Filling Yet Another Journal

Some reflections this morning ...

"We're getting to the end of another journal. And these large, lined, spiral-bound ones are my favorites.  And there are more to come and more to fill.  Life goes on.  And this is a discipline that lets me review and process and learn and release all that enters my life. Thank You, God, for being a part of every line, every page.  You are the One who walks with me as I sort through events and feelings and thoughts.  You're the One who has given me comfort and perspective and a sharp kick when I've needed it.  You've collected my tears and have shared my smiles as I've written line after line.

You've integrated Your Word into my daily journey.  You've given me Scripture and You've given me songs in the night.  You've given me hope when all was hopeless, and wisdom and grace when I've had none.  You've allowed me to understand what forgiveness and peace look like.

And during these hours, You've reminded me through Your Word that You will never leave me, never forsake me.  You are my rock, my fortress, my calm in the storm.  You are the forgiver of sins and the giver of wisdom and strength.

And You have been safe for me.  You give me full permission to be authentic and real and transparent in our times together.  I feel accepted and loved and cherished.  I feel validated and affirmed in who I am in Jesus Christ.  You have convicted me, but not condemned me.  Firmly, but gently, You've pointed out my disobedience.  And graciously have granted forgiveness.

You've refreshed my soul and clarified my perspective.  Given me hope and joy and strength for the day.  You've stretched and molded, shaped and grown me, slowly but surely.

And I am forever grateful for Your never ending love and Jesus' sacrifice that made it all possible."

Linda

 - collage by Veri's kleiner Winkel -

Autumn Contemplation

  ... 4 questions to consider ...

1.  Are you at peace with God?

2.  Are you passionate about what you do?

3.  Are you productive in how you use your time?

4.  Are you pro-active in planning your future?

Ponder, journal, pray, choose ~

Linda

  

“This is what the Lord says:
Stand at the crossroads and look; 

ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, 
and walk in it.”

- Jeremiah 6:16.

" ... the hardest moment of my entire life was ..."

Jenn has given me permission to share her most recent CaringBridge journal post.  Click on the link on the last line to read the entire entry. 

Linda

"Let me tell you, the hardest moment of my entire life, was putting on a gown and walking my little girl into the OR. I held her hand as she fell asleep and God gave me the strength to walk out to the waiting room, trusting the surgeons but ultimately trusting in Him to take care of her.

Even in this emotionally agonizing moment, I did not question God or ask Him why all this was happening.

Again, when we woke up in the middle of the night and found Lydia seizing, the second scariest moment of my life, I didn’t need to ask God why or where He was. I knew He was right there with us, holding my little girl, loving her more than I ever could. I knew that if I continued to lean on Him for strength and peace, He would give it to me, and He has!

Thro​ughout this I have continually seen ..."

She Writes ...

Five years ago, I began journaling. Born out of deep frustration, confusion, and sadness, my newly discovered spiritual director suggested that I pursue this practice. After a bit of foot dragging (Dare I write what I really feel? What if someone reads this?), I began to slowly embrace this spiritual discipline. Because it wasn't a "Dear Diary" kind of thing. The journaling I began to embrace was simply deep, honest conversations with my Savior. On paper. And I discovered it to be one of the most powerful journeys I've ever embarked on.

Journaling saw me through times when no one understood, and I wasn't sure too many cared. Only God knew my heart, and with the exception of sharing glimpses here and there (this blog's From Pen to Paper), this has been a private thing. The times of quietness with the Lover of my soul, my Bible, paper, and pen have been my salvation during the past half decade - times of horrendous illness, bountiful health, joyful celebrations, deepest sorrow, overflowing confidence, faith-stretching uncertainty. And like most disciplines that we embark on, the benefits have been huge and have affected every area of my life - my faith, my relationships, my work, my health. Because I know that my powerful and compassionate God has heard me, embraced me, nurtured and guided me, my faith is stronger and more steadfast than ever.

If you're a client of mine, you know that this is one of the things I ask you to do. And hold you accountable for. It's that important, that vital in your journey toward emotional healing and spiritual growth. And many of you have made astounding discoveries about the Lord, your pain, your relationships, your rage, your circumstances, your future, and your faith as you have faithfully stayed with this precious time of silence, Bible reading, prayer, and pondering. I salute your perseverance.

Gordon MacDonald talks about how he began journaling when he, too, hit bottom. Read his story ... and then thoughtfully consider if God might be calling you to begin this freeing, life-changing discipline.

Still writing to the Lover of my soul ~

Linda