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!
Michele, I really appreciated knowing what keeps you company on your bookshelf--some fascinating, nourishing literature. I have particularly enjoyed the poetry of Shaw, and have a number of her volumes, both poetry and prose (and her lyricism often shines through her prose). I have NO idea what would occupy my Desert-Island stash, b/c I suffer from a serious case of tsundoku. And if I took ALL my books, I'd never return, content as I would be reading on straight into eternity. xo Lynn
I usually have several journals going at once, each dedicated to a different purpose. The oldest is a record of God's faithfulness in our family, begun in 1983. There are now over 1500 entries detailing His provision, protection, and direction--sometimes downright miraculous events. Next, sometime in the early 1990s, I began a quote journal; Volume #3 is currently in the works. (I've created an index for each--talk about OCD!!) In 2017 I added a gratitude journal, recording just one or two items or events each day. It's a joy-booster for sure! I've enjoyed going back and reading about the granddaughters, ages 2 months and just turned four when I began. Several other journals, created for other purposes, have been completed. As for my hymn journal, that was initiated in 2021, in response to a post you wrote about the practice, Michele. I've only worked through ten hymns so far, but for several I've written numerous pages. "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above" offered thirty pages worth of contemplation! It's been a delightful practice, to gain better understanding of theology and greater appreciation for the glory of our God!
I always appreciate your newsletter so much, Michele. My late friend Cindy used a hymn book in her daily devotions, and it’s a practice I need to take up when I return to the states in May. Like you, I keep a special journal just to note quotations. Isn’t it amazing how just one sentence by another writer might spark 1000 new words of your own? And I love that you’re a mirror. You’re in Norway, both girls and boys are taught to knit in public school. It’s a skill they want all regions to have. My husband got an incredible handknit sweater at a thrift shop yesterday for just $35 that must’ve taken some Norwegian grandma hundreds of hours to make. I’ll try to send you a photo. Maybe your next project? ☺️
I’m floored by your detailed ruminations on hymns AND by your orderly approach to journaling. I love systems like that but can never muster up the level of attentiveness (what you call OCD) to persevere with them in the long term. You are creating a treasure for yourself and your family!
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!
Michele, I really appreciated knowing what keeps you company on your bookshelf--some fascinating, nourishing literature. I have particularly enjoyed the poetry of Shaw, and have a number of her volumes, both poetry and prose (and her lyricism often shines through her prose). I have NO idea what would occupy my Desert-Island stash, b/c I suffer from a serious case of tsundoku. And if I took ALL my books, I'd never return, content as I would be reading on straight into eternity. xo Lynn
I usually have several journals going at once, each dedicated to a different purpose. The oldest is a record of God's faithfulness in our family, begun in 1983. There are now over 1500 entries detailing His provision, protection, and direction--sometimes downright miraculous events. Next, sometime in the early 1990s, I began a quote journal; Volume #3 is currently in the works. (I've created an index for each--talk about OCD!!) In 2017 I added a gratitude journal, recording just one or two items or events each day. It's a joy-booster for sure! I've enjoyed going back and reading about the granddaughters, ages 2 months and just turned four when I began. Several other journals, created for other purposes, have been completed. As for my hymn journal, that was initiated in 2021, in response to a post you wrote about the practice, Michele. I've only worked through ten hymns so far, but for several I've written numerous pages. "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above" offered thirty pages worth of contemplation! It's been a delightful practice, to gain better understanding of theology and greater appreciation for the glory of our God!
I think the lyrics to Great is Thy Faithfulness are so affirming. And our family hymn is How Great Thou Art.
I always appreciate your newsletter so much, Michele. My late friend Cindy used a hymn book in her daily devotions, and it’s a practice I need to take up when I return to the states in May. Like you, I keep a special journal just to note quotations. Isn’t it amazing how just one sentence by another writer might spark 1000 new words of your own? And I love that you’re a mirror. You’re in Norway, both girls and boys are taught to knit in public school. It’s a skill they want all regions to have. My husband got an incredible handknit sweater at a thrift shop yesterday for just $35 that must’ve taken some Norwegian grandma hundreds of hours to make. I’ll try to send you a photo. Maybe your next project? ☺️
I’m floored by your detailed ruminations on hymns AND by your orderly approach to journaling. I love systems like that but can never muster up the level of attentiveness (what you call OCD) to persevere with them in the long term. You are creating a treasure for yourself and your family!