I had so much fun, and even got teared up a few times, while reading all the fragrant memories that were posted on Friday''s giveaway entries! Special thanks to all who participated!
I've always heard people rave about journaling and how important it is, especially when it comes to a spiritual walk with Jesus. But to be perfectly honest, I never really felt it was for me, or that I had time to do it.
And who even uses a pencil anymore? Once when I tried to fill out a form for my daughter at school, I felt like I had forgotten how to write?! Because we spend so much time on computers and smart phones, our fingers feel foreign with a writing utensil clutched in them.
But despite my rustiness in using a pencil at that time, I have since learned that journaling can bring great stress relief.
A couple years ago I kept a journal every single day for 365 days while I read through the Chronological Bible. Not only did it provide an outlet for me to express my feelings and write out my burdens, stressors and prayers, but it also allowed for treasured encounters with God that I may not have had otherwise.
That journal is now a precious keepsake. I can look back and remember what I was thinking, feeling, experiencing, and praying, and how God worked in those situations and brought me through them. It's also neat to have a glimpse into the past, and not just from looking at a still photograph.
Today's giveaway is meant to help you kick off the habit of journaling in the hopes that it can become something that you enjoy and treasure. After all, we all need to pick up a pencil every now and then, just for old times sake. And the spiritual benefits are pretty incredible.
A signed copy of Stressed-Less Living
John 3:16 Writing Journal
Sweet Lavender Scented Candle
How to enter to win:
Introduce your Twitter friends to the Stressed-Less Living website by sending a tweet today!
To make it quick and easy, I've crafted a few pre-made tweets below, or you are welcome to write your own (just be sure to include @traciewmiles and #stressless in your tweet so I can keep track of entries!)
Ready-to-go Tweets:
Is there relief for stress that you may be overlooking? Visit this new website for more info. http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu @traciewmiles #stressless
Are you tired of feeling frazzled and burnt out? Need stress relief that lasts? Check out @traciewmiles http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu #stressless
If you are drowning in stress and desperate for change,visit @traciewmiles Stressed-Less Living website http://tinyurl.com/8th4bmu #stressless
Note: If you are not a Twitter user, leave a comment about your thoughts on journaling and how it might be a beneficial tool in your spiritual walk.
** If you are interested in reading through the Chronological Bible or simply making a commitment to do daily Bible reading to help keep your stress at bay, click HERE for a previous post that explains further about the journal I kept that year, and how to make one of your own.
72 comments:
I "journaled" during the summer while participating in a summer bible study, and I have to say that I miss it now. It really does help to get thoughts and feelings down on paper.
Not a Twitter user - I kept a diary for a while when I was a child and again for a while as a young adult. But it's been a very long time since I wrote my thoughts and feelings down on paper. I think I'll give it a try!
I am not a Twitter user, but I have journaled before. I have difficulty finding/making the time now to do it, but did find it helpful. I saved a journal or 2 and occasionally look back over them. Some issues I believe I've grown from and others are still there, so I know I have more work to do in those areas.
I have never journaled but am thinking of giving it a try. I have several friends who do and it has helped them grow in their walk with God. I want to grow in my walk as well so this may be a great way to start.
Not on Twitter, I actually have been thinking about keeping a journal for some time, I am making a promise to myself to start this tonight. I am hoping it will help me to get my feelings out and in time I can look back and actually see myself getting better day by day.
ChrisC1222
Hi. I am not on Twitter. I have never journaled before. I think mainly because I feel that I don't have time ..all of us are of stressed and busy ..but I want to make time to read God's word and write about what I am studying/reading and how I can apply it to my daily life. I am hoping that this will help me grow in my spiritual walk.
Jennifer York
Springfield, VA
28I don't twitter. I try to write down a prayer request or praise each day; which helps me to think about this all day and continue praying or praising God. Thinking that journalling will help to get some of these stressors out of my head.
Also not a twitter user, but the idea of journaliing and recording thoughts and ideas, and hopefully (!) growth sounds like a great idea.
Linda, Canada.
I don't really know what Twitter is. LOL!
But,I have begun an online journal. It really helps me keep my focus and remember spiritual truths that God reveals.
I have tried journaling at different times, but I never seem to keep it up. For me, journaling made me really stop and think about what God had to teach me or what He wanted me to change in my own walk.
Back in 1997, I scribbled a verse or two I had read in the Bible that day in a notebook. After hearing others talk about their own prayer journals, I decided it was time to try one of my own. What started out as one or two lines on a page has evolved into many pages recorded on some days. I LOVE journaling and have found it to be a great tool to see how GOD has brought me through some very difficult times. I'm always encouraged when I pick up one of my journals and begin to randomly read the entries. It's 2012 and I have stacks of journals, and believe it or not GOD reminds me of certain times in my life and takes me back to certain entries helping me to remember that HE is always there and will always see me through!
Hi Tracie. I'm not a twitter user, but I have journaled from time to time. I especially like to write out my prayers in a journal. For a long time one of my prayers was for an unsaved beloved relative. Shortly before she left this earth, she prayed to be saved - I was so blessed by looking back in my prayer journal and seeing such a miraculous answer to prayer!!! God is good! Thank you for the giveaway. Jenny C. in Leesburg, VA
Thank you for the journal idea. I have been so stressed lately that I don't know which way to turn. I feel like I can't trust people to talk to them about my stress for fear they will tell others. I am going to try to write down some of my thoughts to see if that will help me feel better. Something has to change because the stress is starting to affect my health.
I don't use twitter. I have never journaled before. I never felt it was something I desired to do. But now as I try to walk closer with God, I feel like I need to start journaling my journey. I am writing down my 1000 Gifts! Maybe that is a start!
I have kept numerous spiritual journals about my journey with God. I love to go back and reread them when I have time! Todays giveaway is great! Thanks so much for taking us on the journey and helping us become less stressed!
I journalled pretty much every day as a teen and young adult. It was very beneficial. I've heard of at least one study describing the benefits of personal and professional growth in people who journalled.
Unfortunately since becoming a mom it has not been a priority for me, and I miss it! Recently as part of a Bible study I started writing down 5 things I'm grateful for each day. I'm not as consistent with it as I'd like to be but I hope it's a first step towards getting back to journalling like I used to.
I journalled as a teenager and it is interesting to go back and read the things I was going to through then. Since becoming a mom I haven't made the time to journal anymore though I have picked up a pen to start more than once. I have been struggling with negative thoughts about some of the stressful situations that I am going through right now so I think that I am going to try journalling to combat those thoughts. Knowing that I will get distracted I am going to commit to writing one positive thing a day for 21 days. We will see where it leads from there.
Dawn M.
Bloomington, IL
I am not a twitter user and I have not journaled before. I think it would be good for me as I don't usually speak whats on my mind and tend to keep it bottled up.
Cathy B
Oregon
I have recently started doing some journaling. I would like to be more intentional about it and do it daily. Thank you for putting together this Stress Detox. God has really used it to speak to me.
Jodi
Lockport, IL
I have found writing in a journal really useful for finding closure to the past, and exploring ways to grow. Also, I love having a prayer journal to remind me of all the prayers God is answering in my life and in my circle of influence. Somehow just the act of putting my thoughts and concerns on paper relieves stress and helps me to start seeking an action plan through God's guidance.
Tamara
Monument, Colorado
I've resisted Twitter so far. Now our church youth program is "tweeting" so I may have to go there too. Journaling is tough for me. I am always happy I have done it, but I find it difficult to do in the moment. Maybe I need to try again!
Not a Twitter user. I have kept several journals over the years. I am sorry to say that I usually do not keep up with them for very long, though.I am not sure why, as I do enjoy writing and processing my thoughts.I am thinking of giving it a go one more time. As there is so much going on in my life right now that I feel as though I am on an emotional roller coaster! Maybe keeping a journal will help me in dealing with these emotions and begin healing.
I have found the times I do journal to be very helpful and encouraging. I just need to make time for this on a more regular basis. Thank you for all your insights Tracie!
Emily S
Azle, Texas
Writing my positive thoughts and gratitudes helps me focus on the positives when my mind wanders. It helps me focus on the things I want to do, I write my "to do" list of places I want to go and people I want to see.
Journaling is an amazing way to be able to look back and "see" the growth you have made.
I use to journal & I miss it now so much & winning this Giveaway of a New journal would Help me get back to doing it! I now have the time when before I was more rushed so I think I would do it better...
I find journaling a tremendous release. I have been journaling since I was a teenager. I have several volumes already and I sometimes read back through them and gain strength knowing of a stressful or challenging time and how I made it through it with God's help. It helps to quiet the mind and separate the days stressors from the things that truly matter.
Tami-Lynchburg
I have journaled in the past and have found it so helpful. It gives me a chance to just be quiet and let my worries go-I write in my journal as if I am writing a letter to God, and it is so amazing to go back and read my journals and see how God has moved in my life.
I journal to survive! It has become a monument to how God has transformed circumstances and trials into positive outcomes. Sometimes rereading them, I notice themes and seasons of growth. It helps me to remember God's promises to me and how He always keeps them.
Journaling is a wonderful tool in my spiritual journey! I use it to vent, to refocus, for anything! I use both the traditional journal, and I have a Word document that is my go to journal if I am in the office and REALLY need to get focus back on God and away from what is bugging me. I take notes at church to keep my focus on the sermon, and on some days--I reread the notes and journal my feelings/need to dos taken from the message! Journaling definitely helps me to stay closer to God!
Anita
Marshfield,WI
Journaling has helped me see what amazing things the Lord has done in my life and the many prayers he has answered.
I began keeping a journal when my job changed and I began to travel.I found this to be an outlet to express my feelings without fear of judgement from anyone, blame from anyone and I need not justify why I felt like I did! It allowed me to just be me! It was after about 6 months of keeping a journal that I began my blog. My blog is public, so I feel as though I surpress my true emotions and thoughts. Recently I decided to go back to writing in my journal. I believe this makes me feel closer to God than ever.
I've been journaling since I was a kid, but only recently did I use a journal in my Bible study. Journaling, in general, has been a tremendous tool for me, not only to remember those special times in my life (or milestones in my childrens' lives), but it's been an avenue to get my thoughts & feelings out, especially when I need to work them out & get a better perspective. Journaling with Bible study I found gave me a deeper connection to what I was reading. It's easy for me to read a passage & think, that was good! But having to write it down makes it all the more concrete & clear how it applies to my life & what God might be speaking to me through it. Definitely something that I think is worthwhile to continue.
I have a closet with journals for the past 25 years. Some times I staple the pages closed on the really difficult times. That is my way of giving it to God and not going back.
Last November, I went to Nairobi, Kenya to work with Missions of Hope doing vbs in the slums and I kept a journal of what I was feeling and experiencing. Oh how amazing that time was and how awesome God is and how much He revealed to me!! It is a reminder to me of God's faithfulness!
Judy
Hesston, KS
Journaling isn't something I do daily, but definitely regularly. It is beneficial to look back and see how God is working in my life!
Kelly
I don't tweet! I think journaling is a great idea and it is nice to have a journal book to keep things organized, instead of thoughts, verses, etc on random pieces of paper that gets to who know where! I would LOVE this "package"! Thank you!! I try to read my Bible every morn' while eating breakfast and write some things down later, when baby is napping! Thanks for your ministry and this giveaway! Can't wait! Julie j-bug@att.net
I do not currently have a twitter nor do I journal. What has worked for me is a prayer box. I wrote my favorite Bible verses on the outside of the box and when I feel stressed or overwhelmed I write my feelings on a slip of paper and deposit it inside my prayer box. Once the paper is deposited, I feel better!
I'm not a Twitter user. I know that journaling would help me to see where God is working in my life and where He's answering prayers. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness and not see God's hand in the events of my life.
Mary Lou
Nassawadox, VA
I've never journaled before but really love the idea of writing things down and seeing how God works through me and gaining a greater closeness to him, in both the big and small things of everyday life.
Thanks for the tremendous blessing of this Stress Detox, I'm enjoying it so much and learning daily!
sorry, not a fan of twitter as well. Like you back in the day, I am a bit sceptical still about journaling, but last year I started writing down every answered prayer...and at the end of the year I was amazed at how many were actually answered (vs. the negative tendancy of many people thinking that God does not answer that many or that often). It was a good exercise for me and I continue it this year too.
Journaling definitely keeps me on track during the darker seasons in my life. It helps me to focus balancing the key four areas- mental, physical, spiritual, emotional. Keeps me accountable to God, and to myself! Would love to win a new journal right now!
Caroline, in WA
I don't twitter, but I do journal a bit. It helps me to see that things *do* get better, and I am relaxed by slowing down to write by hand, instead of computer... Plus, I have found that the sound of pencil against paper is very soothing, and inspires creativity.!
I am not a journal writer. I have trouble writing things down, let alone keeping track of things I've written down. But, I will attempt to do some journaling. I have way too many thoughts running around in my head and need to put them to paper.
I am also not a fan of Twitter. I have an account, but find I don't have enough time to keep track of what everyone else is doing, let alone myself and my kids! Haha. I would love however to share your website and encouragement.
Thank you so much for your insight and words of encouragement!
I dont have a Twitter account yet...but I have a journal...trouble is that it probably has more dust on it than words in it. The saddest part of this is that I know that journaling would be helpful! Thanks for the reminder, I am going to "dust off the journal" right now! :)
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/ka_scott/status/245205886082097152
kristina
vancouver, canada
I was just thinking of journaling again. It keeps me praying for things, and gives me a great reference to look back on and praise God for the answered prayers or help overcoming hard times.
I am not a Twitter user but have journaled for years (25 plus years). I love going back and reading my entries from my darkest moments in life
( 10 years of infertility... struggles with adoptions etc) and see how the LORD was with me moment by moment. My darkess entry in my journal (as I looked back) was actually the birth date of my first born. Praise God that I have the volumes to read and see! As I age, I may have forgotten the specific cries that I had and the answers HE has provided.
Rosalba.
I am not a twitter user and I'm not a huge fan of "journaling", I tried it before for the amazing time of 2 weeks, it was to write down about my feelings, it helped me to identify my anger and frustration. Today I want to start the challenge for the 21 days, I prayed for God's help to start it today and finish it in 21 days, or more. Thank you so much for your encouragment to have hope for a better change in my mind.
I don't tweet :)
But journaling has helped with depression, it feels SOOOO good to get the muck out of my head. I also do art journaling, that more playful but very beneficial for me.
Thankyou!!
I had the same feelings about journaling - it just wasn't for me. However, this past summer I participated in a Bible study that encouraged journaling and I discovered that I actually enjoy it! I'm now working on a 100 Days Prayer journal. Every day, there's a new verse and writing prompt, which allows me to reflect on God and His Words.
I have found journaling to be very beneficial. Until writing became a challenge (due to arthritis) that was a big stress relief for me. It allowed me to process while pouring out my heart to God. Can no longer write long entries but do use journals for things to be thankful for and prayer/praise.
I have never been much of a journaler, but maybe it's time I give it a try. I can see how beneficial it would be to look back at all the blessing you have received and maybe not even realized alot of them.
I kept a journal while on a missions trip through North Africa a few years ago. it helps me remember even today what God was/in doing in my life and also what to specifically be praying about.
When I was single I journaled all the time. It really did help me, but for soem reason after I met my husband I stopped. I'd like to start again, it just seems like I don't have the time.
I always think that I want to start journaling, and when I sit down to actually write, I feel all the thoughts leave my head. But I have a friend who has kept journals since the early years of high school, and I think it is really neat that she can go back and read what she was going through and how she was feeling 'back then' and it will probably be helpful when her own daughter gets to be a teenager!
Charity
boone, nc
I try to journal every day in my vehicle before I go into work. It helps me to focus on God and definately helps my attitude to face the workday.
Janet D.
Galax, VA
I kept a prayer journal during college and it was always neat to go back and see how God answerered my prayers. I keep saying I am going to start keeping a journal, but I keep putting it off.
Melissa
Frisco TX
Im not a twiter user ,i journaled when in college and when i was pregnant with my daughter and all the prayers i had over her life , i look at it once in a while and its amazing to see how we thought and all we worried about and how God took care of it .I also vent through pen and paper and have pieces of paper i hide for the deep stuff and it helps me release whatever is in my mind. It amazes me and would love to have a book to have a sysyematic way of writing and also share my faith .
Deb - Az
I find that when I journal and go back to what I've written, I get a whole new perspective. What I write my reflect my emotion at the time; but it when I revisit it I get blessed with a new look! Talk about a fresh anointing...
I have kept a journal at different times. Sometimes it is a prayer journal combined with notes on what my devotions were about. I find a prayer journal helps to keep me focused on prayer. When I jot down notes about what I am reading in my devotions that gives me some time to really reflect on what I have read & to go back over the devotion-keeps me from just reading something & then walking away w/o truly thinking it over. I also kept a journal when I went through the chronological Bible study with Wendy Pope-great study!
Thanks for the give away !
~Blessings~
I'm not a Twitter user. I have tried to journal off and on but have trouble with being consistent. I have trouble making time to do things that are beneficial for me.
Lynne, Fort Worth
I am not currently journaling. I have journaled during very stressful times - has actually helped me keep my sanity. mheard11@frontier.com
I tried journalling a few times. The habit didn't really stick. I love writing, but I just can't seem to get the hang of journalling. But I hope, with the right motivation, I could give it a try again.
I have never journaled and the thought of it scares me. Making myself vulnerable on paper. UGH! And something else to add to my to do list!
Not a twitter user. I have not journaled since college but have bern thinking that it might be beneficial, as of late. This "day of detox" topic was perfect to provide me with additional inspiration.
Lucretia
Shepherd, mt
I definitely need to journal more! Too often, I find myself thinking or saying, "I had these great thoughts and ideas...but I can't remember them right now when I need them." I also know that a journal would give me the opportunity to strengthen my bond with my children as they could someday read my thoughts and possibly understand my heart.
Joanna Warren
Not a twitter user. I have journaled off and on in the past and I can definitely say that the times I have journaled my mind has been clearer about life and thoughts. Just putting my thoughts on paper causes me to really think through whatever it is and really puts it all in perspective.
I liked it and shared it.
I think I need to begin journaling.
I kept a diary for a while when I was very young but this sounds even better.
I enjoy journaling. I have found it very helpful in getting things off my mind and chest when I can't speak to the real person.
I have journaled my way through Bible studies. Then a couple years later might decide to do that Bible study again. It is interesting to see how I have grown by comparing my answers now to then.
I have started journaling several times but gave never stayed committed to it for very long but want to give it another try. Maybe I was trying to journal to much stuff... Any helpful suggestions?
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