This journaling blog: What more to expect

I will journal about every day life here in this journaling blog. 

What else will I share on this blog? I'll share my reading, studying, journaling, and praying through the Word of God, the Holy Bible.

The prophecies of the Bible is another topic I will address. given everything going on in this world, it's a good idea to focus on one-quarter of the Bible a lot of us do not know much about, if we were to be honest (myself included). 

Furthermore, I will capture my life on the page in this journaling, which I will publish on this blog. 

So, stay tuned. 

It has been a while

It has been a while since I wrote specifically on this blog of, http://myjournalinglife.blogspot.com, which is My Journaling Life. 

The truth is, I am not sure why I stopped writing in this blog. I know that I included it in my main writing blog, http://rypstories.blogspot.com, RYP Stories (RYP stands for: Remembering Your Present). Is that why I stopped writing here? 

Well, I have decided to blog here mainly now. I will also put this blog on RYP Stories from time to time, but this will also be my new main blog.

I will journal more and add it here in a bit. Stay tuned. 

JOURNALING NEWS AND A COMMITMENT (12.17.2014.)

JOURNALING NEWS AND A COMMITMENT (12.17.2014.)

Welcome to a new era for this old blog.

I am going to focus on journaling, writing my life story, counting my blessings, and sharing journaling how-to information and inspiration (aka Journaling Stuff).

Stay tuned.

DAILY BLOG POSTS

I need to be real and authentic with you. Nothing more, nothing less.

I have a lot to say. I am a babbling brook when it comes to journaling. After all, I am passionate about journaling. Therefore, to help you, I will share one blog post day. But, it will be a long one. I will write several mini posts with a dashed line separation between them. I will put a Table of Contents at the top of the post to help you see what is included.

This is the new plan and is my new commitment--journaling and this blog.

Have a blessed journaling day. Remember your present, capture your life on the page, and count your blessings.

-- Stacy Duplease

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC 2008-2014)

Get the Most Out of Life. Journal.

Get the Most Out of Life. Journal.

2014-08-14 13:42:37

Get the most out of this life. Journal.

It's really that simple. 

Do you want to live the best life possible? Do you want to enjoy your life the most? The answer to each is to journal. Period. End of story. Any questions?

Journaling makes you go deeper. It helps you gain a new and proper perspective.

So, if you don't want to get the most out of this life, to live the best life possible, to enjoy your life, go deeper and remain shallow, to have a new and proper perspective, then keep living as you are fail to journal. 

Do you doubt what I'm saying? If so, and.even if you don't, I want to challenge you to a journaling challenge. See the next blog post about this Journaling Challenge for 45 Days.

#Diary #Journal #Journaling #BenefitsOfJournaling #WhyJournal #JournalingChallenge #JournalingChallengeFor45Days #Journaling Stuff #Blessing OfTurningForty

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

The Ideal Journal and Journaling: A Journaling Prompt

The Ideal Journal and Journaling: A Journaling Prompt

2014-08-15 15:47:17

1 If you were to keep the ideal and most perfect journal, what would it look like? Why? How can you make your journal like this, starting today? 

2 If you were to do the ideal and most perfect journaling, what would it look like? Why? How can you make your journal like this, starting today? 

The Blessing of Turning Forty: A Do-Over

The Blessing of Turning Forty: A Do-Over

2014-08-14 19:00:23

A couple of weeks ago, I started writing:

THE BLESSING OF TURNING FORTY:

THE DECADES JOURNALING PROJECT AND MEMOIR

This is my do-over. I'm going to write this with my Christian faith as my focus. 

In the book version, I will include all of my previous writings on the subject of turning forty, but it will be additional material. 

Stay tuned.

August 2014 Vacation

August 2014 Vacation

2014-08-14 14:21:08

WHAT I'VE DONE FOR VACATION

1 Historic Jamestown

2 The Virginia Living Museum (like a zoo)

3 Shirley and Berkeley Plantations

4 The Naval Boat tour of the Norfolk Naval Station. The Nauticus Museum. The U.S.S. Wisconsin.

5 Norfolk Botanical Garden

6 The Great Dismal Swamp

7 Drove around town and explored areas we haven't been before

8 Took it easy. Got back into journaling. 

This is why I took about 3,200 photos.

Most of the photos you see for the next year at least will be from this vacation. 

I had some unforgettable moments. They were glory sightings and were times of great blessing. I will journal a great deal more about each of these things in the days to come, but I will say this: saw wild turtles and dolphins, discovered a new type of bird in my backyard I have never seen before, and was inspired by flowers. 

I also know I'm forgetting several other memories, but they will come as I journal, look at the pictures, reflect, and talk with B about them. Hubby will remember things I don't or see them in a different way. This will help me remember and capture it on the page. 

It was one of the best vacations I've ever had. And I blame my journaling for this. I looked at everything through a journalkeeper's eyes, so I looked deeper into the moments and counted my blessings. 

So, as you can tell, my photography is with my cell phone, so the photos are good, but not great. And, I'm okay with that. Photos are meant to capture a memory, not perfection. 

It was rather nice doing the touristy things around home. We get so busy with the daily grind we forget to go see and experience the things near our house. In fact, there are a few things we didn't do I wish we could have. 

We were busy, but it was worthwhile and was certainly memorable.

(Image credit: Stacy Duplease and Remembering Your Present, LLC. August 2014. The Virginia Living Museum.)

Today's Prayer Journaling and Bible Reflection

Today's Prayer Journaling and Bible Reflection 

2014-08-14 10:34:54 (Aug. 14, 2014, Thurs., 1035 a.m.)

The last time I was deeply in the Word, I mentioned how I wanted to, and needed to, spend some time in Romans 8. Hence, I'm going to do so today. 

I'm going to read all the way through it right now. 

2014-08-14 11:35:51

Romans 8:1-2The Message (MSG)

8 1-2 With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

I am set free in, through, and because of Jesus Christ, my Lord, Savior, Redeemer. 

My mistakes and poor choices are wiped clean because of Him. 

What a blessing. 

JOURNALING PROMPT

Journal your thoughts and prayers. 

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

What is Journaling Exactly? How Would You Define it?

What is Journaling Exactly? How Would You Define it? 

(A Journal How-To: 2014-08-06 08:19:40)

JOURNALING IS...

I've said before how the simplest definition of journaling is this:

Capturing your life on the page.

Great. Sounds good. Right? Right. But, what does this really mean? What does journaling really mean and how do you put it into practice?

Overall, the definition of capturing your life on the page is the best definition for journaling. Iv'e seen several out there, but this is best. However, there are nuances and clarifies to help us understand what journaling really means. 

Let's be honest, though. Journaling will mean something different to everyone you ask. It also depends on when you ask them. If I were to write a definition for journaling every single day for the rest of my life, I think I would get a new definition every single day.

Why is this? Is it because journaling is complicated? Actually, the answer is journaling is the opposite of complicated. It's easy. Journaling is fluid. It's what you need it to be when you approach the page. But, as you approach the page of your journal, and write a journal entry, your whole goal is to capture your life on the page--whether it is a slice, a chunk, or a crumb. 

Today, journaling means to me: Capturing my life on the page. It always means this. But, there might be a little more to that definition at times more than others. Today is one of those days. Journaling to me today is venting. It's throwing up on the page. It's getting it out on the page and purging myself of yuckiness. It's taking it out on my journal so I don't have to take it out on someone ele. It's venting so I deal with what's bugging me, rather than allowing it to deal with me. Journaling to me right now is working through a problem so I can move on and forget about it. Hence, journaling is healing. It's helping me to find perspective. It's helping me let go and get re-focused. It's putting my heart out on paper and then finding the logic of the situation. It's biting and snapping at my journal so I don't do that with someone else. It's crying there so I don't have to cry out loud and in real life. It's helping me cope with a dog with dementia--who, by the way, as I'm tying this is dealing with another episode. (Poor guy.)

Sigh. My heart is breaking once again. This is what I opened my day with--journaling about Zack and his dementia. I feel so gosh darn helpless. I'm trying to sit at my PC to journal on Penzu and then turn this into a blog post. Will I have to move to the sofa so he can calm again? Or, will we be able to get him through it from here? 

Today, journaling also means this to me: Remembering. It's remembering my present, so I can live the most intentional and purposeful life today. It's remembering where I've come, so I can repeat the same stuff or learn from what I didn't do so well. Journaling is also remembering where I am headed, so I can get there well. 

Journaling to me today is also meeting with God.

Journaling is counting my blessings--in spite of the monster of dementia or the other storms which may blow in my life. 

Journaling is finding proper perspective. 

(Oh, thank God! Zack just calmed down. To You be the glory, Lord.)

Journaling is finding relief from the tough stuff of life.

Journaling is getting to know myself, and God, in a deeper and better way. It's also getting myself down on the page so I can turn to others. Journaling is also sharing joy on the page and is learning life's lessons on the page and applying them. Journaling is putting me thoughts, emotions, dreams/goals to the page. It's living my life of faith, preserving family memories, and is collecting a legacy to leave with others. In my journal, I am real and authentic. In journaling, I reflect and analyze my life--and my past journaling entries. 

Here's a definition of a journal from a dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journal. The truth of the matter is a journal, and journaling, is so much more than this definition. 

The truth is you need to find your own definition of journaling--today--knowing it can change throughout the day even today. The definition of journaling is whatever works at that moment for you to capture your life on the page and live a better, deeper, more joyful life. Again, the definition of journaling is fluid. Do what works for you at the time you journal. that's journaling. 

The beauty about journaling is there is no wrong way or wrong definition. It's what works at the time. And, that's that. 

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?

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.