keeping a journal, take II

One of my goals that I didn't keep as faithfully as I would have like last year was writing in my journal. There are just so many things that get missed on a blog and thought a journal would be just the thing. Unfortunately somewhere along the way my journal writing petered off and I went from every day to once a month to twice a year. Very disappointing.

Today in church a man was quoting the church news and said, "I think that if you're going to make progress in any aspect of life, you have to keep track of that progress and you have to keep track of it somewhere. I think it's a good practice to use a journal as a workbook to keep track of progress."

This definitely hit a chord with me. I really liked that he said a journal is a way of keeping track of our progress. I don't know why I've never thought of it like that before because I've definitely taken note that my blog has done just that. I've at times, looked back at my 2005 self and seen how much I've grown as a person, but also creatively in those 5 years. I'm so grateful that I have a record and can see exactly where I've come from. I know a journal that has even more personal thoughts/experiences can do the very same thing and it gave me another push to start again and keep it up.

Another thing that caught my attention was President Erying's talk from Oct 2007 General Conference. He talked about finding ways to recognize and remember God's kindnesses and he did it by keeping a journal. He said, "As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."

I realize I need to find more quiet moments where I can recognize the hand of God in my day. I know there are many instances in my life, but also in the life of my family where God has helped one of us. It's a shame to think how many experiences I've already let fall through the cracks and become forgotten. I believe seeing God's works everyday will change the way I see myself in the big picture and get a better understanding of my purpose.



I came home from church once again with the renewed desire and commitment to be better about writing in my journal. To write what's in my heart so my children will know who I am. To answer the question, what do I need to do to get from where I am to where I want to go? So I can everyday see evidence of what God has done for me and my family. I'm hoping that it will help me not only recognize the experiences more as they're happening, but that I too will be able to find opportunities to serve.

Now, I just need to find a way to make this desire last longer than a month or so...thoughts?