When I was a single mom, I felt like I had no one to share my heart with on a personal level. God was gracious to lead to me the greatest discovery imaginable: journaling. Now before you think you can’t do this, let me remind you that it will become your best friend. Oh, yes, please read on!
Journaling for me was a way to write out my feelings: the good, bad and the UGLY. Over time the act of journaling went from a necessity, to a habit, until FINALLY it became a hobby. Yes, a hobby!
Upon doing some initial research on journaling, I discovered biblical “goodies” on why I should journal, a discipline that still prospers me today. Oh, praise the Lord!
#1 – Journaling helps me obey God.
God commanded on a number of occasions “to remember.” He advised us to remember the Sabbath, remember our creator, remember the days of old, remember the law of Moses. Remember! Remember! Remember! But how can we remember if we don’t write it down. I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the details 5 years ago, much less last year. So to remember is to NOT forget.
#2 – Journaling helps me replicate God’s nature. (Remember, we are made in His image, so if He journals, then shouldn’t we?)
And when did God journal? Matt. 13:16 says he keeps as book of those who revere His name. Luke 10:20 records that He keeps a book where names are recorded for heaven’s glory. Revelation says that He will render to every person according to what he has done. Yes, God journals.
#3 – Journaling helps me live out the Christian life.
In Scripture, it’s called working out your salvation- (Philippians 2:12.) Writing my thoughts on paper and then recording what God’s Word has to say about my personal issues allows my woundedness to connect with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This equals divine healing in my damaged places. (And I’m so glad all this is written down because I’m a visual learner.)
#4 – Journaling helps me document my life story.
Years from now you won’t even look like the same person. God has a way of perfecting our lives as we walk with Him. One day your journals will be a beautiful remembrance of all God has done. You’ll celebrate your entire life journey. The way I look at it, when I’m in a nursing home someday, I’ll have something to read. (That was supposed to be funny, in case you didn’t know.)
#5 Journaling helps me fall in love with God.
I can tell you right now that NOTHING has added yeast in my friendship with God more than journaling over the last 25 years. It’s a MUST for every single mom. You won’t believe what a treasure it will become. And the fun part is getting a new journal book each year. I hope you like my journal cover for 2016. I’m pumped!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, beloved!
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.