Showing posts with label The Decades Journaling Project. Show all posts

Sunday, August 17, 2014

No Rushing, No Busyness, Less Work

NO RUSHING AND NO BUSYNESS AND LESS WORK

Prayer Journal and 40 (08.15.2014b.)

2014-08-15 15:01:45

NO RUSHING AND NO BUSYNESS AND LESS WORK

I do not know of anyone on their deathbed who said they wished they rushed more, were busier, or worked more.

But, isn't this the way we live our lives?

What are my greatest or fondest memories of the last forty years? They sure weren't times I rushed, were busy, or while working. Not one of my fondest memories are of those things.

When I think of the best way to live the next forty years, and make the best memories, and those three things do not even come to mind. Busyness, rushing, and working are not the memories I want to remember most.

But, again, isn't this how most of us live?

My fondest memories and my ideal future memories include none of those three things. None. Not one. Consequently, how do I want to live today and in the future? Being with God is my first and main answer. Also, being with my best friend and hubby. But, also enjoying the glory of God, through observing His creation. This is how.

Slowing down and actually enjoying where I am, taking it all in, being fully present, looking for the glory of God and His blessing. This is how I want to live my next forty plus years.

I think this is the most important reason to journal and is why I enjoy journaling so much. I slow down to see and hear God.

If I am busy, rushing, or working, how much do I see and hear God?

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

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Prayer Journal (08.16.2014a.)

Prayer Journal (08.16.2014a.)

2014-08-16 08:42:36, Saturday

Thank You, Lord, for Romans 15:14-33, my morning New Testament Reading.

BIBLEGATEWAY.COM VERSE OF THE DAY

2 Corinthians 7:1 The Message (MSG)

7 With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.

The Message (MSG)

Wow. Wonder of wonders.

We need to get rid of everything in our lives that isn't of God or the Word. More of Him, less of everything else. He is the priority. We are to seek Him first and above all (Matthew 6:33).

2 Corinthians 7:1 Expanded Bible (EXB)

7 [L Therefore] ·Dear friends [Beloved], we have these promises from God, so we should make ourselves pure—free from ·anything that makes body or soul unclean [L every defilement of flesh and spirit]. ·We should try to become holy in the way we live [or …and in this way bring our holiness to completion/perfection], ·because we respect [out of reverence for; in the fear of] God.

Expanded Bible (EXB)

Look at this link of parallel verses:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%207%3A1&version=EXB;MSG;HCSB

I need to purify my life and get rid of the impurities, through God's help. Anything or anyone that doesn't lead me to Him, I need to give their rightful priority in my life, toward the middle to bottom of my list of priorities. The things and people that lead me toward God need to be at the top of my priority list.

More of Him is what I shall strive for and seek.

2 Corinthians 7:1 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

7 Since we have these promises, dear friends, we need to cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit and live a holy life in the fear of God.

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Why cleanse and purge my life of all that isn't of Him, through His help, and properly prioritize the things and people in my life? So, I can revere God and fear Him (in the positive sense of the word).

Psalm 51:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

12 Restore the joy of Your salvation to me,
and give me a willing spirit.(A)

Cross references:

51:12 : Ps 13:5

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

That's a cross-reference of 2 Corinthians 7:1. If I get rid of the stuff in my life, or at least put lower on my priority list, I am more apt to have a willing spirit.

Psalm 147:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

11 The Lord values those who fear Him,
those who put their hope in His faithful love.(A)

Cross references:

147:11 : Ps 33:18; 149:4

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Amen.

Psalm 147:11 The Message (MSG)

7-11 Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn,n
    play music on your instruments to God,
Who fills the sky with clouds,
    preparing rain for the earth,
Then turning the mountains green with grass,
    feeding both cattle and crows.
He’s not impressed with horsepower;
    the size of our muscles means little to him.
Those who fear God get God’s attention;
    they can depend on his strength.

The Message (MSG)

Wow, once again.

I will try to read this journal repeatedly throughout my day.

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

#Journal #Journaling #prayerjournaling #timewithgodjournaling #biblicaljournaling #bibleandjournaling #Diary #Christian #ChristianJournaling

Friday, August 15, 2014

Prayer Journal and 40 (08.15.2014a)

Prayer Journal and 40 (08.15.2014a)

2014-08-15 12:39:56, Fri.

BEAUTY AND SIMPLICITY

It didn't go as we planned. But, it sure went how God did--and what a blessing.

B and I slept in today and took our time getting started. We had breakfast at one of our favorite diners, then headed home. When we got home, we discovered the lawn people were here and had our driveway blocked. With how our house is situated, it meant we had time to kill because we couldn't pull in the driveway and it would be a pain for all involved to make them move. So, we went for a drive. We explored our city a little more.

I love looking at houses as we drive by. It's when I wish walls could talk and cannot help but wish I knew their story. We found the older wealthy side of town, which the houses make me drool. But, they make me appreciate what I've got. The truth is even if I had 'll the money in the world, I wouldn't want one of those homes or a fancy car. I would want a simpler house out West and the vehicles we have now.

This is a wonderful realization, once again, that I'm joyful. I don't need a fancy home or vehicle to make me feel fulfilled. Money cannot buy joy and the lack of it cannot steal joy. I'm content with the life I've got. Sure, I wish for more and different at times, but would that increase my joy? No. Being content where I am and with what and who I have increases my joy.

We also drove down to the water's edge and went to a place where we've seen aquatic turtles before, along with all sorts of birds. We only saw two turtles, but did see three different types of seagulls and a white egret. Glories of God. Wonder. Beauty. (Things money and prestige cannot buy.)

It's in the beauty and glory of God's creation I find joy and the most contentment. It's in nature we can see the world through Pre-Fall eyes. We see the creative and loving side of God, the playful and deep side l, through nature and God's critters.

This is what I want for my next forty plus years. More beauty, critter spotting, wonder, and sights of His creation. More of His glory.

Life doesn't get any better or sweeter.

To think, we would have missed all of that if the lawn guy wasn't here.

Sure, at first, we sighed. Of course the lawn guy was blocking our way. How inconvenient. But, as quickly as those thoughts arose, B and I pushed them back. It gave us time to go and see what God wanted to share with us. It gave us time to explore and see new sights. It gave us time to hang out together and with the Lord.

We could have been upset and ranted and raved. But, we didn't. We know, and knew, God had something else in mind. We drove. We explored. We went to the water and enjoyed the bigger sky, the critters, and time to do nothing and just be. Glory.

Critters and seeing the beauty of God's creation has always been high on my list. These are the moments when I have been, and am, the most me. Busyness and the world don't barge in and get in the way in these moments. Life at its purest and simplest is found in these times.

This is why I want a back porch in the house in which we retire and buy. I want to watch the birds, watch sunrises and sunsets, observe lightning storms. Drink coffee, have a meal, journal, read. These are some of my most memorable moments of the last forty years and I want to continue this with the next forty plus years.

Life simply doesn't get any better.

Time with God and my best friend, observing the glory and wonder of God is the ideal life. Just being. No expectations. Simplicity.

More isn't better. Less is. (Except when talking about the glory of God.)

Things don't make us joyful. God does. Moments doing nothing but hanging out with God are the best. This is enjoying life. This is living life to its fullest.

Sure. I wish I had a kiddo. More than words can express. But, God has said no or not yet. (B and I both are infertile. Not just one. Both.)

I cannot help but think these moments might be sweeter with a kiddo. But, the truth is if I cannot enjoy my time fully with God alone, no one and nothing else could compare.

I forever want more of Him, less of me.

THE BLESSING

The truth is it's been an honor to live the last forty years with the Lord. What a blessing. This is abundant living. It's being with Him, no matter when, where, with whom, or how. This is THE blessing of blessings.

How fortunate it is we can be with God in the here and now, no matter the past.

Living forty years with Him has been a supreme blessing.

SUN AND CLOUDS

My last forty years have been full of sun and clouds. The good times and the not so good times.

I've experienced more challenges than I can possibly count. I haven't had it easy. It has hardly been fair. God has trusted me with much.

I've messed up. I've made mistakes and stupid choices. I'm my own worst enemy at times.

However, life means sunshine and clouds. Nothing remains stagnate. Things change. Except for God. He alone never changes. He is consistent. He alone is a rock and is steady. He is my strength.

Thank God.

Sun and clouds exist to point us to the Light, to the one and true God.

BLESSINGS, GRATITUDE, AND THANKSGIVING

About a year ago, I found a way of life I wanted to start living. I started to live in this way, and have at times since, but I haven't been consistent. I want to live the following verses.

My life verses for the next forty years are:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

I want to live these verses, and look for and enjoy His glory for the next four plus decades. This is life at its best.

#PRAYERJOURNALING #JOURNAL #JOURNALING #MEMOIR #THEBLESSINGOFTURNINGFORTY #40 #BIBLE

Saturday, August 9, 2014

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

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

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

Friday, August 8, 2014

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

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

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...

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

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.)

Tuesday, August 5, 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)

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).

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)

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.