40 Personal Journal (2014-08-05 12:13:48. Aug. 05, Tues.)

40 Personal Journal (2014-08-05 12:13:48. Aug. 05, Tues.)

40

Just a reminder, I'm calling this project "40" for short:

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

SUMMARIES OR MEMOIRS OF MY LAST FORTY YEARS

ONE WORD SUMMARY OR MEMOIR: In one word, I would say the last forty years have been a blessing. (Blessing is my one word.)

TWO WORD SUMMARY: Very blessed.

3-WORD SUMMARY: Blessed, loved, faithful.

5-WORD SUMMARY: Blessed, loved, faithful, prayerful, journaling.

7-WORD SUMMARY: A life of blessing, faith, love, journaling.

8-WORD SUMMARY: A life of blessing, faith, love, and journaling. 

2-SENTENCE SUMMARY: I've lived a blessed and faithful life of sunshine and storm. I've loved, been loved, and have journaled. 

1-PARAGRAPH SUMMARY AND MEMOIR OF THE LAST 40 YEARS

I've lived a blessed and faithful life of sunshine and storm. I've loved, been loved, and have journaled. Life has been good. It hasn't been easy or simple, but it's sure been blessed. I thank God for all of my experiences and the people in my life. As to the best and worst decades of my life so far, the best and worst has been the last ten years and has been a time of supreme blessing.

2-PARAGRAPH SUMMARY AND MEMOIR OF THE LAST 40 YEARS

I'm going to try to write a new summary, but the blessing part will carry through.

The last forty years have been a time of great blessing. I thank God for everything and everyone my life has seen thus far. My experiences have been good, tough, and in-different and I wouldn't trade any of them. They've made me who I am. I've tried to live a life of faith and it's been my faith that has sustained me through most of these decades. 

My life has been thoroughly blessed because God has kept me alive for a reason and a purpose. I've done my best to live His purpose each day and bring Him glory. Moreover, each day, I've tried to reflect and see the blessings He's given me in the past, and in the present, as I wait for future blessings. The fact is He has worked through me, around me, and in me and I've tried to pay attention. In other words, I've tried to live for eternity today, where I try to live a better, closer life with Him each and every day, where I stay alert to see God and His work in my life. This has made my life one of great blessing.

3-PARAGRAPH SUMMARY AND MEMOIR OF THE LAST 40 YEARS

I've lived a blessed and faithful life of sunshine and storm. I've loved, been loved, and have journaled. Life has been good. It hasn't been easy or simple, but it's sure been blessed. I thank God for all of my experiences and the people in my life. As to the best and worst decades of my life so far, the best and worst has been the last ten years and has been a time of supreme blessing.

The last forty years have been a time of great blessing. I thank God for everything and everyone my life has seen thus far. My experiences have been good, tough, and in-different and I wouldn't trade any of them. They've made me who I am. I've tried to live a life of faith and it's been my faith that has sustained me through most of these decades. 

My life has been thoroughly blessed because God has kept me alive for a reason and a purpose. I've done my best to live His purpose each day and bring Him glory. Moreover, each day, I've tried to reflect and see the blessings He's given me in the past, and in the present, as I wait for future blessings. The fact is He has worked through me, around me, and in me and I've tried to pay attention. In other words, I've tried to live for eternity today, where I try to live a better, closer life with Him each and every day, where I stay alert to see God and His work in my life. This has made my life one of great blessing.

40 Personal Journal (2014-08-05 10:01:17. Aug 05, Tues.)

40 Personal Journal (2014-08-05 10:01:17. Aug 05, Tues.)

40

Just a reminder, I'm calling this project 40 for short:

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

JOURNALING TIPS (AND CONFESSIONS)

As I do my own personal journaling over the next thirteen months for my 40 journaling entries and blog posts, I'm also going to include journaling prompts, hints, explanations, and teachings as well to help you get the most out of journaling you can. 

I love sitting down to a blank page. In fact, I love it so much that I tend to start a new page throughout the day. Yesterday, I had 11 entries in my journal. Today, I've had 3 so far, including this one. 

Why do I love the blank page so much? It is a physical representation of how I can wipe things clean and try again. I tend to not get things always right, so a enw beginning is always appreciated. Moreover, I tend to try to lvie by the seeing to make my every tomorrow bigger than my every yesterday. Well, the same applies with each journal entry. I want to move deeper and try to capture as much on the page as possible. When I fail to do so, I turn the page and start again. I make a new journal entry. 

Another reason why I love the blank page, and the idea of a blank page, is because there is so little I can control in this life. In fact, the only things I can control are my behavior, thoughts, and emotions/reactions to people, things, and experiences. That being said, I can also control the turning pf the page in my journal and starting again. This is a wonderful realization and it frees me to journal more and go deeper. 

And, there is another reason why I like the blank page--and am truly, deeply grateful for a blank page. Life is full of--stuff: stressors, yuck, bad experiences, poor choices, tough times, challenges, storms, or whatever else you want to call it. To make it simple, I call it either the tough stuff of life or the storms of life. I've seen my fair share. Hence, a blank page signifies a brand new day and a new beginning, in which it is an opportunity to start again and find blessings through all the tough stuff and in spite of the storms. 

Tip: Never be intimidated with a blank page. It's a new beginning. Give it your best shot. If it doesn't work, turn the page and try again. That's what I love about journaling. It's forgiving and gets rid of any and all pressure. All you ened to do is sit down and write. Capture your life on the page. It really is that simple. Catch a big part or a small one. Catch a moment or a decade. Catch a snapshot in your memory. Then, put it and capture it on the page. (Oh, how delightful it is to do so!) Your journal never judges you. It's just there to be with you and let you vent, play with art, enjoy life, and capture your life on the next blank page. 

CALENDAR: FORTY IN FORTY

I actually just printed out a calendar so I can count and see on paper how many days before I turn four big decades old. So... It looks like, counting today, I turn forty in forty days. There. Now I know. 

WHAT IS THE MAIN (MAJOR AND MOST IMPORTANT) RULE FOR JOURNALING?

Make the time and do it.

Just sit down and write. That's the only hard and fast rule. It really is that simple. 

ALL OVER THE PLACE

Huh. I seem to be all over the place today. As long as I am journaling, it's okay to be all over the place. Eventually, I will find my rhythm and find out what I really want and should be journaling about, if only I keep trying and experimenting to figure out what it is and getting rid of all the fluff it is not. I will keep writing and find the depth and perspective. It's just a matter of time.

MIDDLE AGED

Turning forty means I am that dreaded term of middle aged. Knowing that I just might have as much life behind me as I do in front of me doesn't intimidate me or upset me. It doesn't make me think of all the things I've missed. I am quite content with where I've been, where I am, and where I am headed. I have no regret. (Seriously.)

How can I have no regret? I've done the ebst that I can every single day. Sometimes, I've falled flat on my face and sometimes I've falled on my knees or on my rear. Soiemtimes, lfie has brought me to my knees. But, with every bit of it, I've asked these questions: What can I learn from this? And--How can I turn this into a blessing? So, you see, I can't have regret. I've turned some ugly stuff into beauty and blessing. How can I regret that? 

I may ahve a big mouth that gets me into trouble. I may be too emotional and opinionated at times. I might jump to conclusions. I am tempted. I sin. I am stubborn and tend not to reach all of my loved ones when I should,w ant, or need. Busyness can get me short-sighted. 

LATEBREAKING NEWS

Title: "Man in Afghan army uniform opens fire at base in Afghanistan, killing at least 1 American soldier."

Original source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/08/05/man-in-afghan-army-uniform-shoots-at-foreign-troops-causing-casualties/

Prayer: Oh, Lord. I don't have the words right now. Sad. Senseless. 

1 killed, 15 wounded as of right now.  

LIFE STORMS

Yep. Case and point. Life storms happen all the time. Just now. 

PHONE CALL (2014-08-05 11:12:28)

I just had a phone call. Now, I'm back to journal. 

RE-FOCUS

This is one of those times I've lost my momentum journaling. The truth of the matter is there is other stuff going on in my life... Or more specifically in some family members' lives. Health problems. My hubby, B, has been at the hospital yesterday and today to help offer them support--as I am at home, doing my thing, doing journaling stuff, and praying. 

So, it's time for me to re-focus and... yeah. It's time. I'm going to start with a new and blank page. This will help me get my momentum back with my journaling. 

And... turning...

Journaling Prompt

When you think of art, what do you think of and why?

Yesterday

I went here yesterday. It's Historic Jamestown.

Look around and you can see the James River, the old church, and the latest archaeological dig.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

Blessings Journal and Counting My Blessings

Blessings Journal and Counting My Blessings (2014-08-05 08:25:51, Tuesday--Aug. 5)

I am thankful and grateful for:

1 Life. God has allowed me to live for almost four decades. Why? He has a purpose for me. What is His purpose for me? It's to bring Him glory through only the way I can. He has equipped me and made me the way I am because it is how He wants to be glorified through me. Glory means to see God, His character and nature, and His works (what He is doing). It's proof He exists. 

2 The next four+ decades to bring Him more glory and live His purpose.

3 Today. He has a purpose for me to fulfill His purpose and bring Him glory today. It is a gift. I get to spend today the best way possible, it's through hanging out with Him and showing Christ through me, how I act and behave and respond, what I say, what I think, my emotions, and in and through my journaling.

4 Yesterday, I am thankful for starting a new blog on journaling.

5 Yesterday, I am grateful for starting a new journaling and blog post series for the next thirteen months or so of: "The Blessing of Turning Forty: The Decades Journaling Project and Memoir."

6 Yesterday, August 04, I am blessed because I realized how as much as I try to ignore it,forget about, or try something new or different, God keeps bringing me back to counting my blessings. Thank You, Lord. 

7 How I learned a long time ago how blessings are not just for the good things in life. A blessing is found in every moment of every day, whether it is a good, tough, or indifferent moment. 

8 My good health.

9 My critters: Zack Beagle, Sinan Maine Coon Orange fluffy cat, Shelly and Harry RES aquatic turtles (Red Earred Slider). 

10 Clean turtle tanks and cat boxes.

11 Vacation coming up.

12 My family while growing up.

13 How the sun rises and sets each day, and so does the moon.

14 For my life experience. 

15 How I can help use my life experience to help others as they live their own. 

16 My faith and salvation. I have no idea how anyone lives a single day, never mind hour, without faith.

17 My journal and journaling. Now, 18 Yesterday, and 19 in the future.

20 Snuggling Beagles.

21 The sound of the water filter in Harry's turtle tank, in our family room, as I sit on our couch. The sound is so relaxing.

22 Journaling as I sit on our extra comfy couch.

23 My Amazon Kindle Fire + the internet so I can journal as I sit on our comfy couch.

24 Cats who curl up on chair and look like a fox. 

25 Doctors and medicine.

26 A new day.

27 Penzu for my online journal and journaling.

28 My hubby, B.

29 My marriage.

30 That B is my best friend.

31 How B understands, or at least tries to, how important journaling is to me and he does what he can to give me the time and tools I need to journal. 

32 Coffee.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

Journaling Prompt

What word are you focusing on this year or do you want to focus on over the next year?

For example, mine is blessings.

40 (Aug.04.2014.Mon.710p.m.)

40 (Aug.04.2014.Mon.710p.m.)

Today was a bad day of journaling unfortunately. (Ugh.) I barely got any done today and wished I would have gotten a great deal more done than what I did. So, what now? What do I to rectify the situation? 

Why am I stuck? I feel stuck. But, there is one thing I know for sure: I can start over right now. There is no time like the present. I will try to get as much journaled as I can now. The present is a gift given to me by God, so the best journaling I can do regarding the last forty years is doing journaling dedicated first to Him. 

The question which now arises is: What does that look like? (What has God done in my life the last forty years?)

What is the best journaling I can do for 40, my shortened version of, "THE BLESSING OF FORTY YEARS: THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR?" This is the best question I can ask. 

Huh. Good question. What is the best, most effective, deepest journaling I can do to capture my last forty years? 

The answer which keeps coming to mind is: Gratitude Journaling. Counting my blessings is the best way to capture the last four decades of my life. This is what I shall do.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

Journaling Prompt

I expect this from my journal and from my journaling...

Journal: The Dementia Monster (2014-08-06 05:18:31, Wed.)

Journal: The Dementia Monster (2014-08-06 05:18:31, Wed.)

A HEARTBREAKER

Look at the time. It's 5:18 a.m. as I start this journal entry and blog post.  Why am I up at this dark, nonexistent sun, hour? B, my husband, has to go in to work early. So, we needed to get up early. Usually, it's 615 to 630 when we get up and start our day. The truth is, if we would start every day at this time, I would love it. I am an early bird and love mornings. But, this morning is a tough one.

Why? Dementia is a monster. That's why. I don't know if you've had anyone in your family suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer's, but I can tell you this. It's tough and is a monster. My Nana died from it. It's sad to watch a strong, stubborn, full of life, determined woman die in such a terrible, slow fashion. What a monster dementia is and it reaches out its tentacles and grabs hold of everyone nearby. What a heartbreaker.

Well, now someone else close to me has dementia as well--and they live under our roof. It's Zack our 14.5 year old beagle, whom I've had since he was ten weeks old. 

It started about nine months ago or so. They call it Canine Cognitive Disorder. It's a lot like it is in humans... except they can't speak in human. They sure speak in canine and let you know what's going on, though. They have their good days, bad days, good moments, and bad moments. 

How it started was like it continues. First, he has a startle reflex, then he bolts. Then, the shaking begins. And, he forgets who he is, who we are, and all of his commands. He's anxious. He's scared, confused, and doesn't know what to do. 

B and I pet him, talk to him, try to soothe him, and hang out with him as he goes through it. Sometimes it's the middle of the night. Sometimes it's the middle of the day. There is no rhyme or reason. The sofa is his happy place. Most of the time, if we move to the sofa, he calms down. He might be in inconsolable up until then. Then, the moment we sit on the sofa, all is right with the world, or at least, safe. He calms. Thank the Lord.

It's been very few times this doesn't even work, so we have to put him on the floor and let him run it out, so to speak. He bolts, dashes, and runs in those times. We try to talk to him and pet him, but he has no idea who we are and it scares him. Eventually, he comes back (his mind does) or he tries himself out and settles. 

The one thing I have to remember and remind myself over and over, his dementia is like a lightning storm. If I remain calm, he will be as well. So, I breathe and pray, as my heart breaks and as I want to cry. I am calm for him and push all that back until I can curl up with my journal and journal it out and throw up on paper, as I call it. 

Yep. Dementia is a monster. Its tentacles wraps itself around the victim and everyone else who is near. Those tentacles squeeze the heart and make you wonder... Why God? But, as you ask that question, you know just like you are comforting the one who is demented, he is doing the same and is comforting you as well. Why God turns to thank God, be my strength and infuse me with Yours.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2014.)

The Blessing of Turning Forty and Decade Journaling Project

The Blessing of Turning Forty and Decade Journaling Project 

Journal August 02, 2014, Saturday, 801 and 833 p.m.

I just realized how in little over a month, I am going to turn the big four-oh. Forty years old. That's four decades.

I should state now. I'm weird. Now, let me continue.

When growing up, I was the youngest in my class. This brought some interesting challenges, let me tell you. And thanks to good genetics, I look much younger than I really am. Therefore, I have always been aware of my age.

Never mind how I have dealt with some tough stuff in my life. Really tough. It's made me grateful for every day I am alive. I know God has a purpose for every day of my life. I try not to overlook this. It is too important. 

Because of everything I've said, I refuse to take one day for granted. Hence, I am honored to be alive and am blessed. Hence, when I realized I am about to turn forty, I became excited, for I am honored and blessed. Truly. Deeply. Thoroughly. 

Journal August 02, 2014, 900 p.m.

I am excited for the month of September. It's guaranteed to be a special month for me, I cannot deny. September is usually one of my favorite months because it is when my favorite season of the year begins. This September brings another couple of celebrations as well. It's my Mom's birthday. Also, it is the dating anniversary of my husband and I. This year is the lucky thirteen. This is special in and of itself. We've been through so much together. It is a celebration indeed.

This September marks something very memorable for me. 

Quite memorable.

I turn four decades old.

A smile fills my face. My heart flutters. 

I am truly, deeply, thoroughly blessed. There is only one reason why I am alive. God has me here for a reason and a purpose. Otherwise, He would have me home. It is my responsibility, therefore, to do my best to live for Him each and every day. 

God has allowed me to live for forty years, for He has a purpose for me. What an honor. Turning forty marks the beginning of another decade, I hope and at least, to fulfill more of His purpose in my life for this next decade and more. 

The fact that I realized just a few minutes ago how I'm turning forty next month made my joyful. It also made me reflective. 

I have been a journalkeeper for over three decades now. 

This realization caught my attention and made me think. Have I captured enough of my life on the page? Really? Truly, no. I have not.

It's even more true as I realize how I have lost about twenty years of my journaling because of how movers lost my journals three years ago. Which still gets to me and hurts, by the way. Every one of my journals had my full name and an address on them. The fact is they were identifiable. No one has tried to reach me. 

So, I do not have as much journaling as I could have or should have. 

This makes me rethink a great deal of things. 

2014-08-03 13:08:53-- Aug. 03, Sunday

The truth of the matter is I could journal a great deal more about my life than I have. A lot more. Tons more. (Sigh.) So, what now?

Last week, I started two different fiction series I want to write. I really want to write them. The question is, Am I supposed to? Furthermore, am I to write them now?

How am I really, truly living out Matthew 6:19-21 in my life? 

Matthew 6:19-21 Expanded Bible (EXB). 

19 “Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. 20 But store ·your [for yourselves] treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. 21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.

Expanded Bible (EXB)

The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

How can I best live out those verses?

Also, I know it is my responsibility to remember what God has done in my life and give Him thanks for all of it. Have I? Moreover, have I done this lately?

Nehemiah 9:17 Expanded Bible (EXB)

17 They refused to ·listen [obey];
    they ·forgot [L did not remember/recall] the ·miracles [wonders] you ·did[performed] ·for [among] them.
So they became ·stubborn [rebellious; L stiff-necked],
    ·choosing [appointing] a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt.
But you are a forgiving God.
    You are ·kind [gracious] and ·full of mercy [compassionate].
You ·do not become angry quickly [T are slow to anger], and ·you have great[abounding in unfailing/steadfast] love [compare Ex. 34:6; Num. 14:18; Ps. 86:15,145:8; Joel 2:13]
    So you did not ·leave [abandon; desert; forsake] them.

Expanded Bible (EXB). 

The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

What am I doing today to remember what God has done in my life personally? And what am I doing to remember what God has done in the lives of those in my life, past and present? And, what am I doing today to remember what God did in the Bible and is doing now that lines up with the Bible? 

Does my writing either fiction series right now do all of this? 

What am I doing to remember to... 

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

17 Pray constantly.
18 Give thanks in everything,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Huh. These are all good questions. 

I think the answer is, I am to journal and capture my life on the page so I can remember all these things. God has allowed me to live four decades already and is allowing me to start another. I want to bring Him glory in all I do and in all I am for another four decades or more.

The Decades Journaling Project

2014-08-03 13:47:41 = When this idea came to me.

What about a journaling book about turning 40 (Four Decades)? 

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

This will be my blog post series, and journaling project, as I make the journey of turning forty. (It's also my memoir.)

Furthermore, this is: A how-to book about how to find turning forty a blessing and journaling about the last decades of your life and the ones to come and turning it into a memoir if you like. 

Turning Forty Years in Forty Days (08.03.2014/Sun/435p.m.)

I turn four decades old on September 13, 2014. 

Here is an interesting fact about my birth-day. I was born on Friday the Thirteenth and both Mom and I almost died. Lovely birth complications. But, we ended up being okay. Thank God. 

Also, my mom went to the doc that day, who did an exam and told her it would be a week or two before she had me.

So, let me get back to the main point. I turn forty in one month, ten days. I guess I could phrase this better. I turn forty years in forty days. 

This, I've decided is the theme I want to write about from now until September 13, 2015. I want to see about living the best year that I can, and ever have, as I reflect on where I've been and where I'm going. I want to look at the last four decades and plan for at least the next four decades. Hence, this journaling blog post series will become: THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT. 

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

This will be my blog post series, and journaling project, as I make the journey of turning forty. (It's also my memoir.)

Furthermore, this is: A how-to book about how to find turning forty a blessing and journaling about the last decades of your life and the ones to come and turning it into a memoir if you like. 

I'm rather excited to see where this journey takes me--and us.