My Personal Journaling Story 05-29-2015

2015-05-29 09:10:40 and 2015-05-29 09:24:29

Greetings.

I hope you and your journaling are well. (I would love to hear from you about both.)

This blog post will share the direction I am moving personally and with this blog. My main objective with this blog is to help us (you and me) capture our lives on the page. It's a how-to journal blog, as well as it is my goal to provide inspiration with our journaling, through prompts or exercises, hints and tips, and stories.

I have been trying to find a place to hang my journaling hat (a focus) for a main focus for personal SOC Journaling and my journaling in general. But, I just haven't found it until now.

Nature and Observation Journaling are a must and I will do some of that. Undoubtedly.

It's me and is who I am.

But, there is another part of who I am.

So, who am I?

I need to provide some background in order for me to answer that question. This will also help explain where I will focus this blog for a while.

My husband ('B') and I moved to Virginia four years ago. About seven months or so after that, my Granny called me and shared how her niece was doing some genealogy on the family. She shared some information we had no idea about. We thought her family came to the U.S. five generations ago or so.

Wrong.

She said D (her niece) had traced our family back to 1670 or so to a Bryan Penny.

The 1670 part caught my attention.

"Do you know where Elizabeth City, Virginia is? That's where he lived."

As we talked, I did a quick search on the internet and found it was present day Hampton, Virginia, which we lived nearby. I told her that.

I wondered, then, if the family could be traced to Yorktown or Jamestown. I told her in would do some searching myself and let her know.

Little did we know where it would lead.

I have an uncanny ability to find information others cannot. Somehow I stumble upon the answers accidentally. This includes my family tree.

With my family tree, there have been gaps people have not been able to find the answers to and fill. In fact, several hired professional genealogists to find the answers. I learned within a couple of days about some of the gaps and learned how several professional genealogists looked for answers, but found none.

Well, I found them within a week. I got the answers, which opened our tree wide open.

My family has been in the United States of America since 1607. I had three go to Jamestown in 1607 and by 1635, I had over thirty or so at or near Jamestown in Virginia, and a few miles from where I lived.

Then, my tree opened up even more. About eight months ago or so, I found out I was a direct descendant of Joseph of Arimathea! And I learned earlier how I am also a direct descendant of Nero and Charlemagne Carolus Magnus Carolingian, 1st Emperor of Holy Roman Empire.

Oh, dear. I just did a search on my family tree and discovered more direct and distant emperors. I had no idea. They are:

-- Emperor Augustus
-- Emperor Claudius Caesar Rome
-- Emperor Heinrich V Dethe Salian Germany
-- Claudius I Tiberius Roman Emperor (is this the same as previous mentioned???)
-- HRE. Hugo "L'Abbé" Emperor Of The Holy Roman Empire
-- Louis "Le Pieux The Pious Le Debonnaire The Fair" Carolingian I Emperor HRE
-- Pierre Capet I Emperor Constaninople (a direct ancestor)
-- Pontiff Tiberius Claudius Nero Emperor Rome

Huh. Who knew?

I hadn't put it together until now.

I have been a research-oriented crazy woman trying to fill in all the branches and leaves, and finding so many, I thought I would come to an end one day and would then be able to research more fully each individual.

But, with over 17,000 individuals so far, three plus years later, I see how many gaps I still need to fill in. I am trying to focus first on my direct ancestors. However, that number is massive and grows by the day.

About a month ago, I was able to, by accident again, trace from one of my direct branches to Abraham of the Bible, then to Adam.

I needed a few weeks for that information to roll around in my brain and am still bewildered.
I also traced another part to King David.

So, letting that simmer... and with doing my own personal journaling..m and with reading my favorite book on journaling, "Leaving a Trace: On Keeping a Journal" by Alexandra Johnson (see this link: http://smile.amazon.com/Leaving-Trace-Keeping-Alexandra-Johnson-ebook/dp/B002OFVNIC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1432916448&sr=1-1&keywords=on+leaving+a+trace+johnson), I read about journaling a family chronicle.

I also read in the book about how there are some family members we wished kept a journal, but didn't. And later, why not write one for them, whether a journaling entry or a journal.

The lightbulb went off two days ago and I decided that was what I would do for my family.

I have several famous, notorious, and fascinating family members, and the everyday variety I cannot wait to explore and learn more about myself, my family, history, and the world. Kings, Emperors, biblical people, and those who are what some would call ordinary fill the leaves and branches of my family tree. I cannot wait to learn about all of my direct leaves and branches first.

Today, I just realized that the journaling I want to do is for the world, about nature, and history, and is not about me at all, other than what I can learn about them and enjoy from learning about them. Not me. Them.

I want to write the journals of all of them. I will write it first as nonfiction, then as historical or contemporary fiction.

And I will journal about what unlearn and how I am.changed from them.

The truth is from this family tree, we can gain an unique perspective of the history of the world,for my family comes from all over.

I am starting with one individual, which I will tell you more about in a moment.

I am starting a journaling series:

"From Adam to Me Family Tree" Journaling Series

I have a family tree of over 17,526 people and I still have a lot of missing branches and leaves. Once I am in our house, and we are settled from our move, and I play a week or two of catch-up... Then, I will spend a month working all day and night (but with 8 hours sleep) to fill in more, and to get more information on the people I have. But, until then, I have what I have.

So, yep. Gulp.

I would not have so many if it wasn't for the fact I have some well documented people in my family tree. So, that sure helps.

I look forward to this journey.

I hope to inspire you with your journaling as well. I will still include journaling how-to pieces and prompts and exercises.

My first relative I will study and journal for is:

ANCESTOR #14 THOMAS CORNELL.

I am generation #1. He is the 14th. Adam is the 154th.

It is with this branch and leaves I begin.

A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT

Who do you wish kept a journal, but didn't?

List all of them.

Then, pick one. Who would you want to write a journal for?

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

The Importance of Journaling About Each Moment

PERSONAL JOURNALING

This moment counts and is my best moment. After all, it is the only one I can control. So, what can I do to live it fully and purposefully? What blessings will I find in this moment?

I can be fully present and aware right now, in this moment.

Blackwing. I see at the bird feeder out back.

I can make sure to take it in with all of my senses.

Four birds at feeder.

Feeder is almost empty.

Finishing my protein shake. Yum. Vanilla Cappuccino.

Also, taking a sip of my room temperature coffee. (Oh, how I miss pods!)

Living fully in this moment requires no regrets or coveting. It means appreciating what and who I have now. It means finding the blessing now, come what may.

A JOURNALING THOUGHT: THIS IS OUT BEST MOMENT

There are many blessings every single moment. Some we realize in the present and some require time and a little hindsight and life experience. With the latter, it requires we remember this moment so we can count all of the blessings then, since, and now. The only way we can do this is through journaling and the review of our journaling.

This is why it is so important to journal every day and to journal about at least three moments of every day so we can keep reflecting back on them and counting the blessings from each moment and learning from these moments.

If we do not journal, how can this moment be our best? 

My Personal Journaling on Memorial Day (A Christian Perspective)

I am heavy hearted thinking of those who died for me and my freedom.

Earthly representatives of what Jesus Christ did for me. 

They sacrificed their lives so I might live. 

Oh, how I take this for granted. I do not mean to, but do.

Shouldn't I live a fuller, more abundant life because of their sacrifice? I do not want their sacrifice to be in vain.

Shouldn't I look at what Jesus Christ did for me in the same manner and live a fuller, more abundant life because of Him and how He died so I can live? 

And, isn't this what my journaling offers and helps me achieve?

Thoughts to ponder for a long, long time on this Memorial Day. 

Go ahead and journal your thoughts. 

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

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

USA JOURNALING #8

USA JOURNALING PRAYER CHALLENGE

Would you care to join me in living 2 Chronicles 7:14? 

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2 Chronicles 7:14 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

14 However, if my people, who are called by my name,
    will humble themselves,
    pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways,
        then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins,
    and heal their country.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group

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THE USA JOURNALING: A PRAYER AND PRAYER JOURNALING CHALLENGE

Would you care to join me in a challenge to commit to praying this verse over self and the USA for at least half an hour per day?

If so, please tell me when you will pray (the time) each day. Let me know through attaching a comment at the end of any blog post or sending me an email? I would love to be able to get all 24 hours covered with several people praying in each time slot for the USA. 

My goal is to pray 8:00-8:30 a.m. each day.

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HOUSEKEEPING AND NEWS: MOVING AND SHORTER BLOG POSTS

I just wanted to give you some heads up about my intent for this blog as I am in the process of preparing to move across the country in the next few weeks, go on vacation, and then unpack the new house. I'm trying to write several blog posts ahead of time so you will at least have a blog post every other day while that is going on in my life. 

Also, I will have a lot of time to think since I will not have a lot of time to journal, so I will periodically include a new thought. 

Therefore, you may end up reading in March a blog post I wrote in February. Once I get unpacked and settled, and am able to sit down and give my full-time attention to this blog, it will be different. I'm just trying to come up with a way to keep this blog going until then. 

I imagine in late march, early April, I will be back on this blog full-time. I hope to answer all of the questions I've listed in this blog at that time and hope to list even more. 

Thanks, again, for your patience during this time of transition.

COMMENTS: I will try to make sure to comment on any comments or emails you send during this time. I will not be that much of a stranger. I would love to hear about your struggles being an American and/or a Christian American. 

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USA Journaling #6

USA Journaling #6

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MY PEOPLE

2 Chronicles 7:14 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

14 However, if my people, who are called by my name,
    will humble themselves,
    pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways,
        then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins,
    and heal their country.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group

Am I one of God's people? This is the next question.

I am. I know the answer. I am one of His people because I believe in Him. 

Now, here is the next question: How do I live my belief in God?

How do I believe my belief in God as a Christian American? 

How should I--and how do I--regarding the previous two questions?

Does my life reflect I am a believer of God? And... Does my life reflect I am a believer in God as an American? And, how? And, how does it not?

The answer to all of these questions shows if I am one of His people and if I am called by His name.

Now... What about you?

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USA Journaling #5

USA Journaling #5
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I AM A CHRISTIAN AMERICAN: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Written January 26, 2015, Monday, 915 a.m.

I am Christian.

I am American.

I am a Christian American. In that order.

What does it mean to be a Christian American? And, what does it mean to be a Christian American in today's world?

The answer to the questions in the previous paragraph are complicated, but are also simple. There are several ways to answer those questions--and that's the purpose of this blog. However, they all stem from this: God first, then country. This is the answer and is the definition. God first, then country, in 2015.

So, how do you put God first in the USA today? Or, should I say... How should I put God first in my life and in my life in the USA today?

Stop. Look at the last part of  the previous question. It makes a very important distinction. I am living for more than for myself. As I live, I am living for more than for myself and my family. I am living for more anything or anyone else. This includes for the USA. When was the last time I thought about this?

Long pause. Long pause as I try to come up with the answer.

Huh. The truth of the matter is I cannot think of the last time I thought of that before this blog.

How self-serving, self-focused, egotistical, narcissistic can I be? There is far more to my life than myself, my husband, and the everyday stuff of life. I am an American and it is my duty to make sure I am contributing to the embetterment of the country, not making it worse. The embetterment is on the and for the whole, and is not just for self, family, or job.

Pause. I am stuck now. Not sure where to go with that. It made me think. How am I making the USA the best country in the world?

Answer: I have no idea.

There is the rub. I should have several answers to that question.
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GOD AND COUNTRY
Written January 26, 2015, Monday, 930 a.m.

I know this for certain. I cannot be the best American I can be if I am not right with my Maker. I also know that the USA will fall if she is not right with God. Period. End of story.

So, how can I, and how can every American citizen be right with God? And, how can every Christian American be right with God, myself included? The answer lies in the following verse:
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2 Chronicles 7:14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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2 CHRONICLES 7:14
Written January 26, 2015, Monday, 941 a.m.

-*-
2 Chronicles 7:14 GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)

14 However, if my people, who are called by my name,
    will humble themselves,
    pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways,
        then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins,
    and heal their country.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group
-*-

"However" marks a change. It's a change from current behavior or thought.

What is my current behavior and thought?

I cringed as I USA Journaled and typed that last question. My shoulders sag and I feel a tug in my heart as I think how much I have missed the mark as a Christian American in general--and as I read this verse of 2 Chronicles 7:14. I have blown it. Big time. There is no other answer. I refuse to excuse it or justify my behavior, or lack thereof.

If I read the rest of the verse of 2 Chronicles 7:14, after I read the word, "However," then I see how I have not been thinking on, praying on, applying, reviewing, or contemplating the verse in my life. No wonder why the USA is falling, failing, sliding,  in every way. I've blown it.

How about you?

HOWEVER!

That word gives me great hope. HOWEVER, if I start reading, re-reading, memorizing, praying, thinking on, contemplating, applying, reviewing, re-applying, re-contemplating this verse, THEN God will heal our land, the USA.

But, I just got ahead of myself. There is a great deal to be done before God will heal the USA and each of us has a part to play, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. The first being, to meditate on, contemplate, ponder, and pray this verse repeatedly every single day and make sure we are living it.

I'm going to write this verse out on a few note cards to carry with me everywhere I go--and am going to keep it on my tablet and cell phone so I can look at it and allow each and every word to sink in as I try to live that verse every moment of every day.

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USA Journaling #4

USA Journaling #4

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HOUSEKEEPING (NEWS): WHAT TO EXPECT BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH 

Written January 26, 2015, Monday, 838 a.m.

Over the next few months (from now to March or so), I am moving across country. In the process, my husband ("B") and I will take a vacation and then will get unpacked in the new house. Therefore, I will be a little quiet on this blog at points. I just wanted to warn you so you knew I wasn't stopping this blog. But, rather am doing the moving thing. Thank you for bearing with me during the transition.

This past weekend, and several weekends coming up, will consist of cleaning our house to its bones so that we can vacate the premises. I am sore in muscles I didn't know I had, and in the muscles I forgot I had, but it feels great. Then, B and I were a little crazy and decided to do a 5k as well for our exercise last night, which only added to our insanity and my tired and achy muscles. It was well worth it, though. 

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TIME TO THINK

Written January 26, 2015, Monday, 843 a.m.

I have not been journaling or keeping up closely with the news, thanks to the cleaning thing, therefore I think it's time for me to change that. However, I did have time to think about things and came up with more questions and things to journal in the meanwhile. What else are you supposed to do when you're cleaning mirrors, cleaning turtle tanks, and scrubbing the kitchen sink, stove top, and counters--never mind the toilets?

The truth of the matter, one of the reasons I am writing this blog is so that I force myself to have time to stop and think. The reality is, I do not think nearly enough. If I did, I would not be such a bonehead at times and make the mistakes I do. Never mind, how I would not be as tired as I am (tired in the spirit). 

I sit here, thinking, trying to figure out where to begin--breathing--trying to slow my breath and take some time to breathe, relax, and focus. I look around and see that Kara Oreo (our black and white cat), Shelly Turtle, and Zack Beagle are all sleeping. It's one of those days. I drink another sip of Yorkshire Tea and try not to succumb to the sleepies myself as I want to take time and think. 

How am I personally helping with the USA? 

How am I hindering the USA?

Am I a productive citizen? Overall? Today? 

Am I increasing morality in the USA or decreasing it? And, what about ethics? 

Am I increasing in knowledge of the history, historical documents, in the words of the founders, and in the civics of the USA? Or, is my knowledge stagnate? I know I do not know nearly enough. 

What is the state of the USA? What can I based off of fact and not emotion?

What is my part in the USA?

Thinking brings up questions--more questions as well as the questions I still need to find the answers to in time. This is a good thing. Questions prove I am at least thinking. 

The truth of the matter is I think the USA is in the state she is in because we have stopped thinking or are not thinking nearly enough. 

So, what are you thinking today about the USA? How are you helping the USA? How are you hurting the United States of America?

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USA JOURNALING #3

USA JOURNALING #3
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A FEW HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS

The next few sections are just for the sake of me getting them written so there can be no question later. It's to protect myself since the substance of this blog, and even the links and social media I follow, can be fiery. So, thank you for the indulgence of reading through these housekeeping items before we get to the flesh of what is on my mind and in my heart today. Thanks!

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BLOG TO BOOK

This blog will be very rough and mostly unedited. It's my journal and it isn't my goal to make my grammar perfect or say things the best way. My goal is to get thought on the page so I can read it. Reading it and seeing it helps me to think it through. 

Therefore, let me also point out that a thought I may have in one blog post may morph and become more solid, concrete, thought through in a later blog post. The purpose of this USA Journaling is for me to explore being an Christian American today, what it means, and how to be the most patriotic I can be. It's also here in this blog journal where I will explore what I believe, why, and adjust accordingly. This is meant to be a place for me to stretch myself and grow as I ask why and figure out how I can live better as a Christian American. 

I want to address how to be the best Christian American today I can be.  

In time, I will expand upon everything I write here and will edit it. Then, I will publish my musings and ramblings. So, please bear with me.

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MY SOCIAL MEDIA CLAUSE

I follow a lot of people on social media. I try to support and follow several different types of people who have various beliefs. I do not necessarily agree with them in what they write or believe. However, I want to be informed and follow them, and might even retweet them and so on, in order to try to show all sides of the issue and to get myself thinking.

Just because I follow them, or do a retweet, it does not mean I agree with them or disagree with them. It just means that--I follow them or retweet them. That is all. I retweet them if it's something I want to think about, nothing more. Following or retweeting is not endorsing them. I'm just trying to show and follow all sides.

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LINKS

If you know of any links you would suggest to add to this blog, please send them to me. 

Also, if you have a blog and want me to link to you, let me know. I will add you to this blog, gladly, provided you don't clash too much with my morals or have anything too adult. 

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BUILDING A COMMUNITY

I would love to build an USA Journaling community where all of us try to think through the issues. Feel free to add a comment at the end of any blog post or send an email. Also, there is a contact form at the bottom of this blog. Use any of those methods to start a discourse as we think through what it means to be an American today--and what it means to be a Christian American today.

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HOW TO EVEN BEGIN

Written January 23, 2015, Friday, 1045 a.m. 

Phew. Glad to get the housekeeping items out of the way. Now, let me be honest about something. 

I am not sure how to even begin. There are so many different thoughts, angles, topics, ideas, questions, debates, current events, historical events and documents, etc. I want to pursue. My mind is a busy beehive at the moment because of all of the possibilities. The USA and American Christianity are both very broad subjects, after all. So, I am scratching my head. 

I am a journal keeper, and have been for over thirty-two years now and if there is anything I have learned, sometimes, it's best not to plan. In time, I will try to organize my thoughts. But, for right now, I am just going to dive in and see what happens, as I have done so far. Whenever I just start writing and put on the page whatever comes to mind, I usually end up writing some profound material and have an AHA moment or two. Hence, that is precisely what I'm going to do for a while. I'm just going to write. I am sorry if I jump all over the place. In time, I will try to bring some resemblance of order. (I hope. Laughing.) 

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AN EMAIL I JUST RECEIVED FROM E IN COLORADO (01.23.2015.)
"Amazing!  I don't think the USA can change, but as an individual with their own mind and own thoughts and beliefs can change.  It just takes one and then one can be two etc.

You have a way of making people look into their souls. And if you only help one individual I say thank you God.  I don't know if this makes sense, but getting through to one person and that person talks to another etc.

All I can say is keep on, keep on."

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MY RESPONSE TO EMAIL FROM E:

I'm humbled. Thank you so much for sharing. 

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