In other words, I journal in spurts. When I am going through challenges, trials, troubles, frustrations,
periods of questioning, times of refreshing - I pull out my journal and free write. What a great way to pour out emotion and hone in on how a particular situation made me feel at the time. Then there are desert times where I write nothing in my journals.
I would love to brag about how dedicated I am and how I consistently blog every evening at the close of the day. Sigh. It's my intention, but it takes a big pinch for me to do that. I am pretty good at writing in two of my journals, though. (Although, lately I have been a bit delinquent with those.)
One of them is loosely titled, Trekking through the Word and the other one is What's in my Bible?
The next one, What's in my Bible, is based on my pack-rat tendencies. In my bible (thank goodness I have a big bible cover) one can find everything from funeral cards, to handwritten notes from students, to art work from grandchildren, to poetry, sermon notes, to inspiring quotes, to cards, to - well you name it, I've got it. When it stockpiles and my Bible cover bulges, I clean it out and put my treasures in a box by my bed. Then when I write in my What's in my Bible journal, I comment on what 'it' is and then I reflect on the person or persons involved and what they mean to me or how they have affected my life or whatever comes to mind. I love doing this and it helps me preserve memories.
When I was going through chemotherapy for cancer nine years ago, I was such a diligent journaller and how happy I am that I was. When I look back in my many journals over two years, I cannot believe how much I poured onto the page. I remember a lot of the situations, but let me tell you, I would never have remembered all the emotions attached to the situation if I hadn't written it all down. I wrote poetry a lot. I shared some deep-seated thoughts that I don't think I would have ever remembered without it staring me in the face on the written page. My mind can capture events but it is weak to remind me of feelings - other than something superficial. I still have to write that book based on my journals! But even if it takes me a few more years, I still have the written evidence that will never be fabricated.That said, journalling isn't for everyone. And I don't think writers need to feel obligated or apologetic if they choose not to journal. What works for one, doesn't necessarily feel right for another. And it certainly isn't anything to do with laziness. Maybe exhaustion, but not laziness! I can't journal at any time of the day except night time. This might sound a little cockeyed but I have to be in bed to journal. And if I am plum exhausted, journal is not high on my list of priorities.
But when I am ready to journal, I love how words pour from my hand onto the page. And don't even get me started about sermon notes. When I'm listening to a sermon, I take notes. It's my way of decreasing distraction and oh, how I love to reread and reflect. But that's a whole different story (and a whole big box of 'other' books!)I wonder sometimes, about what will happen to my journals (and my big box of sermon notes) when I am dancing in heaven. I suppose it won't much matter at that point. My children did not inherit my pack-rat tendencies. Hmmm. Just a minute. I have a granddaughter who actually loves to collect. Maybe I can make a note in my will ...
Let this be recorded for a generation to
come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:
Psalm 102:18
I also take notes during sermons etc. even if i never go back and read what i wrote. i find it helps me stay focused. I've also wondered what will happen to my many journals. I can't squeeze even one more into the banker's box I have been storing mine in so have started a new box. My mother was a journaller and my daughter and I took most of her journals when she passed but I have to say I haven;t gotten around to reading them... maybe some day. I think the real value for those who do like to journal is personal, even if no one else ever reads what is written.
ReplyDeleteTotally with you on the 'keeping me focussed' part, Tracy! Thanks for your comments and I sure do hope you are feeling well. Doing any journalling? ;)
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ReplyDeleteI take sermon notes, too, but I like the idea of writing your own 'commentaries' on your Bible-reading. I journaled a long time ago and tried at various times to play catch-up. I am too far behind now to ever do so successfully, and the attached emotions you refer to are long gone. It's too bad really, but my life is just too full to add journaling to the mix :(
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it, though, Susan, is that we can always begin right here! We are in the emotion of the moment. And you are right, playing catch-up is not easy. Journal when you want. Sporadic journalling is neat, too! Spurtser!
DeleteIt's wonderful that there are no hard and fast rules to journaling! We can journal whenever and however we like.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is the joy of journalling, Vickie. Thanks for that reminder!
DeleteI love your descriptive term, "Journal Spurtster," Glynis. I know exactly what it means, because I am one too. I also write sermon notes or scribbles around the edges of my "Living with Christ" missal that has the readings for the day. During my daily readings, I underline, look at other translations of the Bible, and circle or highlight scripture or other quotes.
ReplyDeleteIn spurts, I have been keeping a journal for about thirty years. I've reread most of them and used some of the writings and insights, when I found them, for new writings. I call this "mining my journals," a term plagiarized from whomever. Thank you to this person. I hope, in the future, to uncover more gold for the panning.
Thanks for sharing your experiences in journalling.
I love to reread my journals and often feel inspired, too, when I do that! Thanks for your kind comments! :)
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