A Reason to Journal (Part One)

My journal (or diary as I called it then) began at midnight on January 1, 1999 by the light of the miniature Christmas tree in my room. The first line was formal and styled as if I were meeting a new friend – someone who, as yet, knew nothing about me.

“Dear Diary,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Elizabeth Ellen Moore.”

Our family had moved from Massachusetts to Oklahoma only three months before. I missed my friends, and it was challenging for me to meet new people. As a result I grew closer to my sister and brother, got a cat, and…started a diary.

• Why should I keep a personal journal?

Records special events and improves memory
People keep journals for a wide variety of reasons. One of the most basic motives, however, is to keep a record of things we do not wish to forget. The human memory is faulty, and our brains blank out large amounts of information fairly quickly.

It always astonishes me to rediscover events, activities, and little details of family life that I had forgotten but were saved in the pages of my journal. Your memories will be retained forever as you relive them every time you read a past entry. I believe that rereading old journals could help fight Alzheimer’s and other mental loss.

A journal is a good place to reminisce about past events or deceased loved ones, record important family milestones, and talk about what is important to you and your family. It acts as a record when you read a book, meet a new friend, or take a special trip.

Records your walk with God
Journals illustrate what is important to the writer. Is your record full of the latest film you watched, or have you written about lessons the Lord is teaching you? Do you record His blessings or complain about how everything seems to go wrong?

Our minds are constantly being renewed into the image of Christ. We change over time. Priorities shift. A journal can capture this spiritual journey and show us where we still need to grow to become more like Jesus.

Your journal is a great place to write a specific prayer that is close to your heart. Remember to come back and show how God answered your prayer! It will increase your faith as you see recorded examples of His faithfulness in your life.

Also, resolutions are best placed in a journal. It makes them accessible for review, and you can later record how well or poorly you followed through on your resolve. It is certainly an eye opener!

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Journaling Tidbit
Journaling is commonly thought of as an adolescent activity. This is a myth. Most diaries and journals are actually written by adults.

Read Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven.