Introduction to Journaling, Part 2

THE ONLY RULE WITH JOURNALING (A RULE OF THUMB, REALLY)

There is only one rule with journaling.

However, with that being said, many journal keepers will disagree with this. I will explain.

The one rule with journaling is this:

Journal every single day. Without fail.

The ideal rule with journaling is this:

That you will journal several moments every day.

Some will say it is okay to journal when you can or when you feel inspired.

Some will even say that one sentence per day is enough. It is when you are just beginning.

The reason to journal at least every day, preferably at several moments throughout your day, is this: After 32.5 years of journaling, I have learned something beautiful about journaling: The more you put into journaling, the more you will get out of it.

Let me repeat that again. Please slowly read each word.

The more you put into journaling, the more you will get out of it.

Period.

End of story.

Any questions?

Journal once a year.

Journal one sentence a day.

Some is better than none with journaling.

However, do you want to live the deepest, most creative, most productive, most thought-full, most joyful, most blessed life you can, and be the biggest blessing you can be to others, then journal at several moments every single day without fail. You will not accomplish this by journaling any less.

If you journal less, you will live a less thought-FULL life. It will not be as deep, full of blessing, otherwise. In fact, you will take your life, people, and things for granted.

HOW OFTEN AND HOW MUCH SHOULD WE JOURNAL?: HOW TO MAKE JOURNALING A DAILY HABIT

I shared the answer in the previous paragraph. Journal every day, at several points throughout your day. And, you should journal as much as possible.

Great. This might seem intimidating or like wishful thinking. In fact, you might not have the time for it. Let me explain how you can.I journal between five and fifteen pages per day, letter size of 8.5 x 11, single spaced, 12 point font/type. I average nine pages per day, but have journals as many as fifty in a day. But, journaling is my full-time job.

When I worked full-time, I averaged five pages per day.

I say all of this not to brag or intimidate, but to make a point.

I started off writing one sentence per day.

That is the secret, folks. Don't start with the expectation of journaling one page or even one paragraph in a day. Start with a minimum goal of one sentence per day for one week. If you journal more than that, score! Extra bonus!

Then, journal the next week one sentence twice a day... in the morning and evening.

Then, journal the next week one sentence three times per day... in the morning, at Noonish, and then in the evening.

Then, for the next week, journal one sentence in the morning, at lunch, when you get home from school or work, then after dinner.

Then, for the next week, journal one sentence in the morning, at lunch, when you get home from school or work, then after dinner, then before bed.

Then, the next week, add one sentence to each of those times.

Keep building until you journal at least a page twice a day.

Then, keep building from there.

I steal times throughout my day to journal. I do my best to keep the appointed times, but also make sure to journal at every down moment. Our days are full of empty spaces and journaling is how I redeem the time, not checking my cell or doing social media. For instance, when I am on hold on the phone, when standing in a line at a store, sitting in waiting room at doctor's office, waiting for an appointment, waiting for someone to get ready to go somewhere, if I toss and turn at night, if I am stircrazy, if I am worked up about something, if I am anxious or stressed, if I am upset, if I am cooking something and cannot leave the kitchen but can journal a sentence or two as I cook, when I pull into a parking lot I journal for a minute before I go in store, etc. I steal time to journal all day long, plus write at the five times per day mark. This is how I have journals fifty page days at times.

My greatest joys are the mornings I cannot sleep in, because I am wide awake. It could annoy me. But, instead I think, "Yay! More time to journal!" And I rush to do just that. I usually have a major insight or A-HA moment those days, like I did this morning, by the way.

Journaling takes time. It is a practice and an art. Don't think you have to start off journaling pages or even paragraphs per day. Build up to that slowly over time. It took me years to get to this point. I wasn't born knowing how to journal. I've learned through lots of trial and error and experimentation.

Journal every day, at several moments throughout your day, the length you can and build up from there. It's really that easy.

Remember the one journaling rule of thumb: The more you put into journaling, the more you will get out of it.

So, if you have never journeyed before, I hope this helps.

For you journal keepers who have journaled before, I hope this helps inspire you to do more so you and your life can be far more deep, creative, reflective, productive, and blessed, so you can then be more of a blessing to others.

JOURNALING IS ALWAYS CHANGING--OR NOT

What I love most about journaling is it can be something you do differently every time you approach the page--or you can do the exact same thing. It's your journal. Be creative. There is only one rule (which we already covered), but all else goes. Experiment. Have fun with it.

If you are doing something that works in your journaling, meaning every time you sit down to journal, you are able to write several paragraphs without thought, where you are writing and are not getting stuck or blocked, then keep doing what you are doing. Don't change.

But, if you find yourself stuck or blocked, or even bored when you try to journal, then change it up and try something different than what you are doing now.

Journaling should bring you peace and contentment in the end and leave you with a new perspective. If it doesn't, try something new or different.

GRAMMAR?

With journaling, it is okay to break every single rule possible regarding grammar and how you write. Write one word sentences. Don't write in sentences. Make lists, mind maps, use bullets, or not. The choice is up to you. Do what works for you in that moment when you face the blank and empty page. If it works, your hand or hands are busy journaling. If not, then you are tapping or twiddling your thumbs. If it's the latter, mix it up and try something else.

So, forget grammar. Do what works for you as you journal.

OOPS. THERE ARE THREE RULES OF JOURNALING

1 The more you put into your journaling, the more you will get out of it.

2 Forget grammar.

3 Never, ever delete something, throw it away, rip it up, or get rid of it. Never, ever.

RULE 3: NEVER DELETE ANYTHING

Part of what makes journaling so effective and so delightful, is also what makes journaling such a powerful activity. It's reflection and self-analysis. It's about learning to live a deeper, more thoughtful life. Journaling gives us proper perspective, where after we deal with out stuff, then we can look around and count our blessings, and then we can be a blessing to others. We learn how to be far less self-centered by looking within and realizing our weaknesses and limitations, along with our mistakes. This brings humility. Then, we can be thankful for what we have and not regret the things we don't. Through this, we count our blessings and can look out at others and see past their warts and bring blessing to their lives. It's a wonderful progression.

We live such shallow lives normally.

Journaling makes us go deeper, where we explore the depths of self, situations, others, etc.

But, we can only do all of this through reviewing our journaling and reading it again, to analyze it and see what themes emerge, where we seem to keep tripping up, how we have grown, how what happened in the past seemed so nonsense but looking back we see how things worked together, we see how blessed we are, and we learn how we need to grow. Journaling it once and not reviewing and analyzing prevents us from doing all of this.

So many times in my life, I have faced challenges or experienced something that made no sense whatsoever. I have wondered why or thought how it didn't seem fair or was pointless. I've thrown a pity-party. Then, later on, more things happen, I do the same. Then, later on, something else happens, I review my journaling, and see how things worked together to bring me to this point. This exact point. How it came together the things that seemed unrelated and challenging. I learn how everything had a point. But, I would never have seen it own known it if I hadn't journaled it in the first place and then reviewed my journaling.

I never would have seen how things came together if I journaled something and then deleted it, destroyed it, or gotten rid of it.

Some will say it's therapeutic to rip up your journal.

Really?

If you fully deal with your stuff, you don't need to destroy to let go and move on. If you fully deal with your stuff, you learn that challenge is one of the biggest blessings in your life.
Why destroy a blessing?

Oh, at the time, it may seem ugly. But, often times, great beauty comes from what seems ugly.

So, never, ever delete. Not one word.

It's okay if your journaling is ugly. It's okay if you feel ugly after writing the ugly journal. Give it time. Beauty will rise from the ashes.

Keep every word, every scratch, of your journaling.

WHAT CAN YOU DO INSTEAD OF DELETING? 

1 If it's too painful to keep using that journal, start a new one. Set it to the side and forget about it.

2 If you feel like you need to rip something up, write as ugly of a letter as you can, purging The ugliness onto the page so you don't keep it within. Then, copy the letter. Keep one copy. Put it to the side. Take the other and rip that one up.

3 Or, just simply rewrite it. Keep the original and on the next page, rewrite it.

WHAT SHOULD YOU JOURNAL?

Truthfully, you should journal anything you want and anything that comes to mind, even if you wrote it before. There is a reason why it comes to mind or is on your heart.

It's true.

But, there are times you approach the page, your journal, and are blank. Nothing is there. Nothing comes to mind. So, what then?

There are many things you can do in that situation, or even just in general and every time you journal.

Journal every day about where you've been, where you are, and where you want to head in life. Then, count your blessings of each and then journal about memories of each. This is the simplest approach to take with journaling every time you approach the page.

There are other ideas as well:

Count your past, present, and future blessings.

Do some journaling exercises or prompts.

List as many memories as you can. Then, expand upon each of them until you have a full journal entry of at least a page per memory.

Ask who, what, where, when, why, how, and what-if questions.

Make lists of different things then expand to a page journaling of each item. For example: What are your favorite foods? Movies? Books? Say why they are your favorites and list at least three memories of each. Then journal a page about each memory.

List the decades of your life then under each decade, list as many memories come to mind.

Look around your house and list items, rooms, etc and the memories associated with each.

Then, expand your memories to one page each.

Every day, count your blessings. I know I ready said that, but I repeat that.

Those are just a few examples of what to journal.

IT'S YOUR TURN: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

Count your past, present, and future blessings.

Why is each a blessing?

List a memory of each blessing and then journal as much as you can about it.

Personal Journaling 05-09-2015b

I NEED TO REALIZE, REMEMBER, AND LIVE THIS TRUTH

741 a.m.

I think a great deal of frustration and heartache we feel in this life is when we try to be someone we are not or do something we shouldn't do.

Well, I have lived this with my writing life. I keep trying to bang the door in, doing that which I am not. I even get ideas of a lifetime that should be it, the real story I am meant to write, and can see doing it the rest of my life. The idea would undoubtedly be a best seller. Seriously. That big.

Then, there is one word that gets in the way.

But.

But, that once in a lifetime idea isn't really me. It could easily be. But, it just isn't. Not if I search down deep and get to the heart of the matter.

I've tried to be a full-time writer since 2001. And, it simply hasn't worked. I stick with an idea for five minutes and then run to the next great idea. And, there is a reason I am so uncommitted, so flighty, so... all over the place.

The reason is I am not meant to be the kind of writer I keep trying to be.

I am not meant to write anything, but my true heart's desire.

Journaling.

I am through and through a journal keeper. Nothing more. Nothing less. And, truthfully, this is everything. It is enough.

In fact, it is more than enough.

Cut open my veins and insides, and you will see journaling there. Look into my heart and brain and feelings. Journaling is there in each. Journaling is my lifeblood. It is who I am. Moreover, it is time for me to really, truly, totally embrace it.

Journal my life.

Teach/coach journaling.

This is my life and my life's practice--and is truly what I want to do with each day for the rest of my life. So, I will.

MY NEW PLAN

752 a.m.

On my RYP Stories blog, I will keep my personal journal, which I will turn into my memoir.

And I will teach and coach journaling at my Journaling Stuff blog.

THERE

There. I said it and admitted it. Now, I will act on it.

Stay tuned.

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://journalingstuff.blogspot.com
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Journaling Blog

I am starting a new journaling blog. It's called: Journaling Stuff.

It's everything you ever wanted to know about journaling.

See the link listed below, please.

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://journalingstuff.blogspot.com
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

How Do You Journal?: An Introduction

SO, HOW DO YOU JOURNAL ANYWAY?: JUST BEGIN

I will go into all of the nuts and bolts, and the specifics, throughout blog of how to journal. However, in this blog post, since it is the very first one on how to journal, I will get to the most important information you need to know now so you can start to journal the second after you read this blog post, or even as you read this. I think we should jump right in and journal immediately.

We cannot start journaling until we have a journal. Hence, that's where we will start. We'll begin with finding our journaling method. Whether you have journaled in the past, or haven't at all, you need to pick your digital journaling method.

Yes. I am insisting you start right now with journaling on your computer and to then save your journaling on the Cloud. (I will explain how. No worries.) If you start journaling on your cell, computer, and that now, then it will become a habit in three months. There is not time like the present.

WHY DO DIGITAL JOURNALING? 

Four years ago, my house was threatened by a large funnel cloud, I was moved by movers, I went through an earthquake, and I was forced to evacuate because of a hurricane. All of that happened in the space of five weeks. Each act of God threatened to destroy nearly three decades of my handwritten journals. But, it was the movers who lost ten years of my journals that got to me the most. Ouch.

This is why I insist on digital journaling--and not just any kind of digital journaling, but making sure to save it to the Cloud. That way, your house, cell, computer, laptop, and tablet can all be destroyed or lost or stolen, but you will still have your journals. Permanent journaling is the only way to go.

Please try digital journaling now. It can save you a lot of heartache. I still mourn over the loss of my journaling and the pain is just as raw today as it was when it happened. You do not want to put all that time, effort, heart, and soul into your journaling only to have it lost.

Now, if you think, "Well, I can handwritten them, then I can type them up later," don't fool yourself. You may want to do that, but life has a funny way of interrupting our plans. Things will get in the way. So, save yourself the extra work and develop the habit of digital journaling today.

So, what are the methods of digital journaling?

HOW DO YOU DIGITAL JOURNAL? (WHAT ARE THE METHODS?)

How do you digital journal? You use your cell, tablet, laptop, and/or computer to journal.
Now, before I continue, so I do not have to write out those four devices each time, I will keep it simple and call it just your device to keep it simple, or if I want to be a little fancy, I will say digital device.

How do you use your device to journal? There are a few methods to do so:

1 Email: Send yourself an email (this saves it on the internet permanently and offers a search option).

2 Journal in a Document: Journal in a blank document, then email it to yourself for permanent record.

3 Journaling App: Use a journaling app. But, this is one I highly recommend you to AVOID.

ONLY use a journaling app if you can send each entry to yourself via email or save it as a pdf and then email that to yourself. MOST journaling apps do NOT offer these features.

Also, make sure you can use your app on ALL of your devices. MOST do not carry across all devices.

4 An Online Journal: This is the way I recommend most. You can do a private or public blog, or keep a private or public journal. As far as the blogs, some examples are: Blogger, Tumblr, etc. As far as online journals, there's Penzu, LiveJournal, etc. I recommend Penzu.com with no hesitation and simply cannot recommend it enough.

What makes an online journal so appealing is that then it is saved onto the Cloud (hence, is permanent). Also, they offer different features or options to help you journal and make your journaling easier and more pleasurable.

PENZU.COM: A SHAMELESS PLUG

I have used Penzu.com since November 2012 and I have over 10,176 journaling entries. Some of these entries are fifty pages and longer. I currently add roughly 1,000 entries per month. I do all of my writing in this journal, I also email copies of important emails, and email links to myself for later (of articles, things to buy, books to read, movies to see, how-to information, and anything else I can think of).

My point is not to brag (not at all), but is to point our how Penzu.com has unlimited space. You will not find this in any other online journal or blog. And, it's only $20 per year for the PRO version. But, the free version also has unlimited in space and, frankly, is wonderful. I definitely recommend it as well. Try the free version for at least a month, preferably three, and if you want the extras.

The differences between the free and Pro are in the Pro version, you can:

-- Have multiple journals
-- Tab or label each entry and do so with multiple tabs
-- Email your entries to your journal or from your journal
-- Can save one entry or all the entries in your journal in a off
-- Etc.

If you ever want the Pro version, here is a 20% off coupon. It's the best way to keep a journal or diary in the Cloud, when you use this link:

http://classic.penzu.com/r/34f16257

I will stop this plug and allow you the opportunity to check it out for yourself. Also, if you have any questions, technical support is fabulous, or feel free to contact me. I most likely can give you some guidance and or tips. Send an email or attach a comment at the end of any blog post.

HOW DO YOU JOURNAL AND DO DIGITAL JOURNALING?

The simplest answer is: Capture your life on the page.

In other words, write your thoughts, feelings, experiences, dreams, goals, fears, memories, blessings, prayers, to do list, etc. in a journaling entry. Give a summary of a moment in your day and a summary of your day, week, month, quarter, year, decade, etc. Make lists. Share your challenges and joys. What do you like and don't like? What hat have you read or watched?

Let me simplify the previous paragraph: If you have done it (lived it), thought it, felt it, dreamt of, write it down.

Or simply, journal anything and everything that comes to mind.

Really. It's that simple. Capture your life on the page, your present, past, and future.

WHAT SHOULD YOU JOURNAL NOW?: IT'S YOUR TURN (A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT)

List five blessings in your life today.

How are you feeling?

What are you thinking?

What have you done and experienced today? Or in the past?

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://journalingstuff.blogspot.com
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Penzu Coupon 20% Off

Get 20% off Penzu Pro, the best way to keep a journal or diary in the cloud, when you use this link:

http://classic.penzu.com/r/34f16257

It's normally $19.99 per year.

Enjoy,
-Stacy
Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://journalingstuff.blogspot.com
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Welcome to Journaling Stuff: An Introduction

WELCOME AND SUMMARY OF JOURNALING STUFF

Journaling Stuff is a blog about everything you ever wanted to know about journaling.

There will be a focus of digital journaling (online and on your computer). I will explain more about this later.

GOAL OF JOURNALING STUFF

It's my goal to make this the largest source about journaling on the web.

It's also my goal to then publish these blog posts into a book a couple of times per year and make it the largest journaling source on the market. (See Note #1 at the end of this blog post.) Furthermore, in these books, I will add even more material.

ARE YOU A JOURNALING NOVICE OR ARE YOU AN EXPERT?

It doesn't matter whether you have experience journaling or not at all. This blog is for you.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR DAY

Apart from spiritual activities, there is absolutely nothing you can do with your day, each and every day, than journaling. I would even say how journaling is the most healthy thing you can do with your day, or even your life, than journaling. It's also the most productive.

Journaling should be the foundation of your day and be what you build your day and life upon. This blog, Journaling Stuff, will share what this means and how to do this.

MY JOURNALING EXPERIENCE

I've been a journal keeper for over 32.5 years and have done daily journaling since 2001. Therefore, I have tried just about everything regarding journaling and have learned what to do and what not to do. I have experimented with journaling and have tried several types of journaling and journaling practices and well.

I have a great deal to offer you and the world of journaling, needless to say. I may not know much, but journaling is one thing in which I can unequivocally call myself an expert and I am knowledgeable.

I will warn you, though. After decades of journaling, I have my biases and can be pretty opinionated about the art and practice of journaling. I've learned some foundations of journaling and look forward to sharing them with you.

LET'S TALK

Please contact me with any questions, clarifications, requests for things you would like me to talk about in a blog post or a blog post series, if you want to pick my brain, if you are struggling with journaling, and/or if you want to join the journaling community on this blog or on Twitter.com at #JournalingStuff. You can contact me by adding a comment at the end of any blog post or you can email me at:

Rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com

I hope we can encourage and inspire one another in our journaling.

THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU: WHAT DO YOU WANT?

Seriously. Let me repeat a couple of things. This blog is for you. If you want me to talk (teach or coach) about something regarding journaling in one blog post or in a blog post series, just ask.

Again, add a comment at the end of any blog post or send me a private email.

SHALL WE GET STARTED?

Thank you for checking out this blog. I hope you get a great deal out of it and enjoy.
Have a blessed day and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

NOTES

{Note #1: I am off to a good start in accomplishing this objective about the book, by the way. I already have around 500 pages of material I will add to the book. It's my goal to offer the new material in a separate book or in a complete book, whichever is your preference.}

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://journalingstuff.blogspot.com
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-07-2015

My Personal Journaling 05-06-2015

1059 a.m., Wednesday

I thought I found "it." My story. But, then I read the news article about the terrorists here in the U.S. and I noticed only one news source is talking about this. 

I got, and am, disturbed, needless to say. 

Suddenly what I was writing seems so... inadequate.

The truth is, I do not know what to write. 

Terrorism has me ramped up. 

Maybe that should be my focus. 

Maybe I should re-think how to write book and incorporate what I have written, but in a new way. 

That's it! 

I just figured it out. Same book I was working on, different way to tell it. 

*~**~*

Words of the Day and Bible Verses of the Day

1

Revelation 1:8 Expanded Bible (EXB)

8 The Lord God says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega [C the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; 21:6; 22:13]. I am the One who is and [the One who] was and [the One who] is coming [see 1:4]. I am the ·Almighty [All-powerful]."

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

Prayer journal your thoughts, what God said to you, what you said to God, how you'll actively and intentionally apply this verse to your life. Then, meditate on this, ponder it, and prayer journal about it day and night.

2

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Expanded Bible (EXB)

16 Always ·be joyful [rejoice]. 17 Pray ·continually [without ceasing], 18 and give thanks ·whatever happens[in all circumstances; in everything]. That is ·what God wants [God's will] for you in Christ Jesus.

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

Prayer journal your thoughts, what God said to you, what you said to God, how you'll actively and intentionally apply this verse to your life. Then, meditate on this, ponder it, and prayer journal about it day and night.

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease
Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com
Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-06-2015

MY APOLOGIES

I apologize for posting multiple blog posts today. It certainly is not my preferred method. However, current events have made it necessary. This post will hopefully be the last blog post today.

WRITING "THE STORY" I AM MEANT TO WRITE:
AN UPDATE ABOUT MY WRITING

Four days ago, I started writing THE STORY of a lifetime. I have no doubt whatsoever it is the one I am supposed to write. Truthfully, it could be a lifetime series. I am so excited about it. I finally found it. My story. The story. The one I was made to write.

Then this happened...

I AM VERY DISTURBED: MY PERSONAL JOURNALING ABOUT THIS DISTURBANCE (ISIS IS IN THE U.S.)

I woke up this morning to this article:

Headline: "Purported ISIS warning claims terror cells in place in 15 states"
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/purported-isis-warning-claims-terror-cells-in-place-in-15-states/

Please read that article before you read another word or do another thing. And, if you journal, do so now regarding the news article.

This news disturbed me. Greatly. And it disturbs me more by the minute.

How about you?

I woke up this morning, feeling fresh, alive, thrilled with a new and glorious day. What a gift and blessing! Today... an opportunity.

I even had ideas for my new book and series I couldn't wait to put down on the page. So many ideas. Oh, it felt glorious to know what to write. Oh, I was excited. I jumped out of bed, took care of my critters, and then sat at my favorite place on the sofa in the family room of our temporary home to capture the ideas on the page.

Then, I read this article.

And, everything froze. Life was frozen by a pressing of the pause button. I could not carry on. I had to stop and take this in. I am still doing this. (Even as I re-read this again later, I am still frozen where I am.)

My concerns were validated. (And then some.)

Quadrillions of thoughts went through my mind--and still are going through the wormhole of my present mind-state. Which thought should I get down on the page? What should I journal? I started to type in my online journal, Penzu.com:

"Closed-minded people, wake up!"

No. That is too harsh. Too derogatory. I should soften it. Right?

"Intentionally clueless people, wake up!"

No. Still too harsh.

"Narcissistic, me-centered, look and focus on me people, wake up!"

No. Strike that.

"Uninformed, ignorant, and people in denial, wake up!"

No. That is also too harsh. Sticks and stones.

I then wrote a scathing blog post, which I won't post, trying to slap people out of their stupor and force them to action.

But, that was too harsh as well.

Sigh. I grew frustrated and disturbed at this point.

I then wrote in my journal for the Church to stop talking about everything they are talking about... for pastors to stop writing their present sermons... for Christian bloggers, authors, and ministries as well to stop everything they are working on now... And get to the real discussion: the CURRENT HOLOCAUST.

But, that seemed too harsh, too.

But, there IS a current holocaust. No one is talking about. No one is taking a stand. IS it possible to get too harsh? The answer is no. Absolutely not. Harshness might slap people awake and force them to action. So would a real slap, but violence is not the answer.

But, should I say any of that?

"The world, the Church, the people, and most individuals are in a stupor and are clueless to reality."

Wait. That is harsh as well. While all of this is true, beyond shadow of a doubt, I should look within first. I should look in the mirror.

LOOKING IN THE MIRROR:
TELLING MY STORY

I should share where I am in my journal, which I then share with you. I should share my thought-FULL-ness about the current holocaust. How did I become educated and well-informed on the subject of the current holocaust? How did I research it for myself and not take anyone else's opinions or stances in account? In other words, how did I form my OWN, personal, informed stance on terrorism and on the current holocaust?

Maybe through sharing my story, I can help others to do the same.

Let me stress again, though, how greatly I am disturbed. This is why I must write about, and journal, the current holocaust and terrorism. Then, I will write my story, my fiction one.

I will do one more blog post today and start this personal journaling about the current holocaust and terrorism.

A TERROR ATTACK ON U.S. SOIL

This happened three days ago. Did you know that?

It happened in Texas.

Where are the voices?

NEWS LINKS ABOUT THE TERROR ATTACK IN TEXAS AND ON U.S. SOIL

1
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/fbi-was-investigating-texas-gunman-at-time-cartoon-contest-attack/
2
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/gunman-final-tweet-hashtag-hinted-at-texas-assault-on-cartoon-contest/
3
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/after-weeklong-controversy-charlie-hebdo-receives-pen-award-at-literary-gala-in/

OTHER NEWS ARTICLES TO READ, PRAY ABOUT, JOURNAL, AND KNOW

1
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/after-weeklong-controversy-charlie-hebdo-receives-pen-award-at-literary-gala-in/
2
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/05/federal-judge-agrees-to-let-ohio-terror-plot-suspect-privately-review-video/

TWO LINKS TO KEEP READING FOR NOW AND FOREVER SO WE CAN STAY INFORMED:

1
http://www.foxnews.com/us/terrorism/index.html?intcmp=subnav
2
http://www.foxnews.com/world/terrorism/index.html?intcmp=subnav

NEWS TO READ, PRAY ABOUT, JOURNAL, AND KNOW

1

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/purported-isis-warning-claims-terror-cells-in-place-in-15-states/

Please read this link immediately (#1).

2

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/we.cannot.stand.by.while.christians.are.executed.abused.or.enslaved.because.of.their.faith/53376.htm

3

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/taya-kyle-chris-kyle-texas-attack/2015/05/05/id/642788/?ns_mail_uid=97105315&ns_mail_job=1619723_05062015&s=al&dkt_nbr=pumgvc95

4

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/241065-huckabee-jumps-into-2016-race

5

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/241157-hillary-makes-play-for-blacks-hispanics

6

http://townhall.com/columnists/brentbozell/2015/05/06/hate-group-blamed-for-isis-attack-n1994825?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=

We cannot stand by while Christians are executed, abused or enslaved because of their faith | Christian News on Christian Today

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/we.cannot.stand.by.while.christians.are.executed.abused.or.enslaved.because.of.their.faith/53376.htm

Purported ISIS warning claims terror cells in place in 15 states | Fox News

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/06/purported-isis-warning-claims-terror-cells-in-place-in-15-states/

PLEASE read this. It is critical all Americans read this and become informed.

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-05-2015

CHOOSING EACH MOMENT HOW TO LIVE: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

You never know what curve ball life may throw you or when you are called to be in life's waiting room. It is what we choose to do with every moment that counts.

How are you choosing to live each moment today?

NEWS TO KNOW, JOURNAL ABOUT, AND PRAY:

1

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/ISIS-claims-texas-attack/2015/05/05/id/642572/

(Side-Note, Journaling Prompt, and Prayer Point: A terror attack by ISIS in and on the U.S. What is going to be done because of it? Point to ponder and pray.)

2

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsmax-Tv/Bernard-Kerik-Brian-Moore-slaying-outrage/2015/05/04/id/642558/?ns_mail_uid=97105315&ns_mail_job=1619576_05052015&s=al&dkt_nbr=8jrkxzrl

3

http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/Bosch-Fawstin-draw-prophet-winner/2015/05/04/id/642554/

4

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/05/isis-claim-responsibility-for-shooting-at-texas-muhammad-cartoon-contest/

5

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/05/university-researchers-uncover-new-cache-mark-twain-writings/?intcmp=latestnews

6

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/05/04/muhammad-cartoon-contest-note-to-jihadists-in-america-shoot-back/?intcmp=ob_homepage_opinion&intcmp=obnetwork

7

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/05/04/wapo-2016-gop-field--might-be-the-most-diverse-ever-n1994155?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=

8

http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2015/05/05/if-everybody-likes-you-youre-doing-something-wrong-n1994395?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=

9

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/241031-immigration-battle-moves-to-the-military

10

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/312524-when-baltimore-police-union-launches-its-own-twitter-campaign-some-say-they-just-dont-get-it/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningnewsletter

BIBLE VERSES OF THE DAY OR WORD OF THE DAY 

(To meditate, ponder, think upon, ponder, prayer journal for at least the next 24 hours)

1

Philippians 4:6-7 Living Bible (TLB)

6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

Living Bible (TLB). The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

2

Proverbs 9:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

CHRISTIAN LINKS TO READ

1

https://maxlucado.com/audio/daily-audio/god-never-changes/?utm_source=MaxLucado.com+Weekday+Emails&utm_campaign=f0bac6aad7-RSS_DAILY_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9b9306e0eb-f0bac6aad7-222957317&mc_cid=f0bac6aad7&mc_eid=3ec8c24aa8

2

http://holleygerth.com/heart-hungry/

3

http://www.lovegodgreatly.com/2015/05/week-7-the-profile-of-a-false-teacher/

4

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/todays-insight-chuck-swindoll/

5

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/truth-for-life/

6

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/morning-and-evening/

Life and Writing Chronicles 05-04-2015

RESPECT: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

Why is it we demand others to respect us, but we do not offer everyone else the same respect we demand others give us?

Journal your thoughts.

I think this can be said about every single one of us if we were to stop, get out of the emotions, and really think.

Journal your thoughts.

How is it this can be said about you?

Journal your thoughts.

Read the news links below and come back to this journaling prompt or exercise and journal your thoughts.

How did we ever get to this point? I disagree with you, so I will kill you? Terrorism... Riots...

Journal your thoughts.

Every single human has a soul and a heart that beats. Every human makes mistakes and no one is perfect. None of us deserve respect because we are not perfect. However, it is the civilized thing to do and show respect to everyone, regardless of whether we agree or not. For, our agreement does not matter. Our respect for one another's lives, regardless of belief, should be what defines us.

Journal your thoughts.

NEWS TO KNOW AND PRAY

1

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/05/311756-nyc-police-officer-was-shot-in-the-head-and-now-hes-clinging-for-his-life/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningnewsletter

2

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/04/police-shooting-at-muhammad-cartoon-contest-in-texas/

3

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/expert-terrorist-group-boko-haram-has-killed-more-10000-people-nigeria

4

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/03/with-rescue-near-boko-haram-fighters-stoned-nigerian-girls-to-death/

(Side-Note and My Personal Journaling: This is the article that has me the most disturbed, moved, saddened... WHERE is the outrage? Where is the outrage of the Church as a whole and every single Christian? What about the USA?)

5

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/04/across-mideast-islamic-state-group-challenges-al-qaida-but-veteran-terror/

6

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/03/isis-killed-25-captive-yazidis-lawmaker-says/


~*~*~

WORD OF THE DAY OR BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

I wrote everything above this BEFORE I went to BibleGateway.com to see their verse of the day. Here it is:

2 Chronicles 7:14 Expanded Bible (EXB)

14 Then if my people, who ·are called by my name [belong to me], will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek ·me [L my face] and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will ·heal[restore] their land.

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

Prayer journal your thoughts day and night about this verse and the journaling prompt and news links I shared.

~*~**~*~

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com

Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet

Romans 12:12 Expanded Bible (EXB)

Romans 12:12 Expanded Bible (EXB)

12 ·Be joyful because you have hope [L Rejoice in hope]. ·Be patient [Endure] ·when trouble comes [L in suffering/tribulation], and pray ·at all times [faithfully; with persistence/perseverance].

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

Prayer journal, ponder, meditate on, think about, and contemplate day and night.

Earthquake survivors plead for aid in Nepal mountain villages | Fox News

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/03/need-help-aid-scarce-in-quake-hit-nepal-villages/

A prayer point

Blessings,
--Stacy Duplease

Email:
agodlyvision@gmail.com
rememberingyourpresent@gmail.com

Blog:
http://rypstories.blogspot.com
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire HDX Tablet