How to Know if You're Making Progress
The Journey Toward Spring—Are We THERE Yet?
Happy Third Day of Spring!
Of course, here in Maine, the vernal equinox is just another day on the calendar, and we’ve had some of our rowdiest blizzards in March. However, as my optimistic husband is fond of saying, “It can’t last for long now!” And he’s right, of course. Our unruly forsythia bush will finally bloom yellow, the daffodils will gleam on the front lawn, and the mud will eventually dry up.
Somehow though, when we’re in the midst of the process, it can be hard to see progress—and that’s not only true of the weather! Last month I wrote about a devotional practice that’s been life-giving for me: reading a hymn and recording how that hymn names or refers to God. If you’re a new subscriber or missed out on the free printable, just click the button:
The response to that invitation was so positive that I imagine many of you have a beautiful record of your time spent meditating on hymn lyrics. I hope so! And I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments!
Writing about our spiritual experiences leaves a record of progress that can encourage us during dry times in the future. Maybe you’ve tried journaling before and wondered what in the world all the hype is about as you stared at a blank page. Looking back over my journal entries helps to jog my memory and reminds me that God is always at work behind the scenes.
“From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4)
What Can I Journal About?
This month I’m going to give you a few suggestions straight from the sticky note I keep in the front of my own trusty journal.
Lessons from Scripture: Record those Aha! Moments, the promises of God that ring true and precious, or the detail that jumped off the page.
Ways you intend to apply those lessons: Seal the decision in writing, and be sure to record the date.
Dialogue with the Lord: He remembers our words, but we are forgetful. Writing a prayer gives us the benefit of rereading it, recommitting ourselves to the faith-filled asking.
Questions from spiritual reading: Some of you have actually emailed me with lists of your great questions and inspired a couple of my posts in response. Writing a question down keeps us from forgetting it and losing out on the growth that may come from seeking an answer.
Meditations from hymn lyrics: Right now I’m writing down the way God is named or referred to in the hymns I’m reading, but sometimes I’ve recorded prayers lifted from the hymns, or simply the most beautiful lines I want to remember.
Reasons for gratitude: Some of my friends have a practice of writing down three blessings every day. I’m more likely to pick up this practice seasonally or for a specified time. It’s a delight to go back and read about God’s goodness.
Quotations: I’m likely to wipe floured or dishwater hands on a towel so I can quickly write down something I’ve learned from a podcast. When I’m reviewing a book, there are certain quotes from the book that land in my journal, especially if it’s on a topic I am teaching or plan to teach.
I’m still in the process of reading through my 2023 journal, and am amazed at how much I have forgotten—and how faithful God has been!
News from the Hill
I enjoyed every minute of my time with the women of South Waterboro Bible Chapel.
March is a full month. This weekend, I’ll be teaching the women of South Hope Community Church on the topic of Steadfast Faith for Your Wilderness Journey. Then, the Saturday before Easter, I get to add my voice to the choir of encouragement for parents and teachers at Child Evangelism Fellowship’s Kids Can Know God conference! (And then I’ll come home and attend to the details of a big Easter dinner!)
I’ve loved connecting with readers from all over the place as a result of my devotionals on YouVersion. My page is easy to find (even if you don’t have the app on your phone). Just click the button to access any of the plans I’ve shared.
Still Knitting!
By the time this letter lands in your inbox, I should be nearly through with my fifth pair of mittens—a sparkly purple and pink combo. I dusted off my needles in search of a creative pursuit that was NOT writing only to be surprised at how much the two are alike. One stitch at a time, one word at a time, there’s no rushing the process, and prayers tucked away between the lines, between the rows of knitting, remind me of who and what I’m writing (or knitting) for.
It’s readers like you who help me not to forget my purpose!
Holding You in the Light,
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I love hearing from you! What journaling practices are enriching your life? Do you ever wonder if you’re making progress? Are you participating in the Hymnal Project?
I've come to the conclusion that there are few dull moments in your life, friend. Thank you for always showing us how to live full-heartedly, in and out of the home and in ministry.
My type A personality struggled with journaling for many years until I finally let myself do it how I wanted instead of how someone else did. I especially love to re-read through my monthly prayer lists and see how many ways God has answered. Thanks for sharing some journaling prompt ideas, I’ll be adding some of those to the rotation!