Go Ahead... Journal! (Taking Time To Record My Souls Journey With God)

Imagine sitting down in a relaxed setting -- a setting youlove -- opening a publication, and discovering that you aretotally relating to the heart and soul of the author.

You relate to the style, "flow," struggles, concerns, joysand dreams of the one whose creation now lies in front ofyou.

Suppose I informed you that the book in question was on backorder, but...

It would be available for a guaranteed delivery within thenext ninety days.

Would you order a copy?
(Did I hear a "Yes!"?)

The masterpiece I'm referring to *will* be available to you:if you begin now.

That is, if you you begin your journal today.

Should you decide to take action immediately, the book youonly imagined a few moments ago will become a reality foryou much sooner than you thought possible.

A personal journal inherently contains a measure of beauty.It's the beauty of you.

Please stop long enough to hear yourself *say* what isquoted below:

"A journal is 'me' recorded...

In my own unique way,
For my own reasons,
And at my own pace."

And since a journal is "you" recorded, the reflections youenter on a regular basis quite naturally trace your personaljourney with Jesus.

Your journal becomes a written tapestry of your life as eachspecifically chosen strand is engraved on its pages.

Every prayer, idea, struggle, victory, joy, insight on life,heartache, quote, or observation of any kind contributes to*your book.*

The book you could be reading the next ninety days.

Or...

The next chapter of the book you continue to create shouldyou already be involved in art of journaling.

A FEW IDEAS ABOUT WHAT TO WRITE

Keep this phrase in mind and you will rarely struggle forwhat to write:

"Pay attention to your heart and record what you hear."

Sitting in the front row of our church I remained,literally, at the foot of the cross.

The cross stood in center of our sancturary surrounded byrows for the worshippers.

I could barely speak, and no words from the choruses wereheard from my lips.

The words recorded in my journal captured a part of what Iheard my heart say that special evening. My Good Fridayprayer went something like this:

"Oh, Lord, help me to retain the image of the cross here inchurch this evening. The cross. The wine. There's somethingabout being at the foot of the cross, Lord.

It is totally humbling -- mixed with a deep sense ofgratitude.

Let me 'see,' Lord. Not too much, but enough to inspire.Yes, even demand, a recommitment of my total person to You-- no matter what.

In Jesus' name: *only,* in His name. Amen."

Don't look for good grammar in that prayer. You won't findit.

I wrote not for publication. I simply recorded my heart'sattempt to take in the "majesty" and agony of the cross.

My First Idea, Then, Would Be To...

Record the cries of your heart to the Lord.

My students routinely humble and inspire me. They touch myheart.

I encourage the men to spend a fair amount of timeconsidering their purpose in life and design a personalmission statement that reflects that purpose.

Not long ago several of the statements I received became apart of my journal.

Consider how I felt as my reading pace slowed down while Iread...

"My life purpose is to love Christ, grow in Christ, shareChrist, serve Christ through His church, and to lead myfamily and others to do the same."

"My life aim is to lead people to know God intimately and toserve him passionately."

"To train and equip passionate students and adults to beservant leaders who will mobilize the global church for themission of God."

My Second Suggestion Is To...

Record the inspiring thoughts of others.

Just like you, I enjoy a variety of things:

Times with my family.
My "prayer walks" with God.
The beach -- especially the ocean.
Training men in ministry.

And creating my own quotes -- like the ones below:

Personal Devotions
©Lee Wise 2003
A time of sharing my heart with
the heart of my closest Friend, Lord
and lover of my soul.

Personal Devotions
©Lee Wise 2003
An intimate meeting between close friends.
A meeting characterized by truth, love, transparency
and mutual commitment to one another.

My reason for sharing these examples? They were on the spotexpressions of "me." They reflect something I enjoy.

Therefore, My Third Suggestion Is To...

Record sponteous expressions of "you."

LET'S GET STARTED...TODAY

If you were to make two significant entries in your journaltoday, what would they be?

1. ____________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________

Suppose someone asked you this: "What are the three mostimportant lessons you have learned about walking with God?",what would you share?

1. ____________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________

If you were to write out a prayer today, what would you say?Jot down how you might begin below:

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Before you are three possible entries for a journal.

And remember, a journal is "you" recorded...

"A journal is 'me' recorded...

In my own unique way,
For my own reasons,
And at my own pace."

Yours for many hope-filled days in Jesus,

Lee(John 15:16)

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