each his own :) But I am saying it has been one of the things that has helped me SO much in my relationship with God. If you are looking to switch up your devotional time, or going through a lot and can't sort it all out, or maybe there are some deep waters you need to sort through, I would suggest grabbing a note pad and pen and writing to God. It might be as small as writing a verse that you like on a note card and taping it to your mirror or computer. Who knows, you might find journal-love.

Have a wonderful day!