Thoughts for a new journal

Today, I began a new journal!

It is always an exciting new time as I peel back the plastic packaging to reveal the brand new moleskine journal. My journal represents so much in my life, as I am sure many who will read this can attest to. Maybe it’s just me, but I have found that my printing is very neat on the first couple pages and that I do my best to include thoughts and ideas about the future. In addition one will find some referencing to the challenging, amazing, and noteworthy accounts in my last one. I have seen many journals come and go. I have had journals where I missed many days or pages with illegible handwriting that litters parts of it and includes possible drool. (Just kidding) There are coffee stains and different colored pen markings for sure, however. Well, today I put a reward of $50 for a lost journal in the front page as well as my address including "USA" at the end. This kind of got me thinking about how journaling is changing in me and about what I want to accomplish in this new journal, and rather, what God wants to accomplish in me.

I believe the 40daze are shaping myself as well as our team to see beyond the now and take the mountain.

Anyways, here are a few thoughts about starting a new journal.

1.  Write legibly

      -Yeah, I have problems with this….alot.
      -print in clear letters.
      -Make clear the points, sections, and divisions.
      -David’s journal could be read.

"As the door pants for the wanton so my son laughs to me." psalm 42

If david wrote sloppy we may have something like this to read.
In addition, I am sure that scribes were very precise to preserve what was said.

2. Write counting on NO ONE  reading it.

     – We may not have gotten psalm 51. Which I am super thankful for.
     – If you’re not going to be transparent with yourself, then why waste the time.
     – Although mine is read every week, I must not give in to myself as an editor. Just write.

3. In addition to everything else, write about what’s happening right now.

     -Think about answering these questions: Where are you? What are you looking at? What day is it? What is racing through you mind? Who is on your mind, heart?

     -If all journaling is to me is a collection of short devotions, it will be a book for a shelf and retitled a homily.

     -Even if no one ever finds my writing interesting. I will. It’s a record of my journey with God and life. 20 years from now you will be kicking yourself if you don’t. DETAILS WILL BRING INSIGHT LATER. 

4. Include other things.

      -not necessarily a scrapbook, but include ticket stubs or photos, a business card or receipt from a special dinner. Again, you will be so thankful later. I don’t save stuff like this anymore, but I know I will keep my journals. This will, again, be rewarding to you later. Be creative.

5. Plan for the archive.

     -Get a journal that will last.
     -Use good paper.
     -Use good ink.
     -I use the same kind every time. Moleskine squared journal. They will be easy to transport and keep together.

I want to grow in GOD, dangit! So I am TAKING MORE TIME with my journal process to ensure that I show how much God means to me in being excellent with my journal. Who knows what will happen to them?

Andy