Ok, so I should take my own advice! This morning I was reading the last chapter of Second Peter when suddenly the Lord just began to open my heart to a greater understanding of the chapter and related scriptures. No journal with me! That almost never happens. I had mopped the kitchen floor and propped my Bible near the door, mopping my way out to the deck. I didn't go back for the journal and so I made notes in my Bible. I do that often. I know some people are way opposed to that, but it has been one of the most helpful things to me in my Christian walk. I often use the notes that I have made to refer to other scriptures and related thoughts when teaching Sunday school since my journal doesn't always go to church with me. As I am beginning to do more public speaking, I find the studying so much easier because I often get ideas from notes I've scribbled in the margins. My Bible is filled with such entries and they too are like reminders of what the Spirit is speaking to me as I read the Word. Consider making notes in your Bible.
Another little writing tip: If you begin to use a journal and want to start writing a short story (or a long story, for that matter) use this little hint if you are not near the computer. Begin jotting down major thoughts or "scenes" on paper. Don't worry about all the details or time sequence. I often write what is vivid to me at the moment and then when I re-read I number the paragraphs or sentences in the order I want to arrange them. Of course, this only applies to quick writing on paper. If you are at the computer it is so much easier to re-arrange things instantly. By numbering thoughts on paper you can then type them in order when you get to your computer. As a pastor, Clint has often kept a notebook or paper by the bed because it seems that sometimes he wakes in the night with sermon ideas and rather than lose them, he jots down notes.
Today we met Rhiannon for lunch since she was between duties for awhile. They are preparing for harvest and that changes her normal workday. On the way home from meeting her, we stopped at several local business in search of a campfire grill. We looked at lots of styles and a friend invited us to his house to investigate the one he has--the "Cadillac" of all grills. It was really nice! We didn't purchase today, but I think we eventually will. We had a campfire last weekend and probably will this weekend as well. With grandchildren coming on the scene, I can see this happening more and more. It's a really fun part of life on a small acreage. Farm life at its best!
I hope to write a bit about the wonderful things I noticed in 2 Peter, maybe tomorrow. Blessings, LORI
Showing posts with label journaling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journaling. Show all posts
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
MORE ENCOURAGEMENTS
I need to add a little to one of yesterday's answers. I also remember that my parents got me a diary for my 7th or 8th birthday. I was probably in first grade and just learning to write. Because I had an especially hard time remembering which way the "b's" and "d's" were supposed to face, there are several interesting entries that go along these lines--"fed my bog and went to ded," or things like that! But that diary led to journaling......
I try to recommend as much as possible, to Christian women especially, that you begin to journal during your devotions. Buy some type of writing paper or ready-made journal that you are comfortable with and keep it with your Bible. I often use the cheap school notebook type tablets that can be purchased at many stores this time of year for 15 cents and up (approx.) if you shop around. I stock up on them and keep them handy. When you use a journal to record your thoughts during your Bible reading time, it becomes a record of how the Holy Spirit is prompting you. No one else has to read your entries and that's a great place to practice writing! Before long you will see a "thread" of God's encouragements to you.
My first and second books, "The Fields of May," and "A Sturdy Fence," ( the second one due out in early December) were written in these cheap notebooks. I did a little writing each night before I went to bed and then read, re-read, tweaked, edited, and repeated the whole process for about 10 years! Part of the lengthy delay in publishing was due to the typing that had to be done. I couldn't turn the manuscripts to someone else to type because I was the only one who could decipher 10 years worth of scribbled corrections, arrows, and out of order pages! It shouldn't have to take that long. With the aid of the computer, book three was written over a time period of about 6-8 months. I started book 4 yesterday and it's already about an eighth of the way done--or so---who knows at this point? The whole outline is complete already.
I am learning all the time and my advice to others is 'just start writing', especially in a journal. Your individual style will develop quickly. I see a difference just from my first book to my second to my third, and so on. Yet, my own sort of individuality still shows through. The old-fashioned, flowery, descriptions of places, clothes, furnishings, or courtship proposals are my favorite thing to write! I love the descriptive paragraphs!
I encourage you to develop a time of Bible reading every day. The journaling will be a part of that. That leads to more writing! Blessings, LORI
I try to recommend as much as possible, to Christian women especially, that you begin to journal during your devotions. Buy some type of writing paper or ready-made journal that you are comfortable with and keep it with your Bible. I often use the cheap school notebook type tablets that can be purchased at many stores this time of year for 15 cents and up (approx.) if you shop around. I stock up on them and keep them handy. When you use a journal to record your thoughts during your Bible reading time, it becomes a record of how the Holy Spirit is prompting you. No one else has to read your entries and that's a great place to practice writing! Before long you will see a "thread" of God's encouragements to you.
My first and second books, "The Fields of May," and "A Sturdy Fence," ( the second one due out in early December) were written in these cheap notebooks. I did a little writing each night before I went to bed and then read, re-read, tweaked, edited, and repeated the whole process for about 10 years! Part of the lengthy delay in publishing was due to the typing that had to be done. I couldn't turn the manuscripts to someone else to type because I was the only one who could decipher 10 years worth of scribbled corrections, arrows, and out of order pages! It shouldn't have to take that long. With the aid of the computer, book three was written over a time period of about 6-8 months. I started book 4 yesterday and it's already about an eighth of the way done--or so---who knows at this point? The whole outline is complete already.
I am learning all the time and my advice to others is 'just start writing', especially in a journal. Your individual style will develop quickly. I see a difference just from my first book to my second to my third, and so on. Yet, my own sort of individuality still shows through. The old-fashioned, flowery, descriptions of places, clothes, furnishings, or courtship proposals are my favorite thing to write! I love the descriptive paragraphs!
I encourage you to develop a time of Bible reading every day. The journaling will be a part of that. That leads to more writing! Blessings, LORI
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