How is journaling going for you?
March 30th, 2006
Brett Gilchrist
This month we have had over 1000 hits on the Disciplines of Grace website, for that we are thankful. We have noticed, though, that not many people are leaving thoughts or comments. We have included the comments area for asking questions and to encourage discussion. Remember, you don’t need to write anything lengthy or profound. I am going to ask you to do us a favor… take a moment to respond to the site (on this post) and tell us how journaling is going for you? Let us know if it is making a difference in your walk with Jesus and how. Your willingness to share will encourage us all. Thanks,
Brett
March 22nd, 2006 at 2:35 pm
I have found that writing about things really helps me keep the verses I have read during the day in mind. Sometimes (before) when I would read the Word I couldn’t remember what I read by the end of the day. I also think responding to what I have read is very helpful because I then take a closer look at how the scripture impacts my personal life.
March 22nd, 2006 at 2:44 pm
Journaling has been awsome I feel like I am getting more out of studying the word and can find things I can apply to my daily life . Journaling has helped me remember verses and things I read that day I journaled .
March 22nd, 2006 at 4:27 pm
The journalling has been very helpful. Through it I have felt that I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, not just because I am exposing myself to the Word more often and meditating more, but through that I am asking questions. I have noticed that over a few days time, I either bring up something I came across or a verse I just recently went over applies to a situation that I am in. It not only helps to encourge myself in knowing that I am filling myself more with the Word and less of the world, but I also get a chance to see that section in a new light, when used within a situation.
What Andrew said about not remembering the Word shortly after you read it, I understand that. As I read that remark a verse came to mind, ‘he comes to steal, kill, and destroy.’ When I notice the world creeping in over the Word, I try to remember this and then remember that the enemy is afraid of us Christians becoming so saturated with the Word, that it takes strong cords to bind us, when as a thief he comes in to plunder our house. He also knows that as we become more filled with the Word, more of it is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit, that we become more fruitful in the family business and become a ‘marked man’. We become one that the demons will recognize, as in Acts 19, when the sons of Sceva tried to rebuke the evil spirits in the ‘name of Jesus whom Paul preaches about.’ It’s response was, ‘Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?’
March 22nd, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Journaling has offered me two things. It is a great way to focus my thought process, and it is a great record of what God has taught me.
March 22nd, 2006 at 9:40 pm
Hi Brett,
I haven’t been very consistent at journaling, but I HAVE been much better at more consistently reading the Word each morning. I look up the daily reading online and then read by the computer. After I finish reading, I read through the posted journal for the day, and occasionally I post a comment, which is usually either a comment to complement the daily posting, or possibly a unique insight I had on a different passage for the day.
I really enjoy reading the posted journals and the comments, and I’ve been hopeful that some discussion would develop. But I have also noticed that the comments have dwindled down. I’ve been doing quite a bit of thinking about how to rekindle the comments and possibly develop an online community of people sharing thoughts and insight, so we can learn from each other. The thought has even crossed my mind that this might be an interesting way to reach out into the online Christian community outside of FBC. Imagine how fun it would be to share this mode of fellowship with other believers through Eugene, and Oregon, and even to the far corners of the earth. And it would all be centered around everyone reading the Word each day. Wouldn’t it be an interesting ministry?
I’m sure that I’m probably over-analyzing the whole process (I guess that’s the engineer in me), but I’ve also been interested in understanding what topics and styles seem to be of most interest, in terms of generating comments. I would really like to find a way to effectively nurture growth on this site.
And, lastly, I’ve been a bit surprised that not more young people (highschool, college, and young adults) have posted comments. Online (email, IM, blogs, etc) seems to be a very significant communication media in their lives, and they are very comfortable with it, so I would have thought that they would jump on with lots of comments. But it hasn’t happened. I’m very curious to understand why that is. It just seems to be a perfect match for the younger generation, but for some reason, it isn’t working.
And, lastly lastly, (and I don’t want to sound critical in any way), sometimes it take awhile for comments to be posted and I’ve been wondering if this hinders realtime discussion.
I think this whole idea is really wonderful. It has been a positive experience for me, personally.
Blessings to all!
March 23rd, 2006 at 11:41 am
Great idea Michael. One thing that I have noticed is places like MySpace have a huge online christian community already. I know some bands and other ministries here in town use myspace as a way of promotion and outreach. It is instant and you get your own personal place to dress up, kinda like a room.
I think you may be right on the delay of posting having an impact. I know that with the way my schedule is, I don’t make the time to check back here to see if I had a response but maybe once a day or every other day. I can understand that the church does not want anything outrageous or just overly loopy to come on through and I am sure that they balanced the pros and cons of both ways and I trust the Lord that He led them thru the Holy Spirit to make the decision that would be the most benefical to the whole Body, not just of First B., but of the whole Body of Christ.
Sold out to Him,
Michael J.
March 23rd, 2006 at 8:13 pm
I am really enjoying the journaling. I look forward to doing it every night and I appreciate reading others perspectives on that day.
March 24th, 2006 at 8:22 am
Journaling slows me down. I have to think before I journal. I find that if I have to journal, I have to pay closer attention before journaling to make sure I am not missing anything. After journaling, I continue to remember and meditate. I have found journaling to be a profitable discipline.
March 24th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
I have struggled to keep up with the journaling. It’s been over a month since I made an entry. However, I have been able to do the reading every day so far, and I am enjoying that, especially going through the Old Testament again. I remember reading every day during the Purpose Driven Life series we did, and I think that knowing we are all on the same schedule helps motivate me to continue the daily reading, even if it’s late in the evening sometimes.
March 27th, 2006 at 7:50 pm
Brett,
I have journaled for almost 2 years and have found the process life-changing. It’s exciting to be journaling with our church now.
As a newer Christian, I have had many questions as I read. However, I haven’t seen many questions posted but mostly insights or journal entries. I must say I am a little intimidated to have such a large audience reading my naive questions and have even used a less-known name when posting. An example of one of my questions is: “do we know why God commanded so many detailed ritualistic sacrifices which include cutting out and burning innards, sprinkling blood seven times, and such?” (I have a hard time understanding and seeing the God I know in Leviticus.)
On one occasion I did want to ask a question and so I emailed the pastor directly not knowing if asking questions via posting was ok. Plus, I too have found the posting time to be quite long and wonder if the daily pastor even checked what I wrote if it’s not posted for over 24 hours. I still really enjoy reading entries and comments which make me feel a part of a group even though I journal alone.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this site as I believe it will continue to grow as it continues to bless and encourage others.
Kristin (a.k.a. Dory to the awesome middle schoolers)
March 28th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Kristin,
THANK YOU for your transparency! I, also, would love to have this site be a place where we could ask questions, and hear the answers/perspectives of others. Please never feel intimidated and afraid to ask what’s on your heart. The Spirit likely put that question in your mind for a reason… and the reason might be that it just happens to be in the minds of many other people, too… but they might all be afraid to ask. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’ve blessed me today!
March 29th, 2006 at 8:18 am
I can’t even begin to explain how much my journal has impacted my life and my walk with Christ. Since becoming a Christian almost six years ago, I have never been able to get into the daily routine of reading my bible. I would do bible studies, read what I had to, and in the end not get a whole lot out of it. With my journal, it’s completely different. Thank you so much for all of your hard work with the journals and this site, I am a changed woman because of it.
March 29th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
Dory, thanks for opening the subject of asking questions as being intimidating. I hope that those who reading the BLOG or commenting have the feeling of being family. Here at First B. we think of ourselves as family. I would encourage anyone to ask any question for several reasons:
1. If you have a question, it is certain that others have the same question and it desrved to be answered without ridicule or condescension. (Any such comments are filtered out by our staff to prevent flaming)
2. As a family, we want everyone to grow in christ no matter where they are in their walk. This means that there is no such thing as a stupid question. We welcome every question and will treat it with respect.
3. Question are the basis for great discussion. I say let the questions come so that we may have great discussion and help each other to grow.
I really appreciate your comment and I am sure other do as well.
Eric
March 30th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Regarding Dory’s mention of comments taking a long time. We try to check the blog several times daily but like all things, sometimes it take a while for stuff to get approved. We appologize for the delays. You usually will have a better turn around on the weekdays. Hopefully we can speed up the process in the future. Don’t let the delay hold you back from replying though. We love to hear your comments and questions!!!
March 30th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Speaking of questions, was Dory questions answered about the sprinkling of blood and the innards? If so, could someone help me in finding those answers?
March 31st, 2006 at 10:19 am
I have been journaling almost every day and am really using it to personalize what God is telling me that day. I am always amazed at how God gives me verses that really apply to situations happening that day. I journal in the evenings because I am not a morning person!
April 7th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
A Request: Is it possible to post the list of journaling groups, location, days, and times in this site? Thanks.
April 10th, 2006 at 10:20 am
Yeah, I am workin on putting those up right now.
~`Adc.,.,.
April 10th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Honestly, I’ve never liked journaling much. But when I make myself do it, I’m amazing at how much more focused I am and how much more I get out of what I am reading or studying. Even knowing that, I have a hard time picking up a pen and actually making myself do it. On the flip side, I don’t mind typing. Why it’s different than writing, I have no clue, but it’s just easier for me. So, I’ve decided to try journaling on the blog instead to see if I have any better personal results. Lord willing, that will be the case. I enjoy seeing the insights and comments from others as it allows me to think of things that might not otherwise cross my mind. So far I’m really enjoying and and am appreciative of others who are chosing to participate.