May
6
2007

Journal Love

Filed under: Following Jesus, Journalling, Prayer

I’ve always loved the feeling of a “fresh” journal…the smooth pages, the crisp binding, and the way the pen glides. I’m normally a very “tech-obsessed” girl. I switched from a paper planner to an electronic one as soon as they came out, and I love the convenience of it. My computer is one of my best friends. However, eventually I found that I really missed writing on REAL paper (I know, I know, not too ec0-friendly, but I just found about 20 brand new composition journals in the dumpster, so I think I’m good for awhile!). Just as I LOVE getting mail that is written out by hand, I also love writing and pouring my heart out to God on the pages of my prayer journal.

In 2001, I read the book Let Prayer Change Your Life by Becky Tirabassi and she turned me onto the idea of journalling my prayers every day. I have found it to be so rewarding and life-changing for many reasons. First, when I write out my prayers, there is a record of what I have asked God for and I can “track” His answers. It’s been amazing to watch him answer requests so clearly…and if I hadn’t written it down, I would have forgotten and probably taken the credit for it myself! It’s also much easier to pray for friends this way…I write down their requests as I get them so I don’t forget. Secondly, I am better able to process my feelings about a situation or an emotion that I have having when I take the time to write it out. It takes much longer to write something than just say it or think it…so it helps me to process though things. Many times, God will speak to my heart and reveal things as I am writing them. It’s fun to go back and see Him working through things with me. Lastly, I love to write out scripture as I pray. God’s word is so powerful…and it’s also easier to memorize verses when I write them down (memorization is a discipline I want to work on more….I’d love to hear from people who are doing it as well).

I’ve had a few different styles of journals…but the one I come back to most often is one that is divided into sections:

Praise: I usually work my way through Psalms, doing 2-3 a day and writing verses down that really pop for me that day. Sometimes I will write my own Psalm to God…or write out all of the names I can think of for God.
Requests: I pray for a lot of things because I know I have a big God. I pray for myself, Matt, Bella, my family and friends. I like writing it all out once and then just referring back to it…adding things as needed. I go back and highlight the request when God answers.
Admitting: This section is always difficult. If I have been neglecting my time with God for awhile, this one takes a long time! I just ask God to show me anything in my heart/life that is not glorifying Him…that He would show me what areas I need to work on. It’s interesting to go back through my journals and see certain “themes” of struggles I have…weaknesses, etc. and how I am in desperate need of a Savior!
Thanks: I am so blessed and always want to thank God for the abundance in my life. Just writing down that I am thankful for the “little things” in my life like electricity, running water, and food reminds me that there are other people who consider those “big things” and who are struggling right now.
Scripture and misc: I use this to write down any “random” scriptures I come across. Not necessarily during my quiet time…but anytime (sermons, quotes from books, etc).

I’ve never journalled much about daily life in general (i.e. I went here…I did this…etc.). After a few incidents in junior high, I learned not to write too many details down (remember Heth?) But I’ve been thinking about starting up again. Sometimes I feel like my head might just explode if I don’t write all my thoughts out and process them. Perhaps I will incorporate it into my prayer journal. I’ve been completely inspired by these groups that I found on Flickr (thanks Mrs. Pivec!). The pages are so beautiful…like an heirloom to be passed down through generations.

I would love to hear from all you journal junkies out there…prayer journals, life journals, visual journals, homemaking journals…anything at all. What do you love about it? Why did you start? Share the journal love!

Photo credit: Flickr/mills1983

Posted by Sara @ 3:38 am | Leave a Comment

http://littleredbench.blogspot.com Valerie

Hi Sara,

greetings from one Moleskine lover to another I have been writing in journals on and off since my teens and just decided some days ago that I will re-begin writing in my current Moleskine. At the moment I am reading several books on Parenting and Gentle Discipline and there are also some home-/unschooling books waiting for me. To just help me remember my thoughts when reading those books and to remember important quotes from the books I will simply jot everything down in my Moleskine.

Love,
Valerie
http://katekiwi.blogspot.com/ kate5kiwis

hey sara,
wow, you’ve sparked me:
i have journals for tons of things:

my five kids each have one or two journals where i’ve written my thoughts and their milestones, and kept their art/hair/letters to the tooth fairy etc inside the pages.

i have a *dreams* journal in which i stick all sorts of pictures, ideas, dreams, and ideas of who i am and who i am becoming..

i have three *lunch club* journals which have tracked my inner explorations and revelations over the last three years. these are kinda special in that they are “sharing journals”. i get together with a group of gals once a month (for dessert, not lunch lol) and we share our hearts and what’s going on for us and we “walk together”.

i have three friends who i write to in journals, and they write back, and then i write…

my most recent journal is i have a travel/recipe journal which is made of recycled paper and it’s getting full of anecdotes of moving to tuscany or morocco, and recipes for harissa etc.

oh, and i have a blog *grin*

maybe one day i’ll start another prayer journal.
http://adventuresinbabywearing.blogspot.com/ Adventures In Babywearing

I love this post! I have several journals around and need to pick them back up!!

Steph
http://tirzah-tirzah.blogspot.com Tirzah

I have been journaling since I was very young! It is fun to look back and see how I have changed. I especially like journals because I have a horrible memory and it helps me to remember things and when they happened!! I like the prayer journal idea. I had an inspirational journal once, but I didn’t keep it up!
http://fiddlemama.blogspot.com/ Tara

I loved reading this post. My friend and I have been journaling together for the last 9 years. The way this works is that each of us has a journal, we write in it(anything and everything), and we exchange every week or two. We’ve filled 33 books in 9 years and they have recorded everything from dating to both our marriages to the birth of her children to my miscarriages to the birth of my child to her divorce to her subsequent new relationship, etc etc etc. There’s a lot in there and I’m glad we wrote it down.

I also have a journal that I want to give my son when he is grown. I write it in every few months or so and tell him what sorts of wonderful discoveries he is making. I started it when I was about 6 months pregnant and I need to start another one because I am 6 months pregnant again.

I am inspired to add two more journals to my rotation- I really love your idea of a prayer journal and I was inspired a few days ago by the beautiful calendar journals that Mrs. Pivec posted about.

I do use a lot of paper on journaling and correspondence and I have some worry about that.

Thanks again!
http://golightlyplace.blogspot.com Mrs. Pivec

Definitely a “Journal Junkie”, here. And like any junkie, I need my regular “fix!” Just yesterday morning my husband said to me, “Tell me again why it is you journal? Isn’t it more work? Wouldn’t it be easier to just sit and think?” And I said, “I journal so that I don’t HAVE to think about whatever it is anymore.”

My mind is a busy little bugger and if I don’t get it down on paper – and yes, paper more than typing – my mind just swirls and swirls around thoughts, but often doesn’t get to where it needs to go.

Putting it down, though, allows me to place the thought. Once it’s placed another one can emerge and a picture – like a puzzle – will begin to form with much more clarity than if I just randomly mused upon something.

My favorite thing about journalling is the unexpected discoveries into yourself… and even better, is when the Holy Spirit Himself shows up from time to time to give a little encouragement.

I keep two journals currently. One is my text journal – for my eyes and soul only – and my visual journal, which is meant to be shared.

I like your idea, Sara, of highlighting prayers answered and of keeping a regular page where everything is listed and then referring back to that.

Like some other comments, I also have a journal for each of my girls… which I really need to write in more regularly, but I do write in them at least twice a year.

I also love the idea sharing a journal with a friend, but I don’t know anyone who likes to write as much as I do!

A quick resource: Amy at The Creative Mom Podcast did a wonderful show (Episode 7) on journalling. She often sprinkles her shows with journaling talk, but number 7 was journalling specific. Also, Kimberly at the Hip Tranquil Chick podcast also has two separate shows that she called, “Journalling 101 and Journalling 201″ with good prompts and ideas.
Kim from IN.

I am 46 and have kept a journal since about 12. I love looking back on my life and seeing where I was and how I have come to be where I am now. I journal about anything that strikes me,whether that be the finch and their changing colors as the seasons change,to a new recipe I tried that I didn’t like. I’ve journaled alot about my daughter Niki and her pregnancies,births,and of course my wonderful grandchildren. I’ve written poetry,cried in my journals,rejoiced in my journals,struggled with depression and anxiety in my journals……Journaling is truly a part of my life and always will be.
Laurie B

I don’t keep a journal, but I noticed last time I was in Zanzibar’s that they sell blank paper books made completely of recylced material. I think the covers and spiral bindings come from old bicylces and bicycle tires. I can’t remember what the brand name was–bike books?

On the subject of asking God for things for yourself or your friends, the most thought-provoking thing I’ve read lately was this interview in which Elizabeth Edwards explains why she is not praying to God to cure her cancer. She talks about how she came to terms with the death of her son:

You’d think that if God was going to protect somebody, he’d protect that boy. But not only did he not protect him, the wind blew him from the road. The hand of God blew him from the road. So I had to think, “What kind of God do I have that doesn’t intervene—in fact, may even participate—in the death of this good boy?” I talk about it in the book, that I had to accept that my God was a God who promised enlightenment and salvation. And that’s all. Didn’t promise us protection.

And she goes on to say,

I’m not praying for God to save me from cancer. I’m not. God will enlighten me when the time comes. And if I’ve done the right thing, I will be enlightened. And if I believe, I’ll be saved. And that’s all he promises me.

This conception of God as a creator who does not intervene directly in every person’s life resonates deeply with me.
http://dawnmorning.wordpress.com Dawn

Sara,
Just came upon your blog a few days ago, and I’m really enjoying it!

I’m into journaling big time! Like you, prayer is that much more powerful when I write it down. In answer to your question about journaling about daily life–I combine everything into one journal. Much of the time, each day’s entry is in about three sections. I begin by reading my scripture passages, and I write down the verses that jump out at me. Then I write down my prayers, not so well organized like you, just talking to God through my pen. Finally, I’ll do what I think of as “talking to myself.” I just write down my thoughts, working through issues, whatever I need for the way I’m feeling on that particular day. Sometimes I’ll write another “talking to myself” section later in the day if I feel the urge. Some days I don’t need to talk to myself at all. And some days I skip the Bible and the prayer and go straight to talking to myself, usually when I’m mistakenly convinced that God can’t fix whatever I’m working through!

One thing I would reccommend that has worked very well for me–Don’t get caught up in recording what you did, where you went, etc. Just talk. If the details are important, they’ll come out in the talking. Usually the value of writing in my journal is that it slows down and clarifies my thoughts and feelings, not that it chronicles my every move.

And yes, I use paper, but these pages aren’t littering a landfill somewhere. They’re like and extension of my heart and soul, and if I stopped journaling just because I didn’t want to use paper, my life would suffer. It’s worth it for me.
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Wow! Lots of journalers out there! I loved reading all of your “stories” so far…very inspiring. I’ve been wanting to start a “correspondance journal” with several of my close friends for a while now. I’m excited to get started!

Laurie…thanks for the tip on the recycled journals, I’ll have to check it out. I need to go there and buy some lemongrass jasmine tea. Yum!
Laura Herrmann

I was never really a journal girl, but now that my daughter is 17 months old, I realize I want to savor every moment with her…well, most moments . Anyway, since I don’t have a bunch of time to make a book (also I am a perfectionist and rarely happy with the scrapbooks,etc. that I turn out, I got this tiny beautiful handmade date book where you are supposed to keep record of appointments, etc. Each night I write down words she has learned to say, cute things she did, special moments, my feelings as her mama, etc. There isn’t a lot of space so there is not a lot of pressure to be prolific or spout lovely prose. Just enough room to jot down the little things that make up our life together as a family. I hope that will be a sweet little keepsake for her and especially fun for her to look at when she has her children.
I love your thoughts regarding prayer. I have been working on a curriculum for the kids at our church about prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer. I learned so much myself! A rich resource for me was Starr Meade’s book Training Hearts Teaching Minds. It is a book of devotionals for kids based on the shorter catechism (westminster). The most profound thing I have learned is to pray the scriptures. They are God’s will, and he has already promised that his will will come to pass! We are claiming what He wants and has promised. Also, a friend counseled me to pray for my daughter using Psalm 1 as a guide. It is has truly guided me to know how to pray for her. I think Desiring God Minsitries (John Piper) has a book about praying for children using the scriptures and journaling.
Sorry to go on so long…
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Laura said: “The most profound thing I have learned is to pray the scriptures. They are God’s will, and he has already promised that his will will come to pass!”

During my small group Bible study this week, we were talking about the very same thing…that the best thing to start praying about it things that God already wants to give you! For me it’s things like the fruit of the spirit…especially patience
Mary

This was so inspiring. I have not done any journaling in about 7 years, since my second child, was born and this post has encouraged me to begin again. I love the calendar journals! I am going to start with reviving my prayer journal, which is a smaller 3 ring binder, as I am working on rising earlier each morning to spend my quiet time and then start a calendar journal in June. I am so excited!
http://intent.squarespace.com Tonia

Love the new look. Very cute.

I’m a moleskine girl too. Over the years I’ve found that writing my prayers to God is the best way for me to communicate with Him…and going back to read over my relationship with Him is so amazing and reassuring.

My friend Ann has a wonderful series on memorizing the Word that you might enjoy (tons of good links): http://holyexperience.blogspot.com/search/label/Memorization

My kids and I work on a passage of Scripture each day at the beginning of our homeschool. We print out the verses and put them in a plastic sleeve so everyone has a good copy, and then go through it a couple of times each day. When they have it memorized perfectly, they copy it into a memory notebook they are keeping.
http://www.laundrypile.blogspot.com Heth

Oh boy, do I remember! Ack!
http://day--dreambeliever.blogspot.com Angela

Journal Junkie here. I love them. In high school I kept a daily journal – more like a diary. Ya know, “Dear Diary, I really like so-n-so. I hope he likes me back.”
But over the years, my journaling style has changed (thank the good Lord). Now, I keep a prayer journal – I call it my transformation journal. I base it on a beautiful quote I read, “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it turned in to a butterfly.” It is such a joy to go back and read who I was & who God is making me into. For me, the best way to see God changing me is in my prayer life, so I need to write it down. So it will be a testimony to me & to my future children. (Psalm 78:5-8)
I also keep a visual journal, that I may share from time to time with others. I keep my journals usually very private.
I also always have a notebook with me that I use write down thoughts or quotes or scriptures as they come to me throughout the day. I’m sure if that qualifies as a journal. Mmmm…Journaling is a necessity for me.
Hillary

Hi Sara,
I like your blog makeover! I’ve been a journaler for, oh gee, 15 years or so. My curret prayer journal is very homologous to yours. However, in the past, I had my “spiritual” journal and my “regular” journal that I journaled otherwise–not items like “I did this and that today…etc.,” but my ideas, thoughts, observations, questions, etc. For a long time, I had 2 separate journals. I gradually began to feel strange about it, as if my own thoughts, dreams, goals, etc. in my “regular” journal were separate and compartmentalized from those in my “spiritual journal.” Thus, I integrated the journals into one, as a symbol that all of my life is under Him (This was something that Father was teaching me at the time in other aspects of my life, too). Although I love journals (I smiled at your desciption of your excitemet in a new one…and identified with it…), multiple personal journals began to make me feel scattered. Just a random thought. , Hillary
http://www.whitneycleary.com Whitney

I like to write down my prayers mostly to keep myself accountable for that special time with God everyday. If I see that blank page staring at me, no matter how tired I am, I feel the urge to fill it. Journaling my prayers also helps keep me focused and attentive. I know it sounds terrible that I have to work to keep my attention at praying, but often it gets interuppted by my husband or my little punk. It helps to just come right back and pick up where I left off. As far as a daily life journal, that’s my blog!
Kristin Mayo

I love the idea of a calendar journal. I’ve thought a lot about starting one for my son when he’s born and incorporating it into his scrapbook. I’d also love to get way more artistic in my journal. Sometimes I pick journals that are harder to do this in than others. Once I had a 3 subject notebook and that was really a great one because it allowed for a lot more room. Great post!
MelanieMC

Hi Sara!
I’m also a journal junkie (I cant tell you how many I have from years past). I keep 2 seperate journals. In one I write out all of my prayer requests/praises/”confessions” to God and I will add in scriptures that relate to how I’m feeling or that encourage me (btw, I love the format for your prayer journal – I may copy!).

The other journal I have is my “dream journal”. In this I write about the dreams I have for the future and I write down info. that I find that relates to it (for example, I am a single girl now, but I know that I am meant to be a mother someday, and I feel naturally drawn to AP; so, in that section of my dream journal I write about all the different aspects of parenting that are important to me – i.e. GD, Breastfeeding, co-sleeping, homebirth, etc. – and why, and in most cases websites/books that are good references). I’m also planning to do a road trip around america and canada in a few years, so I journal about places I want to go and things I want to do. I love putting things into my computer, but there is just nothing like having things written down. I feel more connected to what I’ve written when I’ve actually put the pen to paper; it’s more tangible for me, plus I feel that when I take the time to write things out as opposed to typing them I have to really think about the words more and I am able to really pour my heart out.

Thanks for another inspiring post!

God Bless!!!
Melanie
http://www.downwithbasics.com Lara Berch

Hi Sara
I was wondering if you could take a look at my site and if you like it, then may be we can exchange links?.
Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely
Lara
http://laurareaux.typepad.com Laura Reaux

Sara, I found your blog a few weeks ago… actually through your Flickr account (I clicked on a link to your tiny apartment which I love!). I’m still reading through your “Transforming” post. It’s a GREAT post… thanks so much for that.

I feel the same way you do about a fresh, blank journal. I absolutely love them! I think I will start journaling again tomorrow. My kids are still so small (three, 3-years-old and under), and I want to record our every day life. I will be so glad years from now that I can look back and read what a typical day was like, and what funny things they said and did.
http://laurareaux.typepad.com Laura Reaux

Oh, and I love the idea of a prayer journal.
http://theviewfromhere.wordpress.com Sarah

I keep a few paper journals, plus the blog. I’ve flirted with the idea of a prayer journal, but I am frustrated easily when I don’t have the journal available when I have prayer time, that it has in the past been more of a hinderance than a help.

I keep a paper journal of Wally, I jot down things I want to remember, or notes to him, or whatever. Like a baby book but less structured. I love reading back over it, and remembering things I had forgotten about his life. I kept a similar journal when I was pregnant, and one in our early marriage. I have an easier time processing major life changes when I’m writing about them.

I also keep scrapbooks, and found those to be much more meaningful when I do them as I go. These days, I tend to scrapbook in two huge chunks of time each year, and do about 6 months at a time. The memories aren’t as fresh, and the writing in them is too fact-based.

We do keep a journal of sorts about the house, and I keep one about my progress towards my goals, as well. Useful for going back and checking progress, etc.
rebecca

Sara,
Oh, do I love journals. I’ve kept one (inconsistently) since the 7th grade. When I am journalling, my walk with the Lord is nearer & dearer. And I so agree with your comments about the processing of your thoughts. I am able to truly figure out what my heart is trying to say, and am better able to listen for what God is speaking to me, when I take the time to write out my thoughts.

I have a separate journal, a smallish notebook, that I carry in my purse. I write down quotes, verses, anything that strikes my fancy. (On the subject of quotes, check out damiensfingerpost.blogspot.com. The dad of an aquaintance of mine daily posts a new quote. So fun!)

On another note, I have to ask…is that your hand in the picture? I have a ring that looks *exactly* like that one, from Peru. It was carved out of an acorn or bark or something, and has a little starburst pattern on top. I’ve never seen anyone else with this ring! Anyway, it’s beautiful!
http://Zayannee.blogspot.com/ Zayannee

Hello Sara,

I love my jornal. I have kept one sense the 6th grade. I suppose that was the time in my life where I became more of a young women than a little girl. I have found that I am forever changing. At times more wise as a child.

Its cool to read, its like I get to go back and talk to the 12 year old me. It is also encouraging because I can see how God was with me as a child and he is still with me today.

As a Christmas gift a few years ago my mom got me a new journal. It has a happy bear on one side and a sad bear on the flip side. On the happy side it reads beary good times, on the flip not so beary good times. I love this book because if I make a sad bear entry I make myself read a happy bear entry. This always brightens my day and helps me to remember all the reasons I have to be joyful!

I dont think that you need to worry too much about waste when you purchase a jounal. I think that my journal tells the story of me. When I pass I will arrange for somebody I love to keep my journals and pass them on. I wish that I had the jornal of my grandmother today it would be a treasure to know what was playing on the mind of a women who I loved so dearly!

Just last night I read a entry to my husband. We are moving and I wanted to write down as many memories about our current home as I could. It brought tears to his eyes. I think that a jornal can be used as a source of communication. I had no idea that he was feeling bittersweet about the move too. Now I that we understand we share those feelings we will cherish them together. Had I not shared my thoughts we may have moved and never spoke about our how special our first home has been to us.

I think that some of the thoughts and feelings we keep inside should be shared. From now on I will share my journal with my husband! We may come to find we have more in commen than we know!

P.S.
I found a local food store, Sweet Meadows Farmers Market & I love it! I got milk that you bring back and refill and some root beer.

Could you recommend ideas on where to start when trying to buy organic? For example what are the items that you use most? I would be thankful for any insight!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/rohanknitter rohanknitter

I love paper and pen….I’ve tried using a palm-type calendar but I just didn’t like it. I’ve been very sporadic with journaling over the years. I like to keep a prayer journal – I feel it helps me concentrate and focus…and not fall asleep! I have my boys keep a nature journal as part of their schoolwork. That is my primary science “curriculum” when they are young. We’ve been slacking in that as well somewhat – now that spring is here we need to take some nature walks! Thanks for the reminder.
http://www.simplicitysoup.blogspot.com Rachel H

My problem is too many journals! I have finally vowed to finish the one I’m in before I purchase yet another temptingly beautiful blank book, which is going to take a while! I haven’t started a journal specifically for Oliver, but I write letters to him often on random pieces of paper. I should be more organized…
http://fiddlemama.blogspot.com/ Tara

I had to add one more thing. I was at my niece’s graduation yesterday and she sang this beautiful song that I think is perfect for this topic- it’s a Natasha Bedingfield song called “Unwritten”. Here’s the link: http://www.natashabedingfield.com/audio/unwritten_1.html?page=2 Hope you like it!
Teri Pittman

I keep a daily journal, but I keep that in spiral notebooks. I think of that as my “morning pages”. While I do write about whatever is going on in my life, I don’t think of it as a life record. My moleskinne tends to be for things like planning. I do really like the idea of a prayer journal and I’ve got several partially used journals that would work just fine for that. Thanks for the idea!
http://www.artandkids.blogspot.com/ Gwyn

I used to keep diaries but then I realised my entire family read them and I burnt them all. Looking through them as I burnt them was excruciatingly embarassing. I love hearing that so many people are concentrated on their spirituality on a daily basis – its really admirable!
http://www.cottagegirl.blogspot.com April

I, too, love my journals. Been keeping one since I was in high school. I used to have 2, one that was just for my Bible study time and another for more ordinary life stuff. But several years ago I combined them because it seemed that they overlapped so often. I love that my thoughts and my prayers are mixed together with the scripture I read for the day.
I also started taking small journals with me when I travel to keep a little travel journal of my adventures. When I’m stuck in airports or on buses, I can have a great prayer time even though it’s chaos around me by simply writing down my thoughts. It has been so fun to remember in detail the amazing things I see when I travel ,too.
Plus, I have my blog which is kinda like my public journal for everyone else to enjoy.
Thanks for sharing on your blog! It has been such an encouragement to read.
http://schmamy.blogspot.com amy

have been a journaler since I was in third grade needless to say it’s evolved over the years…

ou asked about Scripture memorization…I have found a method that has been SO helpful to me. I blogged about my experience a while back in two parts, here and herel. The posts contain links to the actual website that explains the method in great detail. Very successful long-term, too. Hope that helps!
http://livinglearningandlovingsimply.blogspot.com Aimee

I love love love journaling…it’s so good when dealing with anger, anxiety, or depression b/c it allows you to get the feelings out instead of bottling up inside.

I love buying the composition books b/c they are inexpensive and have such wonderful wide lines. I like to take fabric and cover them with a hot glue gun…then cover the inside raw edges with ric-rac or ribbon. Add a bow or some embellishment to the front with a spot of glue! I make these journals for gifts for friends! Very fun to do!
http://charitysingleton.blogspot.com Charity Singleton

Journaling comes and goes in my life depending on what else is happening. I always process with words, but sometimes those words come out in blogs, sometimes articles, sometimes letters, sometimes journals.

I love the new look, Sara!
http://www.thetweedles.net Dea

Please don’t feel bad for using paper, it’s renewable. I grew up in an area where the main industry was forestry. I grew up understanding the difference between a clear cut and selective logging. I’ve seen area that have been replanted and harvested again. Sigh. I hope you’re not offended that I mention this. I’m just very pro British Columbia and without the smell of lumber it just wouldn’t be home….
http://xanga.com/scud181818 erin

hi sara!

i have no idea how i found your blog, but i love all your entries. you have inspired me to live a little more “green” and it has been great!

i’m an avid journal writer, and have been keeping a journal since i was 10 or 11…i love going back through them to see what was important to me five years ago, or what i was praying for.

i write out a lot of prayers, too – journaling is the best!

have a great day – keep writing!
erin
http://mellalittle.wordpress.com melanie

oh…i love my journal. and how i miss it. it seems like these days if i am lucky enough to wake before my 2 babes, i quietly make a cup of coffee and curl up in my favourite chair….with my bible, journal and pen. i start writing out my heart to God, and ….”Waaaaaahhhh” or “Mama…i awake!!!!” aaaaahh! but its a season i know. as they grow i know i will be able to spend more time with my journal in the morning. i use mine as a prayer journal too…more like a conversation with God. I heard a teacher teaching about journalling, and what he would do was write out his heart to God, and then ask God to write back…he would just let his pen write what he felt God was saying back to him. This is really cool….i occasionally do that to, and its really encouraging to see how God speaks back if we’re listening…
*melanie*
http://everythingbutthesink.blogspot.com Faith

Hi! LOVE your new blog layout! SWEET. I’ve been itching to change mine… again. Your color scheme is just GREAT and I love the little flower-dividers!!
Anyway – I just got out my journals, some are prayer journals, I’ve been journaling prayers for about two years – it’s really helped me during this exhausting season of life – and I was SO thankful for what I’d recorded, to see how God has been working in me and through me… and what He’s spoken to me, others are just “what’s going on in my life” journals and although it’s hard for me now to thoroughly record our lives I’m really greatful for what I DO have. I’m amazed at how quickly I forget…
Loved your post about trash too, you go girl!
sandy

Sara,

I was reading through your archives today and came across cloth toilet paper. And i wanted to tell you that i’ve always used as little toilet paper as possible. I’m from India and we’ve a ‘hole in the ground’ (as anybody not native to India puts it) for a toilet. It is not exactly a hole in the ground though. There is just no sit-down kind of commode. You squat like a frog and use the toilet. That is the only difference. There is usually a tin cup and a bucket of water to clean yourself everytime you use the toilet(using as little water as possible each time). Then wash hands and air-dry or use a cloth towel. This works very well, if you ask me. No paper involved and if bowel habits are regularized with a diet full of fiber, you’ll need to use it for the ‘big’ thing only once in the morning, right before shower. And it’s also more hygenic to wash with water, right? But we try to use less water. We’re taught to, when we’re kids.

I feel that this is an easy and no-nonsense approach to using the toilet. Have you heard of this? And, did i gross you out?
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

tonia…thanks for the link to that blog on memorization. Very inspiring!

Zayannee…if you Google on “organic dirty dozen” you will get a list of the 12 most contaminated foods and the 12 least. It’s a great starting point. Also, you could pick the 5 foods that you eat all the time and switch those to organic.

amy…thank you for the link to your journey with memorization. Reall inspiring and helpful!

melanie…I can relate. I’ve found it VERY difficult to have quiet time in the morning because Bella knows when I get out of bed. She has mommy radar. I just have to get up waaaay earlier to miss her “waking time” (around 4:45-5am. Ouch!)

sandy…no, you can’t gross me out I think that Colin and his family of the “No Impact Man” fame are doing it that way. An interesting alternative. Hmmmmm….tempting because right now we have to hang dry every single wipe. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.xanga.com/annakristine270 Anna

I’m new to your site (I came here through xanga.com/belongtohim). I love journaling. I’ve been doing it since before I was in kindergarten (I’m in college now). It used to be more “what I did today” type things and over the years morphed into a thoughts/prayers journal. The journals I have right now are sort of a chronicle of my spiritual journey. I love going through and rereading them to see how much I’ve grown.

Love your site!
Lisa Mighty Oaktree

Total refreshing and like a good meal to a hungry soul so was your writings. I too love to write and spend many years enjoy the none eco friendly way. Smile I too love my computer where self express is in mircosoft and not on pages taken from a tree. You are and wonderful and joy stay as you are too go changing. Googling is some I too enjoy. My the Lord Bless you and yours and keep you.