It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday. Even though I’m a day late, I wanted to take this week’s writing challenge.
Recently I was asked the question, “What has changed in your life over the past year?”
I was hard pressed to come up with an answer. At first glance it seemed as though nothing had really changed. But upon closer examination, there were many things that had changed.
There has been the passing of many dear friends who died. For those that were Christians, I feel a peace and look forward to the day in which I will once again be reunited with them. For those who were unbelievers or those I don’t know if they received Christ, I think about them often and wonder where they are now? Heaven or hell? There is one friend in particular I wish I had been bolder earlier on and made clear the Gospel message of sin, repentance and salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ.
One of the changes for good is at the beginning of the year I started keeping a daily journal. I write in it at the beginning of my day before I start reading a Bible chapter and sometimes I add to it with scripture verses that really stand out that day. Sometimes it’s short and I usually start out saying, “Good morning Lord”. Other times…it’s pleading “Help me Lord!!!” and bringing my situation or the concerns of others before Him.
Keeping a journal has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but never, ever kept it up. I’d start it but within a few days I stopped. I’d stop because it wasn’t what I thought it should be, filled with eloquent prayers and words of wisdom.
But then earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear Jennifer Barrick and herparents Andy and Linda speak. They shared journal entries and prayers that Jen had written prior to their devastating car accident and after. Hearing their story and being personally blessed by their faith recorded and preserved in Jen’s journals inspired me to continue my journal.
It’s exciting to write something that day, only to see the Lord work in that situation. It’s heartening to know that our God sees and hears me and answers my prayers. To know that He wants to have a personal ongoing relationship and He cares for me is what brings me back to that journal each day.
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”. Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers. I can promise you that you will be blessed.
4 comments:
Great post. I have GOT to get back to my journal writing. I tend to have so many journals going at one time that eventually I end up putting them all down until something gets triggered and I start again. Thanks for the encouragement to pick it back up. Mine have said many times - Lord, please help!
Oy, I could write a book about the changes this past year....
I don't keep a journal as often as used to but it's interesting to go back and read them and see how I've grown over the years.
Hi Susan,
Oh yes, changes in my life too. The most notable, I got married 9 months ago. I think about people I know who have passed away, many I wonder too if they are in heaven or hell. Some, unless there was last minute repentance,it is not good for them. When my first wife passed away, what a comfort it was knowing where she is.
I have been away from blogging for a few months, but I am back at it again. It was nice stopping by your blog again.
Blessings,
Ken
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