Enthusiastically, Dawn

Hello, Journal Keepers! I am tapping away on my keys on this very snowy evening in Rhode Island and looking forward to our monthly gathering of sharing this mutual love for journal keeping. This month I have a very special guest and I am so glad she finally is joining us. Joy is a very enthusiastic (I love that about her, naturally) Journal Keeper who lives life like an open book, sharing her love for the Lord and heart for encouraging women faithfully at her blog Joy Pedrow Ministries. I stumbled upon an article about Journaling Joy had written awhile back and felt an immediate connection with her, the way we do when we find we are standing on common ground with another. Shortly thereafter (you know me and how laid back I am…NOT), I began nagging requesting her to join our RJD community. As one who recently completed college her schedule is pretty tight, but I am glad she squeezed in some time to share with us, as I know she will fit right in here!

Well, let’s get this party started…here’s Joy! (I just love the way that sounds…)

Journaling is a huge part of my everyday life. Journaling is one of my favorite ways to worship God and spend time with him. The simple act of writing down my emotions, thoughts, lessons, and scripture has changed my life.

My journals tell a beautiful story of how God changed my life and continues to work in my heart.

There are countless ways that journalling helps my walk with God. Journaling helps me: focus in prayer, believe that God loves me, teach others, and remember God moments. Today I want to focus on one type of journaling that has helped my walk with God. Scripture Journaling.

I love to journal scripture and write the verses in the form of a letter from God to us – his beautiful children. The Bible is God’s Word, given to us so we can know and follow Him. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Thus, when we write out letters from God, we can know God in a more personal way.

The Bible is God’s way of communicating with us, so why not write the verses in a form of a letter.

Here are 8 simple steps to journal scripture in order to get the most out of the experience:

1) What heart issue are you currently struggling with? Trusting God? Impatience? Fear? Worry? Get to the heart issue so that you can find scripture to heal you.
2) Find scripture that relates to your topic from step 1. Some Bibles have sections in the front or back that list verses that go with different themes. If your Bible does not have this, just Google it. For example, say you are struggling trusting God – Google Bible verses about trusting God.
3) Read through the list of verses and pick one or two that speak to you.
4) Start your letter. Dear (your name),
5) Re-write the verses as if God is speaking them to you.
6) End your letter. Love, Your Heavenly Father.
7) Read your letter out loud. Imagine that God is speaking these words directly to you and over all of your pain and hardship.
8) Feel free to write a reply to God by writing a letter to him. This begins to create a beautiful dialogue.

Here is an example to make sure you understand. Currently, I’m having a hard time trusting God’s plans, so I Googled “Bible verses about trusting God” and found countless passages. I wrote the passages in the form of a letter in my journal, but for you I typed it out. You can read it below.

Dear Joy,

I have commanded you to be strong, courageous and to trust me. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. I am the Lord your God and I will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). Trust in me with your whole heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge me in all your ways and I will make you paths straight. Do not think your plans are better than mine. Fear me and turn from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, and I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10).

Love, God

I’m praying for all your journalers. I’m praying that you would grow closer to God through writing letters to and from God. I’m praying that your love for God and scripture will grow.

Joy Pedrow is a recent college grad who experienced Jesus in college and surrendered her life to him. Jesus has brought her redemption, healing, hope, and a purpose. She feels called to encourage and help women in their walks with the Lord through her blog and ministry, Joy Pedrow Ministries. You can check out her blog: http://joypedrow.com/ or find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joypedrow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyPedrow
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joypedrow/

HERE IS OUR GATHERING OF JOURNAL KEEPERS! Feel free to hop around and leave some encouragement wherever you visit. Remember it is better to give than to receive~ Let’s SHARE our love for journal keeping and encouraging one another. Also if you would like to be a Featured Journal Keeper and join in our community, we are looking for fellow journal lovers to contribute for the Summer and Fall! Let’s link up! 

Linking with Deb @Counting My Blessings