Taking the time to record your thoughts and process your emotions is one way to live with abundance. ‘Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out.’ Lee Wise In other words, journaling is good for the soul! Journal to live with abundance.
My First Journal
To be honest, starting a journal was not my idea. Mr. Cormier’s typing class began with 5 minutes of journaling every day. We started the year writing in a notebook until we had learned how to type, and then we typed our thoughts each day! In addition, I also had a notebook that I passed between friends for all those important daydreams!
One of the gifts I received for my high school graduation was a journal, a mug, and a daily meditation flip calendar. With that journal I began writing ‘what I did today’ entries. You know, “Well it was a great graduation. It didn’t rain!! My open house was fun. Peach flowers on cake & peach streamers & plates & napkins. Stephanie Palmer is the name on a diploma, is it really mine? It feels no different than before. Watched Say Anything and Some Kind of Wonderful. I made thank you cards and put pictures in an album.“ Although there is nothing earth shattering in these daily journals, they did help develop my writing skills and gave me an outlet for my thoughts and emotions!
Taking Journaling Deeper
Eight years after receiving my first journal, I started my Worship Journal. While this journal was not about the daily activities in my life, it became an outpouring of the meditations in my soul. I used this journal for reflection on Bible verses, song lyrics, my emotions.
‘What is worship? According to Webster, worship is an expression of intense love and admiration of something. What do I worship? Hopefully this journal will trace the steps in my journey of worshiping God. On the day I die, I would love for people around me to say, “She was a worshiper of God.”
My life has been surrounded by music – ever since I was born! My Mom sang in choir and played the piano. According to her, I was begging for piano lessons when I was four years old. I started playing the piano for church in 9th grade, and have continued playing for church, camp, and retreats. Focusing on the technical side of music all these years left me with much to learn about worship.
The worship aspect to my journey began when I was hired to be the Student Ministries Ministry Assistant to Worship. Journal entry, ‘I have only begun to scratch the surface of worship and what it means, but I pray that my curiosity will be rewarded with an exciting journey to the throne room of Almighty God. My job is to lead others into the presence of God through worship. My obstacle is that I know so little of myself. Lord Jesus, open my eyes, cause my ears to hear, and reveal to my heart, Yours.’ I realize now, this was the beginning of learning how to journal to live with abundance.
Worship verses
Matthew 22:37-38 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
John 4:19-24 Worship in spirit and truth – the Father seeks worshippers.
Hebrews 4:14-16 We have a backstage pass to the very throne of grace – to receive mercy and find grace.
Romans 12:1-2 my spiritual act of worship is to present myself as a sacrifice to God.
Luke 10:38-42 To be seated at His feet, not busy with life – that is what is desired.
Psalm 24:3-4 Worship leads to purity.
What About You?
Do you journal to live with abundance? Do you write words, draw pictures, make lists? Grab some fun pens and some paper or a notebook if you don’t have a decorative journal. I love the creativity that you can use for recording your thoughts! Did you know that you can use social media as a way of journaling! Bonus if you have memorable pictures to go along with your post!
For more inspiration, check out this devotional!
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