Do you keep a journal? If so, do you use your computer, or pen your thoughts in a book? Need some encouragement?
“When you don’t have the time or the heart to journal, write just one sentence,” says Donald Whitney, author of Simplify Your Spiritual Life. “As you do, you’ll almost always decide to write a little more. But even if you write only one line, those few words will help preserve the presence of this spiritual discipline in your life.”
Another helpful tip from Whitney: “Sometimes the simplicity of a predetermined subject can make it easier to maintain the discipline of journal keeping.”
What if writer’s block is a problem?
One friend refers to a list of journaling topics whenever she hits a snag. Donald Whitney listed 31 subjects (one for each day of the month) that relate to his spiritual life, and picks from those if he needs a prompt. Since his journal is primarily spiritual, his topics cover things like meditation on Scripture, family, ministry, faith, prayer, joy, worship, etc. What topics come to mind for you?
Many of us just ponder the day’s events, while others keep a more specific journal: diet & exercise, cancer treatment & progress, PMS, art journaling, prayer journal - so many ways to keep a written account of our lives.
I admit, I’ve let this habit slip in recent months. If you want to jumpstart this practice with me, a fun solution is the journal jar . This is just a small jar with journaling prompts written on little slips of paper. On those days you haven’t a clue what to write, just pull out a strip, see what’s there, and voila!
Let me know about your journaling techiques!
How to make a Journal Jar
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Some valuable nuggets from Ethel Herr from her wonderful book, An Introduction to Christian Writing:
“Observing your world enables you to bring new life to anemic sentences. No matter how profound the truth, if you say it in a dull way, your reader will probably turn the page to the next story.”
“Perceptiveness helps you to heighten the emotional tenor of your writing. Do not tell your reader to laugh or cry. Rather, with perceptive words, paint him a picture so hilarious that he cannot help but laugh or so tender that he feels genuine sorrow and weeps of his own volition.”
“Cultivate the notebook habit. Do not trust your memory with all the sensory impressions, new ideas, experiences, and spiritual insights you collect.”
“Read the parables of Jesus and notice how carefully the Master Communicator observed details and used them in original ways to convey profound messages.”
“Jesus was ‘God who told stories.’ And we, as writers who bear Christ’s name, have the same calling; to tell our stories with skill and craft and passion, and to allow God to use our words in the lives of others. It is a gift and a calling. But it is also a job. Work hard. Listen. Learn. Grow. God is in charge of the outcome.” ~ Penelope J. Stokes, author of Writing & Selling the Christian Novel
Remind yourself daily of your writing gift. Be a disciple - a learner under discipline.” ~ Ethel Herr, An Introduction to Christian Writing
“The Lord has given me the tongue of disciples that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple.” Isaiah 50:4 (NASB)
“Deep in our hearts, we all want to find and fulfill a purpose bigger than ourselves…” ~ Os Guinness
“Carpe diem,” we hear. Seize the day! None of us want to waste our lives.
Lately I hear from folks who feel they’ve done exactly that. Some feel too old to do something new; they puzzle over purpose. “I’d write, but where would I start?” a friend tells me. Another says, “I’ve always wanted to paint, but…”
It’s never too late. Whatever restlessness (or drivenness) we feel, it all abates when we respond to the invitation of grace.
“Before being called to something, we are called to Someone. Before we are called to do, we are called to be. Our primary calling is to be in a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that God has called us into fellowship with his Son. God created us and knows our strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears. In spite of our imperfections, God loves us perfectly and completely. He wants us close to him. He calls us to belong to him.” ~ Live Your Calling by Kevin & Kay Marie Brennfleck
When we belong to Him, we’re led by His Holy Spirit, not driven. His indwelling life prepares us as “called” writers and artists. Still, our vocations, avocations, and ministries are secondary to our primary calling, which is to know Christ Jesus and walk with Him, day to day.
So be encouraged! God redeems the time; nothing is wasted in His economy. Don’t regret! Let Him refresh your heart. He’ll renew your vision.
My prayer is not that we would do great works for Him, but that we would live, and move, and have our being in Him. A life rooted and reliant upon Christ will experience His enablement.
“My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” ~ John 10:10
